HERNANDO, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension Service horticulturist will demonstrate evergreen Christmas decorations in the Hernando town square Nov. 12.

Jim DelPrince, who works in Biloxi at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center, will be part of the “Dickens of a Christmas” market in downtown Hernando. DelPrince will demonstrate how to make Christmas decorations from evergreens, including wreaths, garland and arrangements using locally produced candles.

Demonstrations will be held about every hour on the town green. There is no cost to attend.

The holiday event is sponsored by the city of Hernando and marks its last farmers market of the year. Saturday’s event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and DelPrince will be at his demonstration table from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DelPrince and others associated with the event will be in period costume to commemorate the Charles Dickens theme. The city is constructing an outdoor ice-skating rink for the event. DelPrince will attend the high tea event at 2 p.m. Saturday.

“This is an opportunity to promote locally grown evergreens and to encourage people to buy a live Christmas tree this year,” DelPrince said. “As part of my demonstration, I will feature evergreens from Dave Knox flower farm and beeswax candles from Katy Hill, a beekeeper who markets honey at the farmers market.”

The family-friendly, community event is designed for anyone interested in floral design and those looking for Christmas decorating ideas. DelPrince’s presentation is an extended effort of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Value-Added Evergreens grant that benefits Christmas tree farms.

For more information on the “Dickens of a Christmas” event in Hernando, download the City of Hernando app.