Rich Hensel once sold unique and colorful hand-crafted Christmas ornaments from his eclectic little shop in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Unfortunately for him, he was a bit ahead of his time and one of the earliest retail pioneers in that district and ran his course before any sort of critical mass was achieved in attracting larger crowds to sustain his business, Global Greening. Nevertheless, he continues to be a relentless supporter of the district and serves as President of the Downtown Development Authority responsible helping plan tomorrow night’s Holiday Lights Celebration there. As a result, he’s hopeful that he’ll see your smiling face in the crowd enjoying the festivities.
The Benton Harbor Holiday Lights Celebration will light up the Benton Harbor Arts District, City Center and the Central Business District tomorrow night, Friday, November 17, 2017 at 6PM in concert with St. Joseph Today’s 23rd Annual Luminary Festival in downtown St. Joseph.
Ceremonies in Benton Harbor are slated to take place at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park and are made possible by generous donations to the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority from a number of businesses, organizations and individuals, as detailed below.
The celebratory program includes holiday music from the Benton Harbor Area Schools, community groups, hot chocolate and treats from local businesses and more. Prior to the lights celebration at 6pm, guests can enjoy Christmas stories by celebrity readers at the Benton Harbor Public Library starting at 4:30pm. There will also be caroling by students from the Benton Harbor Area Schools and the “I Am Saving Myself “ Program, with sounds of the season by the Benton Harbor Middle School Band.
Hot Chocolate and goodies will be shared to warm everyone up as they all enjoy the music and decorations.
Check it out as the DDA and friends welcome everyone “Home for the Holidays” in the 4th Annual Benton Harbor Holiday Lights Celebration.
At 7:00pm you are encouraged to visit the Downtown Benton Harbor Businesses celebrating along with new places, and familiar favorites open with special activities and look for the great painted windows of the DDA Children’s Window Painting Contest.
Donations from community individuals, businesses, institutions, and non-profits adopting the light poles, in the Benton Harbor Arts District Main Street and the park, pay for this project annually. Without the financial support of community minded people the celebration would not be possible.
Gold Level Sponsors include:
- American Electric Power
- Anonymous
- Brickman Family
- Whirlpool
Silver Level Sponsors include:
- Charlie’s Piggin N Grinnin
- Cycle-Re-Cycle
- Edgewater Bank
- Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary
- Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
- Marcus Robinson
- Mason Jar Cafe
- Michigan’s Great SouthwestStrategic Leadership Council
- Motor Building
- New Territory Arts Association
- OutCenter
- Passaro Kahne & Taylor
- Quarter Note Lofts
- Race Relations Council of Southwest Michigan Twin Cities Transportation Authority
- United Healthcare
- Vincent Place
Bronze Level Sponsors include:
- Abonmarche
- ARS Arts & Culture Center
- Aveline Art Gallery
- Benton Harbor Public Library
- Bittner Jennings Attorneys
- Chemical Bank
- Citadel Dance and Music Center
- Cornerstone Alliance
- Edward Jones, Bryan Tutton
- First Presbyterian Church
- Greenspan Construction
- Hawks Nest Events
- Jerry Hunt Auto Center
- Larks BBQ
- Maggie Daly and Tim Gleason
