Jennifer Alexander Ruple
The sights and sounds of the holidays will fill downtown Sylvania when Miracle on Main Street returns Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3. The annual holiday celebration, organized by Red Bird Sylvania, will include a plethora of family-friendly activities including an art hop, live musical performances, downtown shopping, the Mistletoe Market, a tree lighting ceremony with Santa, a 5K run, and two new features – the Mingle and Jingle Tent and Authors Alley.
The holiday art hop will feature exhibit openings, store specials, and pop-up shops on Friday from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Corner Park on Maplewood Avenue and Main Street will be aglow with a tree-lighting ceremony and an appearance by Santa at 6 pm on Friday evening. Later, visit with Santa on the Heritage Center Museum front porch, 5717 Main St., from 6:15 to 8 pm and Saturday from 1-3 pm.
Continue holiday shopping at the Mistletoe Market, located on the west side of Maplewood Avenue on Friday from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. The tent, sponsored by Buckeye Broadband, will feature a variety of local art and craft vendors. Outside the tent, enjoy popcorn from Olde Tyme Kettle Korn and donuts from Detroit Mini Donuts while cozying up to firepits courtesy of A & J Landscape.
On the east side of Maplewood, look for the Mingle and Jingle Tent which will showcase live performances of the ‘Nutcracker’ by the Toledo Met, Elf Junior the Musical performers, Soprano Elizabeth Baldwin and her students, Christmas Carolers, and a hot cocoa bar sponsored by Carr Apartments on Friday 5 to 11 pm and Saturday 10 am to 11 pm. “I’m looking forward to our new Mingle and Jingle Tent,” said Katie Cappellini, executive director of Red Bird Sylvania. “There will be a wide variety of programs and shows for all ages. It’s going to be a fun and energetic place to visit.”
Local writers will make appearances and sign books over the two-day event at Authors Alley, located in the hallway next to Chandler Café. Featured authors include Christina Dankert, Katie Maskey, Gayleen Gindy, Sally Micsko and Alex Parquette, Mike Timmins and George Benson.
Join the fun Saturday with the family-friendly Miracle on Main Street 5K. Early risers may enjoy a free warm up stretch and yoga session with California Yoga. The run begins at 8:30 am with packet pick up on Friday from 3 to 5 pm or Saturday beginning at 7 am at the Mingle and Jingle Tent.
Register at redbirdsylvania.org.