MNA - Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend - November 2023

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Committee works on Sleighbell event throughout the year KEN GRABOWSKI For the News Advocate MANISTEE — Most people attending a major event like the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend have no idea how much work goes on behind the scenes to pull it off.

Events of this magnitude wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of volunteers like those on the Sleighbell Committee who work throughout the year to make it happen.

When the weekend concludes, they may pause for a week or two, but then they jump right in to start working

on next year’s event.

“We started meeting the week after Sleighbell and we talked about traffic flow and challenges we had when everything was fresh in our minds,” said Sleighbell Committee member Dave Mix. “That really begins to help us focus on where we need to go for next year; we meet pretty much every month.”

It’s a pattern Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend committees have been following for the past 34 years. This year’s big weekend will take pace Nov. 30 through Dec. 3

in downtown Manistee. The committee has put together full list of activities.

Mix is one of eight members of the public serving on the committee this year that is chaired by Rachel Brooks.

Other members are city of Manistee Police Chief Josh Glass, Department of Public Works director Jeff Mikula, Janet Duchon, Mick Szymanski, Mary Kay Wilkosz, Al Frye and Sammie Lukaskiewicz.

“It’s been a nonpaid volunteer committee forever and I got involved through the late Catherine Zaring who asked

me to be the vice chair in 2013,” said Brooks. “Others like Janet have been on the committee as long as I can remember, and Mick came on about 2015 to help (former committee member) John Kaser with the parade.”

Brooks said having a small committee is beneficial in several ways. It allows them to learn and draw on each person’s strengths for getting things done.

“We work together very well and it is a working committee,” she said. “Everyone on the committee has a specific task. As I said, Mick and

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Dave run the parade, Janet does Santa headquarters, I do all the sponsorships, Sammie takes care of Miss Michigan, Al does the food trucks, and so on as everybody on the committee has a specific task they handle and work on throughout the year.”

Brooks pointed out that managing the parade lineup the night of the big event can be a bit of challenge.

“Organizing the parade can be somewhat challenging and unique because of the animals,” said Brooks. “We don’t have any motorized vehicles in the parade as it is all horse and carriages, dog sleds, reindeer, alpacas, so that can take some doing.

It’s awesome what they do to make it all work.”

Mix said one of the things he strives for when assisting with the lineup is having a list of parade entries that the 15,000 to 20,000 people attending the parade can follow as they pass by.

Brooks cited the significance of sponsors that help make the weekend possible.

The event is funded 100% by the local businesses and corporations.

“That makes it stressful for me for the entire year, because one of my major tasks is finding the sponsorships,” said Brooks. “I have to start working on those in January as sometimes there are deposits we have to pay for certain things by May or June.

So what makes it stressful for me is if we don’t have the money to do something we can’t obviously do it.”

Brooks said the group puts in lots of hours for the 45-minute parade, and the only month they don’t get together to work on things is July.

“The public doesn’t realize what all goes into it,” said

Brooks. “We work close with Josh Glass and Jeff Mikula and even the fire chief comes to at least one of the meetings because we have to close down streets and keep the horses and people in the parade safe, and that takes a great deal of planning for the parade.”

She also pointed out that there are always safety concerns with the way crowd follows the big tree down River Street and there’s a need to clear the horses and animals from the area near the Manistee Municipal Marina before the tree lighting and fireworks. It takes a great deal of coordination between the committee members to pull it off.

“That can sometimes be a challenge because people don’t realize it takes 10 to 15 minutes before we can move forward with the end of the show because we have to make sure the horse teams are out of that area,” said Brooks.

Brooks said the challenges they face as a committee change each year. This year the big challenge facing the committee is the construction work on the U.S. 31 bridge in Manistee.

“Tentatively, the bridge is supposed to be open and we were told by the state it would be open,” said Brooks. “There still are concerns because its original opening date has been delayed.”

Like any festival or event, the committee also faces unexpected obstacles that pop up.

“Weather can be a challenge for us as it changes a lot from year to year,” said Brooks. “Wind can be a challenge and snow can be a challenge.”

