UPDATE: Residents of Poplar Springs Drive in Meridian, Mississippi are banding together to revive the neighborhood’s cherished holiday lighting tradition just in time for Christmas 2025. As festive decorations begin to emerge, community members are determined to combat recent declines in holiday spirit and illuminate the beloved street.
This year, long-time resident Quinn Carlisle is leading the charge. “It just seems like it’s gotten darker and darker,” he expressed, reflecting a sentiment shared by many as holiday displays have waned in recent seasons. Carlisle, alongside his late wife Mary, has always adorned his home with an elaborate nativity scene and vibrant decorations. “I get a lot of compliments from folks every year when I get it out,” he added, emphasizing the joy these displays bring to the community.
As residents drive south on Poplar Springs, they can’t miss Carlisle’s festive setup on the left, followed shortly by a stunning New Orleans-style home designed by renowned architect Chris Risher. This iconic house, owned today by Nancy VanDevender and her husband Steve Ferguson, dazzles with its signature blue lights, a tradition that continues to draw visitors from as far as Lauderdale County. “That was one of my great memories, seeing that at Christmastime,” VanDevender recalled, hinting at plans to incorporate blue flood lights this season as a tribute to the past.
The revival of holiday displays holds profound significance for the community. As Poplar Springs transforms into a festive spectacle, these colorful lights send messages of pride and togetherness, reminding everyone of the joy the season brings. This corner of Meridian, once a cattle trail, has evolved into a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape, and residents are eager to celebrate its unique character.
However, beyond the decorations, the street faces challenges that require attention. Residents are calling for more aggressive city code enforcement, police monitoring to ensure pedestrian safety, and the re-establishment of a neighborhood association to foster community spirit. The need for periodic trash cleanup drives has also been highlighted, as maintaining the street’s beauty is essential to its charm.
As the holiday approaches, the need for increased festive displays is urgent. Residents are encouraged to contribute their own lights and decorations to reclaim the vibrant atmosphere that once defined Poplar Springs Drive. The emotional connection to these traditions not only fosters community bonds but also enriches the lives of all who live and visit the area.
With Christmas just around the corner, the call to action is clear: residents of Poplar Springs are invited to join in a collective effort to light up their neighborhood, rekindling the joy and spirit of the season. The lights are not merely decorative; they symbolize resilience, community pride, and the enduring significance of holiday traditions.
As more residents step up to participate, it’s clear that Poplar Springs is on the brink of a festive revival. The dazzling displays are set to bring joy and warmth to all, ensuring that this year’s Christmas is one to remember.
Stay tuned for updates as this heartwarming story of community spirit unfolds in the days leading up to the holiday season.
