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Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition • Nov. 24, 2021
Benzie County’s Festival of Trees benefits Habitat for Humanity
The 2020 Festival of Trees was held in an outdoor pavilion owned by the Benzie Area Historical Museum. (File photo)
By David Yarnell For the News Advocate Habitat for Humanity of Benzie County – an organization that gives people the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving year round – will open the season of giving by hosting its Festival of Trees on Thanksgiving weekend. The festival will be held Nov. 26 and 27, at the Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum, located at 6941 Traverse Ave. in Benzonia. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Trees, wreaths and table decor and banners will be sold by online auction to
support the Habitat home building projects in Benzie County. Kathi Houston has been a festival of trees volunteer since 2002 and the coordinator of the event since 2011. “The items we will be selling can be seen both in person and online,” Houston said. “All of the bidding for items will take place online.” Bidders will receive a text and email confirming the bid and will be notified if there is a higher bid. Item winners will be notified by text and email at the end of the auction. “We had been having the festival at the Benzie Area Historical Society since 2004 and were
Decorated fresh and artificial Christmas trees are part of the draw of the Festival of Trees at the Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum. (Courtesy photo)
thrown for a loop last year when the building was closed because of the pandemic,” Houston said. “My husband, who happens to be a historical society board member, said ‘Why don’t you do it in the pavilion?’ “That’s what we did and it really turned out well. The pavilion was built behind the museum building to house artifacts from Benzie County’s farming history. It had never really been organized, so Habitat got involved in cleaning it up and the museum put in a new surface and it was perfect because it is mostly outdoors.”
Houston said this year the plan is to keep people socially distanced while using both the pavilion and the museum. “Because the museum has re-opened,” Houston said, “we’re going to have some of our items there and others in the pavilion. Everything that’s fresh or live we’ll have in the pavilion and all the other items will be in the museum.” Traditionally there have been live readings during the event, however last year the Truman Capote story “A Christmas Memory” was recorded and available on YouTube. This year it will also be
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available there. During the Festival of Trees, Houston said the museum will have an exhibit of Christmas cards that were created by Benzonian Marjorie Call for her family. For the festival, Houston is expecting 10 to 12 fresh trees, 15 fresh wreaths and 30 to 40 artificial wreaths among other items. She said many local individuals and businesses pitch in to make the event a success. “Victoria’s Floral Design gets all of our wreaths ready for decorating at a reduced cost, trees are donated by Mike Henschell and Joanne Herban-Snow and for the past 11 years Crystal Gardens has donated a potted tree,” she said. “This year Crystal Gardens donated a really big, gorgeous blue spruce.” “What’s really kind of fun is that people buy things for us to be sure we make as much money as possible for Habitat for Humanity,” Houston said. “Today I was driving around giving people artificial trees to decorate. The trees were from people who bought them at last year’s festival and after the season gave them back to us so we could re-decorate them this year.” Houston said that happens quite a bit and it fits in with Habitat’s goals of house building – using recycleable and recycled materials whenever available to make houses safer, warmer and dryer. “We’re on house number 14 in Benzie County, this one in Thompsonville,” she said. “We’re proud
to have built houses in the Benzonia, Honor and Thompsonville areas.” Houston said the Festival of Trees committee starts meeting in the summer, then works through the festival, which is always Thanksgiving weekend, and then has a follow-up meeting to figure out if anything needs to change for the following year. “My husband and I have a storage unit where we keep the things people donate,” she said. “They go to the sales after Christmas to buy the 50% off lights and ornaments and donate them to us. Right now I have a bag of lights in my car and another artificial tree.” Houston said she’s particularly pleased with efforts to perpetuate this spirit of giving. “Steve Graetz, the new principal at Crystal Lake Elementary, through one of our volunteers employed there, Anne Fitch-Clark, wants every student to understand the kind of good Habitat does for the community. All of the students are going to be involved with the festival and will learn about Habitat for Humanity. “We’ve always had teachers and classrooms involved, but starting this year every teacher and every student will be involved.” Further information is available at benziehabitat. ort/festival-of-trees and also on Facebook at Benzie Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees.
