Twinkle Town at Gardner White in Warren opens for the season

On Tuesday, Macomb County residents celebrated their right to vote, and on Wednesday they celebrated the season opener of Twinkle Town at Gardner White in Warren.

Warren’s Cousino High School marching band was there playing holiday music.

There was face painting, a magician, balloon twisters, cookies, and sparkling Christmas tree displays but most of all there was Santa Claus, who took time out from his busy schedule to attend the gala event that is likely to become a new holiday tradition.

“It was a magical night from beginning to end,” said Rachel Stewart, president of Gardner White. “The smiling faces on the hundreds of kids and parents who enjoyed cookies and cocoa, facepainting and fireworks, taking pictures with Santa, and meeting the local influencers stationed at the stunning trees they decorated filled every inch of the store with holiday cheer. Twinkle Town at Gardner White was a perfect, post-election event to share joy and positivity.”

If you missed the event, don’t worry.

It was just the official opening of the holiday display that visitors can see at Gardner White throughout the holiday season including Candy Cane Lane, which features a dozen trees created by local social media stars including HGTV’s The Bargain Block Guys.

If you do stop by, be sure to vote for your favorite tree inspired by specific home decor themes online at gardwhit.co/twinkle Nov. 19 through Dec. 18. The first, second and thirdplace vote-getters will receive $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 respectively to benefit a charity of their choice.

Joining St. Nicholas

and Stewart were Warren Mayor Jim Fouts and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Gardner White executives and Shannon Murphy from Mojo in the Morning on Channel 995, who served as emcee for the holiday gala.

Santa Claus has since returned

to the North Pole but will be returning to Twinkle Town at Gardner White every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through Dec. 18 to greet families, give out candy canes, pose for Santa selfies and of course, find out if guests have been

naughty or nice.

Shoppers are also encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

Gardner White is at 6500 14 Mile Rd., in Warren

PHOTOS BY DAVID ANGELL — FOR THE MACOMB DAILY Warren’s Cousino High School marching band had the honors of playing the holidays songs for Wednesday’s opening of Twinkle Towns.

Warren Mayor James Fouts, left, and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel pose in a rare photo of the two of them kicking back and enjoying the holiday atmosphere at Gardner White in Warren.

Santa Claus listens as Owen Wilkens of Hazel Park shares his wish for the holiday season during the official opening of Twinkle Town at Gardner White headquarters in Warren.

A smiling tuba player pauses during a performance by Cousino High School marching band.

Fireworks were also part of the show at Twinkle Town’s official opening.