VICTORIAN SLEIGHBELL PARADE & OLD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND ~ 2024 ~
Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend schedule of events
The Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend will take place from Dec. 5-8, with most events in and around downtown Manistee. Below is the schedule of events, as of Nov. 8. Visit manisteesleighbellparade.com/ for updates.
Thursday, Dec. 5
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Ice skating rink is open
Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: downtown
• 2 p.m., Krampus and Old Christmas Curiosities (history talk)
Who is Krampus? Explore the dark lore and unique traditions of Christmases past.
Location: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 4-10 p.m., Holiday Market and Beer Garden
Fires, food, hot cider, cold beer and holiday market vibes.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
• 5-7 p.m., Chamber unTapped
Join members of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce for Chamber
UnTapped: Holiday Edition. Contact the chamber at 231-723-2575 for more information or to join.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $15 for chamber members; $25 for non-members
• 5-8 p.m., Drop-in Pottery Painting
Drop in for some creative fun. Many items to choose from. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Last seating is one hour before closing.
Visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/ or call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Prices vary
• 6 p.m., Krampus and Old Christmas Curiosities (history talk) Who is Krampus? Explore the dark lore and unique traditions of Christmases past.
Location: Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 7 p.m. to bar close, Krampus Krawl
Drink your way around all of Manistee with this Victorian pub crawl. The Bad Santa and his friends will be around to tempt you into cocktails and good, clean fun and raise money for local fire departments, whose members will pass the boot. Funds raised support the Free Soil Fire Department.
Participating pubs: The Jailhouse Bar, TJ’s Pub, Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, Fricano’s Manistee River and La Catrina Mexican Nishinaab and more.
Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend schedule of events
• 7 p.m., Annual Victorian Christmas Concert
Join the Manistee Choral Society for its annual Victorian Christmas concert. A reception will follow.
Location: First Congregational Church, 412 Fourth St. Manistee
Cost: By donation
• 7:30-9:30 p.m., Night Before Sleighbell
Kick off Sleighbell weekend with music, laughs, food, drinks and prizes. The Night before Sleighbell with Andy Hotgrieve of Domestic Problems hosted by Eagle 101.5’s Mark Sandstedt.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
Friday, Dec. 6
• All day: Santa’s Mailbox is open
Drop off your letters to Santa in the mailbox downtown near Riverside Toys, 390 River St. in Manistee
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Ice skating rink is open
Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: downtown
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Meet the author
Author Don Hansen will be available for a meet and greet for his new book,”Meg and the Manistee Christmas.”
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River St. in Manistee
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Holiday Market and Beer Garden
Fires, food, hot cider, cold beer and holiday market vibes.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
• 1-3 p.m., 12x12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed.
Location: Hardy Hall at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 1-3 p.m. Wine tasting
Location: The Ideal Kitchen, 421 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free, but proper ID required for sampling
• 1-9 p.m., Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor
View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and seasonal decor and gifts, all made by local artists and organizations. Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the People’s Choice award. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens and enter in a prize drawing.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $1 minimum donation requested
• 4-7 p.m., Cookie Crawl
• 4-7 p.m., Make and Take Holiday Bracelet
Pick out your beads and your charm; we’ll help you make your own holiday bracelet or one for someone else.
Location: Northern Spirits Gifts, 389 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 4-7 p.m., Smitten Party
Bring new hats, gloves, socks and scarves to decorate our Christmas tree. All items will be donated to area organizations serving those in need. Participants will receive free popcorn and festive stickers.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 4-7 p.m., Manistee Art Stroll
Grab some friends and stroll around town enjoying local art in the downtown stores, galleries and historic buildings during this inaugural event. Fill up the art guide by visiting each spot. Return it to The Piping Plover, 385 River St., for a special gift. For more information, contact Anita at Port City Emporium, 231-655-2006.
