OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - Families filled the grounds of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center for the annual tree lighting ceremony Tuesday night.
The event featured hot chocolate, food trucks, a performance from the Coast Big Band, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“It’s a kick-off for the holiday celebrations, and it’s all for the community,” said Sarah Qarqish, Arts & Culture Director at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center. “Between all the family activities and the live music, we’re just starting the party before the new year.”
The tradition was originally held at Marshall Park but moved to the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center five years ago.
Following the Christmas tree lighting, the Ocean Springs Chorale held its 20th annual Christmas program at St. Paul Methodist Church.
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The event drew a crowd of over 300 people.
The chorale is a community choir led by Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, who has served as the choir director for 53 years.
The choir was formed in 2005, only two months before Hurricane Katrina swept across the coast.
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