This holiday season all ages are invited to come together for Caroling in the Park at 6 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Park.

We are excited to bring the 13th annual caroling. This event has been successful in the past because of the support from many individuals and businesses, the volunteer students who pass out the candles and song sheets and The Natchez Democrat’s publication of the song sheets. Without all of those parties, this would not be as successful as it has been.

This is a community-wide event and everyone is welcome to participate in our celebration of the holiday season.

Strangers coming together and raising their voices in song are truly inspiring. The sounds of these voices resonating throughout the part will fill any Scrooge’s heart with the Christmas spirit.

The caroling this year will be led by Sally Durkin, and Burnley Cook will be the pianist.

The caroling will benefit the Natchez Stewpot, a non-profit organization that prepares and serves lunches to anyone in need of a meal as well as delivers hot meals to shut-ins.

Everyone is asked to bring any nonperishable goods or cleaning products like dish towels. These items will be very much appreciated by those individuals who might find this holiday season more difficult than many.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants will be given candles as they enter the park. You may also bring your own candle to the caroling since we have run out in the past.

The Natchez Democrat will generously provide song sheets, which will be in this Sunday’s newspaper and also available at the park.

Those present last year will certainly remember the fun we had with “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” And I don’t think anyone could forget the poignancy of the candlelit crowd singing “Silent Night” under the majestic oaks of Memorial Park.

Before the caroling there will be a new event — the hot chocolate sip-off in the park. This begins at 4 p.m. and leads to the Caroling in the Park.

So this Sunday, please join us in Memorial Park, behind Saint Mary Basilica, for an evening of wonderful hot chocolate concoctions and caroling that promises fun for all.

Kathy Sizemore is the organizer of Caroling in the Park.