Mix agreed saying he has worked some parades wear-

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

The Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s 1885: Come Alive event in 2022 allowed attendees to experience a Victorian Christmas gathering at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. The Victorian Sleighbell Committee and Old Christmas Weekend committee helps to organize the weekend’s events. (File photo)

The 2016 festival offered events for all ages, highlighted by the Sleighbell Parade down River Street. A small committee works to coordinate the weekend’s events, incuding the nonmotorized parade.

(File photo)

Horses play a big part in Manistee’s Victorian Parade. Hours of work goes into planning the nonmotorized parade. (File photo)

ing his summer shoes and light jacket because it was so mild and other ones it was just the opposite.

“I remember other years it was blowing and snowing so hard you couldn’t see the other side of the street,” said

Mix. “It was so cold that one year the valves on the kid’s musical instruments in the band froze.”

However, committee members said all the preparation they do pays off in the end.

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Horse-drawn carria ges ferry people throughout down town Manistee du ring past Sleighbell ev ents. (File photos )

Free carriage rides are a highlight of Victorian event KEN GRABOWSKI For the News AdvocAte MANISTEE — Thousands of people gather to watch the Victorian Sleighbell Parade each year and among them are many who wonder what it would be like to ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Being a non-motorized parade, one of the true wonders of the event is watching the horse drawn carriages and wagons providing a vision of what it was like to travel during the Victorian era.

Those who want to get a feel for what it was like, can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage along River Street during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.

The Common Gentry Carriage Company, out of Sparta, will be offering free carriage rides from noon to 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 2 prior to the parade.

Owner Connie Christy said they will have two carriages that hold up to six riders each. The carriages will also be used later in the afternoon as entrants in the parade.

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“We are bringing two white vis-à-vis carriages, which allows the people to ride faceto face and eye-to-eye as the seats face each other,” said Christy. “We also have Percheron horses and there will be two big white horses or a black one that weigh about 2,100 pounds each. Their names are Prince Edward, King, and Cover Girl and they will be decorated as will be the carriage.”

Christy said they also adorn the carriages with sleigh bells that were built in 1875 in Germany.

“They really ring out through the city when we provide the horse drawn carriage rides,” said Christy.

“The public really loves the horses as they are acclimated to humans, streets and traffic.

The horses are very social as they love everyone from an 80-year-old grandma to a 3-year-old child; they put their muzzles right down to the individuals.”

Christy said the Percherons love peppermint, so they always bring treats that people can give to the horses.

“Our horses are very well cared for; they are our babies,” said Christy.

Christy said they are very familiar with being part of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend celebration.

“It’s been almost 20 years that we have been coming up there,” said Christy. “We are very happy and thank Manistee for inviting us back.

We are truly grateful for the invitation and love the city and the people.”

Even before they began bringing their carriage rides to Manistee, Christy had ties to the area.

“I absolutely love Manistee as my parents had a cottage at Bar Lake, and we came up there all the time,” she said.

Christy said over the years they have had an “unbelievable” response to the carriage rides.

“We start every year at noon and it is basically nonstop as it is load and go the whole time,” she said. “The carriage seats six small adults or four larger ones and every time we leave it is full; people

wait in line to get a ride.”

Christy said throughout the afternoon there are plenty of pictures taken of people in the carriage or with the horses. She and her staff add to the atmosphere by dressing the part.

“We dress up and will have on the Charles Dickens top hats or the nice fur coats and hats,” said Christy. “Our employees really get into it.”

However, having a part of so many previous Sleighbell Parades she realizes the weather is something they can’t control.

“It’s hard to tell; we do Montague and Whitehall in early November and it always is cold and windy,” said Christy. “I have been at Manistee when it was super cold, but at least that year we didn’t have to deal with the high winds. If it looks like the weather is going to be bad that weekend we just may come up the night before.”

For more information about Common Gentry Carriage Company, visit commongentry.com/.

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS All events are in Manistee. Schedule is subject to change.

Find more details on events at manisteesleighbellparade.com/event-schedule/

Nov. 30 • 5-7 p.m., Chamber Untapped Ballroom at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Join the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce staff, ambassadors and members of the community for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, 50/50 raffle and a cash bar. Admission: $15 for members, $25 for non-members; tickets required. Info: manisteechamber.com • 7 p.m., Victorian Christmas Concert, First Congregational Church, 412 Fourth St. Songs of the season new and old will be sung and played by the Manistee Choral Society and instrumental friends.

