MASON - Every year about this time, Mason gets the "Big Santa" and mailbox up at the corner of Jefferson and Ash streets. The city crews put downtown holiday decorations on streetlights. Area merchants start to offer holiday values.
The Mason Fire Department strings lights on the large Christmas tree on the Ingham County Courthouse lawn.
Those are the signs that Mason is getting ready for the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 25.
That afternoon and evening, the community holds its annual Mason Holidays Celebration. For the ninth year, Dart Container Corporation is the presenting sponsor of the Mason Holidays Celebration.
"We are proud to have Dart Container sponsor the 11th annual lighted parade and the day's events. We also thank the folks at Lear Corporation for again allowing us to start the parade in their parking lot," said Aleasha Wood of Inspired Events, chair of the celebration for the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce. She also encourages local folks to help with the events by volunteering. Contact the chamber at (517) 676-1046 or masonchamber@masonchamber.org by e-mail. Mason's popular evening lighted parade and the lighting of the community's Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. are the biggest of the several events slated. American Legion Browne/Cavender Post 148 and Fiedler Insurance provide sponsorship for the tree lighting ceremony.
30 units last year
Last year, the lighted parade featured 30 units including a special float from Dart Container.
"The City of Mason is also an important partner. They help by closing streets and providing traffic coordination. We are again responding to their requirement for improved public safety this year by letting parade participants know that they are not to throw candy or get on or off any unit that is in motion," Aleasha Wood added.
The lighted parade steps off through the Mason Antiques District at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds to downtown Mason.
Commander Terry Fobbs will lead volunteers and members of the American Legion Browne/Cavender Post 148 in keeping the parade organized.
The family of the late Margaret Doolittle, the Mason Area's 2011 Citizen of the Year, will officially give the order to light the Christmas tree on the Courthouse square at 6:30 p.m. This year, the tree will again have 1,000 energy efficient LED lights, thanks to the purchase of those lights four years ago by the City of Mason, the Mason Downtown Development Authority and American Legion Post 148 - and maintenance by the Mason Fire Department.
Mason's Santa Band
Also, earlier downtown at 6 p.m. near the tree before the parade, will be a welcome by City of Mason Mayor Leon Clark, music from the Mason High School Santa Band and more. Food and warm drinks will be available on the square from Mason A&W Restaurant, Mason Optimist Club, Mason First United Methodist Church and downtown businesses.
Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. at the Mason Area Historical Museum to meet younger children.
They also arrive at the end of the parade and then return to the Mason Area Historical Museum, 200 E. Oak St., to meet older children and families. Also, a Living Nativity will be presented downtown on the Courthouse square by Eden United Brethren Church following the parade.
Singing, story telling
The day's activities actually begin much earlier in the afternoon in the Mason Antiques District at Cobblestone Events Center, 205 Mason St. Music, singing, storytelling, free refreshments and family entertainment will take place from 3 until 5 p.m., sponsored by LAFCU and other chamber members. The United State Marines will have a "Toys for Tots" collection station at the Cobblestone Events Center in the afternoon and downtown during the evening. Information on the tree lighting, lighted parade and other events is at www.masonchamber.org or call (517) 676-1046. Volunteer help is always welcome.
For updated information, click on "Community Events" at www.masonchamber.org or tune in to Channel 21 on the Broadstripe cable system.
- From the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111120/INGHAM01/111200470/Mason-will-host-merry-holiday-celebration-downtown
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