Nov. 24, 2021 • Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition
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Kaleva Historical Society offering many programs during holiday season By Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
those carrying on the tradition. “They were in their Over the course of 70s and 80s those first the upcoming holiday few years and now they season the Village are gone, so hopefully of Kaleva will be we can put a candle celebrating its Finnish on their grave now,” heritage with a series said Asiala. “It’s always of special events taking amazing as I kind of place at various places worry each year if we around the community. are going to get it done, One of those events but people always show that has been extremely up.” popular over the years is Last year the weather this the Winter Solstice really cooperated, ceremony where more according to Asiala, than 1,000 luminaries there was just a little will be placed on grave snow and no wind. She sites in the Maple Grove added that last year Township Cemetery they had someone at by friends, relatives the cemetery directing and members of the people to areas where community. This there weren’t as many Finnish tradition has luminaries placed and been celebrated for that helped light things years on the shortest up. day of the year when the “When dusk came, the winter solstice occurs. candles started lighting Kaleva Historical up and when darkness Society president followed they just were Cindy Asiala said it beautiful,” said Asiala. will start at 4 p.m. on “We decided to carry Dec. 21 across from the on last year even with cemetery. Asiala said COVID as everything this tradition has been was outside and people taking place in Kaleva go their own direction.” for the past 24 years She said once they since 1997. finish placing the “It has grown from luminaries this year the maybe 300 candles and volunteers will gather now we are up to over in the cemetery to 1,000,” said Asiala. share some songs and “We have become very to call out some names efficient with the people of people they want to who show up. There honor. is kind of an assembly “That is always a nice line to put the sand and way to complete the candles in the bags and night,” said Asiala. then the people will use Kaleva is going to their truck beds or sleds have plenty of events to take them across the taking place this holiday street and put them on season at the Bottle as many graves as we House Museum, located can.” at 14551 Wuoksi St., She said they move thanks to the historical right along with the society. process and usually “We are doing some complete placing the special events at the 1,000 luminaries in Bottle House Museum a little over an hour. when we are not usually Asiala pointed out that open, but this year we stories of why people are going to be open come out to help with the Saturday’s before this event are also Christmas,” said Asiala. fascinating to listen to “Someone said it is a as some do it for family, shame to decorate the others for people they Bottle House for just knew and some just one day so we will be because they think it a open from noon to 4 great event. p.m. on Saturdays in “One year we even December leading up to had the Brethren sports Christmas. We also are teams come out to help going light up our art as everyone has their sculptures this year as own reasons for doing well.” it,” Asiala said. “It is Some of the featured pretty amazing that things will be the we can be able to do it Finnish Heaven which every year and have the is a wooden frame number of people who holding foil stars that come out to help.” hang over the Christmas Asiala also pointed tree. This is a custom out that there are that came from Finland people who helped in and is reminiscent of those early years who children watching stars have since died and now on Christmas Eve. Colored lights on are being honored by
Many people help to light the candles at Maple Grove Township Cemetery in Kaleva during the winter solstice event each year. (File photo)
Pictured is nativity at the sauna at the Bottle House Museum in Kaleva. The museum will host several events during this holiday season. (Courtesy photo)
the Christmas tree are reflected in the stars and the traditional ornaments of straw and real candles were used in the scene. What will also add to the historical component is old-fashioned toys and other gifts are scattered under the tree and a heritage quilt is placed under the tree as a skirt. People attending on Saturdays will also get the chance for special
gifts that include: • Dec. 4: Traditional Scandinavian tree ornament; • Dec. 11: Hot chocolate and festive cookies served from the sauna; and • Dec. 18: A taste of Finland with nissua and sweet bread with cardamom. “We also have plans to outline the sculptures on Centennial Walkway along Walta Street with
lights this year,” said Asiala. Other activities planned for the holiday season are special Christmas workshops at the Kaleva Art Gallery. The gallery is located in downtown Kaleva and is a cooperative of over 25 artists. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The gallery offers many unique
Christmas gift ideas. The workshops, open to all ages for a $5 donation, include the following: • Dec. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. is a workshop to make Christmas cards; • Dec. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. is a workshop to make a driftwood Santa ornament; and • Dec. 18 from noon to 2 p.m. guests may create a Christmas plaque.