Dec. 1 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Card Making Class Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. We will have print making and other types of medium available to explore.

• 1-6 p.m., Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor Ballroom at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, gift baskets and other seasonal decor. Vote for favorite entry for “People’s Choice award with canned goods. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens. Admission: $1 minimum donation.

• 2-4 p.m., Holiday Wine Tasting The Ideal Kitchen, 421 River St. Sample some favorite holiday white and red. Free event

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The Manistee Choral Society, accompanied by In Vogue Brass, perform a Victorian Christmas concert on Dec. 1, 2022 at the First Congregational Church in Manistee. (File photo) • 3 p.m., Dramatic reading from “A Christmas Carol” Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St. Enjoy excerpts from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” performed as a dramatic reading in the top floor meeting room at Manistee Main Branch Library. Free event. Info: manisteelibrary.org • 7:30 p.m., “Nutcracker” Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: $10-$30, visit ramsdelltheatre.org • 7:30-10 p.m., Lakeside Club of Manistee’s “1885 Come Alive! — The Grand Ball” Ballroom at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Step back in time to a black tie Victorian-theme grand ball. Enjoy entertainment, appetizers and sweets along with a cash bar. Ages 21 and up. Costumes are required. Tickets: $40/person or $70/ couple; advance purchase only: lakesideclubmanistee.org

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Dec. 2 • 9-11 a.m., Elk’s Breakfast Buffet Elks Lodge, 432 River St. Cost is $12 per person, there is not cost for children under age 5 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Holiday Craft Show Manistee Senior Center, 260 St Mary’s Pkwy.

All items are homemade. There will be a luncheon available and a holiday cookie sale.

• 10 a.m., Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run / Walk Tabernacle Church, 77 Hancock St. Registration is $20 before Nov. 25 or $25 on race day.

Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/ ManisteeJingleBellJog5K . More info at runmanistee.blogspot. com • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Card Making Class Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Event includes print making and other types of medium available to explore.

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Untapped event was well attended on Dec. 1, 2022 at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. (File photo)

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scandinavian Christmas Open House Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St. Christmas trees decorated in the traditional Danish, Swedish and Norwegian manner and traditional Scandinavian cookies in the 1868 sanctuary along with a display of Christmas “Tiny Towns and Trains II” and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas in the lower exhibit hall • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Guardian Angels Church Self Tours Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth St. Historic pipe organ will be playing during the open house. More info can be found on Facebook at Guardian Angels Project

The Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor was held in the ballroom of the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts during the 2022 Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend. (Kyle Kotecki / News Advocate)

• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor Ballroom at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, gift baskets and other seasonal decor. Bidding ends at 8 p.m.

Dec. 2. Vote for favorite entry for “People’s Choice award with canned goods. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens. Admission: $1 minimum donation.

• Noon-2 p.m., Sleighbell Saturday Open House and Warming Station Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St. Find family-friendly activities including a Victorian lantern craft and bah-humbug pinback buttons. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this 118-year-old Carnegie Library built in 1905. End your tour at the top floor meeting room for great views of the historic district and a cup of hot cocoa.

• Noon-2 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Open House St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 313 Fourth St. Visit one of Manistee’s oldest churches, built in 1890; receive a free Christmas ornament. Free event. Info: stpaulsmanistee.com or facebook.com/SPLCManistee

• Noon-3:45 p.m., Horse and Carriage Rides River Street — east and west sides of Maple Street Rides are free, but end sharply at 3:45 p.m. in order for horses to be fed and groomed before the parade • 1-4 p.m., Santa’s Headquarters Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River St. Welcome Santa as he arrives on a vintage firetruck.Visit with Santa afterward and give him your Christmas list. Santa Headquarters will also be open from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17

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SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS • 2 p.m., The Haunting of Old Ebenezer Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. The Haunting of Ebenezer is part concert, part musical theatre, and all holiday cheer. These 16 original Americana songs guide a listener through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting and transformation. Tickets: $15 • 2-4 p.m., Christmas Tea at the Buckley House 450 Cedar St. Enjoy a lavish Christmas tea in the third-floor ballroom of one of Manistee’s premier Victorian homes. Three full courses will be served along with a tour of the home. Reservations required by Nov. 29; cost is $40 Info: 231 690-2743 • 3-5:30 p.m., Roasted Chestnuts River Street • 5:30 p.m., Victorian Sleighbell Parade River Street, downtown Manistee This authentic parade features horse drawn carriages, turn of the century characters, 30-foot Christmas tree pulled upright by a horse team, bagpipers, Miss Michigan, Santa and much more.

