Bernice Street celebrating its 25th year of Christmas by Candlelight

Bernice Street’s Christmas by Candlelight celebrates its 25th anniversary Saturday.
The event began and continues as a way for Tri-City area families to celebrate Christmas, according to Jackie Lewis, who serves as Bernice Street Committee co-chairwoman along with her husband, Bob.
Lewis credits Joycelynn Slaton, who served as chairwoman of the same committee for 15 years, with starting the event.
Lewis, a five-year resident of the street, said she was told the event started with paper bag luminaries lining the street and has grown into what it is today.
“Almost every house decorates. People look forward to this. We’ve had more people coming to see it. We’ve been able to provide entertainment, and they like that. It’s just something that a family can do together … We try to do something to make it grow every year,” Lewis said.
Because it is the 25th anniversary of the event, Lewis said the residents have added a few surprises for children attending Saturday.
Among the events are face painting, visits with Santa, a puppet show by Cornerstone Ministries and music by several groups including the choirs from Hattie Watts Elementary, New Zorah Baptist Church and Morning Glory Ministries, and the Brothers of Praise.
Barrels will be placed at the Bernice Street entrance at Cottonwood for canned good donations to St. Mary Outreach. Lewis said traffic will flow in one direction, and the street can be viewed either by driving or walking.
Bernice Street’s Christmas by Candlelight will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday along Bernice Street in Morgan City.