By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The annual Light Up the Night celebration in downtown Plainwell is always a special event, as it helps to kick off the Christmas season.
This year, the event will include an extra element that will make it even more special.
At 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, the new sign commemorating Brooks Plaza will be unveiled.
Brook Plaza is named in honor of former Plainwell mayor Richard Brooks, who passed away at the age of 68 in 2019.
Plainwell community development manager Denise Siegel expects another good turnout for Light Up the Night.
“Light Up the Night serves as a community celebration filled with tradition, joy and wonder,” she said. “It brings people together and has become a tradition for many families.
“The lighting of the tree is the start to the holiday season. It brings that feeling of warmth and magic. It’s a special event that ties the community together.”
Light Up the Night begins at 4 p.m., with those in attendance able to stroll through the festively decorated downtown area and visit the many shops. Cards in the Park will be on display in Hicks Park.
The night culminates with the lighting of the tree in Brooks Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Plainwell mayor Brad Keeler will lead the tree lighting, with Santa Claus on hand for visits following the lighting.
“The countdown to the tree lighting is exciting and filled with anticipation for everyone,” Siegel said.
Other activities include the Plainwell High School Honor Choir singing at 6:30 p.m. Ransom District Library director Joe Gross will be on hand prior to the lighting of the tree to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with a little Plainwell spin on it.
Several churches in the area will also be involved:
- Plainwell First United Methodist Church will be handing out free cookies and hot chocolate.
- Friendship Wesleyan Church will host a booth for people to send a Christmas card to a friend or relative and for children to send a letter to Santa.
- Faithway Church will be handing out 3D glasses to look at the tree once it’s lit and giving candy canes for all children.
And for those looking for more Christmas activities, Plainwell’s annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. through the downtown area.
