December 1st Festivities Kick-off the Christmas Season in Mena, Arkansas

December 1st marked the beginning of the Christmas season in Mena, Arkansas. It was an all day affair with so much going on that you found yourself wondering what to do next. This year the north side shopping center held festivities of it's own. All of the sores, in the shopping center, held big sales and the shopping center hosted a concert in the parking lot. I am sure that this will become a yearly Christmas event as well. This was only one of the events of the December 1st Christmas celebration. Some of the Christmas events that took place were the Rotary Club chili luncheon, the Janssen park lighting display, and The Northside shopping center extravaganza. All of which made for an exciting start to the Christmas Season in Mena.

Every year, on December 1st, the rotary clubs hold it chili luncheon in Mena. The people of Mena can partake in some of the best chili ever made. The Rotary Club holds the luncheon to raise money for the needy families in the area. The money they raise provides food and other necessities underprivileged families have, as well as, present for the children for Christmas. There is usually a large turn out and people really look forward to getting their helping of the chili provided. They charge a small fee to eat, but for a good reason. It's a small price to pay for helping out others in your community.

At 6:00 pm, Mena held it's annual Christmas Janssen Park lighting events starting with the parade. This year's theme was a Victorian Christmas. All of the floats were extremely beautiful and hosted a wonderful collection of characters. The people in the parade wore period costumes and sung Christmas carols. All of the citizens of Mena especially, the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Following the parade was the annual Janssen Park lighting ceremony. The people of Mena left their spot in the parade route and went straight to the park for the lighting. Before they light the lights there was a breathtaking fireworks display. This has been the tradition that Mena has had for years. The December 1st Christmas lighting of Janssen Park is a much-awaited event for this small town.

This year, however, there was a new December 1st Christmas event. The North side Shopping Center held major sales and sponsored a concert. "Redemption", a local band, played in the parking lot of the shopping center. The band played Christmas music as the people of Mena shopped the stores for a special holiday bargains. There was even a special at The New China Restaurant and Chiquita's Mexican, Restaurant located in the shopping center. Mena quickly found itself immersed in the sounds and bargains of the Christmas. I am sure that this event will join the rank of all the yearly festivities for December 1st.

December first is always the most exciting day of the entire year for the people of Mena. This year there was more than ever to enjoy. With the chili luncheon, Janssen park lighting, and then the concert at the North side Shopping Center people found themselves immersed in the Christmas feeling. Everything was such a treat to the senses and a stress relief for Christmas buyers. All of Mena went home with good food in their bellies, good sounds in their ears, lighter pocketbooks, and the peace of mind that it was all in the spirit of Christmas.