Parade, caroling kicks off the holidays Friday
by John Morris

EAST TAWAS - An evening of festive activities will herald the official beginning of the holiday season in East Tawas with a parade and the 32nd annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 23.

A parade with floats, including one for Santa and Mrs. Claus, will begin at 6 p.m. along Lincoln Street behind the Stephenson Gracik building. The parade will then travel down Newman Street to the Harbor Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
The schedule of events calls for cookies, hot chocolate and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Caroling will be led by Dianne Knight and musicians from the Tawas Community Concert Band. The inaugural “Family of the Year” award also will be presented.

Several downtown merchants also will have activities during the event. For example, there will be storytelling at The BookNook, hot dog roasting at Richie’s NY Deli, chestnuts will be roasting at O’Connor’s, ornament making will be held by Inn2Art at the Brew Krew and Dragon Horse Studio will offer face painting and create dreamcatchers. Merchants will also offer coupons and specials during the weekend.

The event is sponsored by the East Tawas Business Association.

As in past years, Santa will also be on hand to listen to the Christmas wishes of area children at the Harbor Park.

And to help welcome Santa, the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its 15th annual Fantasy of Lights contest. The chamber is encouraging area residents and business to decorate for the holidays between now and Dec. 19 to be eligible to win prizes and a traveling trophy. Judging will be held on Dec. 20. Awards will be presented for best residential outdoor decorations, best business outdoor decorations and best business window dressing.

To register a home or business, contact the chamber at 362-8643.