We read about this place in Union County and it was worth the drive. Next year, when Mari is older than a few weeks, we will get out and walk around. This year we just did the driving tour. It seems to be two or three neighbors that get together and put this on. It was free, but they were accepting donations towards their electric bill.
Below is the article we read:
| 10 things to do for 10 days till Christmas 12/13/2007 7:03:23 PM |
See the big lights at Cottonplant
If you love Christmas light displays, don't miss the extravaganza that is Cottonplant. Located near the Union-Tippah County line on Highway 15, Steven and Christy Paul have put together a winter wonderland featuring 170 inflatables, 70,000 lights and a computerized music light show.
Three years ago, they started with 15 inflatables.
"We decided, why don't we take this to a big scale," said Steven Paul, who started working on the new displays for this year in January.
The light display is free. Folks can have their pictures taken with Santa and the Grinch for $5. Cocoa and cookies available at Elf Cafe. (662) 266-1887 or www.mississippichristmas.com.
Drive-by lights
Hop in the car, break out the Christmas music and take a tour. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
n In Pontotoc, check out the Simmons' house with dancing reindeer and candy canes. Take Highway 6 to Pontotoc. Get off at Longview exit and turn left toward Pontotoc. Look for the house on the right just after the flashing light at Veteran's Highway, or the old Highway 6.
n In Fulton, the Stubblefields have created an impressive display at their home. Take Fulton exit off U.S. 78. Turn left to go into Fulton. Turn right on Rogers Lane just past Senter Funeral Home.
n In Amory, practically the whole River Birch neighborhood gets into the holiday act. Take Highway 278 from Highway 45 towards Amory. The neighborhood is on the right on the west side of town. The theme is Reflections of Christmas.
Cookie time
Even if the weather outside is frightful, you feed the Christmas spirit inside by decorating cookies.
If you want a quick start on cookies to decorate, buy a tube of pre-made sugar cookie dough and roll it out to prepare for cutting shapes.
If you want something a little different, try this one:
Mint Brownie Trees
from Land of Lakes
BROWNIES
1 18.3 to 21-ounce package of brownie mix
1-2 cup butter, melted
1-4 cup water
2 eggs
FROSTING:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1-2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2-3 drops green food color
Decorator silver dragŽes, if desired
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil, extending foil over edges. Spray with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.
Combine all brownie ingredients in medium bowl; mix well. Spread batter into
prepared pan. Bake for 16-22 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from sides of the pan. Do not overbake. Cool completely.
Carefully remove brownie from pan by lifting ends of foil; place onto large cutting board. Cut brownies lengthwise into 3 equal strips. Gently separate strips. Cut each strip into triangles, measuring 11-2 inches at the base.
Combine all frosting ingredients except silver dragŽes in small bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Place frosting in resealable plastic food bag. Cut a small tip from corner of good bag. Pipe frosting diagonally onto triangles to decorate. Place 1 silver dragŽe at top of tree if desired.
Toys of Christmas Past
While the kids are waiting to see what Santa will bring this year, the whole family can check out toys that have thrilled children from pioneer times to modern day. The Oren Dunn City Museum is hosting a vintage toy exhibit, including items on loan from Celia Fleishhacker and Louis Armour.
The price of admission - $3 adult; $2 senior; children free - also lets you check out the entire museum and grounds. Hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Call 841-6438.
Wintertime treat
The BancorpSouth Arena will open its doors for ice skating from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23.
The $5 admission charge includes skate rental. Call 841-6528.
A play's the thing
Let Corinth Theatre-Arts get you in the holiday mood with its final performance of the classic "It's A Wonderful Life." The curtain goes up at 2 p.m. today at the Crossroads Playhouse. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children. 287-2995.
Big screen
Catch Jimmy Stewart at his best in the most popular Christmas movie ever. The Link Centre in Tupelo will present "It's A Wonderful Life" at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $6. Call 690-4011.
Small screen
Ready to stay home after all the holiday bustling? Have a family holiday movie night with cocoa and popcorn.
Here's a quick round-up of holiday favorites that will be on television between now and Christmas.
n If you missed the play and the Link Centre screening, catch "It's a Wonderful Life," the 1946 classic starring Jimmy Stewart at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve on NBC.
n "A Christmas Story" - The tale of Christmas in the 1950s and a little boy's desire for a Red Rider BB gun. The movie will run continuously on TBS from 7 p.m. Christmas Eve until 7 p.m. Christmas Day.
n "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"- The Dr. Seuss classic that reminds us that Christmas comes without presents and roast beast. The Cartoon Network will have it at 3 p.m. today and show it again on Tuesday , twice Friday and finally on Dec. 22. ABC will show the Grinch at 7 p.m. Dec. 24.
- "The Miracle on 34th Street" can be seen on the Retro movie channel on Thursday 24 and 25.
- "The Santa Clause" - that Tim Allen romp will be on the Disney Channel at 7 p.m. Wednesday and again at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve.
9. Cars and Carols - The Tupelo Automobile Museum will come alive with the sounds of the season from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults; children 12 and under free. Call 842-4242.
Friday's line up includes Kay Bain, Harrisburg Baptist Church Choir and First Baptist Church Plantersville Tinker Bells. Saturday's event will feature St. Luke Methodist Church Handbell Choir, Harrisburg Baptist Church Youth Choir and Monday Night Pickers.
10. Random acts of kindness - What better way to honor the reason for the season than by doing something nice for someone you don't know? You don't have to be rich like the late Bruce native Larry Stewart, who played Secret Santa around the country anonymously handing out $100 bills. Visit a nursing home. Buy an extra drink for a thirsty fellow shopper. Let someone in a rush get in line ahead of you at the check out. I'm sure you'll think of something good.
Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 12/16/2007, section D , page 1
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