A vibrant sense of community filled the streets of Clinton, Louisiana, as residents and business owners came together to celebrate the fourth annual Southern Christmas on December 5, 2023. This festive event, organized by local businesses and the nonprofit group Clinton is Home, aimed to foster unity and revitalization in the small town of East Feliciana Parish.
Local business owner Heather Holbrooke, who runs H Mercantile and the adjacent Green Door at H Mercantile, played a pivotal role in the celebration. She praised the community’s spirit, highlighting the collaborative efforts of volunteers. “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 commenced with a tree-lighting ceremony on the courthouse grounds, organized by the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury. Residents and visitors strolled along the closed main street, enjoying the festive atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and live music performed by the Southland Band. Children had the opportunity to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while others posed next to a festive fire truck.
Clinton is Home, the nonprofit behind the event, aims to enhance the town’s cultural and historical significance. Marsha Kemp, one of the event organizers and a lifelong resident of Clinton, expressed her hopes for the Southern Christmas celebration to act as a catalyst for ongoing community engagement. “I have a nostalgic connection to this town,” Kemp shared. “We once had an abundance of entertainment and commerce, and I believe that events like this can help revive that sense of unity and cultural pride.”
Kemp’s vision for Clinton is to see similar events throughout the year, fostering a spirit of togetherness that extends beyond the holiday season. “I hope that the spark ignited by Southern Christmas can keep the community connected throughout the year,” she remarked.
The Southern Christmas celebration has become a hallmark of the town, drawing in both newer and lifelong residents. Holbrooke emphasized that the event is a testament to the town’s resilience and capacity for collaboration. “We have a great little town,” she said, underscoring the importance of community spirit in driving local initiatives.
As the festivities concluded, the sense of unity and holiday cheer resonated throughout Clinton, leaving an indelible mark on those who participated. The event not only celebrated the Christmas season but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in revitalizing the town’s cultural heritage.