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Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition • Nov. 24, 2021
The New Year's Eve ball drop in Ludington is a popular event, drawing in thousands to see the colorful, bright display. (Courtesy photo)
Downtown Ludington becomes a flurry of holiday acitvity By David Yarnell For the News Advocate
The Ludington area is gearing up for a fun-filled holiday season. The “Aglow on the Avenue Parade” will kick off the season at 6 p.m. on Nov. 27. It will travel east along Ludington Avenue between Gaylord Avenue and Harrison Street. More information on the parade, a project of the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, is available by calling 231-845-0324. Nov. 27 is also Small Business Saturday and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts’ annual Art of Giving Holiday Market opens that weekend and runs through Dec. 17. The market is open during regular LACA business hours – Tuesdays, Thurdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be extended shopping hours on Dec. 5 and Dec. 8. Throughout the holiday shopping season LACA plans to educate the community about the advantages of
purchasing locally made art and that buying and giving art demonstrates real meaningful support for the arts. Jen Tooman, communications and marketing manager for the Ludington Downtown Development Authority, said that the holidays are a great time for downtowns like Ludington. “Small Business Saturday has become one of our biggest shopping days of the year,” Tooman said. “It’s great to see people coming out to support the local businesses for their holiday purchases. “COVID is still somewhat of a factor so we’ll see fewer indoor events where people have to be close together. But we expect the outdoor events to be as popular as ever.” The chamber of commerce is also sponsoring Deck the Halls: A Mason County Decorating Contest. Residents are invited to participate by submitting an entry form available at ludington.org/ deckthehalls. The entry deadline is Nov. 28. The entries will be ready for viewing from Dec. 1-Dec. 27. For those wishing to view them, the chamber of
commerce will publish a map. The West Shore Community College Holiday Rock Spectacular will offer two shows – one at 6:30 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m. – on Dec. 10 at Radiant Church, located at 409 S. Washington Ave. in Ludington. The college’s Performing Arts Series is offering this high energy evening of holiday rock, funk and blues. Featured performers include guitarist Lou Musa from the Verve Pipe, Craig Avery and Kevin Depree from the popular Grand Rapids-based band Brenna, and special appearances from Groove 101, Edgar Struble and other area favorites. The Ludington DDA will hold its Downtown Ludington Cookie Walk from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 11. During this time shoppers are invited to visit downtown Ludington merchants and enjoy a taste of the holidays. The activities surrounding the Pure Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop begin in downtown Ludington at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 and conclude at 12:15 a.m. There will be live music, beer and wine, fireworks and
the ball drop at midnight. More information is available at pureludington.com/nye. Tooman is also excited about Ludington’s gift certificate program going digital this year, and said that there could be funding during the holiday season so that persons who buy one gift certificate will get another of equal value. “With the change to digital, you can purchase gift certificates online and get them immediately in your email,” she said. “That should be super convenient for the holidays, especially for the procrastinators. The gift certificates, good at over 40 downtown businesses, have always been a great Christmas gift option and it’s even easier this year with the digital program.” Gift certificates can be purchased at downtownludington.org, and information on various events is also available at that website. Information on other Mason County events is available from the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-5424600 or pureludington.com.
