Magical Christmas weekend enjoyed at lighthouse
Five hundred to 600 people made New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park a magical part of their holidays. ?There were a lot of kids on Saturday,? said Jeni Matuszak, event organizer from the Presque Isle Women?s Club. ?I was very pleased with the turnout that we had. The 1905 Keeper?s residence was open for tours and had decorations from the early part of the 20th century.
On the grounds of the park, Gary Jones took visitors on horse drawn wagon rides around the lighthouse and down to the Lake Huron shoreline. He gave rides for three hours on both days. Children made reindeer out of pinecones and ate homemade cookies. Cups of chili warmed those with an appetite, while Santa hobnobbed with locals and listened to the wants of the kids.
In addition, Matuszak said the Grand Lake Community Chapel choir and ringers were well received. ?We did a sing-along, which was a lot of fun,? said Matuszak. ?We definitely will do it again.? Matuszak said the conditions were not ideal for lighthouse climbs, so it stayed closed. There was concern that the people could slip on slick floors. ?It may be looked at next year,? said Matuszak.