Bright lights at night

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BY LAURA COLVIN
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down ? Main Street?
Yes, it’s time again for the Holiday Lights Parade, the sixth annual procession of holiday floats, music, and twinkling lights set to wind through downtown Clarkston Sat., Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
This year’s theme, Hometown Traditions ? Connecting for the Holidays, will be reflected in about 40 entries scheduled to take part in Clarkston’s only nighttime parade.
‘When people come home for the holidays, they have special traditions, things they do every year,? said Penny Shanks, executive director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, who hosts the event. ‘Whether it’s putting up a tree, baking, maybe volunteering somewhere ? we’re sure to have some unique entries this year.?
Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, will take a break from their busy holiday schedule to make a special appearance in the parade, but most participants add to the anticipation by keeping entries top secret until the last minute.
‘I always enjoy this event,? said Shanks. ‘There’s something wonderful about standing there on Main Street and seeing this glow coming toward you as the parade approaches. It’s one of the most precious hometown moments we have here in Clarkston.?
Although the parade will start promptly at 6 p.m., spectators can show up early to enjoy the holiday decorations and ambiance downtown.
‘The chamber has done a great job with this parade,? said Clarkston Mayor Sharron Catallo. ‘I always have so much fun, and the kids have a great time, too. They get to stay up late, see the lights, and be out in the dark. What’s not to love??
A DJ will set up on the steps of Clarkston State Bank and begin piping holiday music onto Main Street at 5:15 p.m.
Right next door, at 23 Main Street, The Chocolate Moose will provide complimentary free hot chocolate to warm chilly spectators, said shop owner Christie Kojima ? one free cup to a customer please, but feel free to come inside and buy more.
The parade will begin at the Clarkston Community Education parking lot on Waldon, go west on Church Street to Main Street and continue to Miller Road, ending at St. Daniel Catholic Church.
Clarkston Police Chief Ernest Combs requested that everyone coming into town for the parade arrive before 5:30 p.m., when police will barricade many of the city’s roads.
Closings will include: Northbound Main Street closed at Waldon; southbound Main Street closed at Northview; northbound White Lake Road closed at Deer Lake Road; southbound Holcomb closed at Bluegrass and Clarkston Road closed at Main Street.

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Hoping for a holly-jolly Christmas this year?
Here’s a thought: start with the Holly Jolly Folly on Friday, then bundle up and follow up with a trip to downtown Lake Orion for the 2009 Holiday Lighted Parade.
The parade kicks off Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., but early birds are encouraged; live entertainment begins on the main stage at 4:15 p.m., and the Keep Coming Back Club will sell chili, along with hot chocolate and coffee, to warm chilly bones.
More than 60 entries-old favorites and brand new participants, alike-are lined up for this year’s parade, which facilitators say is billed as the second-largest nighttime parade in Michigan.
In addition to floats, the parade will feature bands, walking groups and lighted costumed walking characters.
“I really like the parade’s small town feel, and the way so many people participate,” said Alice Young, president of the Orion Area Parade Group.
The nonprofit organization sponsors the parade every year, and also selects Citizen of the Year-Larry Mullins earned the group’s 2009 nod-who serves as the parade’s grand marshal.
Saturday’s parade begins at Blanche Sims Elementary School and travels south on Florence to Flint Street; west on Flint to Anderson; south on Anderson to Front; west on Front to Broadway; and north on Broadway to Elizabeth, ending at the Ehman Center area.
As a grand finale, Santa-the holly-jolly guy himself-will make an appearance at the tail end of the parade, then hoof it up to the Orion Senior Center, where Township Supervisor Matt Gibb and Lake Orion Village Manager Paul Zelenak will be waiting to welcome the man some refer to as “Jolly Old St. Nick.”
North Pole officials say Santa will also collect Christmas wish lists and pose for photos, although they warn “good boys and girls” are likely to get priority.
Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said he anticipates “several thousand people in attendance” for the parade.
Due to the size of the parade and high volume of viewers, street closures all along the parade route may begin as early as 4:30 p.m., he said, with the entire downtown area closed to non-parade traffic, including street closures at M-24 at all downtown streets,
beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade is estimated to last until
8 p.m., and parking restrictions on S. Broadway Street from Front Street to Shadbolt Street will begin at noon.
Those wishing to enter a float in the parade can register through Dec. 3. Judges from the 52-3 District Court will be on hand to-what else-judge floats and bestow awards in five categories.
For more information on the Holly Jolly Folly or the Holiday Lighted Parade, visit www.oapg.org or call 248-693-3152.

Tickets are still available for the Holly Jolly Folly, the Holiday Lighted Parade’s only fund-raiser. Tickets are $30, or ten for $270.
The event begins at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Golling Buick Pontiac-GMC, 1491 S. Lapeer Rd in Lake Orion.
The evening includes holiday favorites performed by the Lake Orion High School Choir. Before dinner, guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers, beer and wine. Dinner will be provided by Italia Gardens and Blue Ox of Lake Orion, with dessert served up by Culver’s of Lake Orion.
The fundraiser also includes dancing, with music by Michael Davis and Friends, as well as door prizes, silent auction, “kangaroo auction” and a cash bar.
For more information on the Holly Jolly Folly or the Holiday Lighted Parade, visit www.oapg.org or call 248-693-3152.

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