Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See the new look for Hattiesburg’s Midnight on Front Street bash
Happening soon: Bells and Bows on the Hattiesburg Patch calendar

Good morning Hattiesburg! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- See the new look for Hattiesburg’s Midnight on Front Street bash
- How can Hattiesburg neighbors step up for local veterans in 2026?
- How serious is the Christmas blood shortage facing Hattiesburg donors?
Also on today's calendar: Forrest County Farmer's Market.
Find out what's happening in Hattiesburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Hattiesburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Sunny and pleasantly warm, with a high of 75 and low of 57 degrees.
- Sunday: A brief shower or two, temps: high: 72, low: 56.
- Monday: Low clouds, with a high of 68 and low of 54 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Hattiesburg reveals winning poster design for Midnight on Front Street (wjtv.com) — Hattiesburg’s New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight on Front Street, now has its official poster, created by local graphic designer Crystal Gordon and unveiled by Mayor Toby Barker and the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art. The design highlights downtown icons like the Hub City sign, Saenger Theater, and train depot, and promotes festivities starting at 4 p.m. with performances including the Hattiesburg High School Choir.
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2. Pine Belt Veterans Task Force needing sponsors for resource fair, other projects (wdam.com) — A Hattiesburg-based veterans group is seeking sponsors to keep vital local outreach going and to support a Feb. 19 resource fair at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. The Pine Belt Veterans Task Force meets regularly to fill service gaps for area veterans and is inviting residents and businesses to get involved. Interested supporters can call 601-544-5115 for sponsorship details.
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3. Mississippi blood banks face shortages ahead of Christmas (wjtv.com) — Blood donation centers serving Hattiesburg and the rest of Mississippi are warning of a critical blood shortage heading into Christmas, especially for Type O and B. Local residents 16 and older in good health are urged to donate soon, as winter accidents and sickle cell treatments keep demand high while donations typically drop. A quick screening and simple visit could help protect neighbors’ care this season.
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4. Sales and Marketing Professionals Opens Nominations for 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards (hubcityspokes.com) — Hattiesburg shines in the latest Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, with FestivalSouth and the Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi among 2025’s top honorees. Now, residents and organizations can nominate standout people, events, and businesses statewide for the 2026 awards, which will be celebrated at Lake Terrace Convention Center in April. Nominations are open online through January 16, 2026.
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5. Local vet honored during championship game (vicksburgnews.com) — Hattiesburg sports fans will note the Hattiesburg Tigers fell to Warren Central in the MHSAA 6A state championship game where Vicksburg veteran Dr. Jon Graham was honored. The longtime Marine Corps veteran received a VIP “Veteran of the Game” experience as part of the Mississippi Salute Initiative recognizing seven veterans statewide.
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📸 Around Hattiesburg
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Hattiesburg
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Bells and Bows
Painting with a Twist, 6555 US-98 Ste 4, Hattiesburg
2:00 pm
Sunday December 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Forrest County Farmer's Market
1200 Corinne St, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401
7:00 am - Lights of the Wild at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Hattiesburg Zoo , 107 S 17th Ave , Hattiesburg
6:00 pm
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
📣 Hattiesburg Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Christmas Crunktacular feat. Flow Tribe
Brewsky's , 3818 W 4th St , Hattiesburg
8:00 pm - All glow snowman *KidsCamp Pajama Party*
Painting with a Twist , 6555 US-98 Ste 4 , Hattiesburg
1:00 pm - Always Jolly
Painting with a Twist , 6555 US-98 Ste 4 , Hattiesburg
4:30 pm - Catch the Christmas Spirit
Lake Thoreau Environmental Center , 150 Lake Thoreau Rd , Hattiesburg
5:00 pm - Comedy show
Jackie D Sherrill Community Center , 220 W Front St , Hattiesburg
8:00 pm - The Nutcracker - Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg Saenger Theater , 201 Forrest St , Hattiesburg
7:00 pm - Jenna McClelland @ Grill & Grocery
Grill and Grocery , 121 E Pine St , Hattiesburg
10:00 am - Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival
Thad Cochran Center , 121 W Memorial Dr , Hattiesburg
9:00 am
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Sunday December 28
Wednesday April 8
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I dropped off a few items yesterday at the Little Free Pantry at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension and it was practically bare.
I’m hoping some people here that have time and are able will buy a few items when they go to the store and drop them off, maybe even on an ongoing… (Nextdoor Kamper Ave) - Does anyone know of any local artisans who can engrave photos on wood?
I have a last minute Christmas gift idea but afraid ordering from Etsy wouldn’t get here in time. (Nextdoor Parkhaven)
- Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: 4am Inbound (Stocking) (T2055) in Hattiesburg. Apply here.
- Walmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Hattiesburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hattiesburg here.
Ok Hattiesburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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