Wolfchase will not press charges in hoodie incident
Wolfchase Galleria is not pressing charges against two men arrested inside the mall Nov. 3, according to a statement released by the mall on Dec. 2.
“Wolfchase Galleria and Simon Property Group are not pursuing any charges against any individuals in this matter whatsoever,” the statement said in part.
As shoppers made holiday purchases Dec. 1 at Wolfchase Galleria, a group of about 20 people from several local organizations gathered to protest the arrests, hanging banners from the second floor near Santa.
The arrests at the mall involved a man detained for wearing a hooded sweatshirt, which violates the mall’s dress code. Kevin McKenzie, a former reporter at The Commercial Appeal, was detained by officers for filming the arrest.
The officers’ actions were scheduled to be heard in court Wednesday, according to Hunter Demster, a protest organizer. He said he wanted to send a message to Simon Property Group, which owns the mall.
“We wanted to keep the story alive,” Demster said.
The protest Dec. 1 only lasted a few minutes, he said, but described a significant police presence outside the mall.
“It was very intimidating going in,” he said.
According to Demster, there were 30
This year’s display will include snow in the courtyard, a 90-foot tall Ferris wheel adorned with LED lights and an outdoor skating rink.
For a complete schedule, https://www.memphiszoo.org/ suntrust-zoo-lights.
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
A long-standing Memphis holiday tradition, the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees has returned to Memphis’ Pink Palace Museum.
The festival runs through Dec. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday plus Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
The display includes avenues of decorated trees sponsored by businesses and individuals. Animated characters will greet visitors in the Enchanted Forest.
Running through Dec. 28, Starry Nights is back with its annual drivethrough light display at Shelby Farms.
Presented by International Paper, the display features walking trails of lights and a drive-through display. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for Shelby Farms.
Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Holiday Wonders
Memphis Botanic Garden visit has brought back its Holiday Wonders at the Garden through Dec. 30.
Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on select evenings, with the last admission at 7:30 p.m.
The Botanic Garden grounds are divided into four distinct display areas to offer something for all ages.
For a complete schedule, https://www.memphisbotanic garden.com/wonders.
The Train to Christmas Town
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Based on the children’s book “Train to Christmas Town,” this is a train ride departing from Batesville, Mississippi, (about 60 miles south of Memphis on Interstate 55) and traveling to an undisclosed Christmas Town location.
Passengers, both children and adults, remain on the train for the full round-trip journey that lasts about 70 minutes. While on board, passengers will be treated to cocoa and cookies served by elves and other magical entertainers on board the train.
Visit grenadarail.com/train-tochristmas-town for complete ticket information and directions, along with a Q&A detailing the trip.
New Year’s Eve on Beale
Don’t forget about the annual New Year’s Eve celebration on Beale Street to cap the holiday season.
Festivities this year will begin at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
The event is an evening-long celebration that will include music and fireworks. The street is open to anyone 21 and older.
Ron Maxey covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at maxey@commercialappeal.com or follow him on Twitter @rmaxey1.