Township to Kick Off Holiday Season Wednesday night

Once again the residents of Howell will come together on Wednesday night with the annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony. 

The event is scheduled to start at 6:30 at Town Hall with some changes from previous years. Unlike in the past residents will be able to use the bottom floor of the building for things like refreshments. Steven Fecher, who has been coordinating the event, said all the regular activities that had happened in or near the old recreation building have been shifted over as that is no longer being used. 

Aside from that, Fecher said the same popular features will be available to make the night a memorable experience. Having been a part of the event for close to a decade, Fecher said it is still a highlight of the year for him and the township. "It's a gear up towards the holidays," he said. 

With the tree and menorah being lit more than two weeks before the holidays officially start Fecher said the event is typically held the first or second week of December. That way the lighted holiday symbols will stay lit until the season is over. 

In addition to the lightings, Fecher said the night will also include a visit from Santa as well as refreshments, games and the always popular petting zoo. In addition, there will also be entertainment provided by a DJ and live music from students at both the elementary and high school levels.

The National Weather Service predicts a high temperature of 50 degrees for Wednesday with a low of 35 at night. There is also a 50 percent chance of rain at night, but Fecher said the event will be held no matter what the weather is. 

The event could be a memorable experience for the township as this could be the last holiday season while the township offices are at Preventorium Road. Fecher said no decisions will be made about the future location of the event until after this year's festivities are over. 

Parking will be available at the DPW building with shuttle buses taking residents up the hill. More information can be found on the flyer for the event on the township's website.