Friday’s forecast on the MS Coast calls for 70-degree temperatures ... and snow?
It’s going to look like a white Christmas in South Mississippi this weekend, complete with snowballs, hot cocoa and carolers.
L&N Depot Plaza in downtown Ocean Springs will be transformed into a winter wonderland Friday, Dec. 8.
The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau has made snow before — typically early on the first really cold morning in January. The little kids squealed with delight, just as kids in colder climates do every first snowfall.
This Friday the snow will coat the area from 1-5 p.m., so families can get in on the phenomenon. They can even wear shorts as they frolic in the snow, since the daytime high is predicted to be around 70 degrees.
“It’s a different kind of snow than what we used to do in the past,” said Cynthia Sutton, the chamber director. This time they’ll use a snowblower machine, likely similar to what’s used to film a Hallmark Christmas movie during warm weather.
The snow is drier than what falls from the sky, but Sutton said they thought of that, too.
Soft and wet snowballs will be pre-made and there for kids to toss.
A Grinchy green character will make his appearance around 3 p.m. Families can adopt a plush reindeer and sip cocoa on their snow day.
To make it a true hometown Christmas movie experience, the weekend kicks off Thursday with the traditional Christmas tree lighting at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center at 1600 Government St. It’s a two-hour celebration from 6-8 p.m., complete with live music and singalongs. Families can save money for presents by snapping their own photo with Santa and enjoying free refreshments provided by the chamber and Coca-Cola.
Holiday Open House Friday and Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and will welcome resident and visitors to the shops, restaurants and galleries. Make the first stop the Ocean Springs Visitors Center at 1000 Washington Ave. for hot chocolate and a holiday shopping guide with a chance to win prizes.
On Saturday, Kilwins will partner with the chamber to provide a caramel apple slice sample.Carolers will be around town and the first 40 people who get tickets will enjoy the Dessert Crawl from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sunday’s celebration is the Discover Christmas Toy Drive and Parade starting at 2 p.m. in the downtown. Toy donations are needed and can be dropped off at the Ocean Springs Lumber Company, where the parade will end, or at Elks Lodge or Macedonia Baptist Church.
