Christmas spirit, festivities coming this week to Magnolia

Magnolia High School cheerleaders take part in the 2018 Christmas Parade around the Magnolia Square. Between the local Chamber of Commerce, Southern Arkansas University and downtown shops, this week is set to feature three days full of holiday activities for the whole family.
Magnolia High School cheerleaders take part in the 2018 Christmas Parade around the Magnolia Square. Between the local Chamber of Commerce, Southern Arkansas University and downtown shops, this week is set to feature three days full of holiday activities for the whole family.

Magnolia will be in for a full-on Christmas season spectacle this week as the local chamber of commerce and Southern Arkansas University are set to each host a slate of holiday events.

It all kicks off Thursday with the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Christmas Parade. The title of the march this year is “Jingle Down Jackson.”

The parade route, which begins at 5 p.m., starts at Magnolia’s square, then heads down Jackson Street until it ends at Southern Arkansas University’s campus and its Reynolds Center parking lot.

From there, The 36th Annual Celebration of Lights will begin at Overstreet Hall. The event will feature not only the ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting, but the campus promises holiday cheer with joyful displays, festive food, and song, free photos with Santa as well.

The SAU activities actually begin at 3 p.m. in the Reynolds Center begin the first showing of “The Santa Clause 3: Escape Clause.” Two other shows will take place at 5 and 7 p.m. Snow globe creation is slated for the afternoon, as well, beginning at 3 p.m., and carries on until 7 p.m., also in the Reynolds Center.

The evening activities at Overstreet Hall typically begin around 6 p.m.

Following the parade, RHA will begin the Overstreet Lighting with special guests Sam and Rose Biley lighting the SAU Holiday Tree. SAU President Dr. Trey Berry is slated to offer greetings and the SAU Band and Chamber Singers will perform Christmas medleys. Refreshments will also be provided.

After parade winners are announced, the carolers will lead the procession to the campus’ Mall Area for the lighting of the bell tower.

Magale Library will then be the home to the other special guest on campus, Mrs. Claus. Storytime during sessions with the great lady of the north begins at 5 p.m., but they are also scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. as well. Children will receive a free copy of “Jingle Bells” while supplies last.

Free photos with Santa, along with the annual holiday buffet dinner and Christmas music are from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Reynolds Center. Adult tickets are $9.25 and tickets for children (5-12) are $4.25. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

For more information, call 870-235-4012.

Christmas events are not over on Thursday. Beginning Friday, Dec. 6, the Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with multiple local sponsors, will host its annual Merrytime in Magnolia festival. The event includes “ice” skating at the Square Park, carriage rides, hot chocolate around the square KTBS’ Channel 3’s Rick Rowe will also be on hand from 6:30-7 p.m. during a live broadcast of news network’s The Spirit of Christmas.

On the square Friday evening, Magnolia Arts will also host a showing of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime will be 1 p.m. The event is free to the public. Children must be accompanied by adult or sitter and the concession stand will be selling $1 drinks, candy popcorn, and $2 combos.

On Saturday, the festivities continue with more Merrytime in Magnolia. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ice Skating will take place. At 2 p.m., a Magic Show will take place at the Albemarle Stage.

The day also includes a gingerbread house contest from 10 a.m. to noon. Judging will be at 1 p.m. and winners will be announced just prior to the magic show in the stage. The drop-off location for the contest will take place at SAU Beyond the Campus, 113 N. Jefferson.

There are categories for Pre-K through second grade (parents may assist children somewhat in the category); third through sixth grade (parents may provide minimal assistance); seventh through 12th grade (no parental assistance); and an adult (ages 18 and over) category. There will be winners of first, second, and third place winners for each category as well as a grand prize winner.

For more information on the contest, call Bonnie at 870-234-4352.

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