Macomb Township kicks off holiday season Nov. 28

By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb Township is holding its third annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at a new time this year.

At 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, residents and members of surrounding communities are invited to gather around Macomb Township Hall to kick off the holiday season in a lighting and caroling event for the whole family.

Among those attending the celebration are Santa Claus and Christmas Carol, who will help light the tree and listen to Christmas wishes; Miss Michigan Galaxy Pre-teen 2007 Queen Natalia Ciennik; the L’Anse Creuse High School-North Select Ensemble, who will provide Christmas caroling; St. Peter Lutheran Church will have a crafting table inside the Recreation Center; the Optimist Club of Macomb, which will be providing refreshments inside; and Red Robin, which will be providing hot chocolate during the outdoor lighting ceremony.

Supervisor John Brennan, other township officials and local U.S. Marines are also getting in on the festivities, which include the kickoff of Macomb Township’s Toys for Tots campaign.

“It’s a great family get-together for the community to kick off the holiday season,” said Parks and Recreation Director Sal DiCaro. “And every year it’s been getting bigger.”

This year, DiCaro is expecting 300 to 500 people.

The event, which is free to the public, will include the initial lighting of Macomb Township Hall, the Recreation Center and the evergreen “Christmas” tree located between the two on the center green.

The $2,600 light and decoration display is expected to be a “winter wonderland … with hundreds and hundreds of snowflakes,” said Parks and Rec programs and facility assistant Michelle Duda.

The Macomb Township Fire Department will be making a “special delivery,” carrying Santa and Christmas Carol in on one of its fire engines. At the event, Santa will be presented with an honorary key to Macomb Township, no doubt to assist in delivering presents on Christmas Eve.

Cheyenne Elementary student Sam Jones, specially chosen to by the township, will help Santa light the tree.

“Santa, Sam and the whole crowd will do the countdown,” said Duda. “On the count of three, all the lights will turn on.”

Because the event takes place on a school night, it’s generally kept short and sweet, said Duda. The outdoor ceremony lasts less than 30 minutes.

After the lighting ceremony wraps up, everyone will be directed inside the Rec Center for Santa visits, refreshments, crafts and more caroling. Duda suggested that parents bring a camera to snap photos of their children on Santa’s lap.

The entire event should be concluded by 9 p.m., depending on the line to meet Santa.

“We’re really excited … it looks like a decorated downtown,” Duda said.

You can reach Staff Writer Erin McClary at emcclary@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1118.