Dear Crabby, Where is the Best Place in Michigan to Go Make My Spirits Bright?

Dear Crabby, Between this pandemic and the lack of snow in our area, I’m having trouble finding my Christmas spirit. Do you have any fun suggestions on what my family and I can do around town that would help us feel jollier? Thanks, Cindy Lou LumosDear Cindy Lou Lumos, Your conundrum makes me think of that song from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, “Where Are You Christmas?” Even if you celebrate Hanukkah or something else, or nothing at all, you get the gist of the song’s … [Read more...]

Support Small and Shop Local after Thanksgiving

Join the merchants of Downtown Rochester for a two-day shopping event after Thanksgiving. This year Downtown Rochester is celebrating Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday to encourage patrons to shop small and give big this holiday season. Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday are days dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses. Plaid Friday takes place November 27, shoppers are encouraged to wear plaid and head to Downtown Rochester for a fun day of … [Read more...]

REVIEW: ‘Forever Christmas’ Sings Hope Into the Holidays

Settling into my seat at opening night of Avon Players’ holiday revue ‘Forever Christmas,’ I looked around and wondered if any of the other patrons at the packed performance felt like I did: tired. This has just been a long, strange year; a year where beloved cultural icons have been leaving us at a dizzying pace, not to mention the recent election. It just seems like 2016 has been one curve ball after another and I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m ready for it to be over. I guess I was … [Read more...]

Experience the European Essence of the Kris Kringle Market in Downtown Rochester

Downtown Rochester’s annual Kris Kringle Market returns this holiday season on Friday, December 2, 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 3, noon - 10:00 p.m. The market will be located on W. Fourth Street between Main and Walnut and will coincide with The Big, Bright Light Show. The Kris Kringle Market, presented by Lincoln of Troy, is inspired by the 700 year-old tradition of the European Christmas markets. Visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambience of an open-air … [Read more...]

Small Business Saturday in Downtown Rochester

Join the merchants of downtown Rochester on Saturday, November 26 for Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses. The Rochester Downtown Development Authority has joined more than 400 advocacy organizations that have made it a mission to bring business to their downtown areas on this day. Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season … [Read more...]

Festival of Trees Cocktail Preview in Downtown Rochester

Tickets are on sale now for the Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Cocktail Preview on Friday, November 18, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. Tickets are $50 per person/$85 per couple. This is your first chance to get a preview this amazing holiday spectacular featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, tablescapes, centerpieces and more … and your opportunity to bid to take these items home with you for the holidays. The event will include a strolling dinner from … [Read more...]

Michigan Festivals & Events Association Receives Grants

Michigan Festivals & Events Association Receives Services to the Field and Capitol Improvement Grants President and CEO Sue Bila is pleased to announce Michigan Festivals & Events Association (MFEA) has received a $50,000 Services to the Field matching grant and a $2,875 Capitol Improvement matching grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The funds from the Services to the Field grant will be used to produce the new and enhanced 2017 magazine including … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, How Many Christmas Lights are Too Many?

Dear Crabby, My family and I were in Downtown Rochester when they flipped the switch on The Big, Bright Light Show. And that got me wondering… is there such over a thing as too many Christmas lights? Thanks, Bill Luminous Dear Mr. Luminous, You pose an interesting question there, sir. While all those thousands of lights are pretty neat, there’s a difference between having that many lights on buildings and having that many lights on your house. It seems like nowadays, there’s a … [Read more...]

The Big, Bright Light Show Celebrates 10 years of Memories!

Brighten your holidays in downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in Downtown Rochester will be covered in more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light which will be lit nightly, November 23 through Jan. 3, 2016, from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Big, Bright Light Show will debut on Monday, November 23 at 7 p.m. during the 43rd Annual Lagniappe celebration. This year marks 10 years since The Big, Bright Light Show made its sparkling debut.  And over that time, … [Read more...]

Small Business Saturday Coming to Downtown Rochester on November 28!

Join the merchants of downtown Rochester on Saturday, November 28 for Small Business Saturday! Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses. The Rochester Downtown Development Authority has joined more than 400 advocacy organizations that have made it a mission to bring business to their downtown areas on this day. Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for … [Read more...]