FeedsCelebrate the season
Events mark beginning of holidays
It is now official. Despite the lack of snow and the unseasonably warm weather, the holiday season has begun and events are planned throughout the area to entertain, aid, and help maintain equilibrium during this time of Santa, reindeer, elves, egg nog and stress. Lots and lots of stress.
But despite all that, this truly is the very best time of the year.
To mark the season, many communities have planned special events and activities, some of which we received in time to list.
So despite the economy keeping us from shopping, the lack of ideas for gifts, the failure to find at least four more hours in every day and the loss of Aunt Millie’s recipe for the very best turkey dressing ever….we will all muddle through with a big smile if we can remember that this should be a season of joy, of family and a celebration of thankfulness for what we have…or still have.
This truly is a time of peace and joy if we can calm down and try to enjoy one of the best times of the year.
Happy Thanksgiving….and welcome to the holidays.
In BELLEVILLE
Winterfest Christmas Parade starts off season
The 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, part of Winterfest 2009, will begin a 1½ mile march through downtown from the Belleville High School parking lot at 6 p.m. Dec. 5.
Entry forms must be returned by tomorrow to the Belleville Chamber of Commerce office at 248 Main St. or faxed to (734) 697-1415.
The theme this year is Nostalgic Winter Wonderland, and the event will include a hot dog dinner for a nominal fee at the high school cafeteria beginning at 3 p.m. There will be fireworks display over Belleville Lake after the parade at about 7:30 p.m. and ice sculptures on display throughout the downtown area all day. Due to the fireworks, the Denton Road Bridge will be closed for a short time.
Santa will join everyone on the Historical Museum lawn to light the Christmas tree. He will then greet children at the First United Methodist Church on Charles Street.
Information is available at the chamber office, (734) 697-7157.
Annual holiday Angel of Hope service planned
The annual Angel of Hope Memorial Service will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Hillside Cemetery in Belleville.
This is a short but solemn evening set aside to remember deceased children.
To have a child’s name read aloud as part of the remembrance, phone the Brown Family Center, (734) 697-5090.
The cemetery is located at 46785 Denton Road.
Holiday sale of wreaths and greens to aid bands
Once again, the Belleville High School Band Boosters are sponsoring the annual Wreath Sale fundraiser. This year, offerings will include a 20-inch wreath for $22, a 28-inch wreath for $28, 24-inch door swag for $20 and 60 feet of cedar roping for $35.
Also for sale will be the Flower of the Month Coupon Card for $25 and table centerpieces for $28.
All proceeds benefit the band programs at the school. Orders and pre-payments must be submitted by Nov. 30.
Orders can be picked up from noon until 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Garden Fantasy, 10501 Haggerty Road in Belleville.
For more information, phone Colette McClinton (313) 304-0336.
Church to host holiday craft show
The annual craft show at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Belleville will take place Nov. 21.
Table rentals are still available by calling (734) 697-8822, after 3 p.m.
The church is located at 409 W. Columbia.
In CANTON TOWNSHIP
Santa and reindeer to attend tree lighting
Santa and his reindeer, along with carriage rides through Heritage Park will be part of the annual official holiday tree lighting planned for 6 until 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Summit on the Park.
The event will also include refreshments, seasonal crafts and entertainment and is open to the public at no charge.
Tickets for brunch with Santa on sale
Tickets for the popular Santa Brunch are on sale at the Summit on the Park until Nov. 30.
The popular event will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Summit Banquet Center. Tickets are $16 for those 13 and older, $12 for those 4-12 and $5 for children 3 and younger.
For information, phone (734) 394-5640.
Turkey Trot aids charity
Individuals of all ages can run or walk for a good cause from 8:30 a.m. until noon Nov. 26 during the annual Turkey Trot for A Cause at Pheasant Run Golf Club.
Pledges made to walkers during the Thanksgiving Day event will go to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.
For information, phone (734) 483-5600.
In INKSTER
Senior citizen helps light tree
One of the oldest city residents will help Mayor Hilliard Hampton and Santa light the official city Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at city hall.
Many city officials are expected to be on hand distributing candy canes and small stockings to children. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served and the choir from Blanchette Middle School has been asked to perform.
The event is open to the public at no charge.
Seniors plan early Christmas dinner
Inkster Senior Citizens can enjoy an early Christmas dinner with the Wayne Westland Salvation Army from noon until 2 p.m. Dec. 4.
The luncheon will take place at 2300 S. Venoy Road in Westland. There is no cost to attend, but seniors must reserve a seat in advance.
Reservations can be made by phoning (734) 722-3660.
Entertainment will be provided by The Traveling Band.
In NORTHVILLE
Holiday play presented
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) will be presented at the Tipping Point Theatre through Dec. 20.
Three quick-witted actors will portray as many holiday traditions and stories as they can remember, all in 90 minutes.
The comedy is fun for the entire family. Tickets are $25 and $27, depending on the day and time of the show. Curtain is at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, there are 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, depending on the show.
For show times, prices and availability, phone (248) 347-0003 or visit www.tippingpointtheatre.com.
Holiday Lighted Parade tomorrow
Northville will welcome Santa to town tomorrow with a parade full of lights, sparkle and music. Visitors can enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate in Town Square along with children’s activities, a photo booth and holiday music.
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and start from the Senior Community Center parking lot and continue through downtown.
For information, contact the event sponsor, the Northville Chamber of Commerce, (248) 349-7640.
