NATCHEZ &045; Two-year-old Emily Stewart, dressed warmly in pink that matched her flushed cheeks, didn’t last long Sunday night at the annual Caroling in the Park.

By the time carolers had made it halfway through the list of holiday favorites, Emily was snoozing comfortably in the arms of her mother, Kristie.

But no matter. Big sister Allie, 5, was still singing along, especially to her favorite tune, &uot;Jingle Bells.&uot;

Emily wasn’t the only child lulled to sleep by such soothing songs as &uot;Silent Night&uot; and &uot;O Come All Ye Faithful.&uot; But even the more rousing &uot;Santa Claus Is Coming to Town&uot; and &uot;Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer&uot; weren’t quite enough to wake some of the littlest carolers.

More than 50 people turned out Sunday evening at Memorial Park for the annual candle-lit Christmas event, which is organized every year by Kathy and Bob Sizemore.

&uot;We’re truly thankful to be here today,&uot; said Darryl Grennell, president of the Adams County Board of Supervisors, as he welcomed everyone.

The Rev. Mike O’Brien, pastor of Assumption Catholic Church, reminded everyone of the reason they were gathered to celebrate the holiday.

&uot;Our hearts are joyful as we look forward to the coming of your son,&uot; he said, praying before the official singing began. &uot;Help us this season to be mindful of the poor, and to see you in them. … Help us to be mindful of people who live in other counties, who speak other languages and who practice other religions.&uot;