The Pearl River County Mississippi Welcome Center in Picayune will host its annual Christmas Open House today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Since 1976, the staff at the center have been engaging and informing tourists about the many attractions in Mississippi.
The Pearl River County Welcome Center operates under the Mississippi Development Authority/Tourism umbrella and opens its doors to almost 15,000 visitors a month, center director Cindy Poland said in an earlier Item article. The center is staffed with four certified Mississippi travel counselors.
In the previous Item story, Poland said the center hosts community events each month that correspond to a different theme. These events are available to tourists as well as local residents.
Today, guests will be able to view the Christmas decorations. In the Welcome Center no Christmas party would be complete without Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, so they will also be on hand to greet visitors and residents of the Magnolia State.
Poland said attendees are invited to bring their own camera to capture their child’s special moment with the festive duo at no charge. The Clauses will distribute gift bags to the children as well.
There will also be holiday entertainment provided by country music artist Jim Williams. Warren Cummings, 75, who simultaneously plays the guitar and harmonica, will also perform holiday favorites.
Many local restaurants have donated food items for the enjoyment of the guests, Poland said.
“The reason we have these events is so the public can enjoy the welcome center,” Poland said. “It’s an opportunity for residents to visit the center and see firsthand what we do here. I would like to invite everyone to come, the more the merrier.”
The center is located on I-59 at mile marker 3.
The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about visiting Mississippi and upcoming events by visiting the website at visitmississippi.org or by contacting Poland and her staff at 601-798-8184.