The fourth annual Southern Christmas celebration in Clinton, Louisiana, brought together residents and business owners to create a vibrant community atmosphere on December 5, 2023. This festive event, held on the closed main street, aimed to ignite a lasting sense of unity and revitalization among both new and long-standing residents of this small East Feliciana Parish community.
Heather Holbrooke, owner of H Mercantile and the adjacent Green Door at H Mercantile, played a key role in organizing the celebration. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support, highlighting the numerous volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. “I have the best girls and the best community, because I’ve got a lot of people that volunteered to come help us,” Holbrooke stated. “People showed up and just helped — ‘What can I do? Show me where the boxes are, I’ll start decorating a tree.’”
The evening began with a tree-lighting ceremony on the courthouse grounds, organized by the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury. Visitors enjoyed an array of activities, including shopping, dining, and live music provided by the Southland Band. Families took the opportunity to capture memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and children posed with a festive fire truck, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
This annual event is part of the efforts by Clinton is Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community engagement and cultural preservation in Clinton. The group aims to enhance the town’s sense of history and strengthen local businesses through various projects. Marsha Kemp, one of the organizers, expressed her hope that the Southern Christmas celebration would inspire a spirit of unity that extends throughout the year. A native of Clinton, Kemp reflects on the town’s rich history and aspirations for revitalization.
Kemp reminisced about Clinton’s past as a bustling hub of entertainment and commerce. She believes that events like Southern Christmas can play a significant role in rekindling the town’s cultural and historical significance. Her Christmas wish is for similar gatherings to foster a sense of togetherness among residents and visitors alike.
As the celebrations unfolded, it was evident that the Southern Christmas event is not merely a holiday festivity but a catalyst for community spirit. With its blend of joy, tradition, and mutual support, this gathering has the potential to leave a lasting impact in Clinton, encouraging residents to embrace their history while looking forward to a vibrant future.
