Fantasy of Lights parade returns in Howell
Festivities to honor former city councilman Manor
HOWELL – The Fantasy of Lights parade returns Friday and in addition to a variety of celebratory events, the holiday festival will honor grand marshal Steve Manor, who recently died.
Manor resigned from the city council in October and died shortly afterward.
Manor was a local teacher in Howell Public Schools for more than 32 years, retiring from Howell High School in 1998. He also taught at the former Michigan Avenue School and Highlander Way Middle School.
“Sometimes it’s hard to quit and this has been such an occasion for me, but it’s time,” Manor said last month.
He was elected to Howell City Council in 1999. He served in several capacities, including as mayor pro tem.
“Manor dedicated countless hours to serving the Howell community,” city officials said in the release. “His involvement beyond city and council initiatives included Howell Rotary, Parker Skate Park, Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, the Livingston County Diversity Council, and more.”
Howell Area Chamber of Commerce President Janelle Best said earlier this month that
Manor’s death is a “huge loss” from the community.
“Steve had just a really big heart,” said Best, who got to know Manor through Howell Rotary. “It was very apparent his desire to give back to the community. If there was a task that seemed daunting, he wasn’t afraid to not back down from those challenges. I think he’s a really good example of where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Best said there will be a banner in the parade in Manor’s honor, as well as a grand marshal float. Final details were still being worked out.
The parade kicks off at 7 p.m., with masters of ceremony Jake Andrews and Brent Earl at the library reviewing stand and main reviewing stand.
Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with Cleary University Peppermint Path on State Street. There will be food, drink and dessert trucks from Good Sense Coffee, Rise & Grind Coffee, Whoa Taco, Sovis Farms Home Cooking, OMG Fudge and MStreet Bakery.
Spectators can browse items from local merchants, enjoy refreshments listen to live music and see Santa and his reindeer.
In addition, there will be children’s activities, musical entertainment, Santa’s reindeer and more. The entertainment schedule includes:
4 to 4:30 p.m. – Livingston County Lamplighters h
4:30 to 5 p.m. – Highlander Chorale h
5 to 5:30 p.m. – MaskEra a’ capella h
5:30 to 6 p.m. – Bronsyn Sacker h
6 to 6:30 p.m. – Parker Middle School Choir h
6:30 to 7 p.m. – Livingston County Chorale h
At 4 p.m., people may have their photos taken with Santa. At 6 p.m., the Fantasy 5K & Family Run/Walk will take place. Dogs are not permitted in the race/walk as a safety precaution, according to organizers.
The event takes place on Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the contest. The cost is $30 to participate in the 5K run walk and $25 for the 1-mile walk.
During the parade, numerous streets will be closed, including:
Grand River Avenue between Catrell h
Street and Highlander Way.
Michigan Avenue between Sibley and h
Clinton streets.
Byron Road between Grand River and h
Clinton Street.
Westbound traffic will be detoured onto h
Catrell Street. Traffic will be directed to National and then to west Clinton Street. At Michigan avenue, traffic will be directed north on Michigan avenue toward M-59
Eastbound traffic at Highlander Way may h turn left toward M-59 or right on Highlander Way for the detour back to Grand River Avenue. Traffic will be directed to turn left onto Mason Road, directed to Dearborn Street, to Fowler, to east Sibley and then to east Grand River at National Street.
South bound traffic on Michigan avenue h will be detoured west on Clinton Street.
North bound traffic on Michigan will be h detoured east on Sibley Street.
Traffic south bound Byron Road will be detoured h east on Clinton Street.