Tree lighting, live nativity and petty zoo planned
By Barb Pert Templeton
The holidays will officially kick off in Algonac this weekend as the city and community come together to host the first ever, ‘Christmas in the Nac’ event.
Activities are set to start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Then at 6:30 p.m. the city’s tree lighting will have Mayor Rocky Gillis, alongside Santa Claus, throwing the switch, Lots of family activities, including a petting zoo and live nativity, should keep all in attendance entertained that evening.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Algonac City Manager Denice Gerstenberg, who’s also a member of the non-profit Algonac Alive, to pose some questions about the holiday event.
A petting zoo and live nativity will be part of the fun at ‘Christmas in the Nac’ this weekend in Algonac.
Blue Water Healthy Living: When was ‘Christmas in the Nac’ first hosted in Algonac?
Denice Gerstenberg: This is the first year we are branding the event as ‘Christmas in the ‘Nac.
BWHL: How did that come about? Can you share a little about the groups involved?
Denice Gerstenberg: Algonac Alive is very much involved with community events. Halloween in the ‘Nac has been very successful and the thought was to brand other Algonac events using in the ‘Nac. Similar to how Mount Clemens is “The Clem” and Detroit is the “D”.
BWHL: Did the city have a traditional tree lighting ceremony prior to this?
Denice Gerstenberg: The city has had a traditional lighting ceremony for as far back as everyone can remember.
BWHL: What was the main idea behind hosting such a large event?
Denice Gerstenberg: Working together with the community to do something special that is not repeated in nearby communities. Marine City has a big lighted parade, New Baltimore has a holiday shopping event, Algonac is having a Living Nativity.
BWHL: Are the nativity and petting zoo popular?
Members of the community created large holiday cards to place in Riverside Park for the event, “Christmas in the Nac.”
Denice Gerstenberg: VERY! Every year we have had more and more participants.
BWHL: What’s new this year?
Denice Gerstenberg: This year there will be various stations or skits related to the story of Christmas that guests can participate in. Also, Councilwoman Dawn Davey donated some non-traditional lights for the new Christmas tree because we just planted it and we can’t decorate it this year. So, this year Mayor Rocky Gillis will light the flagpole Christmas Tree with Santa. There are also 18 4 x 8 Christmas Cards decorating the Riverfront Park this year, boards donated by Henry’s Club and painted by members of Algonac Alive.
BWHL: Any other special things to wow the crowds?
Denice Gerstenberg: Cortis Brothers Trucking decorates one of their trucks and uses it to block off M29 for us, plus members of the Historical Preservation of Antique Tractor and Equipment of Eastern Michigan (HPATEEM) bring their decorated tractor and trailer to the event and deliver Satna to city hall for the tree lighting.
BWHL: How are you able to host this event for free? Sponsors? Donations?
Members of the community created large holiday cards to place in Riverside Park for the event, “Christmas in the Nac.”
Denice Gerstenberg: The city of Algonac pays for the hot dogs and reindeer food. City employees cook the hot dogs, package to reindeer food and decorate their personal vehicles and the fire trucks. The Faith Coalition of Algonac passes out the food and provides the hot chocolate and living nativity. The Algonac Clay Historical Society works with Santa to see that letters to Santa are answered and this year the new owner of the Little Ceasars Pizza in Clay Township is donating pizza for all the event workers. Soundsystem provided by Councilman Ed Carter and Woodside Bible Church.
BWHL: Do many people decorate their cars for the occasion?
Denice Gerstenberg: Mostly just city employees.
BWHL: What’s your favorite part of the event?
Denice Gerstenberg: The Living Nativity.
BWHL: Any idea how many people participate?
Denice Gerstenberg: We are expecting about 500 guests.
