The 4th Annual Scarecrow Invasion

Monday, September 28th, 2020 Featured Event, LMS Events, Loblolly Festival

It’s time for the 4th annual Scarecrow Invasion!

The Scarecrow Invasion is a time when our downtown Laurel community comes alive with colorful and creative life-size scarecrows. We invite businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, civic groups, families and individuals to design and display their own whimsical scarecrows. Anyone is welcome to create a scarecrow and join the fun! This year’s theme is Famous Mississippi: Persons, Places, and Things.

Last year, our downtown merchants’ creations ranged from sweet to spooky and everything in between!

Peddler’s Junktion was awarded third place for their “cheeky” display.

2019 Scarecrow Invasion – 3rd Place – Peddler’s Junktion

Magnolia State Bank took their scarecrows to frightening heights with zombies scaling the building and encouraging passersby to save lives by donating blood.

2019 Scarecrow Invasion – 2nd Place – Magnolia State Bank

The top prize went to the creative team at Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar! Shug’s is the perfect place for Cookie Monster to hang out, don’t you think?

2019 Scarecrow Invasion – Winner – Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar

This event is absolutely free to enjoy! All scarecrows will be installed by Friday, October 2, 2020, and judging will begin at noon. Scarecrows will remain on view through the month of October, and will be removed by Friday, November 6, 2020.

Scarecrow Harvest

Thursday, September 5th, 2019 General, LMS Events, Loblolly Festival

The Scarecrow Harvest is a time when our downtown Laurel community comes alive with colorful and creative life-size scarecrows. We invite businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, civic groups, families and individuals to design and display their own whimsical scarecrows. Anyone is welcome to create a scarecrow and join the fun!

Design and display your scarecrow in front of your business, hiding behind a bush, leaning against a street light, washing a window or even climbing a tree. The event is absolutely free and only requires your creativity! We ask that all scarecrows be installed by Friday, October 4, 2019, in time for judging and the Loblolly Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Please make sure your scarecrow is tied down and secured so goblins and storms can’t take it away! Scarecrows will remain on view through the month of October and should be removed by Friday, November 1, 2019.

Judging for the top three scarecrow designs will be done on the Friday afternoon prior to the Loblolly Festival and winners announced during the Festival. We can’t wait to see what you come up with this season!

This contest is hosted by Laurel Main Street, for questions or concerns, please contact Judi Holifield, info@laurelmainstreet.com or your block ambassador.

December Downtown: Bring on the FUN!

Monday, December 10th, 2018 December Downtown, Featured Event, General, LMS Events

There’s no doubt that Downtown Laurel is a special place, but it shines especially bright during the Christmas season. Whether you’re admiring the meticulously decorated store windows or taking a stroll under the majestic oaks of 5th Avenue, we invite you to breathe in the magic of the holidays. Laurel Main Street invites you to fill up, hang out, and kick back while you savor the joy of small-town Christmas.

Make Spirits Bright

Art Class at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art — Thursday, December 18th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. — Grades K5-6th. Participants will make a variety of handmade Christmas tree ornaments and a Christmas art project. While you’re in the neighborhood, enjoy the charming preserved and restored homes lining Laurel’s brick-paved 5th Avenue.

Enjoy an integrated retail & DIY experience at HAND+made by Clairmont & Co. On Wednesday, December 12th and Saturday, December 22nd you’ll enjoy a special Mom + Me Craft & Story Time. Looking for a girl’s night out? Get your friends together for Corks + Crafts on December 14th.

Also on December 14th is Holiday Date Night at The Gift Shop at Oak Street Place. Have dinner or dessert at Lee’s Coffee and Tea, then shop for Christmas presents! Get 20% off at the Gift Shop with your purchase at Lee’s. Lee’s full menu is available, and we hear it’s board game night, too!

What Fun it is to Ride & Sing

The 2018 Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour is making a stop in the City Beautiful again this year! The illuminated vehicle has become a global advertising icon and symbol of holiday happiness since first gracing the TV airwaves nearly two decades ago. The real-life Coca-Cola Christmas Trucks spread holiday cheer throughout Mississippi during the month of December. Once the sun has set, you are invited to enjoy an incredible after-dark experience, as the truck lights up! The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck will be set up on the 400 block of Central Avenue on Thursday, December 20th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Take pictures with the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck and Santa, and enjoy free giveaways and more!

Contact Sweet Somethings Bakery to book a carriage ride through downtown.

Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him

The First-Trinity Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will present their annual Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 16th at 6:00 p.m. This year’s service will include choral works by Francois Poulenc, Leo Sowerby, Paul Manz, and Mack Wilberg. This is always a wonderful evening of sacred music and childcare is provided.

