HOWELL – To celebrate the holiday season, residents and officials gathered at the Howell Township Municipal building for various festive activities, including the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
The ceremony was open to the public and offered activities like pictures with Santa, a bounce house and a petting zoo. Children and adults ranging all ages attended the ceremony, making it one of Howell’s biggest community events this year.
The event was held on a Wednesday evening, and according to Town Manager Joe Clark, was widely successful.
“It’s a bright spot,” he said. “The events here this year have been stellar.”
According to Clark, while it wasn’t as heavily attended as in the past, there were a couple hundred residents who came out. The inside and outside of the municipality grounds were swarmed with people, taking in the atmosphere and things to do.
An iceless skating rink was another featured activity for children and residents, composed of synthetic ice in front of the municipal building. The 25 by 50 foot rink held between 8-10 skating children and adults to mimic the traditional holiday pastime.
Craft tables and hair tinseling were also available, along with a petting zoo consisting of chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. Residents may have seen these animals before, as they live on a farm local to the Howell area.
Along with the indoor tree, the grounds were festively decorated inside and out with lights and trees. (Photo by Liz Ciocher)
Shuttle buses were provided for residents to attend the event, with a pickup and dropoff spot located at the Howell Commons Shopping Plaza.
There was a council meeting held at 7 p.m. during the event, but that did not deter residents or councilmembers from enjoying the atmosphere.
“This is just another great [event]. It is the fourth or fifth one we’ve done so far. It makes Howell nice.” Clark said.
Santa and his elves were available for free pictures for Howell residents, and was definitely the most popular attraction of the evening.
A similar event will be held on Dec. 26 for a Menorah lighting at the same location. Residents are encouraged to attend.
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