Pick up guide: Port City Emporium, 354 River St., or Redeemed Furniture and Art Decor, 172 Memorial Drive
• 4-9 p.m., Santa’s Workshop
Meet Santa and get a photo.
Location: Municipal Marina, 480 River St. in Manistee
Purchase a cookie collection box and stop by local businesses to gather specially designed and crafted signature cookies to fill that box. Only 100 cookie boxes will be sold; that box is your ticket. You’ll receive a listing of participating businesses where you will claim one signature cookie from each business. Just show the box and you’ll get a cookie.
Participating businesses include: Northern Spirits Gifts, Redeemed Manistee, Riverside Toys, Vogue Theatre, The Ideal Kitchen, Hoot and Honey Bookstore, P&L Sammich Barista, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, Glenwood Market, Bee Smooth Cafe and Beachside Massage, Northern Spice Co., Happy Hippie, Art Ware, Festival of Trees, Taco ‘Bout
It Mexican Fusion, Munson Healthcare Hospital Manistee, Pomeroy Floral Design and Fricano’s Manistee River.
Cost: Purchase a cookie collection box by donation
Pick up cookie collection boxes: West Shore Community College Downtown Manistee Education Center, 400 River St. in Manistee
• 5-8 p.m., Friday Fish Fry
Get ready for Sleighbell with a diverse and tasty fish fry at the Elks. Choose from crab stuffed salmon to shrimp to perch to haddock. Open to the public.
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Prices vary
• 6 p.m., Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Party
Choose a tree and decorate; many different styles and sizes to choose from. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Fired items take up to one week for completion. Seating is limited, reservations are required. Visit artful-creations-2.square.site/ for more information or to reserve your seat. Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Prices vary
• 6-8 p.m., Open House
Check out examples of holiday centerpieces and wreaths. Preorder your holiday decor and receive a 10% discount. Stick around for refreshments.
Location: Pomeroy Floral Design, 259 Fifth St. in Manistee
• 7-9 p.m., Jingle Bell Karaoke by Phattrax DJs
Join the Lakeside Club of Manistee County for a fun evening among the Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor. Sing holiday songs, 50/50 raffle, fortune teller, and photo-op with Radar the Reindeer. Cash bar; pizza by the slice.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: By donation
• 7:30 p.m., “Matilda the Musical”
Presented by the Manistee Civic Players, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $10-$40
• 8 p.m. to midnight, Karaoke
Manistee Moose Lodge No. 1128 is open to the public. Food will be available. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Location: Manistee Moose Lodge, 1010 Robinson St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 8 p.m. to midnight, Sleighbell Social Holiday Bash
Holiday cocktails, beer and food specials. Santas — or anyone in costume — will receive 10% off. Live music with Raylin Vance from 6-8 p.m., Sleighbell spins with DJ Bitz’n, vinyl holiday classics starting at 8 p.m.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
Saturday, Dec. 7
• All day: Santa’s Mailbox is open
Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend schedule of events
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor
Drop off your letters to Santa in the mailbox downtown near Riverside Toys, 390 River St. in Manistee
• 8 a.m. to noon, Flapjacks and Firehats Pancake Breakfast
This third annual breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and orange juice benefits the Filer Township Fire Department.
Location: Manistee VFW, 1211 28th St. in Manistee
• 9 a.m. to noon, Breakfast with the Elks
The Manistee Elks Lodge is open to the public for its breakfast buffet. Bloody Marys and mimosas are available for an additional charge.
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River St. in Manistee
Cost: $12 per person
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Holiday Craft Show and Bazaar
Purchase crafts and gifts from local artisans at this annual event.
Location: Wagoner Senior Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 10 a.m., Saturday Morning Matinee
Catch the holiday classic “Prancer”
Location: Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 10 a.m., Jingle Bell Jog 5K and Run/Walk
Event benefits Manistee Area Public Schools Cross Country.
Location: The Tabernacle Church, 77 Hancock St. in Manistee
Cost: $20 and includes a long-sleeved T-shirt or hat.
