Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Scheduled for December 1 and 2

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 1-2 Christmas Celebration.

The celebration kicks off Friday, December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Winter Market will once again feature specialty crafts and food vendors and Candy Cane Lane will host a variety of children’s games, activities, and live performances. Visits with Santa and his reindeer round out the night’s festivities.

Saturday, December 2 highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, and the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Registration must be completed online. Races begin at 7:50, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m., with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots.

A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. – noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $10 adults, children 10 and under $5. Children under four are free. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association. Tickets can be purchased at the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation office located inside City Hall at 320 West Broadway.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade traveling down Main and Broadway Street. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative will serve as Parade Grand Marshal, in honor of their 20-year anniversary supporting women and girls in Isabella County.

Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, parade entry applications and an up-to-date event schedule can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas. November 10 is the deadline for market vendors and parade entry applications are due on November 15.

Pre-Celebration Events:

Jan Brett’s Winter Wonderland Tour – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30, 5-7 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Hall

Winter Wonderland Family Photos – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30 – December 3

Volunteers needed for Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration

Volunteers are still needed for the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration downtown Mt. Pleasant this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2. Several opportunities are available, including assisting with parade safety and Santa’s house.

To sign up, contact Special Event Coordinator Melinda Salchert at (989) 779-5349 or msalchert@mt-pleasant.org, or Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

PEAK volunteer earns United Way award

MAGGIE United Way Award PEAK program volunteer Maggie Klumpp is among the 2017 recipients of the LIVE UNITED award for her continuous dedication to the Mt. Pleasant area’s after-school program. Presented by the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties, the award honors key volunteers for their work to improve the community.

Nominated for the award by PEAK Coordinator Mary LaChance, Klumpp donates her time to the PEAK participants at West Intermediate School five days a week. “Maggie attended PEAK until she graduated high school and has since been a wonderful volunteer and addition to our team,” said LaChance. “She always greets everyone with a smile and high five, and encourages the current PEAKers to never stop reaching for their goals.”

LaChance calls Klumpp a positive role model for students and a “staple” of the PEAK program. “We are so glad Maggie is continuing to be a part of our PEAK family by graciously volunteering her time with us,” said LaChance. “She is truly an inspiration.”