Fun begins at 5 p.m. and it’s all free
By Barb Pert Templeton
The fifth annual Christmas in the ‘Nac, complete with a tree lighting, live nativity and plenty of food and fun for all ages, will be held this Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. in Algonac.
The event is hosted by the City of Algonac, the non-profit organization Algonac Alive, Algonac Clay Historical Society and The Faith Coalition of Algonac. It’s quickly become a favorite date on the holiday schedule with hundreds coming to town to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Algonac Mayor Rocky Gillis said the city has always hosted a community tree lighting but starting in 2019, Algonac Alive joined to provide free activities for families such as Karaoke, writing letters to Santa and holiday themed crafts. The Algonac/Clay Historical Society also joined the fun in 2019 to provide a pop-up shop within the Maritime Museum. Then in 2020, the Faith Coalition of Algonac stepped up to put on their Live Nativity, Gillis said.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Gillis via email to pose a few more questions about the popular local holiday event.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What are the roles of each of the organizations involved in the event?
Algonac Mayor Rocky Gillis: Algonac Alive provides kids Karaoke, singer Brandon Pavlov and free hotdogs as well as snacks. The Faith Coalition of Algonac puts on the beautiful Live Nativity with a petting zoo. Algonac/Clay Historical Society opens up the Maritime Museum to sell Algonac themed and holiday gifts. BWHL: Can you explain a bit about how the Live Nativity works?
A live nativity is a popular part of the annual Christmas in the ‘Nac set for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Gillis: The faith coalition puts on the Live Nativity where guests can walk through an immersive experience of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. Their petting zoo features animals that are unique to the period of time in which the Nativity story takes place such as donkeys, camels and goats. It is definitely designed to be a photo op for all. BWHL: Who provides the candy and snacks that evening?
Gillis: Algonac Alive and the Faith Coalition BWHL: What about the arts and crafts and games – which group handles those?
Gillis: Kristy from Kristy’s Craft Room, our local viral Internet sensation with over 200k followers is providing a make and take free craft for all of the children. BWHL: Is there a chance for children to meet with Santa and share their wish list? Where does that take place?
Gillis: At 7 p.m. once Santa, myself and our son, Everett, light the tree, Santa will be taking pictures as well as gathering letters from children to take back to the North Pole. Every letter that is written to Santa will receive a personal response back from the jolly man himself. All thanks to the Algonac/Clay Historical Society. BWHL: What is the pallet tree and what makes that a photo opportunity for families?
Gillis: The pallet tree is actually three beautifully constructed Christmas trees out of wooden pallets. They provide a rustic, yet perfectly nostalgic feel that makes them a fitting backdrop for families to capture the holiday spirit in their photographs. BWHL: Does the mayor light the Christmas Tree? Is there a sing-along or caroling by a local group?
A trio of pallet holiday trees are a popular stop to take family photos during Christmas in the ‘Nac.
Gillis: Santa and myself will get the crowd joining in singing some holiday carols after we light the Christmas tree. BWHL: Anything new this year that we should mention?
Gillis: Singer Brandon Pavlov providing his musical talents and bringing back kids’ karaoke during his performance breaks presented by my wife, Mary Gillis.
BWHL: Is there a collection for families in need at this event? What type of donations can be dropped off by attendees and where could they do that?
Gillis: We will always happily accept new/unopened toys for children for the Algonac/Clay Goodfellows and non-perishable food for our local food pantries as well as our community blessing boxes.
