Is It Christmas Time Already, Montcalm?

Christmas Parade & Celebration in Downtown Greenville: A Festive Holiday Extravaganza!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and Historic Downtown Greenville is ready to sparkle and shine with holiday cheer! Whether you're looking to snap a photo with Santa, sip on some hot cocoa, or enjoy a festive parade, there's something for everyone at this year's Christmas Parade & Celebration on December 6th.

What to Expect With This Years Festivities:

Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus & The Grinch

Kick off the holiday festivities with some of the most beloved characters of the season! From 5:30 to 7:00 PM, join Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the infamous Grinch in Historic Downtown Greenville for photo opportunities. It's the perfect chance to snap a family photo with your favorite holiday icons! Don't forget your holiday wish lists!

Free Hot Cocoa Bar & Live Christmas Carolers

Stay warm and festive as you sip on delicious free hot cocoa at the holiday hot cocoa bar. Enjoy the sounds of the season with live Christmas carolers serenading you with traditional tunes. The holiday spirit will be in full swing as you stroll through downtown, surrounded by lights, music, and laughter.

7:00-7:30 PM: The Christmas Parade

Get ready for the highlight of the evening—the Christmas Parade! From 7:00 to 7:30 PM, watch as floats, marching bands, and local organizations parade down the streets, filling the air with joy and excitement. It's a family-friendly event that's sure to create lasting memories for all ages.

After the Parade: Tree Lighting Ceremony

After the parade, gather at Lafayette Park for the grand finale of the evening: the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Watch as the magnificent Christmas tree is lit up, illuminating the park with holiday cheer. It's a heartwarming moment that marks the official start of the season in Greenville.

Light Up Lafayette: Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Display!

The holiday magic doesn’t stop after the parade. Head to Historic Downtown Greenville anytime from December 6th to 8th for the Light Up Lafayette Christmas Decoration Contest. This festive contest celebrates the creativity and holiday spirit of local businesses, and you can help choose the winners!

How voting will work is the participating businesses will display a QR code or website link on their storefront, allowing you to vote for your favorite holiday display. Whether it's twinkling lights, creative window decorations, or an overall festive atmosphere, your vote helps highlight the local businesses that make Greenville a true winter wonderland.

Mark Your Calendar!

This year’s Christmas Parade & Celebration promises to be an evening filled with joy, community spirit, and festive fun. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable holiday event in Historic Downtown Greenville on December 6th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Plus, keep the holiday spirit alive with the Light Up Lafayette contest running from December 6th-8th.

Gather your family, invite your friends, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you there!

Police were called to a residence in a Detroit suburb to remove a four-foot alligator discovered beneath a resident's vehicle. Marysoul Mousa-Aqrawi reported that she was preparing to leave for work when neighbors informed her of the situation unfolding in her Sterling Heights driveway. “Everyone was saying, ‘There’s an alligator under your car!’ I couldn’t believe it at first, but when I looked, there it was, lying under my car,” Mousa-Aqrawi told WXYZ-TV.

Better in Detroit then here in Montcalm county, but random wild gators roaming the streets of Michigan?  The weather wont allow it soon.

The Sterling Heights Police Department responded promptly and sought assistance from The Reptarium, a zoo in Utica. Zookeepers successfully captured the alligator and transported it to their facility for care. Authorities suspect the alligator may have been an illegal pet that either escaped or was intentionally released by its owner.

The Sterling Heights Police Department issued a reminder to the public, stating, “While it may seem appealing to own an exotic animal such as an alligator, it poses significant dangers. Additionally, possession of such animals is prohibited under city ordinance.” In Sterling Heights, keeping dangerous exotic animals is classified as a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $500.

Please take heed of this public service announcement, Montcalm.

The 60th Anniversary of the Danish Festival in Greenville, Michigan, shaped up to be a landmark event this weekend even with the threat of rain surrounding it. Known for its legendary celebration of Danish heritage, this year’s festival promised an extra layer of excitement with the addition of a innovative drone light show and, of course, the traditional and beloved Aebleskivers.

The Saturday started as the town was a buzz with a unique blend of nostalgia and anticipation. Streets were lined with Danish flags and chairs for the parade as the aroma of Aebleskivers floated through the cloudy air. Local families and visitors alike gathered for the memorable day in Greenville from all over the area and state including Lansing, Grand Rapids and Big Rapids. Some even came as far as Detroit to enjoy the Danish traditions. 

But the real buzz was about what would come after the parade on Saturday—an innovative drone light show that promised to light up the night sky after the clouds parted for most of the day. As the sun began to set and the cloudy and rainy skies rolled in, the festival’s organizers set the stage for the high-tech marvel that was ready to replace the traditional fireworks for the first time. Rain almost put a damper on most things this weekend, but it held off just enough for the night to allow the drone show for 60th Danish Festival to take place at Greenville High School. 

The streets were busy and the crowd gathered in anticipation for the highlight of the evening. People started to cheer as the sight of the first of the drone lights blinked to life. The crowd’s excitement grew as the first formation took shape—a swirl of lights with its red white and blue colors vibrant against the night sky.

The drones moved in perfect synchronization, creating distinct patterns and shapes that told a story of Danish heritage. The display included flags, boats, bikes and words like "Velkommen" and "Greenville."  Other silhouettes of famous Danish pride were included like the "Little Mermaid" statue and the iconic windmills. Each formation was met with cheers from the crowd, who enjoyed the blend of modern technology with the traditional celebration. The only criticism some may have is that the excitement, while beautiful, was short lived. Who wouldn't love more of anything though?

For the grand finale, the drones created an amazing display for a replacement of the fireworks in the sky with their colors reflecting in the achievement of the 60 years of the Danish Festival. The combination of the dazzling lights and the festive atmosphere created an memorable experience. The audience was mesmerized, their faces lit up with the lights from the night sky, and many were moved to capture the moment on their phones. What's watching technology without involving technology in 2024?

The 60th Anniversary Danish Festival had not only honored the past but also embraced the future in a spectacular medley of tradition and innovation. With the night concluded and the last of the festivities enjoyed, the town of Greenville reflected on a day of celebration that perfectly encapsulated their Danish heritage and the spirit of their community. The drone light show had added a modern twist to their cherished traditions, ensuring that this anniversary would be remembered for years to come.

Seems that many can't wait for number 61 and the thoughts of the Aebleskivers running through our heads for next year. Well done Greenville, well done.