Dear Olive Branch Residents,

On behalf of myself, the Board of Aldermen, and City Staff, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for reading the latest edition of our City's monthly newsletter, From The Mayor’s Desk.

It is my goal to continue to enhance communication between our City administration and you, the valued members of our Community. I know that a well-informed Community is a strong and vibrant one. This monthly newsletter is our commitment to transparency and open dialogue as we foster a sense of unity among all residents. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with us so that we can continue to grow and improve together. You can send an email to info@obms.us anytime with this feedback. Listed here are just a few ways you can celebrate the holiday season with us in #MyCityofOB.

City Christmas Tree is illuminated on the front lawn of City Hall

Picture captured by former Mayor Sam Rikard

Holiday Celebrations in Olive Branch

Community Tree Lighting

The holiday season kicked off on December 5th on the front lawn of City Hall with the debut of our New City Tree. Spanning over 40 feet tall with over 20,000 lights, out City's tree has illuminated the front lawn of City Hall. Thank you to the 300 members of the community who joined us for live music, holiday train rides, and a stroll down Candy lane to start the holidays.

Mayor Ken Adams and the Board of Aldermen rode in a recently restored vintage Firetruck

46th annual Chamber Christmas Parade

A merry time was had on Pigeon Roost Road for the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th. I had the honor and privilege to ride our City's recently restored 1972 Fire Truck alongside members of the Olive Branch Fire Department and the Board of Aldermen. Special Thank you to the Chamber for continuing this annual holiday event in our City.

Holiday wreaths are displayed on headstones in historic Blocker Cemetery

Wreaths Across America

I had the honor to volunteer on Saturday, December 14th at Wreaths Across America at Historic Blocker Cemetery. Members of the community along with Mississippi State Representative Rodney Hall, City of Olive Branch Aldermen, Mayor's Youth Council, and City Staff helped place 252 wreaths to honor the service of men and women who chose Olive Branch to be their final resting place. This was all possible thanks to residents and businesses within our City who sponsored holiday wreaths. You can learn more about Wreaths Across America at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/msbloc .

Light Garden

The Light Garden will be open through 12/31/24 for members of the community to stroll through 1.5 miles of lights in City Park. In addition to the lights, there is live music, special character photo opportunities, an 18-hole mini golf course, and tethered hot air ballon rides. To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit www.lightgarden.online .

New Years Eve Celebration at Light Garden

Our newest holiday tradition this December is celebrating New Years Eve in the Light Garden with a massive fireworks show and DJ. The gates to the Light Garden will open at 6pm with Fireworks to start at 8pm. To skip the line, be sure to grab your tickets online at www.lightgarden.online .

Our City has been recognized as a
City of Opportunity!

What's more is the City of Olive Branch was featured in a lengthy write up as a City of Opportunity in a Special Edition of Built America magazine as one of three featured municipalities in the South! You can read the full article here.

Stay In Touch

We invite you to stay in touch and let us know what items you would like to be covered in future newsletters. Please send an email to info@obms.us. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Olive Branch a great place to live, work, worship, and play. As we look forward to what lies ahead for our City in 2025, we thank you for calling the City of Olive Branch home this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Kenneth (Ken) R. Adams

Mayor of the City of Olive Branch

ken.adams@obms.us 662.892.9201