As the longest night of the year approaches, Jefferson Davis County is preparing to transform the Longleaf Trace with its annual “Light Up the Trace on the Darkest Day of the Year” celebration.

This magical Winter Solstice award winning event is happening simultaneously at four locations and promises to unite communities, celebrate the season and support vital enhancements to the Trace.

The event will feature unique festivities at each of the four locations: Bassfield Station, Carson Station, the Prentiss Institute’s historic Rosenwald School and Prentiss Gateway Park. Attendees can enjoy family-friendly fun, food, live music and even a live nativity and caroling at Carson Station.

A highlight of the evening is the luminarias, glowing tributes symbolizing hope and unity. For $10 each, luminarias can be purchased to support safety, security, lighting and beautification projects for the Longleaf Trace. “By participating in this luminous event, you are not only honoring the memories of your loved ones but also actively supporting the improvement of our community’s shared spaces,” said JDC Economic Development Director Gary Bass.

Luminarias are available at AF Carraway Store in Bassfield, Je-Loru’s Florist in Prentiss, Carson Baptist Church Youth, Friends of Prentiss and Bassfield City Hall. They can also be purchased online at lightupthetrace.com or by contacting the Economic Development District office at 601-792-5903 or JDCEconDevAssistant@gmail.com.

Sponsorships for this event are still available. Current sponsors include Southern Pine Electric, PearlCom Internet, CMI2 Innovation Institute, Piggly Wiggly, Lisa Blount and the Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors. Sponsor benefits include logo placement in media coverage, branded promo luminarias, social media recognition and event signage.

“Please join us on Dec. 21 for an unforgettable evening celebrating community, the season and a shared vision for the future,” said Bass. 

For more details, visit lightupthetrace.com or contact the Economic Development District office.