Rekindle the Spirit 2020

Rekindle the Spirit, Munising’s annual winter holiday celebration, is going virtual this year.

The one-day event typically occurs on a December night in the city of Munising’s cozy downtown district. Light posts are lined with wreaths and garland the same color as fir trees as businesses are adorned with jolly decorations. A holiday parade takes place down Superior Street with sleigh rides offered on the road after. Children visit with and get their photos taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other characters like the Grinch. Businesses in the district offer sales to encourage shopping locally. The city holds its annual Christmas tree lighting event and hot chocolate is handed out to people gathered in the heart of the town. Last year, snow fell ever so lightly making the scene appear straight from a movie.

Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the Upper Peninsula, the Alger County Chamber of Commerce – the office that hosts Rekindle the Spirit, realized an in-person event was unfortunately not possible this year. Planning began months ago and after numerous Zoom meetings with staff, event sponsors, and a local video production company, the Chamber is ready to announce what it has in store for Alger County.

The Chamber has teamed up with the Munising Visitors Bureau and Cameron Media to create “The 12 Days of Rekindle”. For twelve days -starting early December – three to seven-minute videos featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ebenezer Scrooge, and more, will stream on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page. Those who tune in will get the chance to learn how to decorate gingerbread cookies, make traditional crafts, listen to holiday stories, and participate in other activities to celebrate the season.

Filming took place over the course of two days at Gallery Coffee Company, which is housed in the historic Sam Marks building along Elm Avenue. Last year during Rekindle, Gallery Coffee hosted a singing competition that was well attended and had participants from all over the U.P. The coffeehouse and gallery has a gorgeous performance stage that was perfect for filming the 12 Days of Rekindle.

The Rekindle Grand Giveaway event will also be modified this year. Instead of people saving their receipts from local establishments and turning them into the Chamber for a chance to win prizes, random gift certificates will be given out spontaneously to customers outside of various Alger County businesses after they’ve purchased something.