Annual Festival of Lights held at Perkinston Campus

Charles and Jane Sullivan play the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the pre-festival event at Liaison and in the Children’s Village at the Festival of Lights on Dec. 11.

Kathryn Lewis, retired Fine Arts chair from the Perkinston Campus, tells the story of “The Polar Express” to children at Liaison before the Festival of Lights.

Jackson Jones, the son of Jeff and Kim Jones of Perkinston, enjoys the snow “magically” produced at the Festival of Lights in front of Dees Hall.

Hundreds of people from throughout South Mississippi turned out to celebrate the 12th annual Festival of Lights at the Perkinston Campus on Friday, Dec. 11. The event featured a silent auction, art shows, a children’s parade, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a carousel, a live nativity, and musical entertainment. Various food booths offered everything from hot chocolate to sweets to grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Additionally, children in preschool to fifth grade were invited to participate in the Children’s Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m., which featured Gulf Coast’s Band of Gold drum line and Perkettes Dance Team.

Children ages 2-8 were had the opportunity to attend the first annual “Santa Express,” a pre-festival celebration at Liaison, the home of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College president Dr. Willis H. Lott. Guests talked to Santa and Mrs. Claus, heard a story from “The Polar Express,” and shared hot chocolate and cookies.