Holly Day Light Festival in Almont this Saturday

Full slate of activities greets visitors

 

ALMONT — The Village of Almont will be filled with laughter and smiles this Christmas season, beginning with their annual celebration on Saturday.

The full-day event, organized by the Almont Downtown Development Authority, kicks off at 7 a.m. with shopping and dining in the downtown area and is capped off with the annual tree lighting and welcome to the jolly fella himself, Santa Clause.

The Holly Jolly Holiday Party runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Henry Stephens Memorial Library while visitors can have their face painted from noon until 3 p.m. at Mikey’s – A Small Town Bar.

At that same time, those stopping in at Senor Victor’s can catch a balloon artist making special holiday creations and a photo booth will be sure to bring smiles at Roots BBQ from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Almont DDA Executive Director Angela Edwards said of the special event, “We’re excited to bring back all the kid-favorite activities we introduced last year – our photo booth, balloon animals, and glitter tattoos. This year we’re also adding a Hot Cocoa Crawl. Participants can purchase a commemorative mug and visit our 8 downtown businesses hosting cocoa stations!”

Edwards went on to say, “It’s a cozy way for families to explore downtown and stay warm leading up to the highlight of the festival, the lighted parade. With the library’s Holly Jolly Party and full-day programming from the Almont Historical Society Museum, there will truly be something for all ages happening throughout Almont.”

A bonfire will help keep guests warm, burning from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and visits with Santa will take place at Michelle Belesky-State Farm from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The Almont Historical Society will be hosting visitors to their Christmas Craft event from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. while First Congregational Church will welcome folks to their Festival of Trees event beginning at 6 p.m.

While the parade begins it’s lineup at the high school beginning at 6 p.m., the Almont high school Varsity Singers will perform downtown at Fountain Park at 6:30 and will include a community sing-a-long.

The spectacular Almont Christmas Parade will step off at 7 p.m., proceeding through downtown on Main St.

The festive day will be capped off with a special Almont welcome to Santa at 8 p.m. and the Tree Lighting ceremony shortly after.

DDA members encourage everyone from the community and surrounding areas to make plans to come out to Almont Saturday and spend the day celebrating the Christmas season.

They say, “Come experience the holiday magic in downtown Almont. Mingle with family and friends around a warm fire while enjoying a steaming cup of hot cocoa and nibbling on the treats of the season.”

For more information on the event, you can contact the Almont DDA 810-798-8125 or visit their website almontdda.com.

First, second and third prizes will be awarded to parade participants in the categories of business, Community, organizations and Student Groups.