It’s Time! Newaygo Christmas Walk Caps Holiday Celebration

It’s Time! Newaygo Christmas Walk  Caps Holiday Celebration
By N3 Feature Squad
Photos by Lesly DeLaat and N3 Staff

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in these parts.

Newaygo always does it up big during Christmas and this year continues that spirited tradition. 

​A bit of a gathering was held Tuesday night at the impressive new digs of Sui Generis. This destination shop for unique home furnishings outgrew their down-the-street ‘starter home’ and...

...has transformed the downtown landscape with their enchanting presence in the ground floor of The Stream.

With an opening coinciding with the Christmas Festival the store seemed like just the place to kick off the season with folks from the community sharing in the excitement of the opening as well as the wealth of exquisite food (well sampled by N3 staff) catered in from across the street by Gala Gourmet.

Tuesday also saw Newaygo Veterinary Services hosting Christmas Pet Photos with Santa an event that always assures some intriguing pet pics.

On Wednesday the kids from the elementary schools made their way down to the grounds of the Newaygo city offices where they decorated the Tree of Hope with an assist from the folks at Beaver Tree Service.

Thursday night brings the Season of Hope Charity Auction at Loomis Lodge which is once again a sold out event.

And Friday, of course, is The Christmas Walk, the centerpiece of this 5 day Holiday Happening. This is truly an uplifting and fun experience that is certain to boost the Christmas spirit that has lain dormant for many of us the past 11 months or so.

Opening ceremonies begin at 6pm at the Brooks Park bandshell and feature the Newaygo Band cranking out some Christmas tunes. As you wander the streets make sure you catch the ice sculpting action in front of Gala Gourmet, the bagpiper by La Belle de la Riviere, the vendors along the street, the activities at Family of God, St Marks, and Newaygo UM Churches  and the Museum display.  Spend some time at the warming fire, grab some roasted chestnuts and bring the kids to Independent Bank for a photo with the Man In Red himself.

While strolling about check out the refurnbished Nativity scene by Mary Jane's Flowers a timely and admirable effort by a group of local folks we mentioned in a previous article

Bill Van Andel’s horse drawn wagon rides are always a popular part of the festivities during The Walk and you can never rule out the possibility of a ride quickly transforming into a group sing of Jingle Bells at any time.

And be sure to make your way through the wonderful array of local shops and eateries that will be welcoming visitors on this magical night.

If you’ve been before? You’re already going.

If you haven’t been and you go? It will become an annual event.
​
If you’ve never been and don’t plan to go? You are definitely missing an excellent time.

So as you prepare to deck a few halls and engage in a little fa la la la la-ing this weekend……

Remember as always….

Buy Local,

Be Local,

Celebrate Local.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ” –Norman Vincent Peale