100th Anniversary Holiday Tree Lighting Kicks Off Winter Traditions in Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs loves its traditions and the events surrounding the upcoming holidays are no exception.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of a community Christmas tree placed in town, a tradition started by local contractor George B. Hartung. As a young man, Hartung cut and hauled a Christmas tree from his home in Larks Lake into downtown Harbor Springs for the townsfolk to enjoy. Of the first community Christmas tree gathering, the Petoskey Evening News reported in their December 27, 1915 issue, "Ideal weather conditions combined with 100 percent pure Christmas enthusiasm made Harbor Springs' first municipal Christmas tree a grand success and an event long to be remembered."

This tradition lives on this year with the 100th anniversary tree lighting celebration taking place in downtown Harbor Springs on Saturday, November 28, 2015, with festivities beginning at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to help celebrate this beloved town tradition. After the tree is lit, everyone will join in singing a few Christmas carols. Afterward everyone is invited to enjoy chili and refreshments at the Holy Childhood Parish Hall, 150 W. Main Street. Thanks to Holy Childhood and the United Methodist Church of Harbor Springs as well as the American Legion Auxiliary and First Community Bank for providing the refreshments. Children are also invited to visit with Santa at the Parish Hall.

This year's Christmas tree is being donated by Nub's Nob Ski Resort. The approximately 40-foot-tall white spruce tree will be cut and transported by the City of Harbor Springs Electric Department. Prior to the Saturday tree lighting, children of all ages are welcome to place homemade ornaments and decorations on the tree. Local merchants and residents get into the holiday spirit by participating in the annual decorating contest. Keeping with the special anniversary celebration, this year's window decorating theme is "Traditions." Participants must enter by November 23, and awards will be given in each of four categories: Retail Gifts, Retail Clothing, Service and Residential.

More information and entry forms are available on the Chamber's website: www.harborspringschamber.com.

Cross Village, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan just 20 miles north of Harbor Springs, will host its 14th Annual Community Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House on Friday, November 27, 2015, from 11 am to 7 pm. Three Pines Studio will host the event including music, food and festivities. The tree lighting takes place at 5:30 pm.

Home for the Holidays 2015 continues with another annual tradition, the Merchants Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 6:00-9:00 pm in downtown Harbor Springs. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of shopping, special music with the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band, refreshments and more shopping. Come be a part of local traditions this season and celebrate Harbor Springs!