First week of the season brings many holiday happenings in the area
The first official week of the Christmas season will bring a number of holiday kickoff activities in Millersburg and Onaway. Millersburg has scheduled their sixth annual tree lightning ceremony today (Friday) at 6 p.m. at Russell Memorial Park, near the Millersburg Elementary School. Brian Whitsitt said 14 trees have been set up on the hill at the park, and after the lighting, everyone will be invited to sing Christmas Carols. “It started as an event to bring the community together and get everybody into the holiday spirit,” said Whitsitt. Wendy Brooks of Millersburg organized the first community Christmas tree lighting and it has expanded from there.
*** *** ***
The annual Chandler Park Christmas tree lighting event is Tuesday at 7 p.m. Members of the Onaway Stepping Stones Garden Club, along with the Kiwanis Club, have been preparing the decorations for 40 plus trees this week. The city of Onaway is organizing the community get-together this year. Trees, which line the paved walkways of the park, can be dedicated to a lost loved one or in honor of someone special. As of Wednesday, trees were still available, according to city manager Joe Hefele. The deadline is Monday at noon. Forms are available at city hall or in this week’s edition of The Outlook. Proceeds will go to Onaway area non-profit groups.
*** *** ***
A community tradition started in the 1960s continues in the OHS cafeteria next Thursday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. with the annual Community Christmas concert. The theme this year is “Signs and Symbols of Christmas.” The choir is a non-denominational group consisting of 50 members of the community. “It’s been operating since 1967,” said Peg Herring. “My mother started it and I took it up when she died.”
*** *** ***
Santa will continue his busy schedule in Onaway will a special event Saturday, December 4, at the VFW Post 5857. Kids will be able to have lunch with Santa beginning at 1 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, and juice will be served and each child will receive a bag of goodies. There is a cost of $1, with all the proceeds going to the Chandler Park playground fund as plans move forward toward an expansion of the already existing playground equipment.
*** *** ***
The evening of December 4 will bring the Moran Iron Works 5th annual Christmas fireworks display. The fireworks should be able to be viewed from anywhere in town, or along M-68 or M-211. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served and Santa Claus will be there from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the fireworks beginning at 7 p.m. If the weather conditions are not favorable, the show will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 5.