Officials unveiled plans for this year's Merry Meridian celebration. The three-day event will kick off Christmas season in downtown.

The lighting of the Christmas tree in Dumont Plaza and Progressive Nativity Scene will highlight the opening day, November 28.

Organizers say this is a great way to showcase downtown Meridian.

"Meridian has a very nice downtown," said Kirk Thompson, Merry Meridian Chairman. "It has a low-crime area, it has lots of open space, it's very accessible to families. We want to be sure that all these things like this park and all these shops are used by families."

The busiest of the three days will be Saturday, December 1 and will feature downtown Christmas parade.

Merry Meridian Schedule of Events
Wednesday, November 28
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - L.O.V.E.'s Kitchen Open House
5 p.m. - Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Progressive Nativity Scene

Thursday, November 29
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Downtown Merchants' Holiday Open House
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Merrehope's Trees of Christmas Candlelight Tour

Saturday, December 1
8 a.m. - Bank Plus 5K Jingle Bell Run
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Merry Meridian Market
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Big Boy Toyland
12 p.m. - Miss Merry Meridian Pageant
12 p.m. - Back Yard Burger Eating Contest
4 p.m. - Kansas City Southern Holiday Express
5:30 p.m. - Meridian Christmas Parade
8 p.m. - Meridian Symphony Orchestra Concert

For more information about these events and contact phone numbers, you may visit the Merry Meridian Web site by clicking the link below. You may also find information about more events in November and December by visiting the city of Meridian Web site.