Photo by Iyanna Adkins
Michigan City’s Festival of Lights is on full display in Washington Park. The holiday-themed spectacle began Friday, Dec. 2 with a parade on Franklin Street.
Festival of Lights puts on most spectacular display yet
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – The Festival of Lights Parade was almost double the fun.
The parade, which was Dec. 2, kicked off Michigan City’s annual Festival of Lights.
With this night came lots of joy and fond memories for the Michigan City citizens.
“I think what was most exciting about this year’s event was we almost doubled the size of it,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events of Michigan City. “Last year, we had 25 units in the parade, and this year we had 43.”
One of the most exciting things about the festival was the huge light displays in Washington Park.
“I always tell people I think we have one of the most amazing light displays in Indiana,” Greetham said. “One of the most amazing things about it is that it’s free.”
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Colorful Christmas lights adorned the trees and grassy areas of Washington Park in Michigan City.
Greetham is a firm believer in helping out his community with the donations that were raised during the event. A total of $790 was raised for Meals on Wheels, an organization that feeds the less fortunate all year round. Also as part of the event, nearly 100 toys were collected for Toys for Tots, a program which gives toys to less fortunate children.
This event brought friends and family together.
“It meant a lot to spend time with friends and family,” said Maddisyn Burnett, a seventh grader at Krueger Middle School. “…My favorite part was the tree lighting.”
Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry also enjoyed the event.
“This year’s parade was fabulous, and I think it was just wonderful and big,” Mayor Parry said. “But it won’t be as big as next year’s parade. We get bigger and better every year.”
The performers in the parade included the Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team Inc. One Soul Stepper, Michigan City High School Melvin Laster, had a blast performing in the parade.
As Melvin said, “It just felt amazing to come out tonight.”