A yearly Thanksgiving luncheon for senior citizens in Columbus will not happen this year.
Due to the Trotter Convention Center renovation, the Mayor’s Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon has been canceled, Mayor Robert Smith said.
The event had been held each year since Smith became mayor in 2006. It was an event where residents 55 years of age and older were served food by volunteer participants from area school students and civic groups. More than 900 seniors attended last year’s luncheon.
Funding for the lunch came from business sponsorships and proceeds from fundraisers, one such event was held last summer featuring Columbus native and former Minnesota Vikings head football coach Leslie Frazier.
Completion of the $2.3 million renovation of the Trotter is set to be finished at the end of the year. In September, the council authorized borrowing an amount not to exceed $2.5 million from the Mississippi Development Bank and using in-lieu fees from Columbus Light and Water to service the debt at approximately $225,000 a year with a 4.55 percent interest rate until it is paid off.
Upgrades include a new roof and air conditioner as well as new flooring and ceiling tile and sound and light equipment. Some exterior painting has also been done.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
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