Registration: runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/ManisteeJingleBellJog5K.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sleighbell gathering for families and youth
View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and seasonal decor and gifts, all made by local artists and organizations. Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the “People’s Choice” award. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens and enter in a prize drawing.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $1 minimum donation requested
• 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Meet Buddy the Elf and get a photo
Location: Riverside Toys, 390 River St. Suite 101 in Manistee
Cost: Free
• Noon to 2 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Open House
Visit one of Manistee’s oldest churches, built in 1890 and receive a free Christmas ornament.
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 313 Fourth St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• Noon to 4 p.m., Free carriage rides on River Street
Cost: Rides are free, but consider tipping your driver
Noon to 4 p.m., Santa’s Workshop hosted by Lighthouse Title is open
Location: Municipal Marina, 480 River St. in Manistee
• 1-3 p.m., 12x12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed.
Location: Hardy Hall Gallery at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
• 1 to 4 p.m. Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire on River Street
Cost: Free
• 2 p.m., “The Haunting of Ebenezer”
Silent auction and bake sale; concessions open throughout the day, to support area youth projects.
Location: The Rec at Sands Park, 580 Maple St. in Manistee
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Ice skating rink is open
Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: downtown
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Holiday Market and Beer Garden
Fires, food, hot cider, cold beer and holiday market vibes.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Meet the Grinch
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Meet the author
Author Don Hansen will be available for a meet and greet for his new book,”Meg and the Manistee Christmas.”
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River St. in Manistee
An acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale, “The Haunting of Ebenezer.” This performance includes 16 original Americana songs that guide the audience through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting and transformation.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $15
• 2-3 p.m., Stilt Walker on River Street
• 2-5 p.m. Gift Giving Silent Auction
Get free refreshments and place bids on items in a silent auction to raise money for the Armory Youth Project. Items include lift tickets to Crystal Mountain, a weekend stay at Traveler’s Motel in Onekama, a homemade quilt and more. Advance bids can be placed on the Armory Youth Project’s Facebook page from Dec. 2-6.
Location: City2Shore Port City Associates, 340 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 3 p.m., “Little Sleighbell” Family Parade
Families are invited to march in the Little Sleighbell and play in our Old Christmas Kazoo Band. Be sure to get there early as kazoo supplies are limited.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scandinavian Christmas Open House and Tiny Trains and Towns
Traditionally decorated Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Christmas trees and cookies and an exhibit of miniature villages and toy trains
Location: Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Open House and Self-Guided Tours
The historic, 1909 pipe organ and steeple chime will provide music throughout the duration of the open house. This church was built in 1888 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a must-see for all.
Location: Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Drop-in pottery painting — Paint a keepsake ornament
Many items to choose from, featuring limited edition Victorian Sleighbell Parade ornaments. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Last seating is one hour before closing. Visit artful-creations-2.square.site/ call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
Location: Meet in front of Riverside Toys, 390 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 3 p.m., Magic Show
Location: Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
• 3-8 p.m., Hot dogs and sloppy joes
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River St. in Manistee
Cost: $7
• 4-5 p.m., Warm up before the Sleighbell Parade
Grab a cup of hot chocolate before the big show.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Donation
• 5:30 p.m., The 35th Annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade
Join us along River Street. Once the horses are safely away, there will be fireworks.
