November 17, 2007 - Celebration of Lights Adds Winter Film Festival

2nd Annual Event in Smith Park Expands Holiday Offerings to Public
Smith Park in downtown Jackson will be transformed into a winter wonderland once again this year, beginning Thursday, November 30 when the switch is flipped on the second annual “Celebration of Lights” holiday attraction.
The brilliant display of animation, color and light will be illuminated each evening, including holidays, through January 5, 2007. In addition to the display, special holiday entertainment and a winter film festival geared towards families are also scheduled during the event. All events are free and open to the public.
On Thursday, November 30, the movie “Elf” starring Will Ferrell will be shown in the park. Musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with the movie following at approximately 7 p.m.
On Friday, December 8 the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” will be shown, again at 7 p.m. with holiday music preceding the event beginning at 6 p.m.
Finally, on Friday, December 15 the popular film “The Polar Express” will be shown, following the same schedule as the other movies.
Refreshments will be sold each movie night and security will be provided every evening during the “Celebration of Lights” run. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for movie nights. The winter film festival is being sponsored by the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau and local radio station WLEZ-FM and St. Pe Films.
The spectacular “Celebration of Lights” display includes animated snowflakes and a snow family, tumbling gingerbread men, dozens of poinsettias, an 18-foot Christmas tree, squirrels, a 3-D herd of 20 deer, fish arches, Santa Express, life-sized angels, musical notes, carolers and much more.
It’s all part of Jingle Bell Jackson, a celebration of holiday events in Mississippi’s Capital City that was launched in 2004 as a way to market Jackson as a holiday destination.
A program of the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Celebration of Lights” is sponsored by Entergy, Dale & Associates Architects, the Greater Jackson Arts Council, Downtown Jackson Partners, Hinds County Economic Development Department, City of Jackson, Parkway Properties, Maris West & Baker and JBHM Architects