The parade concludes downtown’s west end near the fountain with community caroling, lighting of the tree and, weather permitting, a display of fireworks.

• 7:30 p.m., “Nutcracker” Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: $10-$30, visit ramsdelltheatre.org

Dec. 3 • 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor Ramsdell Ballroom, 101 Maple St. Pick-up time for winning bidders. Trees can be wrapped for easy transport

A horse-drawn carriage carries people through downtown Manistee in 2021 during the annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend. (File photo) • 2 p.m., “Nutcracker” Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: $10-$30, visit ramsdelltheatre.org • 3 p.m., Lessons & Carols Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Oak St. Event includes the Advent and Christmas story in word and song. A dessert and social hour will follow. Free event

Enjoy the Sleighbell Parade!

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scandinavian Christmas Open House Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St. Christmas trees decorated in the traditional Danish, Swedish and Norwegian manner and traditional Scandinavian cookies in the 1868 sanctuary along with a display of Christmas “Tiny Towns and Trains II” and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas in the lower exhibit hall • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Guardian Angels Church Self Tours Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth St. Historic pipe organ will be playing during the open house. More info can be found on Facebook at Guardian Angels Project • 1-4 p.m., Santa’s Headquarters Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River St. Welcome Santa as he arrives on a vintage firetruck.Visit with Santa afterward and give him your Christmas list. Santa Headquarters will also be open from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

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SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

2023 PARADE LINE-UP 1. Girl Scouts Flag Detail 2. West Shore Bank – banner Principal parade sponsor 3. Muskegon Regional Police Pipe & Drums Corps Wearing the ‘Hume’ Tartan honoring Thomas Hume an early Muskegon founder 4. West Shore Bank Founded in 1898 – oldest area financial institution – Fantail Wagon 5. St. Nickolas Common Gentry carriage 6. Miss Michigan – Maya Schuhknecht 7. ‘Super Scooper’ Team #1 Pierport Pony Club volunteers 8. Victorian Ambassadors Community volunteers celebrate Manistee’s history 9. Manistee Public Library volunteers An Andrew Carnegie Library Founded in 1905 / MI State Historical site 10. Manistee High School Band Director: Andrea Mack 11. Spirit of the Woods Garden Club – Living Flag Support and tend gardens throughout the area 12. Spirit of the WoodsDancing Christmas Trees Support area gardening initiatives & education 13

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14. Trinity Lutheran School Shepard’s, Angels & Nativity scene

15. East Lake Volunteer Fire & Rescue 1st early 1900’s purchase – soda ash cart 16. Salt City Rock and Blues Victorian dress and wagon 17. Kennedy Elementary school 4th to 6th Graders In every Sleighbell Parade 18. Place Holder Open 19. Michigan Wheelmen Keeping alive bicycling heritage 20. Salute to the Gingerbread Man Manned by Manistee Catholic Central Walking Gingerbread Men Manistee Catholic Central Girls Baseball 21. Brethern High School & Manistee Catholic Central Marching Bands

32. ‘Super Scooper’ Team #2 Pierport Pony Club volunteers 33. Little Manistee Watershed Council Protecting 145,200 acres of area wetlands since 1996 34. Place Holder 35. Salute to the Nutcracker Manned by Manistee High School Football Team Walking Nutcrackers Manistee Jaycees 36. Santa Claus Horse and Wagon

37. Police Volunteer Unit provide crowd control at events through Norther Michigan 38. Victorian Sleighbell Christmas tree 30+ foot tree pulled by Ben Reed & Draft horse team 39. ‘Super Scooper’ Team #3 Pierport Pony Club volunteers Everyone is invited to follow the tree down River Street for the lighting of the tree, caroling and fireworks to conclude the evening.

The parade order may be slightly altered by last minute additions or withdrawals due to weather or availability changes.

