The annual Wassail Fest came to downtown Columbus, Mississippi on Friday, December 2, 2016.

This three hour event bustled with varying activities, such as the traditional Wassail tasting contest hosted in specific downtown stores, musical performances, art gallery viewings, and quality family and friend time.

MSMS senior Reagan Poston spoke to the communal aspect of the event. “Wassail was fine. I got to hang out with some grand seniors,” Poston said.

Some of the stores that participated in this event were Fashion Barn, Coffee House on 5th, and Hollyhocks Gift Shop.

Hollyhocks Gift Shop’s owner, Gloria Herriott, explained just how busy downtown Columbus was.

“The Wassail festival was a phenomenal success! We had approximately fifteen-hundred to two thousand people walk through the doors of Hollyhocks. We went through fifteen gallons of wassail,” Herriott said.

Hollyhocks had Santa Claus next to the entrance of the gift shop so that families could take pictures with him. Inside the store, Christmas decorations were on full display.

“What I heard the most of was how phenomenal the christmas decorations and how it made them get into the Christmas spirit,” Herriott said.

MSMS junior Kendall Wells looks forward to next year. “Wassail fest was a great time. I got to meet a lot of grand seniors! The Wassail was delicious!” Wells said.

Overall, most MSMS students had fun mingling with the community of Columbus while enjoying the holiday spirit.