Annual Christmas Walk is Saturday
The 28th Annual Hometown Holidays Christmas Walk is planned for Nov. 21 in downtown Northville.
Shops will be decorated and there will be a greens market in Town Square. The Downtown Development Authority will also provide horse drawn carriage rides free of charge, along with sponsors Blue Green Resorts and Knickerbocker Group of Raymond James.
The event will continue from noon until 4 p.m. For more information, contact the chamber of commerce at (248) 349-7640.
White Christmas at the Marquis
The Movies at the Marquis Series will return for a limited time with 11 all-time classic films in 2010. To celebrate, the Marquis will offer a free showing of White Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.
The free tickets are only available at the Stampeddler, 145 N. Center. Doors will open at 6:45.
The series will begin Jan. 16 through March 27, 2010.
For more information, contact the Northville Downtown Development Authority, (248) 349-0345.
Village hosts Christmas Walk
Artisans working on crafts the way the would have a century ago along with holiday decorations throughout will highlight the annual Mill Race Village Christmas Walk planned from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 22.
Admission to the event is free, but registration is required.
Holiday music will fill the Cady Inn, and a family sing-a-long is planned from 2-3 p.m. at the New School Church. Father Christmas will make a special appearance during the event.
To register for the sing-along, phone the Northville Historical Society, (248) 348-1845. Mill Race Village is located at 215 Griswold.
All-A-Glow ceremony set
The Northville Mother’s Club will again host the memorial tree with lights commemorating loved ones in Old Church Square at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
Donations for commemorative lights will go to the Mother’s Club which is dedicated to helping the district schools and children.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be available and music will be provided by the Hillside Middle School and Meads Mill Middle School choirs.
Old Church Square is located at N. Center and W. Dunlap.
Tinsels and Treasures dates set
The Tinsel and Treasures artisan market will feature handcrafted items from more than 75 artisans at the Northville Senior Community Center Dec. 11-13.
This year, works include painting, furniture, fibers, gourmet foods, fashions, jewelry, photography, sculptures, holiday items, woodwork, glass, ceramics, home décor and more.
Admission is $3 for adults older than 12.No strollers will be permitted.
Hours are from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For information, call (734) 459-0050.
In PLYMOUTH
Music Boosters host craft show
Plymouth High School will be the site of a Holiday Arts and Crafts Ensemble from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 21.
The event is a juried art and craft exhibition and includes makers of jewelry, gifts, floral arrangements, purses, wood crafts, glass works, clothing and linens, paintings, painted glass ornaments and other items.
In addition to the more than 100 exhibitors, there will be baked good and a raffle.
Admission to the event is $2 and all proceeds will benefit the music programs at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.
Plymouth High Schools is located at 8400 Beck road, just south of Joy Road in Canton.
For information, phone (734) 414-7654.
Santa arrives during tree lighting
Santa Claus will arrive during the official tree lighting ceremony in Plymouth scheduled for 5:45 until 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 in Kellogg Park.
The traditional caroling sing-a-long is planned, after which Santa will be escorted to his house for normal Santa visiting hours during the holiday season.
While in the park, visitors can enjoy the Walk of Trees which features Christmas trees decorated by local families, service clubs groups and businesses.
For more information about the event, contact the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, (734) 453-1540.
In ROMULUS
Holiday season set to begin
Romulus officials already know when to expect Santa this year, and are already preparing for his arrival.
The Jolly Old Elf himself will appear at the city tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 30. Just prior to his arrival, Romulus Historical Commission and Romulus Historical Society members will open the museum and historic Kingsley house at Romulus Historical Park to the public. Both are being decorated for the Christmas season.
When Santa arrives, he will be presented with a key to the city and help officials light the city tree.
Following the ceremony at Romulus Historical Park, located at 11120 Hunt St., Romulus Progressive Club members will open the hall at 11580 Ozga Road near Five Points for light refreshments while Santa listens to children’s Christmas wish lists.
The Lincoln Park Train Club will have train displays to view, there will be craft making and highlights from the Parks and Recreation Department programs.
Refreshments and gift bags for children will provided by the parks and recreation department.
The program is free and open to the public, however photos with Santa will be available for a $2 charge.
In WAYNE
Parade is Saturday
The traditional Rotary Club Christmas Parade is planned for Saturday, through the downtown area.
All the usual crowd-pleasing attractions will be marching, along with Santa beginning at 10 a.m. down Wayne Road.
Santa to light tree
Wayne Mayor Al Haidous will welcome citizens and Santa will light the city Christmas tree during a ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. at the Wayne Historical Museum located between the Michigan Avenues and One Town Square.
Photos with Santa will be available for $2 and cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
For more information, phone (734) 721-7400.
In WESTLAND
Sock it to the mayor
Mayor William Wild has joined the Westland Salvation Army and the Wayne/Westland School District in a sock drive to aid those in need.
Wild has asked members of the community to bring new, un-used socks, no matter the cost, to Westland City Hall until Friday, Dec. 4. He has also asked PTA organizers to coordinate the collection of socks within their buildings during the month of November.
All socks will be donated to the Salvation Army and distributed to local families in need.
For information, phone city hall, (734) 467-3200.
Annual tree decorating event
Bring in the holidays with Mayor William Wild and his special guest, Santa Claus as they supervise students and scout troops decorate the trees between city hall and the Bailey Recreation Center beginning at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
Each group will decorate a tree specially chosen for them and then present their trees to the mayor and Santa.
The celebration and presentation will include a Christmas carol sing along and refreshments.
For more information, call 734-722-7620.