• 7 p.m., Jingle Jam
Live bands and entertainment; bring a toy to donate and make a child’s Christmas special. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Location: American Legion, 10 Mason St. in Manistee
Cost: $10 per person or a donated toy
Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend schedule of events
• 7:30 p.m., “Matilda the Musical”
The Manistee Civic Players production of Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $10-$40
• 8 p.m. to midnight, Live music
Manistee Moose Lodge No. 1128 is open to the public for live music with Aces and Eights and Manistee’s own Jay Fortier. Food is available. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Location: Manistee Moose Lodge 1128, 1010 Robinson St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
Sunday, Dec. 8
• 10 a.m. to dusk, Ice skating rink is open
Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: downtown
• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor Pick-Up
Pick-up time for winning bidders. We wrap trees for easy transport. Don’t want the tree? Take the ornaments and we will keep the tree for next year.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
• 10:45 a.m., Yoga and Mimosas
Fireside morning yoga practice. Bring your own mat and props. Brunch, mimosas and zero-proof refreshments included. Reserve a spot by calling 231-887-4188.
Location: Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, 312 River St. in Manistee
Cost: $25 per person
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Free pinball
Have some food and fun, and unwind from Sleighbell with free pinball.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River St. in Manistee
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scandinavian Christmas Open House and Tiny Trains and Towns
Traditionally decorated Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Christmas trees and cookies and an exhibit of miniature villages and toy trains
Location: Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• Noon to 4 p.m., Drop-in pottery painting
Many items to choose from. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Visit artful-creations-2.square.site/ call or text Joann at 231-7479430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River St, in Manistee
Cost: Prices vary
• Noon-8:30 p.m., Smitten Party
Bring new hats, gloves, socks and scarves to decorate our Christmas tree. All items will be donated to area organizations serving those in need. Participants will receive free popcorn and festive stickers.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
• 1-3 p.m., 12x12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed.
Location: Hardy Hall Gallery at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
• 2 p.m., “Matilda the Musical”
The Manistee Civic Players production of “Matilda” tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee
Cost: $10-$40
• 3 p.m., Lessons and Carols
Experience The Advent and Christmas Story in word and song.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Oak St. in Manistee
Cost: Free
Festival of Trees o ers unique holiday decor, supports nonprofits
KEN GRABOWSKI FOR THE NEWS ADVOCATE
People who enjoy viewing beautiful and unique Christmas decorations should make sure to attend the Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees and Holiday Décor from Dec. 6-8.
This annual event draws in thousands and has become one of the highlights of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend celebration. It is an opportunity for the public to view the decorate trees and holiday decor, and bid on them for a chance to take them home.
The Festival of Trees will once again be held in the ballroom of the historic Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, located at 101 Maple St. in Manistee. The event will run from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7. On Dec. 8, the winning bidders can pick up their item between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
There is a suggested admission donation of $1.
Lakeside Club president Deb Green said businesses, organizations and individuals often decorate the trees and décor in a unique manner.
“We have some creative people in our community who do the decorating,” said Green. “I am quite pleased with the community’s acceptance of the event and it has worked out wonderful for the Lakeside Club.”
She said the funds raised from the Festival of Trees benefit nonprofit
organizations in Manistee County.
Over the years the club has donated more than $33,000 to various
organizations.
“We took (over the organization of the event) four years ago and what
Attendees to the Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees event can vote for their favorite entry by placing donated canned goods near it. (File photo)
it has allowed us to do is basically to raise funds for other nonprofits in a big way,” said Green. “This year funds will be going to the Manistee County Historical Society, the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and a portion of the funds will go to support the Lakeside Club of Manistee’s Scholarship for Service Award.”
Green said the club has a rule that those groups who are awarded funds in any particular year must then wait three years until they can be include as a grant recipient again.
“After four years we are about to start recycling again through the list of some of the worthy causes we have supported in the past,” said Green. “Who we choose to receive funds is voted on by members of the club after they do some research on the clubs.”
During the Festival of Trees, the public can vote on their favorite item by donating canned goods, which are then given to local food pantries. Toy donations for the local Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens are also accepted during the event.
“That has been extremely successful, especially
the last two years,” said Green. “The group we are giving the food items to is the Food Access Strategy Team (FAST) as they collaborate with all of the food pantries and are kind of like a clearing house for all of them.”
