In December Lyon Township celebrated its 5th Annual Lighting Up the Grand, and once again our community proved that even brutal temperatures – hovering around six degrees – can’t stop holiday magic from filling downtown New Hudson. Those who bundled up and braved the cold were rewarded with fire pits, music, shopping, dancing, Santa and Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities, and the small-town holiday spirit that defines who we are.

What began five years ago as a simple holiday walkway display has grown into a full-scale township celebration spread across multiple sites, featuring 14 activities, dozens of local business partners, and dedicated student volunteers who helped the event run smoothly.

At the heart of Lighting Up the Grand is community collaboration. New Hudson United Methodist Church and Pastor John Pajak once again offered the green space at Inspiration Park, our anchor location and home to live performances, s’mores, hot cocoa, Santa visits, children’s crafts, a petting zoo and unicorn, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. Their continued partnership makes this event possible. We are also grateful to Michael Sperling of MJS Sound, who managed sound and lighting across multiple locations, bringing holiday ambiance throughout downtown.

This event thrives because of volunteer leadership. Students from National Honor Society and Key Club from our local high schools worked fire pits, greeted guests, assisted children with crafts, supported vendors, and helped run activities across downtown. A heartfelt thank-you goes to South Lyon Schools Superintendent Steve Archibald, our official “Chief Fire Starter,” whose support helps connect us with student organizations and makes volunteer coordination seamless.

This year’s highlights included a Holiday Vendor Market at Dolsen Elementary that doubled in size, thanks to April and Dave Talaga, who ran the entire operation. The Wells Street tubing slide, sponsored by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, returned as a family favorite, while Mission Church brought warmth and energy to Wells Street with live music, fire pits, refreshments, and community connection. Mitten Animal Hospital continued its growing tradition of pet photos with Santa, and Men Bake Cookies kept guests smiling with warm cookies on a very cold night.

Inspiration Park was filled with activities, including hot cocoa, s’mores, children’s crafts, face painting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday performance by V’s School of Dance. The Lyon Township Fire Department added pure magic by escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus downtown after parking their sleigh at the township offices. Once again, I had the joy of presenting Santa with the key to our community.

We were also honored to welcome Miss Michigan, Jenna Holt, and Mrs. Michigan, Tamara Babcock, who graciously engaged families and helped elevate the holiday excitement.

Lighting Up the Grand is more than a holiday festival. It is students giving back, businesses investing in neighbors, churches opening doors, firefighters creating childhood magic, volunteers showing up in six-degree weather, and community members choosing local joy. It is Lyon Township living its values.

As chair of the DDA Promotions Committee and a 25-year downtown business owner, it fills me with pride to have been part of this event from the beginning and to watch it grow year after year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who helped make our 5th Annual Lighting Up the Grand another unforgettable success. We are already excited for year six – after a short rest.