Holiday Decorations and Upcoming Events

Three Munising businesses were recently rewarded by the downtown development authority for their impressive holiday displays.

Every year, the Munising DDA holds a decorating contest for businesses, encouraging those located within its district to get into the holiday spirit by offering matching grant funds of up to $250 to go toward decorations. Establishments had until Dec. 2 to put their displays up and a group of judges determined the winners that night.

While every participating business has done an outstanding job turning Munising into a winter wonderland, the top three establishments recognized are Driftwood Deli, first place; South Bay Outfitters, second place; and Superior One O Five Salon, third place.

The DDA also purchased new festive decorations - colorful wreaths, snowflakes, candy canes, and stars – this year for the M-28/Munising Avenue corridor. They can be found adorning the light poles that were recently installed as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s road project.

While local organizations and city workers have certainly done their part in sprucing up the town this season, we'd also like to thank the Boyak and Cromell families. Many of the decorations you’ll find around Munising were not only donated by Deanna Boyak and the Fuzzy Boyak Memorial Fund but are set up every year by the families.

Recent events

Over the last two weeks, Peoples State Bank and the American Legion Post 131 held holiday celebrations. Our office prepared goodie bags for kids which were handed out on both occasions.

On Dec. 4, several local fire departments, including the city of Munising and Au Train and Munising townships, joined together for an event called “Fill the Fire Truck Food Drive” where area residents and high school students volunteered along with fire fighters, going door to door, and collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations. According to event organizers, more than 3,000 pounds of food was donated to a local St. Vincent de Paul and the Alger County Food Pantry.

Upcoming events

There’ll be a parade in Chatham starting at 3 p.m. on Dec. 18. As the poster for the event states: “Santa Claus is coming to town on a horse drawn wagon! Be in Chatham to see him come down the highway and around the corner to the Township Fire Hall where he’ll hand out candy. Kids: there will be a special box for letters to Santa. I’m sure he’ll respond if there is a return address on the letter. Free hot chocolate. Watch out for the Grinch.”

There’ll be a bake sale at the township hall following the parade, with proceeds to benefit Superior Central students in need of winter gloves, hats, and jackets.

Also on Dec. 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Munising High School Key Club Christmas Party will be held in the Alger Parks and Recreation building. There’ll be holiday-themed games and activities and a visit with Santa and other characters. 

The Munising Lions Club will be judging holiday displays on December 22 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The judges will take an Altran bus around town and vote on their favorites. Winners will be announced on the group’s Facebook page. Those that want to ensure the judges don’t miss their display can message their address to the Munising Lions Club Facebook page.