By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” was originally recorded by Perry Como in 1951.
Nearly three-quarters of a century later, that classic holiday tune could be the theme for Plainwell and Otsego beginning Friday, Dec. 5.
The City of Plainwell will host its annual Light Up the Night tree-lighting event that evening, with its Christmas parade taking place the following afternoon.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 6, the City of Otsego will host its Hometown Christmas celebration that has become a favorite for many local residents.
Among those who have a particular fondness for Hometown Christmas is Otsego mayor Stacey Withee.
“This is my favorite event of the year and that fact that our wonderful sponsors and civic partners make it a free event for everyone to attend is what makes it so special,” she said.
Withee previously compared Hometown Christmas to stepping into a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie.
“This event is special,” Withee said. “For anyone who ever wished they could find themselves in a Christmas movie from that popular TV channel, Hometown Christmas brings a little bit of that spirit.
“There is community, happy children, a chance to gather together and Santa making his appearance at the end of the parade, culminating in lighting the tree.”
The group Together Otsego Prospers takes the lead when it comes to organizing the event.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you,” the group said in a social media post.
Hometown Christmas begins at noon with the Holiday Farmers Market at the Otsego Church of God. The market will remain open until 6 p.m., which is when the Christmas parade will start along M-89 through downtown Otsego.
The parade will start near Kalamazoo Street, heading east on M-89, before turning north on Fair Street and concluding by heading west on Court Street.
Other events include:
- Community dinner at the pavilion from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Hayrides along the riverfront from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Hand bell performances at the pavilion from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Wandering carolers from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Food trucks from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Firepit warming stations at the pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Photo area from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
- Donation collection from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Cider and donuts at the pavilion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Hot chocolate at the pavilion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Santa visits at the pavilion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Live nativity at the pavilion from 4:45 and 5:15 p.m.
- Tree lighting at the pavilion area at 6:30 p.m.
In Plainwell, meanwhile, Light Up the Night activities begin at 4 p.m. with live music. Attendees are encouraged to stroll through the festively decorated downtown area to enjoy the local shops.
From 6:30 to 7 p.m., the Plainwell High School Honors Choir will sing carols on Brooks Plaza close to Hicks Park.
And at 7 p.m., this year’s Christmas tree will officially be lit, with Santa Claus available for visits afterward at the Ace Hardware Santa House.
Plainwell’s Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., starting at 211 N. Main Street and making its way through the downtown area.