This year's Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 27 Ludington Avenue. (File photo)
The Downtown Ludington Board held its first Cookie Walk in 2020, which was deemed a success. This year's event is scheduled for Dec. 11. (Courtesy photo)
Countywide Christmas lighting event returns for second year By Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
receive these items at the end of each week. Batjka said they also will put a copy of the map online that people can print out from There isn't anything that spreads the their home if they want to go address to holiday cheer more this time of the year than address to see them all. The public will get to see brightly lit Christmas decorations the opportunity to vote on what they feel is throughout the county. the best entry in each of the four categories. Last year when the COVID-19 pandemic “It’s all designed to get that community limited what people could do to celebrate the spirit up so people can travel all around the holiday season, the Manistee Area Chamber county with their families or relatives and of Commerce instituted the first Manistee just see all these beautiful light displays,” County Community Christmas event to pick said Batjka. “We wanted to get it started for up everyone's spirits. They invited the whole the Thanksgiving Day weekend because a lot county to decorate their homes, businesses of people will be in town at that time.” and churches with decorations and it went Those entering the contest have the over so well that they are making it an opportunity to win some prizes for their annual event. efforts. Manistee County Cash which can The event is designed with three objectives be used at any of the 35 participating in mind: to spread holiday cheer by businesses in the program will be given to decorating the community, to support local the top places. The premise is to keep those businesses through patronage and buying dollars locally. local, and to give back to those in need with “We did prizes last year with (Manistee non-perishable food items or donations. County Cash) and there is basically four Kristina Bajtka, chamber marketing and categories with the businesses competing membership coordinator, said that they for a traveling trophy every year that are hoping to draw an even larger group of is presently held by last year’s winner participants in this year’s event that runs Authentic 231 who said they plan to keep Nov. 26 to Jan.1. They also will create a car it they told me,” Batjka said with a laugh. parade route on the chamber's website to let “There is a nonprofit category that was won residents know where they can view these last year by Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park, decorations. Sparkle in the Park won first place among nonprofits in the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce's but any nonprofit can put together a light inaugural Manistee County Community Christmas event in 2020.(File photo) “Basically, we are going to do the same show to compete for the $100 top prize.” thing as last year and people can sign up There also will be a resident’s category on the Chamber Facebook page Manistee and the top votegetter will earn $100 in County Community Christmas as there will Manistee County Cash. be an electronic form or they can email me Batjka said she would love to see the at Kristina@ManisteeChamber.com, for program grow where even area schools could the link,” said Batjka. “We want everyone to be a part of the event or enough people from decorate and we will create a parade route, a particular neighborhood where they could so to speak. We don’t route it as we actually give out a neighborhood award. use Google Pin and then people will have to “We are just trying to get some legs under use their phones to find the locations.” it as we had 94 who decorated last year and When businesses sign up they can choose this year we are shooting for 200 to take if they want to be a drop-off site for nonpart in it,” she said. “If we can get some of perishable food items that will go to support the schools we would love it and create a the Blessing in a Backpack program which category for that as they could even decorate feeds children in need on the weekends. a bus in front of the building or any number of things. It’s their creativity and that is what Volunteers pack bags with nonperishable food items to send to local schools. Students it is all about.” Manistee County Community Christmas will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 this year.(Courtesy photo)
Nov. 24, 2021 • Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition
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Ramsdell Theatre to host holiday traditions By David Yarnell For the News Advocate
Sleighbell weekend,” Protasiewicz said. “She will be at the Ramsdell visiting the Festival of Trees and will also be Manistee’s historic gem, the Ramsdell helping the volunteers at the Vogue. And Theatre, has been the center of the of course she’ll be in a carriage for the community’s holiday celebrations for Sleighbell parade.” nearly 120 years. That tradition continues There will also be tours of the Ramsdell in 2021. during Sleighbell weekend. First up is Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker “We’ll have multiple tour guides so Ballet, presented by the Ramsdell tours will begin every 10 or 15 minutes Regional Center for the Arts and directed and this way there won’t be any long by Ingrid Bond. waits,” Protasiewicz said. It opens during Victorian Sleighbell She added that she is excited about the Parade and Old Christmas Weekend with exhibit “First Americans” that is currently 8 p.m. shows on Dec. 3 and 4 and a 2 on exhibit in Hardy Hall and runs p.m. show on Dec. 5. There will also be through Dec. 30. 