First Baptist Church of Laurel will present “The Glory of Christmas” with their Celebration Choir & Orchestra, along with a cast of students, children, shepherds, & wise men celebrate. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 16th at 6:00 p.m.

The Agape Church offers three opportunities to hear the message of Christmas in music. Saturday, December 22nd at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 23rd at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The cost is absolutely FREE but, due to limited space, you must reserve your seats.

Discover the Magic of Enchanting Downtown Laurel

On December 21nd, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. our downtown merchants will host a very special Christmas after-hours event.

HAND+made– Christmas story read every 30 min, refreshments provided, manger scene craft, & discounts in store

Laurel Mercantile & Scotsman General Store– Santa’s workshop

Lott Furniture & Laurel Leaf– Nativity in Maker’s Alley, refreshments provided

Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar– Gingerbread men cookie decorating kits available for $5

Allie’s on Magnolia– Hot chocolate bar, sales in store

Guild & Gentry– Refreshments provided, live music

Loblolly Boutique & Crescent Line Toys– Glamping in Trustmark Art Park

Adam Trest Home– Discounts in store

Southern Antiques– Photos w/Snoopy, DIY Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Patina’s– refreshments provided, sales in store

YWCO– Cookies w/ Mrs. Claus

Lee’s Coffee & Tea / Gift Shop at Oak Street Place– Live music featuring Harmonia

Sass & Class Boutique– Reindeer food

Peddlers Junktion– DIY vintage inspired stocking available for $5, door prizes, sales in store

New Look– Snowman ornament craft available for $6

Razme’s Party Supplies– Pictures w/Santa

Cosmic Deli– Special dessert: Christmas cookie cheesecake

Jack & Jill’s Consignment Boutique– OPEN

J Parker– OPEN

The Pearl Diner– OPEN

Sweet Somethings Bakery– OPEN

Pause Coffee & Espresso Bar– OPEN

Boutique on Central– OPEN

The Knight Butcher– OPEN

Bella Bella– OPEN

Fill Up, Hang Out, Kick Back

The Pearl Diner – home cooking that you don’t have to cook at home! Blue plate lunches are offered Tuesday – Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Pearl Diner is located on the corner of Oak and Magnolia Streets in the former Burton’s Jewelry building.

The Knight Butcher – Lunch is served at Laurel’s only full-service butcher shop daily from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Be sure to check their Facebook page to see their daily lunch specials. Stop by Monday – Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to pick up gourmet meats, delicious homemade fudge, and The Knight Butcher’s famous jerky!

Lee’s Coffee & Tea – Lee’s is a downtown favorite with gourmet coffees, organic teas, soups, paninis, and more. Enjoy local art while you rest up from your adventures. Lee’s is open Monday – Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from NOON – 5:00 p.m.

Sweet Somethings Bakery – This family-owned bakery and ice cream shop on Central Avenue offers something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Stop by and get your sugar fix any time Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Shug’s Cookie Dough and Candy Bar – delectable treats to sit and savor or take them to-go are available at Shug’s! This gourmet cookie dough bar provides sweet treats for all tastes including traditional childhood favorite candies (Jelly Belly! Peach Rings! M&Ms!) to more refined and grown up treats (truffles galore!) all sold by the pound. Shug’s is open Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria – Laurel’s newest restaurant is open for lunch and dinner! Enjoy traditional Italian food and wines as well as brick oven pizza. They’re open Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Loft – The Loft has become a downtown staple and serves dinner Tuesday – Saturday beginning at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy casual dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Perfect for groups, children, parties and more.

Slowboat Brewing Company – Slowboat Brewing Company is a brewer owned and family operated micro-brewery in historic downtown Laurel. Their primary focus is small batch artisan styles, including Farmhouse, Wild, Belgian style, Barrel-aged, experimental ales, and an ever-evolving portfolio of popular American craft beer styles. Stop in for samples, tours, trivia, live music and more! For hours and entertainment lineups, visit them on Facebook or Instagram!

Cafe La Fleur — Café La Fleur is up and running once again! Stop by to have some of your old favorites or try something new at this locally owned New Orleans style eatery.

More Ways to Make it Merry

Enjoy a day full of Christmas festivities at Landrum’s Country! The Christmas Candlelight Tour at Landrum’s Country on December 16th is sure to bring out the holiday cheer in all who attend.

We encourage you to enjoy all the locally owned stores and restaurants, make a memory, start a tradition, and most of all, make your holidays merry and bright!

Tagged christmas, downtown, Home Town, i live in laurel, Laurel, Laurel Main Street, laurel ms, live music, shop local

The Annual Downtown Laurel Christmas Tree Lighting

Monday, November 26th, 2018 December Downtown, Featured Event, General, LMS Events

If you take a drive around the historic district in the coming weeks, there’s one truth you won’t be able to miss – we love Christmas in Downtown Laurel!

