Winter Fest takes center stage

Imlay City celebration ready to welcome guests

 

IMLAY CITY — There are a few new wrinkles this year, but the annual Winter Fest Celebration is ready to welcome hundreds of visitors to town this weekend.

This year will be the first year for the Community Center (former DPW garage) to host the Kringle Market. The building is on E. Third St. east of J&J Liquidation.

“I feel like I am one of the little kids that can’t wait to see Santa and all the lights” said newly named Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, Charles Bennett.

“I am really looking forward to Kringle Market and the tree lighting. I hear it’s a spectacular time.”

Winter Fest will be the first major event under the leadership of Bennett and he says he has had a lot of help getting things ready.

As of Monday afternoon, he said there are around 15 vendors lined up for the Kringle Market with room for a few more if someone wants to have a space.

“We do have some non-profits that are going to set up, too,” Bennett added. “We’re anxious to get in to the new building and see how it goes.”

Although the building is not completely finished with the renovations, Bennett says, “we’ll still have heat and power in there and it will be a great day. We’ve got people working hard behind the scenes to make sure the building can be used.”

The one-day celebration on Saturday kicks-off at 11 a.m. and runs until around 8 p.m.

The day will feature the Tree Lighting Ceremony with special guests including Santa Claus and the Imlay City mayor.

The Lighted Christmas Parade will be sure to make the eyes of both young and old sparkle in the reflection of decorations as it winds it way through downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Other activities planned for the day include the Kringle Market running from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., a Live Nativity from 2 to 4 p.m. near the Farmer’s Market pavilion at the corner of E. Third and Main St., Kid’s Crafts from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. are being done at various locations throughout downtown, lunch with Santa from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the Eagles’ hall on S. Almont Ave. and a display by first responders from 1 to 4 p.m. at the intersection of E. Third and Main St.

Following the 5:30 p.m. parade, guests will want to take part in the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The day will be capped off with an opportunity to visit with Santa at Halabicky Insurance Agency from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Winter Fest 2025 is being sponsored by the Imlay City DDA and Chamber of Commerce and their many supporters.