Rather than waiting nearly 20 days for Christmas, people can get in the spirit in less than 24 hours with the Jinglefest that is scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m. in downtown Fenton.
“Jinglefest is Fenton’s kickoff to the holiday season. It is a family friendly event,” Fenton’s Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shelly Day said. “People should go the Jinglefest to enjoy celebrating the holiday season and support the downtown businesses and event activities.”
During the day, the festival will feature holiday shopping, horse drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures and kids activities. There will also be a chance for people to win a shopping spree if they participate in a drawing.
The Jinglefest also offers a 5K run., the Jinglejog, which starts at 3 p.m. The event has a new route that will run throughout the area of downtown Fenton.
“The Jinglejog is a registered 5K walk and run and is a fun way to participate in the holiday celebration,” Day said.” Every participant gets a souvenir mug. Goodies and awards are also given out.”
In the evening, at 6 p.m., the parade and festive music will behin. The parade will include the FHS band, which participates every year with their lit up instruments. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in the parade toward the end and will be available to take pictures with kids and families following the parade.
“I thought playing in the parade last year was really fun and I decorated my instrument with lights,” sophomore Kate Lewandowski said. “This year I’m going big with the decorations and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The holiday festivities continue in neighboring Holly with the Dickens Festival.
The Holly Dickens Festival began last weekend; however, there is still time to attend. The event will continue on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Those who attend can stroll through the town and visit shops while listening to Christmas music.
They can also run or walk in the Run Like The Dickens Race. There are races for everyone: the Tiny Tim Trot, the 5K run and walk and the 10K run all occurring one after another on the morning of Dec. 14. The races help add to the holiday feel, especially when the runners and walkers dress up like Santa Claus. There is also a big buffet available right after the participants finish the races.