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. shows the following “This exhibit features Michigan Native weekend, Dec. 10-12. Also on Sleighbell weekend Manistee’s American artists and is dedicated to our country’s first Native American cabinet Lakeside Club will be organizing the member, Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Festival of Trees in the Ramsdell Interior,” Protasiewicz said. “In addition ballroom. The first look at the Festival to artworks by multiple artists, there are of Trees will during the Manistee Area also some Native American works on loan Chamber of Commerce's Business from Traverse City’s Dennos Museum." After Hours Holiday Edition from Another of the Ramsdell’s December 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The cost is $15 for events, Protasiewicz said, is one of a members and $25 for non-members series of Family Opera Days on Dec. 18. and advance registration is required at While adults attend the opera “Eurydice,” manisteechamber.com. students will participate in an art project “Historically the Ramsdell Regional related to the production. At intermission Center of the Arts has been the center they will join their parents and see the of Manistee’s Christmas celebrations second half of the opera together. and we’re excited to be carrying on that “The idea is to introduce the students tradition,” said Sherri Protasiewicz, Ramsdell marketing and events manager. to the opera at an early age,” Protasiewicz said. “We’re also bringing Miss Michigan, Vivian Zhong, here on Saturday during The Nutcracker, which premiered in
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Businesss After Hours at the Festival of Trees is Dec. 2 from 5-7 p.m. (File photo)
1892, will involve over 150 cast members and volunteers. The Victorian-era holiday classic is a perfect match for the Ramsdell stage. The choreography for the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, done by original choreographer Marius Petipa, was handed down by legendary Russianborn prima ballerina Alexandra Danilova to choreographer Carol Greenaway, who now lives in Frankfort, to Ingrid Bond. The Festival of Trees will be presented
in the Ramsdell ballroom on Dec. 3 and 4. Trees and other holiday decor will be up for bid through silent auction. Further information on the Festival of Trees is available by phone at 906-440-6770 or email festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com. Further information on the events at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is available by calling 231-398-9770 and at ramsdelltheatre.org.
Manistee museums ready for holiday season By Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate The holiday season is all about the giving spirit so it is only fitting that the Manistee County Historical Museum's Christmas display is honoring the works of a man who has given so much to the organization over the years. Museum Executive Director Mark Fedder said this year's holiday display will feature a kind of two for one type of display that celebrates the holidays while honoring a great volunteer at the same time. The display will have lots of historical Christmas decorations from the past, but will also pay tribute to Ken Jilbert and many of the historical displays that he created over the years for the Manistee County Historical Museum. "The display this year is called 'Christmas and Ken Jilbert,'" said Fedder. "We wanted to do something a little different this year than in the past, so we will have the usual holiday displays with Christmas, but then we are also going to feature the models, wood workings and works of Ken Jilbert." After opening the weekend of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend on Dec. 2 the exhibit will run through the rest of the month. It will be open regular hours 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the exception of Sleighbell Weekend when the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 5. Cost of admission is $1 for students and $3 for adults. The museum is located at 425 River St. Also scheduled at this time is a
two-day Scandinavian Christmas Open House at the Old Kirke Museum, located at 304 Walnut St. Old Kirke Museum Director Ken Cooper said they plan to have some festive decorations up for the event that takes place from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5. The Old Kirke Museum was built in 1868 as a Danish church and is the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America with its doors open. “We will have an open house over the weekend of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend festival,” said Cooper. “We will have three trees decorated: one Norwegian, one Swedish and one Danish and we will also have some snacks.” The free event will include some other items for the public to view. “We will also have an exhibit of Tiny Towns and Trains, and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas,” said Cooper. Cooper said they did this in past but were unable to do it last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are assuming to move forward, but will kind of wait to see what happens,” he said. Fedder said Jilbert is a retired drafting teacher for the Manistee Area Public Schools who is very well known in the community. After Jilbert retired from teaching he turned his energy to helping the museum with a variety of projects. "He has been a true volunteer at the museum over the years," said Fedder. "He has given a lot of time and love to the Manistee County Historical Museum and
The Old Kirke Museum was built in 1868 as a Danish Church. A two-day Scandinavian Christmas Open House will be held there during Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.(File photo)
we are very appreciative for all that he has done for us.” Fedder said Jilbert’s dedication to the museum is one of the reasons they wanted to honor him in this exhibit. “That is why we wanted to honor him because he is very special to the museum and also to the community at large,” said Fedder. “We felt the Christmas season would be a good time to do it.” Jilbert has created models of eight of the historic vessels that visited the port of Manistee that are on display at the museum. Each of those models was done with intricate detail that catches the eye of most visitors to the Manistee County Historical Museum. “We are going to include a couple other ones as we have the (vessel) Maggie Marshall which was a big lumber schooner that
