Light Up the Trace
A luminary fundraising event, a beacon of community unity, and a testament to the resilience of the Jeff Davis County.
A First of Its Kind Regional Celebration
Picture this: on the darkest day of the year, when the Winter Solstice casts its enchanting shadows, the Longleaf Trace comes alive with the soft glow of thousands of luminarias. This regional event spans five locations, weaving through the picturesque landscapes of Prentiss Gateway Park, HBCU Prentiss Institute’s Rosenwald School, Carson Station, Bassfield Station, and Sumrall Station. These luminous beacons serve four communities across three towns and two counties, all united under one common goal – Safety, Security, & Lighting on the Longleaf Trace.
Illuminate the Path from Hattiesburg to Prentiss
The Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile Rails to Trails corridor from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, stands as a testament to the commitment of these communities to preserve their natural treasures. The funds raised from Luminaria Sales in each community stay within that community, nurturing specific goals and aspirations. Sponsorships and T-shirt profits contribute to the creation of the Longleaf Trace App, a technological marvel benefiting the entire stretch from start to finish.
The significance of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, resonates through time. As the sun reaches its lowest point, communities along the Longleaf Trace come together to celebrate with a radiant display of luminarias, each telling a unique story.
These paper lanterns, with a history spanning centuries, serve as beacons of hope and sources of warmth. The Light Up the Trace event adopts this tradition, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while raising funds for a noble cause. For just $10, you can purchase a luminaria to honor a loved one, mark an anniversary, celebrate a life, honor a veteran, or promote your message.
In 2021, the event raised over $2500 in three locations, a testament to the generosity of the community. Expanding to five locations in 2022, including the collaboration with Sumrall Main Street Association, saw a staggering $6000 raised. The future holds the promise of further expansion, embracing every community along the Longleaf Trace Corridor, all the way to the AMTRAK station in Hattiesburg.
Beyond the enchanting display, "Light Up the Trace" embodies the principles of economic and community development. Ensuring a safe environment for all Trace travelers is paramount, fostering community involvement and increased traffic that translates into heightened commerce for local businesses. A well-lit trace attracts visitors, injecting tourism dollars into the local economy.
This event isn't just about illumination; it's about socializing, reminiscing, and interacting with neighbors and friends. The collaboration between churches, schools, and volunteers underscores the importance of community involvement in crafting meaningful events. Witnessing the Longleaf Trace bathed in lights brings joy and wonder, fostering a sense of community spirit vital for the well-being of every community.
In the spirit of "Light Up the Trace," Jeff Davis County showcases how communities can come together, creating something extraordinary to strengthen bonds within a region. This event is more than a luminaria display; it's a shining example of the power of unity and collaboration.
The Winter Solstice: A Celebration of Light in Darkness
The significance of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, resonates through time. As the sun reaches its lowest point, communities along the Longleaf Trace come together to celebrate with a radiant display of luminarias, each telling a unique story.
Luminarias: A Tradition of Warmth and Giving
These paper lanterns, with a history spanning centuries, serve as beacons of hope and sources of warmth. The Light Up the Trace event adopts this tradition, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while raising funds for a noble cause. For just $10, you can purchase a luminaria to honor a loved one, mark an anniversary, celebrate a life, honor a veteran, or promote your message.
The Power of Donations: Lighting Up Lives and Trails
In 2021, the event raised over $2500 in three locations, a testament to the generosity of the community. Expanding to five locations in 2022, including the collaboration with Sumrall Main Street Association, saw a staggering $6000 raised. The future holds the promise of further expansion, embracing every community along the Longleaf Trace Corridor, all the way to the AMTRAK station in Hattiesburg.
Economic & Community Development: Lighting the Way Forward
Beyond the enchanting display, "Light Up the Trace" embodies the principles of economic and community development. Ensuring a safe environment for all Trace travelers is paramount, fostering community involvement and increased traffic that translates into heightened commerce for local businesses. A well-lit trace attracts visitors, injecting tourism dollars into the local economy.
Celebrating Community Spirit: A Joyous Occasion
This event isn't just about illumination; it's about socializing, reminiscing, and interacting with neighbors and friends. The collaboration between churches, schools, and volunteers underscores the importance of community involvement in crafting meaningful events. Witnessing the Longleaf Trace bathed in lights brings joy and wonder, fostering a sense of community spirit vital for the well-being of every community.
Strength in Unity: A Shining Example
In the spirit of "Light Up the Trace," Jeff Davis County showcases how communities can come together, creating something extraordinary to strengthen bonds within a region. This event is more than a luminaria display; it's a shining example of the power of unity and collaboration.
So, mark your calendars for the darkest day of the year, December 21st, and join us as we light up the Longleaf Trace, weaving a tapestry of warmth, community, and shared purpose. "Light Up the Trace" is not just an event; it's a radiant celebration of what makes these communities truly special.
