Hundreds come out to annual “Christmas in the City”

JACKSON, Tenn. — Christmas came early this year in West Tennessee as people came out to enjoy the second annual Christmas in the City.

More than 60 non-profit vendors sold everything from home-baked goods, gifts and artwork at the event in downtown Jackson.

But volunteers say raising money was not the only goal of the event.

“It’s really cool to just have local organizations coming together and supporting each other and it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season,” Trevor Fox, a volunteer at the event said.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce paired with the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market to put on the big day.

People came from all over the area to participate.

“I love getting to see people from other communities coming out and bringing what they have to Jackson,” Fox, a Union University student, said.

Live reindeer and Santa’s newly restored house were just a few of the main attractions.

Those who hosted booths said it was a great way for non-profit organizations to get the word out about their businesses in the community.

“Being a director of a nonprofit I think it is so great to have an opportunity to be a part of an event here in Jackson to really bring people together,” Melinda Hearn, executive director of the Jackson Arts Council said.

Beth James, executive director for Jackson Center for Independent Living says events like these are important to them.

“It just reminds everybody how important it is to support the non-profits in West Tennessee,” she said. “They take care of a lot of needs that fall through the cracks, and for a lot of us these funds are really important.”

Organizers say the overall goal of the event was to bring the community together, and they are already planning for next year’s event.