The Lakeside Club is adding a new feature to the Festival of Trees this year, hosting Jingle Bell Karaoke from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 6, with Phattrax DJs. It will give people the opportunity to sing, dance, do a photo op with Radar the Reindeer, have their fortune told by a fortune teller and celebrate the holiday spirit while viewing the trees and décor.
“That is kind of a replacement for the 1885 event we have done in the past,” said Green. “We had some changes in our group and really weren’t ready for 1885 this year, so we decided to do something different and a little less stressful.”
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Chamber unTapped event on Dec. 5, before the Festival of Trees opens to the public. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the decor.
All stands are locally made in Bear Lake, Michigan Find our stands at:
For more info go to w w w.christmastreestand.com.
Prices may var y
The Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees event is popular with visitors and residents. (File photo)
2024 Sleighbell S ponsors
Filer Credit Union
Lighthouse Title
Snyder ’s Shoes
Manistee News-Advocate
The Outsider
Lakeside Club of Manistee County
TJ’s Pub / The Ramsdell Inn
Fricano’s
Kendra C. Thompson Architec ts P.C.
Patrick Swidorsk i Truck ing LLC
Zupin Crane LLC
Ken Armour
Ludington Daily News
Alpine Chocolat Haus
Bish’s R V
Spicer Group
Wyatt Auto Group
Authentic 231
Topline Elec tric
Manistee Tourism
City of Manistee
City of Manistee Public Works Depar tment
City of Manistee Police Depar tment
Historic structures on display to public during Sleighbell Weekend
KEN GRABOWSKI FOR THE NEWS ADVOCATE
One of the driving forces in the creation of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend in 1989 was to pay tribute to Manistee’s strong architectural heritage from that time period.
The community features many homes, business buildings, a downtown area, fire hall and numerous churches all featuring those designs. It’s also why every year during Sleighbell Weekend several area historic church buildings are open to the public for free tours.
Some of the Midwest’s best architects and contractors from the late 1800s played key roles in designing and constructing.
Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth St.
An open house and self-guided tours at Guardian Angels Church will run from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Local residents in recent years rallied not only to preserve, but to maintain this historic church from a bygone era.
Manistee was a much different town than today when the cornerstone was laid in 1888 for Guardian Angels Church. It was a factory-driven working town in those days and the congregation, made up primarily of people of Irish and German descent, banded together to construct the structure.
Local members of the church at time took action to hire A. Druding of Chicago as architect and May 1, 1888 Rev. H.W. Grimme of Big Rapids took
charge of the congregation to begin constructing a church.
Contractors C.H. Pelton and C.A. Sathern were awarded the contract bid. It was a two-year journey to complete construction, but work was finally completed in 1890.
Upon the completion of construction arrangements were made on Dec. 21 1890 for Rev. Bishop H.J. Richter of Grand Rapids to bless the church and it was given the name named Guardian Angels. It took more than 60,000 bricks to build the church, and it has 170-foot high spire to draw attention to the exterior of the building.
The interior of the church remains very majestic in the old world style of its German/ Irish heritage. Those touring the church can get a view of the 1,600 pipes on the organ, which was installed in 1909.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 313 Fourth St.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will also hold an open house from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Members of the church began the process to construct the church in the late 1800s. On Sept. 4, 1890 the cornerstone was laid with Rev. A.Moussa officiating the ceremony. One year later members of the congregation moved in and began holding services.
At one time in the early years of the church there was a school building constructed next to the church, but it was torn down in 1948. During that same year art glass windows were added to the church building giving it a new look.
Members of the church will be in attendance during the open house to answer questions and lead tours.
Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut St.
Another historic building that had its start as a church in 1868 is a former Danish church now known as the Old Kirke Museum. A Scandinavian Christmas Open House is slated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8.
When visitors enter the building it will like taking a step back in time to what Christmas decorations looked like in the early years of Manistee.