22. Manistee Catholic Central School 23. Place Holder 24. Repo’s Rescues Placing happy animals with loving families 25. Five Star Real Estate Horse drawn wagon 26. Authentic 231 Wagon by McCarry Clydesdales 27. Children’s Christmas Tree w/ Nutcracker escorts & Manistee Jaycee assistants 28. Golden Retriever Club Owners in Victorian dress & their dogs 29. Marzinski Horse Camp Riders on Horseback 30. Coldwell Banker carriage Horse & carriage 31. Pierport Ponies Ponies and Riders

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

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Manistee police, DPW manage Sleighbell’s crowds KEN GRABOWSKI For the News Advocate MANISTEE — The popular Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend brings between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors to the Manistee area.

That doesn’t happen without teamwork from a number of local entities.

Putting together an event of that magnitude is something that takes a great deal of support from the Manistee Department of Public Works, Manistee Police Department and other agencies.

Sleighbell committee board member Dave Mix said most people can’t comprehend the level of support needed to take place behind the scenes from police and DPW. Mix said that is part of the reason why DPW director Jeff Mikula and police Chief Josh Glass are members of the committee, attending meetings throughout the year-long planning process.

“The requirements for the parade just call for so much help from the city that it simply could not happen if we didn’t have the incredible cooperation we have from Jeff and his entire team and Josh and his department,” said Mix. “The overall cooperation between the committee and the whole city has been so extraordinary.”

DPW Mix said there are so many things big and small the DPW does from storing and bringing out the chestnut grills right on up to getting the Christmas tree in its stand, decorated and

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In mid-November the Manistee Department of Public Works cuts down two Christmas trees donated by the public to be pulled on a sled through town during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. (File photo)

ready to go down the street.

“Jeff has his whole staff out there working as there is so much needing to get done and they do an incredible job,” Mix said.

Mikula said every year his staff members start working on things well before the big weekend, which is Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 this year.

“That planning process is about 11 months long and we get involved throughout the year, as things change they throw new ideas out,” Mikula said. “But for public works our things really start early November decorating the downtown for the DDA, putting up lights and garland.”

He said in mid-November the DPW cuts down two Christmas trees donated by the public to be pulled on

sled through town during the parade by large Belgian draft horses. The trees will then remain on display across from the Manistee Municipal Marina during the holiday season.

“We work with Swidorski Trucking and normally Zupin Crane to cut the tree down and haul to where we stage it in the parking lot just off of Division Street,” Mikula said. “Then we cable the trees up to secure them and put on the lights.”

He said barricades are hauled to the various intersections where they will be needed to guide traffic so that staging can take place during Sleighbell Parade day.

“We put out extra picnic tables and trash cans downtown,” Mikula said. “We also set out the perimeter safety zone for the fireworks and the

platform for the judging of the parade so there is a lot of small components that go into it.”

Mikula’s team also has to set up signage and conduct cleanup duties.

“After everybody has fun and goes home we go through downtown and clean-up any trash or items that may be left and put everything away,” Mikula said. “So that usually takes a day or two and when we get into January we take down the two community trees, remove the lights and chip them up.”

He said the greens and garland on the Victorian street lights remain up for a while, but DPW is also responsible for taking the lights down.

Often, the trees are sourced from a Manistee area resident’s property and city staff will return to the property in the

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

spring to fix up the area where the trees were taken.

“It is a lot of work, but when you get to see tens of thousands of people come to the community and enjoy that weekend especially in the (tourist) off-season, it’s pretty rewarding,” Mikula said.

Police Glass said it is the same type of situation for the police department in making sure things run smooth with the influx of so many visitors.

“Sleighbell weekend for us usually requires months of preparation,” Glass said. “ Our main role there is public safety as we want to do everything we can to be prepared to minimize any danger or threats and coordinate resources to address any issues during the parade.”

Another key role they play is crowd control.

Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend brings upwards of 15,000 visitors to the Manistee area. Putting together an event of that magnitude is something that takes collaboration from the Manistee Police Department, Clare County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol and other agencies. (File photo)

The River Street area is typically packed with people during the events and with a parade that features Belgian draft horses, it is important to keep the crowd away from the animals and the large Christmas trees during the procession.

“We coordinate with a number of agencies who do a wonderful job and we appreciate them assisting us at this

event,” Glass said.

