Plans for the Christmas season got off to an early start Tuesdaynight at the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce with thenaming of Miss Merry Christmas.

Jana Wallace, a 17-year-old senior at Brookhaven High School,was chosen from among six contestants for the holiday honor.

Wallace said she was “very excited” about being named Miss MerryChristmas.

Rita Rich, Christmas parade chairwoman and organizer of thepageant, said Miss Merry Christmas is not a beauty contest butrather a search for a young lady that demonstrates the spirit ofChristmas. The contest was open to young women in the Brookhavenand Lincoln County area.

Rich said the girls could be as old as 20 but had to be at least17 and a senior in an area high school.

As winner of the contest, Wallace will be an ambassador for theChamber of Commerce during the holiday season. She is expected totake part in the chamber -sponsored Christmas Open House scheduledfor Nov. 12, which is held with area retail businesses. She willalso participate in the Christmas parade on Dec. 1 as well asseveral other activities between now and the first of the year.

Rich said any business that has an open house during theholidays can request the presence of Miss Merry Christmas throughthe chamber.

The chamber has been recognizing outstanding young ladies forthis honor since 1992, Rich said.

Wallace was crowned by last year’s Miss Merry Christmas, JoyPowell. Wallace is the daughter of the Rev. Leon and TammyeWallace, of Brookhaven.

Other contestants this year included Ashley Palomarez, TamaraPope, Lennye Peagler, Rachel Blair and Marion Patti.