The inside will be decorated with Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Christmas trees and there will be plenty cookies for those taking the tour to enjoy. There also will be the Tiny Towns and Trains exhibit in the lower level of the building.
There is no admission charge for attending the open house.
In 2021, St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was decorated for a Christmas-time open house and tours of the historic church. (File photo)
Learn about Krampus, other Victorian holiday traditions during events
KEN GRABOWSKI FOR THE NEWS ADVOCATE
Celebrating history from the Victorian era in Manistee is really what takes place every year during the Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.
It’s the opportunity to see how local residents celebrated the Christmas season in the late 1800s and it is an activity the Manistee community has hosted for the past 35 years. However, what remains unique about this event is every year
the Sleigbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend committee come up with new things to experience.
People attending the celebration this year from Dec. 5-8 can learn about Krampus, the bad Santa Claus.
This informative event is being organized by the Manistee County Library staff and will feature a lecture at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the library, and another at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Vogue Theatre. These events will be followed by a pub crawl that the Free Soil and Manistee
fire departments are organizing.
Manistee County Library assistant director Chrissy Streeter will be giving the historical lectures about how the Krampus legend came into existence and other similar things from that era. She said it’s an interesting story about some unique holiday traditions.
“It’s going to be on Krampus and other Christmas curiosities from the past,” said Streeter. “A lot of past traditions are quite different from how we celebrate the holidays now.”
Streeter pointed out that a lot of Christmas traditions are taken from older ones that were passed down and often changed over the years. She cited Christmas trees, which have been historically said to come from traditions in European counties and evolved over time to the version everyone has in their homes today.
“Krampus is kind of a similar situation as there is a little bit of a gray area where he came from; some think he may have come
A group of traditional Austrian Krampus and Saint Nicholas characters are pictured. The Krampus are dressed in fur and have horns and masks.
(Guzel Kolobova/Getty Images)
from German and Nordic mythology,” said Streeter. “He is kind of considered a negative entity that was kind of a tale of caution like, ‘Behave or you will have to settle your affairs with Krampus.’”
However, she pointed out the programs will be much more than just talking about Krampus.
“We also are going to be talking about how ghost stories used to be extremely popular during the holidays in the Victorian period,” said Streeter. “I think a prime example of that is ones like Charles Dickens and the ‘Christmas Carol’ story.”
Streeter said the Victorians were very progressive, as electricity was becoming more popular then as well as science and technology advances.
“Vehicles were just around the corner so there was a lot of science, technology and STEM during that time period as well,” said Streeter.
The Manistee County Library hosted some other historical programs recently, like the Midnight Library that was well received by the public.
It’s why they opted for the program on who Krampus was and how he fits into the Christmas tradition.
“We have seen where people are interested in tales of caution as most of us were brought up hearing about fairy tales,” said Streeter. “Some of these tales of caution we are naturally drawn to and this is a unique aspect of Christmas past, so Krampus appeals to some people with those type of stories from that time.”
Streeter said the Krampus story still intrigues many people during the holiday season and they want to learn more about it.
“I have been working on getting information together on Krampus and some of those other ghost stories, so it should be lots of fun,” said Streeter.
She added that it’s possible for a special guest to turn up at her lectures.
During the evening discussion at the Vogue Theatre, organizers are hoping a gift of a beverage will encourage people to participate in a Krampus Pub Crawl to follow.
The Free Soil/Mead Fire Department is helping to coordinate the pub crawl
event Thursday evening, which is expected to include Krampus joining the fray.
As of mid-November, Jailhouse Bar, TJ’s Pub, Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, Fricano’s Manistee River and La Catrina Mexican Nishinaab are slated to take part in the pub crawl. More details can be found online at manisteesleighbellparade. com/.
Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend Committee chairperson Julia Cook said the pub crawl came about as a way to get more people involved in other activities beyond the parade.
“I was in a meeting for Sleighbell and people were complaining it was all about the parade, but
there is so much more to this event,” said Cook. “So I met with the library to build something more instead of just walking around Saturday and then the parade.”
