Barbie McCathren
Since 2017, Cultivating Our Future has helped make the holidays a little brighter with a community project that decorates Jackson’s Manpower Park with Christmas trees, lights and more for the holiday season.
Cultivating Our Future Founder and President Barbie McCathren shared on social media that the 2025 edition of “Christmas in the Park” will be the group’s last year if the current members do not get some help with setting up and tearing down for the annual event. The group is made up of volunteers who strive for beauty, pride and growth for the City of Jackson.
“There are six of us… five of whom are 50-plus that set up the entire display,” explained McCathren. “I’ve begged every year for new members, with no response.”
McCathren added, “We have the support of the Jackson Wrestling Team on tree-delivery day, and usually one student each year that needs community service hours. We need a couple of adults that will return year after year in order to continue. We need new perspectives, new ideas, and new blood. Please, if you love Christmas and love making children smile, consider joining us.”
In 2024, there were approximately 80 trees set up as a part of “Christmas in the Park.” This didn’t count any extra Christmas lights and decorations set up throughout the park. While businesses, clubs, churches, etc. purchase the trees from the group and decorate them, members of Cultivating Our Future organize the event, and do all the pre-setup and teardown work.
In 2020, Cultivating Our Future’s Christmas tree display teamed up with the City of Jackson, the Jackson County Gear Grinders, and Jackson Firefighters Association to provide the community with even more holiday cheer. The event became known as “Jackson Holiday Light Up” celebration. It features a Kids Party in the Park, an evening Christmas parade, the first lighting of the Christmas trees in Manpower Park, and a fireworks display to cap off the night.
McCathren noted that the most important dates for 2025 for setting up are Friday, Dec. 5 (all afternoon), and Saturday, Dec. 6 (all day). The most important date for tearing down is Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 (a few hours in the afternoon). These dates, according to McCathren, are important as a commitment no matter what the weather. She noted recently on social media that she’s been “overwhelmed and overjoyed” by the initial response she has received after posting her message seeking more help.
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