He said all of his staff will be on duty and they will be joined by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Department of Public Safety, the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Manistee and the Northwest Mutual Aid Response team.

Glass said the Civilian

Emergency Response Team is “a huge help to us and do a great job.” “(One) big hit as well as a large asset for crowd control is the Clare County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol,” he said. “Every year, they sign a mutual aid agreement with us and do a really good job with crowd control and it really fits in with the theme of the Sleighbell Parade.”

Glass said the primary role for law enforcement is to come up with an operations plan to prevent or reduce a threat, and then to have a plan if something happens.

“We also coordinate with our fire department on the medical side — and the big thing is getting all these players to the table and have them being a part of our operations plan,” Glass said.

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A Christmas Tea event at the Buckley House can entertain about 40 people. (Submitted photo/Sarah Helge)

A Christmas Tea on Dec. 2 at the Buckley House in Manistee includes three courses. (Submitted photo/Sarah Helge)

Take a step back in time at the Buckley House tea KEN GRABOWSKI For the News Advocate MANISTEE — If someone were asked to point out a home in Manistee that best exemplified the Victorian spirit, the Buckley house would come to mind for many.

Members of the public will get the opportunity to view the inside of the home located at 450 Cedar St. in Manistee during a Christmas Tea being held from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 2 during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.

Three courses will be served with the tea and there will be a tour of the home.

Noted Manistee lumberman Edward Buckley is credited with creating the home.

However, a different home was originally constructed at that location in 1874 by another lumberman named James Shrigley.

After Buckley married Joanie Sloan of Thomsonville, Georgia in 1892 he purchased the home from Shrigley in 1894 and proceeded to put in $50,000-$60,000 in renovations, which is about $1.8 million today. It was said Buckley was trying to create a home reminiscent of the

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gracious southern homes in Georgia, for his new bride.

When the home was renovated, the end result was what can be viewed today which is much different than the home Shrigley had originally built. Current owners John and Sarah Helge have maintained the grace and beauty of the Victorian home.

Sarah Helge said one of the parts of the home they will showcase is the third floor ballroom, where the tea will take place.

“In 1894 when Edward Buckley purchased this home from James Shrigley, he actually added an entire third floor,” said Helge. “Half of the third floor is a ballroom with beautifully stenciled walls and an amazing lighting situation. We will have several tables all decorated differently with Christmas dishes and whimsical teapots.”

Helge said this the first time they have held a tea at the historic Buckley house in several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We started to hold the Christmas Tea in 2015 after a huge open house in 2014 that was partially a fundraiser for the Manistee County Historical Museum,” she said.

“We wanted to hold a smaller event and since I love to do teas we held it for five years, stopping in 2020 and we are just renewing the event this year.”

Attendance will be limited.

Cost for the event is $40 and reservations are required before Nov. 29 by calling 231690-2743.

“Forty people can attend this event and they need to reserve a place and then they can pay in advance,” said Helge. “We are usually filled with reservations by Thanksgiving and then we take a waiting list just in case anyone cancels.”

People attending the tea will get the opportunity to enjoy three courses of food.

“Our three-course tea includes a savory sandwich course with five or six offerings and then comes a scone course with jam, and finally the sweets course with again five or six different small deserts,” said Helge. “I didn’t really research what the Victorians ate for their teas, but after taking tea in several locations in Europe and the United States I have based mine on those ones.”

The Helges will have the home decorated for the holi-

day season.

“The tour will be divided up into two groups and will be about 15 minutes long,” said Helge. “They will be seeing the rest of the third floor, most of the second floor and all of the first floor. ‘ Helge said there will be at least six decorated themed trees, including a 9-foot gold and silver music tree, a purple “woodland” tree, a green and pink tree, a large tree decorated in vintage looking ornaments, a “family” tree, a burnished gold/bronze tree and a small book themed tree.

“We also will have an extensive Dickens village that will be on display,” said Helge.

Another added feature of the event is the opportunity to view Manistee from a different era when this community boasted of having the most millionaires per capita in the United States.

“Upon entering the Buckley House you are transported to a different time,” said Helge.

“Owners over the years have taken great care of this grand old dame. Exquisite woodworking, inlaid floors, unique and original lighting are featured throughout the house.”