From the shining Christmas trees decorating each home on 6th Avenue, the wreaths lining the streets of downtown and our favorite display of all, the City of Laurel’s official Christmas tree in Pinehurst Park. It’s clear that we celebrate our favorite season like no one else, and nothing says Christmas in Laurel more than the official lighting of the city Christmas tree. We would love for you to celebrate this Christmas tradition with us!

The 2018 Laurel Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 29th | beginning at 5:30 PM

Sponsored by BancorpSouth, the City of Laurel and Laurel Main Street

5:30 p.m. – First Baptist Church of Laurel Children’s Choirs — Jonathan & Cindy McKenzie, Directors

5:45 p.m. – Students of Laurel Music Lessons – Alexis Frenette & Joshua Rooks, Directors

6:00 p.m. – Laurel High School Concert Choir – LaTisha Hamilton, Director

The official welcome will be delivered by Lew Yoder, president of Laurel Main Street, followed by a special greeting by Mayor Johnny Magee. Soon after, the park will spring to life as Seth Assink, President of BancorpSouth, lights our beloved Downtown Christmas Tree.

After the tree lighting, enjoy the festivities at the Laurel-Jones County Library Open House. Bring the kids to meet Santa, enjoy arts and crafts, and free refreshments.

Many of our downtown merchants will extend their hours for this event so be sure to stick around, shop awhile, and enjoy a stroll under the lights of beautiful downtown Laurel.

Thank You for Another Incredible Loblolly Festival!

Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 Featured Event, LMS Events, Loblolly Festival

THANK YOU for an INCREDIBLE Loblolly Festival! This year’s festival saw over 150 vendors and over 10,000 attendees packing the streets of downtown Laurel. In addition to being the largest Loblolly Festival ever, it was also, quite possibly, the hottest Loblolly Festival ever. Thank you to all who came out to stroll through the streets of Downtown Laurel, listen to great music, enjoy delicious food, shop and play!

A huge THANK YOU goes out to all who worked so hard to make this year’s festival such a great success!

First, we would like to thank the Laurel Main Street volunteers and board members for making this day possible and for helping us organize this incredible event. LMS volunteers meticulously marked each vendor’s booth space on Friday evening, and were back downtown early Saturday morning to direct vendor traffic and assist with setup. The Loblolly Festival just wouldn’t be possible without you!

Next, thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors, especially Howard Industries, Jones County Board of Supervisors and Chamber of Commerce, Sanderson Farms, Southern Beverage, B Clean LLC, Trustmark National Bank, BancorpSouth, Coca-Cola, Gilchrist Sumrall Yoder Yoder & Leggett PLLC, Community Bank, Holt & Associates, Magnolia State Bank, Mississippi Power and First State Bank.

To the City of Laurel, the Laurel Police Department, Laurel Fire Department and Parks & Recreation Department — thank you for your support and for keeping the festival-goers, vendors, musicians and volunteers safe, and our downtown clean!

Many organizations came together to cover the logistics of producing an event of this size. We are so appreciative of your time and efforts to make this all possible. We would specifically like to thank Studio 5 Fifty, Own Your Hill, Slowboat Brewing Co., Clairmont & Co., The Knight Butcher, Crescent Line Toys, Masonite, Jr. Auxiliary of Laurel, and Pro-Flow Motorsports.

We appreciate the efforts of the local media and your continued support and coverage of this great event. With the help of the Laurel Leader-Call, The Impact, WDAM, B95, Rock 104, and SuperTalk, we were able to reach and serve more locals and out of town folks than ever before!

We would like to thank the Laurel Arts League for their partnership in producing the Art on Masonite contest. Congratulations to these fine young artists!

1st Place – Mackenzie Masters, West Jones High School

3rd Place – Olivia Thornton, West Jones Middle School

2nd Place — Grace LaPan, Northeast Jones High School

Scarecrow Invasion

Thank you to all the businesses who participated in this year’s Scarecrow Invasion! It was a rousing success and saw more participation and creativity than we ever envisioned! Congratulations are in order for these outstanding participants!

Honorable Mention

Trustmark Bank, Patina’s, and Sherrell Upholstery

3rd Place

The Loblolly Boutique/Crescent Line Toys

2nd Place

Oak Street Salon

1st Place

Jack and Jill Consignment Boutique

1st Place — Jack & Jill Consignment Boutique

We also saw tremendous participation and creativity in the inaugural Jr. Scarecrow Invasion! Congratulations to the following participants:

3rd Place

St. John’s Day School “Blackbird Pie”

2nd Place

Nora Davis Magnet School “Crayola Box”