Pearl River County’s Welcome center hosted its annual Christmas Party on Friday featuring a variety of entertainment.

The event has been held at the center since its establishment.

This year’s theme was “White and Gold,” and as such all decorations, including the large Christmas tree, at the venue featured those colors.

Cindy Poland, supervisor at the center, said this will will be her last Christmas at the center before retiring. She said she is blessed to have met so many people during her time there.

Poland said that over the course of her employment at center, tourists and people from the community have spread the word about the importance of bringing revenue into the state.

“We have people come every year from Louisiana, Texas and other places to see how different our celebrations are each year,” Poland said.

During Friday’s event, students of the Union Baptist School handbell choir played several Christmas songs using the instruments.

Christie Tatum, director of the choir said this was the students’ first year playing at the welcome center and the performance would go toward their school credit.

Brenda Emmons, who has been working at the center for the past 16 years, decorated the venue for the event. Emmons also baked cookies in the shape of the state of Mississippi, which were painted and framed by children attending the event.

“I love decorating in the best way I can. After all, more is more,” Emmons said.

Refreshments and Christmas cookies were also served at the event.