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

Miss Michigan coming to Manistee for Sleighbell weekend KEN GRABOWSKI For the News Advocate MANISTEE — The Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend Committee announced that 2023 Miss Michigan Maya Schuhknecht will be taking part in the local festivities this year.

Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend committee member Sammie Lukaskiewicz said the committee is excited that Schuhknecht will not only be in the parade, but also doing a display of the talent competition she did to win the crown.

“She is going to be staying at the Hampton Inn during the weekend,” said Lukaskiewicz.

“We also have her being in the Sleighbell Parade and on Saturday at (2 p.m.) she will be doing a display of speed painting at the Hampton Inn.” Schuhknecht used speed painting as her talent presentation at the 2023 Miss Michigan competition that took place back on June 17 at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon. She defeated 22 other contestants to win the crown.

However, what really caught the attention of the judges was her speed-painting talents when she painted a portrait of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg upside down in 90 seconds. The queen also made history by becoming the first-ever speed painter to be crowned Miss Michigan.

Talent was just one of the things the contestants were judged on; they also answered on-stage questions, spoke about their social impact initiative, health and fitness, and took part

Maya Schuhknecht was crowned 2023 Miss Michigan on June 17 at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.

(Submitted photo/Miss Michigan)

in an evening gown competition.

Painting Ruth Bader Ginsberg for the competition was not the first time Schuhknecht has crossed paths with the late Supreme Court justice through her artwork. Schuhknecht did so during the Michigan State University Spring 2023 Graphic Design BFA Exhi8bition with her entry the “Notorious RBG.” The 2023 Miss Michigan pageant was the second time Schuhknecht has competed for the title. In 2022, she competed in the pageant as the winner of Miss Lighthouse Coast 2022.

In the 2022 pageant she speed-painted an upside down portrait of Michael Jackson. The video of her doing it went viral on TikTok with more than 3 million views.

The queen hails from Buchanan and came to the Miss Michigan Contest as the reigning Miss Spirit of the State, which is a

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

Maya Schuhknecht used speed painting as her talent presentation at the 2023 Miss Michigan competition on June 17 at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon. (Submitted photo/Miss Michigan)

title she earned in July 2022.

Schuhknecht is graduated from Michigan State University this spring with a BFA in graphic design.

By winning the Miss Michigan title she received $10,000 in scholarships and will now go on to compete in the 2024 Miss America Competition where 51 contestants will vie for the title of Miss America 2024 and

more than $500,000 in college scholarships.

After being crowned as the 2023 Miss Michigan Schuhknecht stated she hopes to work hard as an advocate for everyone to have access to the arts.

Schuhknecht with her identity design campaign, the Notorious RBG, that was part of MSU’s Spring 2023 Graphic Design Senior BFA Exhibition.

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Manistee brothers bring to life the magic of Santa DAVID MIX For the News Advocate MANISTEE — For nearly 20 years together, two Manisatee brothers have made sure the magic of Santa’s appearances have enhanced the lives of thousands of children, and adults, during the Christmas holidays.

Santa Claus will arrive at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2 at his headquarters at the Manistee Municipal Marina on River Street in Manistee to meet and greet youngsters from around the area. He’ll return the following two weekends.

To make certain that Santa keeps that busy holiday schedule, Manistee resident Wayne Johnson will again this year see that Santa’s there, as did his late brother Bruce, for several years before him.

Mary Johnson recently recalled how her late husband Bruce first became associated with Santa Claus.

“He was employed at the Manistee public library in 2009,” said Mary. “And as they began planning their holiday programs for the children who visited the library, they wondered if Bruce might be able to help them.”

She said that Bruce realized almost immediately that having Santa visit with the kids at those events could be a real treat for them.

“It didn’t take him long to even get the proper clothes for Santa to wear,” she said. “Then everything pretty much took off from there.”

Soon Bruce was handling Santa appearances not only at

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the library, but also in private homes, working with a local photographer who took family pictures for Christmas cards and making sure Santa was in the annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade and at Santa headquarters.

“He absolutely loved to see the smiles on the children’s faces,” said Mary as she spoke of her Bruce’s passion for the Christmas season.

