Grand Junction is gearing up for a busy holiday season, with a Christmas tree contest at the library, a new Angel Tree for older and widowed neighbors, and a Friday night market on Nov. 20. The Grand Junction holiday events were announced in the November edition of the Grand Junction Express community newsletter, written by Dianne Callahan and published Monday by Hatchie Press.
Grand Junction sits in southwest Hardeman County, a short drive west of Middleton.
Grand Junction Holiday Events at a Glance
Winter Wonderland: opens to the public Dec. 1 at the Grand Junction Public Library. Tree decorations must be finished by Dec. 1.
Angel Tree for elders and widowed residents: pick an angel at City Hall now; return gifts by Nov. 30.
Friday Night Market in the Junction: Friday, Nov. 20, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Wilder Center.
Winter Wonderland Tree Contest at the Library
The Grand Junction Public Library is once again sponsoring Winter Wonderland. Each year, churches, businesses, organizations and individuals decorate Christmas trees inside the library. According to the newsletter, more than 26 trees were decorated last year.
This year brings something new: the public will vote for its favorite tree. There is no cost to sponsor and decorate a tree, and anyone can take part. Trees are already set up in the library for sponsors to claim, and the newsletter says they are going fast. Sponsors may also bring their own tree.
New Angel Tree Helps Seniors and Widows
A new holiday project this year is an Angel Tree for the town’s elders and widowed residents. Here is how it works:
Stop by Grand Junction City Hall and choose an angel from the tree.
Put together a gift bag or basket for that person. Do not wrap the items.
Return the gift to City Hall by Monday, Nov. 30.
Santa will deliver the gifts before Christmas. The newsletter credits “Nicki” with organizing the project.
Friday Night Market on Nov. 20
The Friday Night Market in the Junction is set for Nov. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Wilder Center. Organizers say crafts, desserts, jewelry, homemade goods and woodwork are already planned, making it a good chance to start or finish Christmas shopping.
Businesses Reopen After the Tornado
The newsletter also shared some good news for local shoppers. Iva’s Dress Shop at 108 Tippah Street has reopened after being closed for more than a year because of tornado damage. Posted hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Junction Inn Cafe at 107 TN Hwy 57 has expanded its hours. It now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, with breakfast and lunch Sunday through Tuesday. Hudson Pharmacy at 249 Hardeman Street is offering flu shots Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grand Junction also has new leadership on the way. Mayor-elect Isiah Hunt will take office in December, succeeding Curtis Lane, who served 26 years. Aldermen Nicholle Luellen and Steve Luellen were reelected, and Donna Lane was elected as a new alderman.
The newsletter also looked back at October. More than 500 people turned out for the community Trunk or Treat, and Grand Junction First Baptist Church hosted a movie night to welcome new pastor Dawson Dickey and his family.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
