By Whitney Skeeters
Staff Writers

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center will host its annual Community Holiday Concert benefiting the Caring Place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 14. The price of admission: at least one canned-food item to be donated to the Caring Place’s food bank.

When asked about the event, marketing director Patricia Dubose said she urges audiences to “come early!” Every seat in the auditorium is usually taken as people flock to see one of Madison’s favorite holiday events.

This year, Kathy Boyd is in charge of finding and organizing the acts and has brought a diverse group of performers together. The 90-minute show will have a variety of talented groups, including various churches, a preschool group, a high school choral group, local individuals, and Julian Drive, an extremely popular contemporary Christian band with roots in Morgan County. This year, audiences can look forward to an interpretive dance, a sign language performance set off by several black-lights, holiday music to the tune of hand bells, and much more.

“There are a lot of kids involved that are showing off their talents this year,” said Boyd.

As in years past, audience members will get the chance to win a free Christmas tree from Jack’s Creek Tree Farm. After placing canned items in one of the bins outside of the venue, participants will receive a raffle ticket to win one of two Christmas trees Jack’s Creek Tree Farm has donated.

Rhonda Smith, the center’s special events coordinator, said the concert is something Morgan County can get excited about.

“It brings the community together to showcase local talent,” said Smith.

She encourages families to come out to spend time together, enjoy a fun evening, and do their part for a great cause.

“This year, there are lots of different talents,” said Smith. “There are few things the whole family can enjoy, and this is going to be a really nice event.”

According to Dubose, the concert is also an important part of the holidays in Morgan County.

“It has always been a highlight of the holiday season,” said Dubose. “People look forward to it and seeing the familiar faces on the stage. They want to celebrate the talent in the community and help the Caring Place.”

At this time, the Caring Place is particularly in need due to the high demand. There have been several times this year when their pantry has been completely bare. The cans collected at the holiday concert are expected to help the cause tremendously.

The concert, which has taken place every December for more than a decade, will be emceed by Hoyt Jackson this year. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.