Cook said the committee wants to attract the audience who arrives in Manistee before Saturday and offer them something else fun to take part in. That is where the inspiration came for a program on Krampus.
“The program always says events start on Thursday, but in reality it is just the chamber event,” said Cook. “So I am thinking we have the audience and Chrissy brought up the Krampus idea way back in a meeting in April, and I was just taken with it.”
Ramsdell to host art exhibit, musical, Dickens classic
KEN GRABOWSKI FOR THE NEWS ADVOCATE
The Manistee community is filled with buildings that fit perfectly into the theme for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, located at 101 Maple St., is one building that always hosts event during the weekend.
Laura Ortiz-LaVelle, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts managing director, said programs are scheduled for all four days of the annual celebration.
“We have lots of things taking place and it will be a wonderful weekend at the Ramsdell,” said Ortiz-LaVelle.
All the fun begins from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 5 when the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Chamber unTapped: Holiday Edition in the ballroom. Cost is $15 for chamber investors and $25 for non-investors.
On Dec. 6, the 12x12 Community Exhibition opens from 1-3 p.m. in Hardy Hall, featuring the artistic work of local artists of all ages featuring many different forms of mediums.
“This is a community art exhibit that is actually a fundraiser for the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
workshops and art exhibits,” said Ortiz-LaVelle. “The exhibit actually opened on Nov. 1, but we are waiting to Friday, Dec. 6 to hold a reception for the artists, and public can come in and purchase the artwork.”
The show will feature plenty to view.
“It will feature (12-inch by 12-inch) canvases as we sent out invitations for anyone who wanted could come to pick up a canvas,” said Ortiz-LaVelle. “They (could) then paint it,
decorate it or whatever they want with it before donating it back to the Ramsdell to be sold for the fundraiser.”
According to the Ramsdell director, many artists are taking part, producing a wide variety of artwork. No two pieces are the same.
“So far what we have received are by multiple artists of all ages as we have so many artistic people in our community,” said Ortiz-LaVelle. “It is a very easy, wonderful fundraiser for the
community to be involved in to help support the Ramsdell and what we are doing here.”
The exhibit will also be open from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8.
Ortiz-LaVelle said local residents and visitors will also get to enjoy some theatrical presentations at the Ramsdell Theatre.
“This will be the opening weekend for ‘Matilda the Musical’ by the Manistee Civic Players,”said Ortiz-LeVelle.
Matilda tells the story of a
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is located at 101 Maple St. in Manistee. (File photo)
girl with a sharp mind and vivid imagination who works hard to change her story. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. The cast returns with a performance at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 8.
Tickets for the show range from $10-$40 and can be purchased at the Ramsdell Theatre Box Office.
“We will also have the Haunting of Ebenezer at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Ramsdell Theatre as this is an acoustic concert retelling the Charles Dickens classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’,” said Ortiz-LaVelle. “It is about an hour long and there is four performers and three musicians who are on the apron of the stage telling the story of
Ebenezer in a musical form.”
Tickets are $20.
From 5:30-7 p.m. on Dec. 5 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 7 the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts will be offering a Lego printing Christmas card making class in classroom A.
“We did that last year and it was a popular event that was a
big draw,” said Ortiz-LaVelle. “It’s a free event, but donations will be happily received.”
The Lakeside Club of Manistee will also be hosting the Festival of Trees and Holiday Décor in the ballroom on Dec. 6 and 7 and the Ramsdell is part of the cookie crawl from 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 6.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade
The Manistee Civic Players cast for the upcoming production of “Matilda: The Musical.” (File photo)
Downtown Merchants Showcase
o ers new events for locals
KEN GRABOWSKI FOR THE NEWS ADVOCATE
Getting local residents more involved in the 2024 Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is a goal of the organizing committee this year.
