The weekend weather undoubtedly drafted a few new converts to the "hey the holidays are here" movement, what with the snow flying and a soggy, but spirited, luminary night in both St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. With Thanksgiving week at hand, the fun of the holiday season looms large, including in downtown Stevensville where they're making plans of their own for their annual Christmas in the Village ceremonies.
Make plans now to join Stevensville's Christmas in the Village, which will take place Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00-6:00pm. All events, crafts and food are free, and even Santa Claus himself will arrive by a hay wagon sleigh at 3:00pm led by an elite troupe of the Lakeshore Lancer Band. The Village Hall will be serving pizza, beverages and cookies for the celebration, and one new addition this year is a hot dog cart as well.
Stevensville has expanded their space and venues this year after having an overwhelming response and support by community sponsors. For 2016 the community's Gold Sponsors include:
- Griffin Tools Inc.
- C&J Bert's Breakfast Corner
- Lakeshore Rotary
- Meijer of Stevensville
- Sensational Spas
Silver Sponsors for the community event this year include:
- P&R Service
- Stevensville American Legion Post 568
- Honor Credit Union
- Molly Maid
- Cressy & Everett
- Chemical Bank
Bronze Sponsors for Stevensville's Christmas in the Village include:
- Mane Street Salon
- Roun'da House
- Farmers Insurance
- Republic Services
- Lakeshore Lions
Santa will visit with all children in the Village Hall on St. Joseph Avenue. A memorable photo will be taken by a professional photographer who will provide a keepsake photo of your child with Santa. Lakeshore High School's Queen & King are volunteering to help host the Santa event. Children will be given a goodie bag and a location map for a "goodie bag hunt" to visit local businesses downtown who will be giving free treats to all children.
Next door to Village Hall, the Village garage will be transformed into a magical Christmas scene, where another photo booth will be placed for more memorable photo opportunities for the children. Four exciting crafts are planned including making your own ornament, assembling special reindeer food for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve, Christmas cookie decorating — complete with a kit to ice and decorate your own cookies, and creation of a Santa Hat. In addition, several face painters will be on hand to face paint your children.
To top it all off, they will be offering hay sleigh rides throughout the afternoon, while various choirs and a brass band are performing, and a Live Nativity will feature a small show several times throughout the course of the afternoon.
All activities are free, so make your way to a Stevensville Christmas with their Christmas in the Village event, Saturday, December 3rd from 3pm until 6pm in downtown Stevensville.
