Rain Looms Ahead of Annual Tree Lighting

A change in the forecast for the remainder of the week could jeopardize the plans for Wednesday’s tree and menorah lighting in Howell.

The annual event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night at the new Municipal Building on Route 9. The main event should happen around 6:30 with music and games before and after the tree and menorah are lit. There will also be hot drinks and snacks available as well as a visit from Santa himself.

Parking will be limited at the building but shuttle buses will be available from the Howell Commons Shopping Plaza near Dress Barn. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or new pajamas that can be distributed to local families in need.

The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny day with a light and variable wind and a high temperature of 54 degrees. There is a 40 percent chance of rain or drizzle Wednesday night with less than one tenth of an inch of precipitation expected.

On this date in 1816 James Monroe was elected the fifth President of the United States. The United States Senate approved participation in the United Nations on this date in 1945. Famous birthdays today include actor Jeff Bridges and actress Marisa Tomei as well as former game show host Wink Martindale. Rapper Jay-Z turns 44-years-old today.

Former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco was born on this date in 1892 and former Native American Chief Crazy Horse was born in 1849.