Photo by Seidet Segura
The Christmas tree in front of the Michigan City Public Library was lit up to signify the begin of the city’s Festival of Lights on Saturday evening.
City holds parade, tree lighting to kick off Festival of Lights
By Abby Killingbeck and Andrea Roberts
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – Holiday spirit, here we come.
Michigan City hosted a parade and tree lighting to set off the Festival of Lights on Saturday evening in the downtown area on Franklin Street.
“I was very happy with the turnout, “ said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events of Michigan City.
The Michigan City High School pep band performed at this event. They played “Sleigh Ride” and the high school’s “Fight Song” by the Christmas tree in front of the Michigan City Public Library.
“It’s cold,” ninth grade band member Weston Smith said at the time. “I think it’s a good thing for the pep band, though, to get out and do community things.”
Even though it was cold, that did not stop people from showing up.
“The streets are packed, so I’d assume it’s a great thing for the city as well,” said ninth grade pep band member David Symons.
Symons also appreciated that the city let the pep band play in the event.
His mother, Sarah Symons, said the band did really well considering the temperature.
“I’m glad a lot of people came out, and it’s very pretty,” she said.
Video by Seidet Segura
The parade kicked off the Festival of Lights at Washington Park ,one of the largest light displays in Northwest Indiana. The festival runs through Jan. 8.
There were 30 units in the parade this year, 10 more than last year. This included the Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team Inc., which included members from Michigan City Area Schools. There also were extra lights and ornaments on the tree.
Afterwards, the city hosted the Festival of Lights Celebration featuring a chili cookoff to benefit Meals on Wheels and a toy drive for Toys for Tots.
Greetham estimated that there were 200 toys donated, while the Michigan City Fire Department was the overall champion in the cook-off .
MCAS School Board President and MCPD officer Marty Corley was in attendance, and said he really enjoyed the event. He also said he loves the holiday season .
“The most important thing, I really love giving,” he said. “It’s a good time for giving.”