was used by (late 1800 Manistee lumberman) Louie Sands. Typically all of those things Ken made are tied to the history of Manistee.” Jilbert also creates historic looking walking sticks that are available at the museum for purchase . “Our plans are to also have some of his tools on display and some of the things he has used to do his models, wood carvings and all of those things,” said Fedder. Fedder said Jilbert also does things to maintain all the historic signs that are located along the Manistee Riverwalk that contain information on local history along the river channel and the role it played in the development this area. “He still covers and uncovers those markers every spring and fall and makes sure they are
all are in fine condition,” said Fedder. “He has done a lot for the community.” Jilbert is also someone who is still fondly remembered by students he taught many years ago at Manistee High School. “We all remember our teachers and over the years that I have been at the museum we always have people who will point to the canes or models and ask if it was created by Ken Jilbert,” said Fedder. “They then say he taught them drafting and was such a great teacher. Some will add how they got into architecture or drafting because of Ken.” Fedder invites the public to take the time to check out this year’s exhibit as it will not only put them in the Christmas spirit, but also give them the chance to honor a Manistee resident who is great volunteer for the community.
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Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition • Nov. 24, 2021
The 2021 Sparkle in the Park will take place from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31 from 5-10 p.m. nightly at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake. (File photo)
Sparkle in the Park to light up Bear Lake By Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
She pointed out there is a mailbox on each side of the road by the pavilion in the During the course of the park where people can make year, every community puts a donation. on special events that tug at “We had a little box for the hearts of their residents many years until last year, and visitors like a Hallmark when we had to empty that a moment. couple times a night because The Bear Lake Promoters people were putting in so have been creating such an many donations they couldn’t event for the past 17 years fit anymore in the small box,” during the holiday season said Jaquish. “So we put up when they light up Hopkins the two mailboxes this year, Park and the surrounding but holy smokes when you see area with thousands of things like that it really makes Christmas lights. The event is you feel good.” called Sparkle in the Park by Jaquish said they also get name, but to the thousands nice notes from the people who view it each year it is saying how much they enjoy pure magic. the displays. She said hearing This year Sparkle in the those things also helps make Park takes place from 5 the hard work in preparing -10 p.m. nightly from Nov. for it so much easier. 26 until Dec. 31. There is A heartwarming part of the no official admission cost, annual event, according to but there is a place where Jaquish, is to see family units donations can be made to come down and either drive help defray the electrical costs through Hopkins Park or park of the event. their car to take a leisurely Pauline Jaquish, of the stroll past the entries. Bear Lake Promoters, said it “We have holiday music takes a tremendous amount playing at three different sites of preparation and work each and it’s really cool to watch year to produce Sparkle in the interaction,” she said. “A the Park. However, when the lot of people call this Bear switch goes on lighting it all Lake’s Hallmark moment and up for the first time, it makes on any night the weather is the hard effort worthwhile. good that parking lot is filled "The park has 30 campsites and people who are walking that will be full with displays through the park. That is a and then we put in 20-plus good thing and if we charged more locations where we a price that probably wouldn’t can get a cord to it in the be happening as much.” park," said Jaquish. "Just People from many locations the promoters themselves around the state inquire each have 90,000 lights that will year about when Sparkle in be going up and that doesn't the Park is open so they can include all the others coming come and see it. in to set up." “I get calls about Sparkle in They also plan displays the Park from (near) Grand above the park in the former Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse variety store lot. City, Ludington and Cadillac “We have been spilling out as it has really grown,” said into the town just because Jaquish. we have a lot of stuff to use,” Last year Sparkle in the she said. “I am just really Park was awarded two top 10 happy for all the people who places in Best Holiday Light put in the effort to decorate Show in the state. their homes and businesses “That was a first for us as that speaks well of our and now that they got us on community.” their radar hopefully we can Jaquish said the event keep that status going,” said would never have been able Jaquish. to grow like it has without On opening night they will the great generosity of those be awarding the Best of Show who view it every year. That out of all the people other giving spirit provides the than the Bear Lake Promoters opportunity for less fortunate who put up their own members of the community displays. There is a first place to take their children to view ($100 Bear Lake Bucks), it as well. second place ($75 Bear Lake "People have been generous Bucks) and third place ($50 throughout the years and Bear Lake Bucks). Those can there are some people who be redeemed at any Bear Lake I know who wouldn't come business. through to see it once each The residential and business contest will be year because they couldn't afford to pay an admission fee announced Dec. 12. To register a site on or before each time and those kids in Dec. 10, call Rita Brisbin at that car need to come down 231-930-4759. The prizes to as often as possible," said Jaquish. "That is what we see the top three spots will be in the same amount. so much of every year.”
