CAIRO — Christmas is coming to Davis Park next month following a recent decision by the Cairo City Council.

The Washington Middle School band’s annual Christmas Concert will take place at the park Tuesday, December 15 at 6 p.m.

WMS band director Patrick Ballew and Principal Michael Best were present at a recent council meeting to pitch their case for why the concert should be moved to Davis Park.

“I feel this will be a good opportunity,” Ballew said, “because with all of the COVID stuff the kids are wanting something that reminds them of a typical year. I think this will be a good thing to do if we’re able to get out there.”

Though typically held in the school gym, this year’s concert will instead be moved to the park to allow audience members greater space to practice social distancing.

Ballew told the council he’s currently keeping band members spaced apart in the school lunchroom for practices. For this month’s concert, he says he believes band members can safely practice social distancing underneath the park pavilion.

Council members voted unanimously to allow the move to take place.

Concert spectators are asked to bring lawn chairs and keep six feet apart from others.

The concert is expected to last about half an hour.