When Bruce died in 2018, heartfelt memories from many relatives and friends expressed how important Bruce had been in keeping the spirit of Santa, and Christmas, in the hearts of children across Manistee.

“Christmas won’t be the same ...” said one. “But we still believe you’ll show up on Christmas Eve!” Brother Wayne Johnson by then had already assumed his own Santa “experiences.”

While employed by Little River Casino Resort, cohorts asked Wayne if he thought he might engage Santa to pay a visit at the annual employee holiday party.

He was at first hesitant to reach out but after repeated “urging,” he consented to engage Santa’s appearance.

Knowing he’d be able to initially borrow the proper clothing for Santa from brother Bruce, he helped at that early gathering which then expanded to include other family and children’s activities at the casino, and with his own Santa “wardrobe. “ As did Bruce, Wayne will again this year orchestrate private home visits and photo sessions with families want-

ing Santa to appear on their Christmas cards.

“I’ll probably have Santa visiting nearly 30 homes again this year,” Wayne said. He’ll also make sure Santa is in the Sleighbell parade and at his headquarters as he’s done since 2018.

Wayne paused to reflect on the myriad of experiences Santa has had over the years.

“Probably the most memorable was a few years ago when a family brought their somewhat older son to visit with Santa,” he said. “The young man walked in and saw Santa, then ran over and gave him the very biggest bear-hug he’d ever had. Frankly, I had all I could do to not tear up because of the impact Santa had on him.”

When asked if either Wayne or Mary envisioned another Johnson taking on the role of helping Santa’s local appearances when Wayne might “retire,” they both paused in thought, then responded, “Probably not.”

“However, you never know,” Mary said.

For this holiday season the family “heritage” will again be continued. But as the conversation began to conclude, Wayne seemed to turn with what appeared to be a “jerk.”

“You know, if anyone comes looking for me at the Sleighbell parade this year, I won’t be there,” Wayne said with a smile and an added wink.

“However, if they happen to see Santa at the parade ... they should wish him a very merry Christmas. I knowhe’ll appreciate that!”

Since 2018, Wayne Johnson has ensured that Santa is in Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell parade and at his headquarters.

(Submitted photo/David Mix)

Brothers Bruce (left) and Wayne Johnson made sure the magic of Santa’s appearances enhanced the lives of thousands of children during the Christmas holidays.

Bruce died in 2018.

(Submitted photo/David Mix)

Bruce Johnson acted as Santa’s helper around Manistee for more than a decade before he died in 2018. (File photo)

SLEIGHBELL • Manistee News Advocate • November 2023

T

2023 SPONSORS

he annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend is a unique and amazing event for Manistee and the area! This year it celebrates its 34th year of sparkling Christmas trees, roasting chestnuts and parading horse and wagon teams.

Each year the weekend would not be possible without the support of the entire community, an extremely dedicated committee and monetary and in-kind support of the following individuals, businesses and corporations:

Signature Sponsor ❄ West Shore Bank Mrs. Claus Premier Sponsor ❄ Meijer ❄ Edward Jones – Jeff Reau Jack Frost Partner Sponsor ❄ Snyder’s Shoes ❄ The Ideal Kitchen ❄ Water’s Edge Dentistry ❄ North Channel Brewing ❄ Packaging Corporation of America Rudolph Associate Sponsor ❄ Lakeside Club of Manistee ❄ 4Front Credit Union ❄ The Ramsdell Inn and TJ’s Pub ❄ Manistee County Tourism Authority ❄ Spicer Group ❄ Kendra C Thompson Architects ❄ Bob’s Roofing ❄ The Boyer Agency ❄ The Painted Lady Saloon ❄ The Outsider

Brochure Sponsor ❄ Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce ❄ Wagoner Center A special thanks to the dedicated committee that works all year long to make this weekend special: ❄ Rachel Brooks ❄ Janet Duchon ❄ Al Frye ❄ Police Chief Josh Glass ❄ Sammie Lulaskiewicz ❄ Jeff Mikula ❄ David Mix ❄ Mick Szymanski ❄ Mary Kaye Wilkosz

Thank You All!!!

Please Note: This list may be incomplete due to additions made after printing.

Visit www.ManisteeSleighbellParade.com for an updated schedule of events, sponsors and other information

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

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