Thirty campsites at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake will be decorated and lit up for the annual Sparkle in the Park, which is open to the public from 5-10 p.m. nightly from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. (File photo)
Campsites at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake will be decorated and lit up for the annual Sparkle in the Park from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. (File photo)
Nov. 24, 2021 • Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition
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Horse drawn carriage rides from Fantail Farms are part of the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts event at Frankfort High School.
Craft show to return to Frankfort this holiday season By David Yarnell For the News Advocate
Visitors to the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair check out wooden bowls, just one of the many unique handmade gifts available from vendors. (File photo)
“I think everyone’s looking forward to getting back to a little bit normal – looking for something to do and After a year with nearly every single somewhere to go,” Bartley continued. arts and crafts show canceled due “This is always a great weekend in to COVID-19, there’s no doubt that Frankfort because there are so many the public is really looking forward people in town for Thanksgiving. to this season’s Christmas arts and Like a lot of things in Frankfort, it’s crafts shows. tradition – to go to the Holly Berry The Holly Berry Arts and Crafts on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.” Fair in Frankfort will be back in There will be a $2 admission full force on Nov. 27, according to charge for the event, which includes a Joanne Bartley, executive director raffle ticket the individual can put in of the Frankfort Elberta Chamber of a container near an item they would Commerce. like to win. The winners will be “It’s always a fun and festive way drawn at the conclusion of the fair. to get the holiday gears going,” said Bartley said she is looking forward Bartley of the show that will be held to a fun and successful holiday at Frankfort High School from 9 a.m. season in Frankfort. until 3 p.m. “It’s a great way to start “We’re going to try to do several or finish your Christmas shopping different things to help the because there will be lots of fun businesses extend the season,” she holiday items there.” said. “The (Downtown Development Bartley said they are hoping to have Authority), the chamber and some the usual more than 100 vendors local residents are working together there. Because of continuing COVID to try to create a December activities concerns, the usual kids games and schedule so people come and enjoy Santa visit will not take place. There our area.” will be horse drawn carriage rides Further information is available by contacting the Frankfort Elberta through Frankfort that day while the Chamber of Commerce at 231-352annual lighting of the community 7251, fcofc@frankfort-elberta.comor Christmas tree will be held the frankfort-elberta.com. following weekend, on Dec. 4.
We thank you for the gift of your business, and wish you and your loved ones a bounty of glad tidings this holiday season.
Spoons, forks and other utensils were shaped like sea animals at this 2017 Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair vendor's booth. (File photo)
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Manistee News Advocate Holiday Edition • Nov. 24, 2021
Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend to return Dec. 2-5 By Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate The Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend will be returning Dec. 2-5 to Manistee with a slightly different look after a one year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleighbell committee chair Julia Cook said committee members have been working hard the past several months in preparation for the return that will feature some new concepts mixed in with many traditional events. "I am so excited to say everything is coming together as we started with nothing two and one-half months ago because we didn’t know what would happen with COVID," said Cook. "Everybody is excited and what I did when I got this assignment was to go down to the museum and pulled everything I could find on it." What she discovered there was the notes of the late Jerry Smith who was one of the originators of the weekend, along with Amanda Pinkerton, in 1989. "So I took his mission and vision and completely ran with that as we are doing some things old-school this year on how it's done," said Cook. “Once I started doing that it just started to roll and we have done a different approach. Jerry started with 64 people and he drew a line where it went right up to 10,000 people and we want to follow his mission.” She pointed out that they are also bringing in some things not seen before during the event. "We have some new stuff coming in as the (Manistee) Civic Players’ Ben Hengy is working on getting town criers for the parade as they will be placed at different locations and will entertain the crowd before the parade and during it," said Cook. “The town criers will step out and yell out who is coming down the street next to the crowd and if there is a lull, their job is to jump out and get the crowd singing or something like that.” Something else that will be different this year is at 4:30 p.m. prior to the start of the 5:30 p.m. Sleighbell Parade down River Street, there will be a new way to summon people to the downtown area "Guardian Angels Church has committed to ringing their bells to call everyone to the downtown area," said Cook. One tradition that will return after the parade is caroling, lighting of the tree and a fireworks display near the Manistee Municipal Marina, sponsored by Jeff Reau of Edward D. Jones.
