The day began with a parade that featured decorated tractors, buses, the Imlay City High School Band and SANTA!
This year, Mr. and Mrs. Claus had two lucky children
join them for the ride. The Imlay City
Area Chamber of Commerce teamed up with 6 area businesses to offer a
contest for children 12 and younger.
Persons donating items to local toy and food drives entered their
child into a drawing to ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the December 10th
Christmas Parade. The two children were randomly drawn from entry forms collected throughout the month of
November.
Merchants accepting donated items and participating in the
contest are still collecting toys or food items. Focus Studio, located at 150 East Third
Street, Pamida, 1995 South Cedar Street, and Tri-County Bank, 6730 Newark Road,
are all participating in the “Toys for Tots” drive. Kempf’s Imlay City Florist, 109 East Third
Street, and Talmer Bank & Trust, 715 South Cedar Street, will collect new,
unwrapped toys for the Holiday Depot and Imlay City Lions Club. Community members wishing to donate
non-perishable food items may give to the Imlay City Ford Lincoln Mercury food
drive located at 1788 South Cedar Street.
Santa, sponsored by The Learning Depot, greeted children after the parade at the Historical Museum on Main Street. Mrs. Claus, sponsored by the DDA, told stories inside Focus Studio, 150 East Third Street.
There was plenty of holiday cheer in Imlay City inside the "Snowflake Lounge Warming Station", sponsored by the City's administrative employees, where hot beverages treats were served.
Also at 131 East Third Street was "Santa's Workshop"- a free children's craft sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan. A face painter was also present to add extra cheer (minimal charge).
Other Winter Playground activities included:
*Horse drawn wagon rides through downtown started at the Farmers' Market
*At the Farmers' Market, a culinary expert from Mott Community College created a sculpture out of ice- sponsored by Frontier Communications and Talmer Bank & Trust
*American Tree Greens Market- located at the Farmers' Market
*Carolers from First Congregational United Church of Christ strolled through downtown from 12:30pm-1:30pm
*Jack Frost gave gifts to attendees- Sponsored by Vintech Industries
December 10th was also
“Customer Appreciation Day” and Imlay City kicked off the Holiday Season
with extended hours, sales, and special promotions. Support our local
businesses and do all of your holiday shopping at Chamber members' and downtown stores. Click here to see the offers and participating stores.
