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Friday Brings 23rd Annual Luminary Festival to Downtown St. Joseph

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All it usually takes is that first light dusting of new snow at the beginning of the season to trigger thoughts of the holidays ahead, so when the first flakes arrived over the last ten days or so, lots of people began realizing that the season of light is virtually at hand. Thanksgiving is only a week away, and St. Joe Today will bring on one of the most popular nights of the year downtown this Friday with the 23rd Annual Luminary Festival.

The holiday season traditionally gets a warm, glowing send-off in the city’s central business district when literally hundreds of luminaries line the streets from dusk until 9pm on the Friday before Thanksgiving, and that’s this Friday, November 17th.

Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, the 23rd Annual Luminary Festival will create a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy refreshments, special pricing and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shops throughout the brick-lined streets of downtown.

Susan Mason, owner and operator of Friends by Design considers the event to be among her most favorite of all time, saying, “There are so many reasons why we all love living in Southwest Michigan, but one of my favorites is St. Joseph’s Annual Luminary Event. It is such a special evening when families come downtown to share in what makes this city so unique.” She adds, “Whether it is a cup of hot chocolate, a sweet treat or a glass of wine, everyone enjoys walking around downtown, catching up with friends and seeing the beautiful lights. Great way to start the holiday festivities!”

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Festival participants and sustaining sponsors include Biggby Coffee of St. Joseph, DK Boutique, Friends by Design, Fusion Center For Dance, Glo Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, Grins of St. Joseph, Lake Michigan Vintners Winery Tasting Room, North Pier Brewing Company, Olive Cart, Papa Vino’s, Purely Michigan, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, The Candlestick Maker, Waterfront Framing & Fine Art, White Pine Winery, Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, Zoup! and many more.

A variety of participants will host businesses and/or offer specials. The Welcome Center will feature Bistro on the Boulevard, Biggby Coffee, and Zoup! Purely Michigan will feature 12 Corners Winery. The Optical Shoppe at Advanced Family Eye Care will host their annual Luminary Trunk Show. Papa Vino’s will host luminaries and feature live music.

In addition to St. Joseph’s Luminary Festival, guests can also attend the 2017 Benton Harbor Holiday Lights Celebration. That event will be located at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park beginning at 6pm. That 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, guests can enjoy Christmas stories by celebrity readers at the Benton Harbor Public Library starting at 4pm.