A festive atmosphere will descend upon courthouse square in Kosciusko during the next few days and a tree lighting ceremony is held Thursday night and the annual Christmas parade is held Monday night.
Lighting of the tree, located on the west side of the square, will get underway at 5:30 p.m. with welcome by Mayor Jimmy Cockroft and invocation by David Casteel.
Children from the area are invited to bring ornaments and help decorate the tree, which was provided by Mike Daniels Tree Farm. The community is also invited to join in singing familiar Christmas carols led by the Kosciusko High School Choral Group and the Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club Choir.
Ameriprise Financial will offer free hot chocolate to participants.
Following the tree lighting, the event’s focus will shift to the north side of the square where, at 6:30p.m., the Kosciusko High School Band will perform.
Participants at the events are invited to bring their lawn chairs.
Following the theme “Sweet Dreams and Memories,” the Monday night parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., led by Grand Marshall Maggie Wade, news co-anchor with WLBT television in Jackson.
G.G. Holmes with the Kosciusko-Attala Partnership said 25 floats, bands from Kosciusko High, Kosciusko Junior High, Ethel High and McAdams High — along with the Kosy Kruisers and other units — will be included in the parade.
Categories for judging are Overall, Religious, Best Theme, Child Pleaser and Best Business. Kosy Kruiser entries will be judged in several categories.
Ahead of the parade, food will be offered on the south side of the square. Kangaroo Crossing will offer hamburgers and Jeremy Grantham barbecue burgers. Ma and Pa’s Kettle Corn will also be available.
“Everyone is invited to come out for the tree lighting on Thursday and return to the square Monday night for the parade celebrating a welcome to the Christmas season,” said Holmes.
After her 4 p.m. news report on WLBT, Maggie Wade is expected to arrive just in time to lead the parade.
