By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

This weekend Marshall County will be packed full of Christmas events and activities from visits with Santa to light shows on the square. There will be something for everyone.

The events will kick off Friday evening with a 7:30 p.m. performance of "Christmas Joy" at the Dixie, and the Marshall County Art Guild's reception for Artist of the Month Cindy Autry at MCAG's new gallery on the square at 123 West Commerce Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

There's also a theatrical event in Cornersville: New Life Church and Jeff Slaughter will present free performances of "Christmas in Black and White" at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, in the high school auditorium.

Wake up hungry Saturday morning, because you have several breakfasts to choose from: one in the Lions Community Building in Petersburg, one at the Lewisburg Elks Lodge, and breakfast with Santa in the Forrest School cafeteria in Chapel Hill. If you're in Lewisburg after breakfast, pay a visit to the Holiday Village in the McMillon-Lawrie Building of the First Presbyterian Church, 122 2nd Avenue North.

If you want to see two Christmas parades in one day, head for Chapel Hill in time to see the parade start at Chapel Hill Elementary School at 11 a.m. While you're there, check out the craft fair in the Old Gym at Forrest School. The Christmas Belle Pageant starts in the Forrest auditorium at noon.

The Rotary Christmas Parade in Lewisburg begins at 2 p.m. at Westvue Church of Christ, and ends in Rock Creek Park. This year's theme is "I'll be home for Christmas," and it's intended to encourage people to shop locally for Christmas gifts this year. The parade will be packed full of Christmas fun, including Santa, and many other special guests. After the parade, warm up at City Hall's first ever Christmas Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to drop by for a visit with Santa.

You can meet old friends and make new ones at open houses to be held Friday and Saturday at the Senior Citizens Center, Verona Caney Gardens and Landscaping, A Victorian Melody, Vapor City, and the Marshall County Art Guild.

Sunday at 2 p.m. is the last day to enjoy "Christmas Joy" at the Dixie, and it's the one and only day to enjoy the Marshall County Christmas Tour of Homes presented by the Lewisburg Rotary Club. Guests can tour five different homes in and around Lewisburg while enjoying Christmas cookies, hot cider, and beautifully decorated houses. See the Marshall County Tribune Friday, Nov. 22, for a complete description of the homes on the tour or visit www.marshalltribune.com.

And finally, if you miss everything this weekend, don't despair: there's still Petersburg's lighted Christmas parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14.