Winter Fest to ring in holiday spirit in Imlay

Popular, family friendly event is this Sat., beginning at 10 a.m.

IMLAY CITY — The spirit of the season will be on full display this Saturday, Dec. 7 as businesses and residents alike welcome the 2024 Winter Fest.

Hosted by the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority, the day-long celebration features fun for families and people of all ages while shining a spotlight on all that Imlay City has to offer.

“The Imlay City Chamber is excited to once again bring Winter Fest to our community,” says Chamber board member Vicki Sefcovic of Great Lakes Warriors.

“We encourage folks to bundle up and walk through downtown and visit the many businesses that are taking part in this event,” she adds, “as well as check out the DDA’s Kringle Market with two convenient locations this year.”

Indeed, visitors are invited to get a jump on holiday shopping at the Kringle Market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Held at the old Fire Hall on Third Street and the Senior Center in the Lamb-Steele building, the market features a wide variety of unique crafts, hand- and homemade items and other treasures to place under the Christmas tree. Products from more than 30 vendors will be available until 4 p.m.

Lunch with Santa takes place at Third and Main from 11 a.m.-noon and again from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Seating is limited; some spots already filled. Online registration strongly recommended at imlaycitychamberofcommerce.org/winter-fest.

In between shopping and lunch, visitors can take in a live Nativity scene and petting farm at the Farmers Market area on Third St. from 2-4 p.m.

Throughout the day, youngsters will have an opportunity to take part in engaging, fun crafts offered at participating businesses throughout the city. Visit the website cited above for crafting locations and times.

As darkness draws near, the streets will light up with floats for the annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Third Street at 5 p.m. The official—and colorful—Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony follows at 5:45 p.m.

Santa will once again make an appearance at Halibicky’s Insurance Group on Third Street from 6-7 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to stop in, say hello, and share their holiday wishes with ol’ St. Nick.

“With a day filled with Christmas shopping, mingling with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a lighted parade and the annual tree lighting, ceremony, joy and magical feelings are sure to be in the air,” Sefcovic says. “The Chamber enjoys bringing this event every year, and transforming our beautiful downtown into a scene out of a Hallmark movie.”

For more information about the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce visit imlaycitychamberofcommerce.com or call 810-542-3256. To learn more about the DDA, visit icdda.com or call 810-724-2135.