** NORTHVILLIANS,
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As part of our Remembrances Series, this week’s topic will center around Northville’s Holiday Parade, which started officially in 1985 (40 years ago) … but know, Santa was driving his sleigh through town way before that.

Last week, I wrote about our Veterans Day activities, and I had the opportunity to spend time with our esteemed Veterans, especially our Seniors from the “Greatest Generation” at various gatherings in town, including the Community Center and at the VFW hall.

Additionally, our Northville Chamber of Commerce honored our local military heroes by displaying images of our Veterans around the city. It is a great tribute to our Veterans for a portion of November and all of May.

Before looking at our Lighted Holiday Parade history, let’s see what's happening in town:
* Holiday Lighted Parade – 11/21, 6:30 downtown. Link ([link removed])
* Holiday Greens Market downtown – 11/21 and 11/22. Link ([link removed])
* Photos with Santa – 11/23, 10AM-3PM, Town Square
* Parmenter’s Cider Mill (Established in 1873) … Enjoy the last few days at this award-winning destination, which closes for the season on Nov. 23 Link ([link removed])
* Tipping Point Theatre – “A Very Northville Christmas” 11/19 - 12/21 Link ([link removed])
* CVS Immunization Clinic at Community Center – 11/20 from 10AM-2PM. Link ([link removed])
* Northville Community Foundation Holiday Home Tour – 11/21 and 11/22, 10AM – 4PM. Link ([link removed])
* Rotary Goodfellows Newspaper Sale – 11/22 from 9AM-1PM. Rotary would like Northvillians to consider a $50 pledge for their 50^th year supporting Civic Concern Link ([link removed])
* 3^rd Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal – 11/27 from 12-1:30 at First United Methodist Church, 777 Baseline, hosted by First Presbyterian, Our Lady of Victory, and First UMC churches. Food, fellowship and the Lions game! Link ([link removed])
* Santa Visits Maybury Farm – 12/6, 12/7, 12/13 and 12/14. Link ([link removed])
* Northville Chorale Concert at Marquis Theatre – 12/6 at 4PM. Link ([link removed])
* Northville High School Holiday Concert – 12/16 and 12/17 at 7PM. Link ([link removed])
* Roundabout driving instruction video (1^st one in Wayne County 7/Sheldon, activated by 12/1). See video from SEMCOG. Link ([link removed])
* Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link ([link removed]) , NOMI Link ([link removed]) , Genitti’s Link ([link removed])

INFO FOR CITIZENS...
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
* Bicentennial Task Force Mtg– 12/3, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
* Cemetery Renewal Task Force– 12/8, 7:00 PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair) Link ([link removed])

PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
* FORD FIELD – The Sunrise Vista overlook and ADA entry are almost done. Fort Griswold playscape work is continuing behind a new shaded fence around the construction site. A new bathroom structure is scheduled for ’26. Additionally, with grant funding, a connected Ford Field East Park and South Main Park are starting to be engineered.
* RIVERWALK - The “Downs” River Park will be dedicated in Spring, the walking bridges have been positioned, 1400 trees placed & walkways poured. Catch a view from 7 Mile … many people are. Overall, 5 sections of the Riverwalk are planned.
* DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) complete by 12/1 … SEMCOG Link ([link removed])
* FARMERS’ MARKET – Events at Market Area (Township/City owned) will continue.
* GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Ford Field East added. Link ([link removed])

As we ready this Friday for our Holiday Lighted parade, let's review this merry event through the years...
* 1976 – According to The Record, when the nation was celebrating its Bicentennial (1976), Northvillians lined downtown streets as Santa arrived and took up residence at Town Square.
* 1985 – Northville’s first Holiday lighted Santa Parade sponsored and put together by the Chamber of Commerce.
* 1988 – The community’s traditional Santa Parade took place in all its glory, traveling down Main Street past City Hall to a throng of cheering youth. The Record stated, “Northville’s High School Band played brilliantly as ever at the festive parade, where a holiday trolley was featured, and a calliope organ played holiday favorites.”
* 1996 – Santa made a triumphant ride through town and was pulled by 18 live reindeer. All the merchants decorated their shops in holiday finery. The town was ready for the Season!
* 1998 – In addition to Santa’s arrival, there were Holiday clowns, carriages, and carolers in the city. The event was live on WDIV-TV.
* 2004 – Northville rolled out the Red Carpet for the Holiday parade … 35 new floats participated, along with Arabian horses and much more (so reported The Northville Record).
* 2013 – A record attendance crowd came to view the 47 parade entries on a cold snowy night. A local resident was quoted in The Record as saying, “The parade is a reflection of the spirit of Northville,” and many stated it was their favorite parade yet in the Ville.
* 2019 – My first Holiday Parade as Mayor, and Dr. Demray’s Preservation Dental’s classic VW Bugs were decorated in Holiday lights. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” was the theme, and the evening culminated with the annual tree lighting ceremony in Town Square. I can attest the City was abuzz while waiting for Santa’s arrival, with local churches providing hot chocolate to keep us warm. I have the great annual honor of presenting Santa with the Keys to the City to make it easier for him Christmas Eve.
* Yearly, starting around the lighted parade time, the Mill Race Village adorns their historic grounds in holiday attire giving us a glimpse of holidays of yesteryear. Annually decorated Christmas trees line the Village Lane.
* The 2022 Holiday Lighted Parade featured a half dozen Ford All-Electric Lightning F150’s, and in their beds, they had lit holiday trees (up to 15 feet) delighting the thousands of folks attending.

This Friday night, you are cordially invited to view the parade downtown, to welcome Santa and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree in Town Square. Come on down and enjoy the festive holiday spirit of the town we love. And then stay for Northville’s “Social Bones” concert at the Marquis Theatre.

Time to get into the Holiday Spirit! See you downtown Friday night for the festivities.

Keep that Northville Holiday Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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