The annual Festival of Trees returns to the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, this year hosted by the Lakeside Club. (File photo)
The 2021 Victorian Sleighbell Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 on River Street in downtown Manistee and features participants in authentic, Victorian era garb in addition to horse drawn carriages and more. (File photo)
The committee also is working with area restaurants, businesses and clubs to get them more involved in the event. She said some of that came from her work over the past decade with the Vogue Theatre. “I learned from the Vogue and working behind the scenes with Sleighbell in the past few years that you need more community involvement,” said Cook. “Once they are involved they take ownership and it will get even better.” Cook said something else new they are doing this year is hiring a photographer to capture images of the event so they can use them in promotional campaigns in the years ahead. “Most of the ones we have been using
Have a safe & Happy Holiday from
were off of someone’s website, so it will be good to have some of our own,” said Cook. “We want to build a book in 2021 on the history of Sleighbell because in 20 years I hope those running it can continue right on with it.” Cook said they are looking at using a different mindset overall leaning more toward opening the door for people to come into the community and enjoy the event. “We are the hosts of this event and are inviting people to our community and homes and I want them to be treated with entertainment, lodging and food,” she said. “I have the Elks doing a breakfast on Saturday morning which we have never done that before as they are at a perfect
spot.” Another new thing they will be doing this year on Friday evening in place of the soup cook-off will be a scavenger hunt. People should also note that the Sleighbell committee is not producing a print brochure this year listing the schedule. “Everything is going off the website and it is going to have a QR code that you can scan at stores and table tents at the restaurants so you can scan the schedule,” said Cook. Many traditional favorites will also be back like the Festival of Trees that will be held at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts ballroom from Dec. 3-5. People can purchase their favorite decoration or tree with the proceeds going to the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. Those attending will able to vote on the People’s Choice Award by bringing canned goods or toys to place by their favorite entry. The food items will benefit Mathew 25:35 Food Pantry and the toys will go to the FiveCAPS Toys for Tots program. Another popular event returning to the Ramsdell will be the Nutcraker Ballet at 8 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 4 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5. Over 150 dancers will take part in this classic directed by Ingrid Bond. There will be craft sales during the Old Christmas Weekend, but in a new format with two of them taking place. The Mom2Mom Holiday Craft Sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conservatory of Dance, located at 321 Oak Grove St. on Dec. 4. Another will be taking place on the same day at the Wagoner Community Center, located at 260 St. Mary’s Parkway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Another longtime favorite, the Jingle Bell Jam will take place at American Legion Post No. 10 on Dec. 4 with plenty of music to dance to during the evening. Cost of admission is $10 or an unwrapped gift that will go to Toys for Tots. The Advent and Christmas Story in Work and Song will be returning at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on Dec. 5. It is a free event open to the public. A new event from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 3 is a Christmas Dance at the Armory Youth Project for students in grades 6-12. The Christmas themed dance is in a safe environment, and there is no charge for those who want to attend. Cook said events are still being added to the online schedule at manisteesleighbellparade.com/eventschedule/ and people should look there for an updated version of what is taking place.
Happy Holidays from Dublin General Store! Thanks for being such wonderful customers and friends and for making us feel so blessed this Holiday Season!
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