Christmas season celebrated in the county with events

5015-1Awebby Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

Santa arrived in Onaway in a helicopter for the annual Moran Iron Works (MIW) holiday fireworks celebration. The mild conditions prevented him from bringing his sleigh and reindeer.

Nobody seemed disappointed.

An estimated 900 kids received presents from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We figured there were 3,000 people there,” said Marilyn Kapp Moran, MIW public relations/marketing director. “Two hundred dozen cookies were gone before the event was over. We had lots of fun.

“The weather was so darn perfect. Santa and Mrs. Claus said they had a great time.”

In Rogers City, residents enjoyed a Christmas parade, not once, but twice. Once when it traveled south along Third and a second time when it went north along Fourth to the Presque Isle County Historical Museum.

“I think the parade and business after hours event went very well,” said Shannon McKinstry, Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the community. Many businesses said they were well attended and we had more floats than last year. We look forward to next year and hope it grows even more.”

The start of the weekend also saw the lighting of 60 Christmas trees in Onaway’s Chandler Park.

Santa presented dozens of gift bags to the youth, “And the ambiance of singing Christmas carols around the bonfire while enjoying refreshments was delightful,” said Brenda Archambo, Onaway Community Chamber of Commerce vice president, who offered a greeting.

“May the spirit of this holiday season be with you now and throughout the coming New Year. Also a friendly reminder to shop local.”

The season is into full swing in Presque Isle County.

Other notable events on tap, include the Christmas concert tonight at the Rogers City Theater with the Huron Shore Barbershop Chorus, the Mariners and church choirs.

That’s at 7:30 p.m. with free admission.

The next night, the city band will be at the theater at 7:30 p.m.

In other holiday happenings, the Onaway Goodfellows and Black Lake Sportsmen’s Club Toys for Kids program still have quite a few stockings left on the Christmas tree at Tom’s Family Market.

It’s an endeavor to get Christmas presents to less fortunate families for Christmas.

“There are probably still 35 to 40 names left,” said Terry Materna.

Originally, there were about 200, much the same as it has been for a few years.

Presents need to be back by Dec. 16.

Materna still needs volunteers to help out Dec. 17 to wrap items and prepare the food and clothes for distribution Dec. 19. Call Materna at 733-8954.