Holiday decorations and lights are now in place in downtown Three Rivers in anticipation of "Christmas Around Town" activities Saturday and Sunday.

“It’ll be a tremendous event this year.”

These are the words of Christy Trammell, executive director of the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority (DDA), as she reviewed the activities planned for “Christmas Around Town,” the two-day celebration in Historic Downtown Three Rivers this coming weekend (November 28th & 29th) to kick off the holiday season.

Trammell said there’s been an “outpouring of the community businesses” with “a significant amount of financial donations this year.”

Several new events have been added this year including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Mural Mall at 6 p.m. Saturday and a scavenger hunt to promote and highlight all of the businesses in the downtown district.

George Seman and Gabe Smith (left to right) were busy Tuesday afternoon adding lights to the 24-foot tree installed Monday in the Mural Mall in downtown Three Rivers. A lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Saturday.

The 24-foot Christmas tree in the Mural Mall – donated by Mott Farms of Vicksburg – was installed on Monday with decorations added on Tuesday.

In keeping with tradition, Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at the Riviera Theatre at noon on Saturday.  He will be available for FREE photos with youngsters at the Riviera.  The photos can be picked up the next day at the Walgreens store in Three Rivers.

Other highlights of the celebration include free cookie decorating and face painting, free carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, a free coloring contest and, of course, holiday shopping!

The hours for “Christmas Around Town” are Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 12 noon to 4.

For a flyer with information about participating merchants and a map, click here.

To hear comments from Christy Trammell regarding “Christmas Around Town,” click on the following link:  (Christy_Trammell_audio clip – 1:31)

Editor’s Note:  This post was updated at 2:17 p.m. 11-24-09 to add pictures of holiday decorations/lighting and the Christmas tree in the Mural Mall.