Inverness Tradition

Growing up in a small Delta town, especially those like Inverness, Mississippi is an experience  you  will not find in any other part of the State, or any other part of the country for that matter.

Before the completion of the four lane bypass from Yazoo City to Indianola, you knew you were close to home when the drivers in the cars and trucks passing by would give you a wave from the steering wheel.  In the days of old, the downtown merchants would close up shop every Wednesday afternoon.  I guess this was their version of a Mexican siesta.

The best place to get a burger or fried chicken was Fannie's place.  Gossip could be found at Brown's Grocery.  If you needed a cold beer, Ponds and Woos were the place to be. Almost anything could be found in Wings, from household items, fishing supplies, and all of your last minute grocery items.

Many years ago, a tradition was started by the community leaders.  Each Christmas season plans would be set for setting out the luminaries throughout the town, but especially around "Lake Bradley".  The townfolk pick up paper sacks at the Community House and spend the days leading up to Christmas Eve folding down the top edge.

Early Christmas Eve morning, volunteers gather at Duncan Gin to begin the bagging process.  Cups of sand are poured into the paper bags, a candle is added, then trailers are loaded down with the bags and contents for the trip to Lake Bradley and other parts of town.  Additional volunteers are at the ready to drop the bags along the lake bank and roadside.

Several hours before dawn, the candle lighting begins.  The invention of butane lighters was a God send.  This is the back breaking part of the task.  Nothing worse than running out of gas in the lighter.  To the best of my recollection, very few years have been missed.  There has been severe cold, gusty winds, and even freezing rain, but every year, the Town of Inverness is determined to continue their tradition. 

Seeing the reflections of the luminaries against the waters of Lake Bradley is a sight to behold.  The candles burn well into the night.  Some blow out, while others catch fire, but those that remain bring a magnification to the reason for the season.

Down the road, if you find yourself in the area on Christmas Eve, join others in a tour of the parade of lights in the small town of Inverness, Mississippi, off of Highway 49, between Indianola and Isola, not far from Belzoni.