The Livingston Post
After receiving the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) earlier this year, Howell Main Street Inc. has been selected as Grand Marshal of the Fantasy of Lights Parade. The Fantasy of Lights is Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in downtown Howell.
Representing Howell Main Street Inc. and riding in the parade will be Cathleen Edgerly, Howell Main Street C.O.O. and DDA Director as well as Kate Litwin, Howell Main Street Inc.’s Outreach Coordinator. The Grand Marshal is selected based on contributions to the city.
“Howell is a prime example of a small rural community that is doing big things. They have all the charm you’d expect in a historic Main Street community, but they don’t stop there,” said Patrice Frey, President and CEO of the National Main Street Center on the GAMSA award selection. “Downtown Howell is setting itself apart as a supportive place for entrepreneurs and business owners and that’s how we’re seeing small communities stay competitive in today’s economy.”
“Since the Fantasy of Lights is a downtown event, it is only fitting to recognize the Great American Main Street Award in the parade,” said Michelle Tokan, Fantasy of Lights Director. “We know Howell is ‘great’ and want to share that with our guests as we kick-off the holiday season in Howell.”
In a city where every day is an event, Howell Main Street Inc. manages Rock the Block, Food Truck Rallies and the Howell Art Project.
“It has been a huge achievement to have downtown Howell, and our Main Street program, recognized as one of the top in the U.S. receiving the 2018 Great American Main Street award,” said Edgerly. “Main Street is all about building a strong sense of community, engaging everyone to work together. To have our leaders and organization recognized as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Fantasy of Lights parade – an event that serves as a homecoming of sorts, bringing the entire community together – is a very fitting way to round out the year. We are extremely honored!”
The 35th annual Fantasy of Lights is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Activities begin at 4 p.m., followed by the Fantasy 5K at 6 and the start of the parade at 7. Major sponsor of the Fantasy of Lights is Cobb-Hall Insurance. Supporting sponsors are Citizens Insurance and DTE Energy Foundation. St. Joseph Mercy Livingston is the Fantasy 5K Platinum Sponsor and Auto-Lab of Howell sponsors Santa and Reindeer.
