Floats are being built, runners are in training, entertainers are polishing their acts and guests are making plans to attend the 28th Fantasy of Lights Parade on Friday, Nov. 25.
The annual holiday event is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Marking the traditional arrival of the holiday season in the Howell area, the spectacular nighttime parade has attracted more than 30,000 spectators.
The Livingston Arts Council will open The Opera House for tours and host a Fantasy of Art from 3–10 p.m. The event features handmade paintings, jewelry, pottery, holiday cards and more available for sale Friday, and throughout the weekend. The Opera House is located at the corner of Walnut and Grand River.
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Activities include entertainment, the Fantasy 5K Run, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, seasonal refreshments and live reindeer and visits with Santa between 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Christmas Alley, just west of the Livingston County Courthouse (200 E. Grand River Ave.) on State Street.
Bring your camera and take pictures with Santa and the reindeer, which are sponsored by Blue Care Network. Santa also anchors the parade's end (his float's sponsored by Howell Fire Department).
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In addition, Christmas Alley will be filled with holiday crafts, musical entertainment and seasonal refreshments from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and includes a kid’s cookie decorating booth, sponsored by VG’s Food Center.
Fantasy fun begins at 4 p.m. followed by the Fantasy 5K Run at 6 p.m. starting at First Presbyterian Church, 323 W. Grand River Ave. and the parade at 7 p.m.
Enjoy holiday entertainment from 4-7 p.m. at both parade reviewing stands in front of Howell Carnegie District Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave. and the courthouse.
Live performances include the local talents of William Wyatt on acoustic guitar, singers Josh Libler, Brooke Bliznik and Jon Blankenship,Emmi Veinbergs performing the national anthem, and several choir and hand bell groups.
Events are free, aside from the Fantasy of Lights Fantasy 5K, which is endorsed by the State of Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and is officially certified as a 5K run by USA Track & Field. Platinum sponsor of the race is Champion Chevrolet.
“Participating in the run is fun and festive as runners wear lights, dress up in holiday themes and interact with the crowd along the parade route,” said race director Sarah Johnson of MacDonald’s Funeral Home. “More importantly, it’s a healthy activity and a chance to race in one of the few runs held at night.”
The 5K applications are available at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell, or complete online at https://howellfantasy5k.com/. In addition to registration, official Fantasy 5K merchandise is also available for purchase on the site. Pre-registration is discounted at $20/runner and includes a custom promotional item and luminary light.
Cobb-Hall Insurance is the major sponsor of this event; supporting sponsors include Blue Care Network and Citizens Insurance.
For more information, contact the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at 517-546-3920, online at howell.org, e-mail to slundin@howell.org or visit the Fantasy of Lights page on Facebook.