'Sundays In The City' Starting November 16, 2008

In Beautiful Downtown Bay City

November 16, 2008
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

There is no better place to enjoy the traditions of the holiday season than in historic Downtown Bay City; where value is measured by warm smiles, locally owned businesses, and special holiday activities.

Every Sunday there'll be the sounds of holiday music and horse's hoofs as the holiday carriage moves throughout the streets. And again this year, a special Bay City tradition continues as generations of families gather to greet Santa Claus in Wenonah Park along the riverfront.

"Sundays in the City", Sundays, November 16th through December 21st, includes so many ways to enjoy the sights, the sounds and the joy of the season. Spending time shopping for that special gift, dining with friends, or just enjoying the holiday sights - reminds us of all the things that make the holidays special.

Each Sunday in the City Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Pick up is from noon until 3 p.m. in front of the State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave. Carriage rides will also be available after Santa's Arrival, Friday, November 28th, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. with pick up in front of the Delta College Planetarium.

Strolling Musicians and Carolers enhance the Downtown holiday experience by performing through-out the streets from noon to 2 p.m. This year's musical entertainment includes carolers and bands from the Girl Scouts and Essexville, Bangor and Bay City Schools.

Santa Buck. With this special coupon, holiday shoppers will receive $5 off regularly priced items each Sunday at 27 businesses, starting November 16th until December 21st. Total Santa Buck Value is $135.00!!!

Sunday Open House. Various stores will hold special holiday activities each weekend through-out the event. Be sure to call ahead for details or visit us on the web at www.downtownbaycity.com

8th Annual Festival of Wreaths Participating Downtown shops and restaurants will each decorate and display a holiday wreath in their individual establishments. Downtown visitors can enter to win at each participating business, who will each draw a winner on December 15th, just in time for the holidays!

Sleigh of Gifts Giveaway The annual downtown tradition continues again this year! One very lucky individual will win the "Sleigh of Gifts" filled with gifts from each of the participating businesses valued at over $2,000!! The Sleigh of Gifts will be on display at Herter Music Center, 901 Washington Avenue. Those wishing to enter can do so at any of the participating establishments. The winner will be drawn on December 16th, just in time for all of the gifts to be placed under the tree.

Participating Businesses Include:

A Wedding & Gift Boutique

Allan's Shoes

Atrium

Bay Antique Center

Bayshire Beauty Academy

Cherubs Children's Shoppe

Chemical Bank

Di's Ink, Stamp-n-Crafts

Dive & Glide

Friends 4 Ever

G's Pizzeria & Deli

Heart of Ireland

Herman Hiss & Co

Herter Music Center

Hoopla!

Little House

MeadowCreek Clothiers

Merle Norman Cosmetics

My Secret Garden

Paperworks

St. Laurent Brothers

Simmons Jewelers

State Theatre

The Sweet Boutique

Three French Hens

Uptown Girl

Violets Blue

Water Front Market & Deli

Wind & Willows on the River

Santa's Arrival! Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at Wenonah Park in Downtown Bay City at 7 p.m. Friday, November 28th. Kids, bring your flashlights and help guide Santa's Sleigh into Wenonah Park. Performances by the local Boy Scout Troop 121, Miss Bay County representatives and once again this year, the 5th grade Hughes Elementary School Choir, all help to enhance this spectacular event!

Following his arrival, Santa & Mrs. Claus will head to the Delta College Planetarium to greet children until 9 p.m. Parents, don't forget your cameras. Santa's treats are graciously provided by St. Laurent Brothers and beverages are provided by McDonald's Restaurant at 314 Washington Avenue. This event is supported by the Bay Arts Council. Horse drawn carriage rides will be available after Santa's Arrival. Pick up is at the Delta College Planetarium from 7:30-9:00 pm.

Additional Holiday Events

Sunday 11/16 The Santa Clause, State Theatre, 2pm

Sunday 11/23 The Santa Clause 2, State Theatre, 2pm

Friday, 11/28 Santa's Arrival, Wenonah Park, 7pm Visit Santa at the Delta Planetarium after the show until 9pm

Sunday 11/30 Thanksgiving Weekend Miracle on 34th Street, A classic holiday movie! State Theatre, 2pm

Sunday 12/07 Breakfast with Santa, Doubletree Hotel, 10 am to 1 pm. Reservations required, 891-6000 It's a Wonderful Life, State Theatre, 2pm

Sunday, 12/14 Christmas Vacation, State Theatre, 2pm

Sunday 12/21 The Grinch, State Theatre, 2pm