Sleighbell committee chair Julia Cook said it was a priority because they have been getting feedback from local residents saying they wanted more activities geared for them.
“We tried to find things to draw more interest locally on Thursday and Friday this year,”
said Cook. “People have told us there wasn’t enough to do on those days as the other days were more for the tourists.”
The committee has come up with the Downtown Merchants Showcase, which includes an art stroll, cookie crawl, scavenger hunt and holiday bracelet making event. It is designed to combine fun activities along with the opportunity for people to visit the local stores at the same time.
Cathy Lakos, who is helping to organize the cookie crawl and scavenger hunt, said they are
designed to replace some of the popular events that didn’t return to the Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What is kind of neat is we were trying to find something to replace the Soup Cook Off,” said Lakos. “Friday night’s events are specifically designed for our neighbors in the Manistee community.”
The Soup Cook Off took place for years during the Sleighbell Weekend. Downtown merchants would feature their business by giving out a sample of different
types of soup. The public would then vote on the best entry.
A similar event this year is the cookie crawl; it will operate on the same type of format. It will run from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 6.
“We now have 20 businesses signed up to participate in it,” said Lakos. “Northern Spice Company, Northern Spirits Gift Shop and Our Creations and Styles are sponsoring it.”
Lakos said there are 100 boxes available, which can be picked up at West Shore Community College Downtown Manistee Education Center, located at 400
Port City Emporium is one of the locations where people can pick up a postcard for the art stroll in Manistee during the Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend. (File photo)
River St. Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital staff will be assisting with the distribution of boxes, and there will be a warming station at that location.
“The boxes will be available for purchase by donation, and we will give them a map showing where all the businesses are located,” said Lakos. “Each of the 20 businesses will have specially designed cookies. Each business is designing a signature cookie, and the list will be available to those people taking part when they get a box.”
Someone taking part in the cookie crawl will have 20 different cookies in their box if they visit all the businesses taking part. However, with only 100 boxes available, Lakos urges people to be there at 4 p.m. to make sure they get a box.
“Each cookie will be individually wrapped and as far as health concerns are it’s just a
more user friendly way of doing it,” said Lakos. “Each business will have a recipe posted with the cookies they are giving out, just to be on the safe side for allergies and such.”
Lakos said the cookies are being made by cottage businesses, mom and pop, and some commercial kitchens.
She said an event of this nature also brings people into businesses they may not normally visit, giving them a chance to view the things they have to offer.
“All the funds donated from the purchase of the boxes will go right back into Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend,” said Lakos.
Lakos said Redeemed Furniture Art and Decor will be sponsoring a scavenger hunt from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and again the next afternoon.
“The scavenger hunt is really
simple and neat,” said Lakos. “There will be two different ornaments, with one for Friday night and the other for Saturday, and all businesses participating will have hidden the ornaments in their stores.”
She said the goal is to get in the store and locate the ornament. The person who finds it will either get the ornament and/or receive a gift from the businesses where they found it.
“We will have a list of businesses taking part, posted at Redeemed,” said Lakos. “We also will have a picture and a sample of what the ornament looks like at Redeemed and online so people know what they are looking for.”
Lakos said the ones hidden in plain sight in the stores are often the hardest to find.
Other events taking place are an art stroll from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 6, which will give people
the opportunity to stroll around town enjoying art in downtown stores, galleries and historic buildings. There will be about 10-20 locations on River, Maple and Division streets, as well as at Redeemed.
People can pick up a postcard listing the locations at Port City Emporium, at 354 River St., or Redeemed, at 172 Memorial Drive, and fill it up by visiting each location. Those who visit all the locations can return their postcard to The Piping Plover, at 385 River St., for a commemorative pin.
From 4-7 p.m. there will be a chance to participate in the Make and Take Holiday Bracelet program at Northern Spirits Gifts, at 389 River St. This free event will allow those participating to pick out their own beads and charm to make a holiday bracelet.
