I can’t remember a better night for the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade in downtown Howell — ever. If there has been better weather for this beautiful parade, please let me know.
The funny thing is, this is the first year in the last seven that my kid didn’t have to bundle up and shiver through the event as he marched with the Howell High School/Highlander Way Middle School marching bands.
The perfect weather brought huge crowds to downtown Howell. Just before the parade stepped off, the D-19/Michigan Avenue exit was backed up onto I-96; cars crawled through downtown Howell, looking for parking spots; and lucky folks who had claimed their spots early in the day — or those fortunate folks who got to watch the parade from any of the downtown apartments above businesses — got the very best view.
As it is every year, awards were given out in a variety of categories.
Award winners for 2017 included:
Grand Marshal Award — Livingston Educational Service Agency
Cobb-Hall Insurance Major Sponsor Award — City of Howell Department of Public Works
Mayor’s Award — ITC
Best Decorated Vehicle — Hartland Fire Department
Best Use of Lights Award — Bordines
Children’s Delight Award — Pardiac Towing
Best Use of Music — Parker Middle School
First-timer’s Award — Lake Chemung
Most Unique Award — The Harmony Collective
Parade Committee Award — Citizens Insurance
Spirit of Christmas Award — RE/MAX Platinum
Best Animal Entry — Greenwood Farms Clydesdales presented by Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Razzle Dazzle Award — Howell Eagles 3607 Eagle Riders
“Thanks to all who were part of the parade,” said Fantasy of Lights Director Michelle Tokan. “All of the floats, marching bands and units were spectacular, and helped brighten the city up for the holiday season. The 34th annual Fantasy of Lights certainly illustrated the theme ‘All is Bright.'”
The Fantasy of Lights holiday event is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Major sponsor is Cobb-Hall Insurance. Supporting sponsors are LOC Federal Credit Union, DTE Energy Foundation and Citizens Insurance.
For more information, contact the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at (517) 546-3920 or visit howell.org.