The White Lake community kicked off the holiday season Friday with the 30th annual Holiday Walk, including tree lightings in both Montague and Whitehall and horse-drawn carriage rides.
“With many businesses offering up holiday deals, specials and giveaways, this event really is an initiative to encourage people to support local and shop small during the holiday season,” said Chamber of Commerce Director of Events and Membership Stephanie Ware. “Our area businesses have so much to offer, and with around 40 businesses participating, our hope is not only that the community will support the ones they are familiar with, but that they will go in to experience a place they’ve never been before.
“Our hope is that people will choose the local customer service, unique items and options, and the feeling of knowing more of your dollar stays within the community. We also love being able to get the community out and celebrating the start of the holiday season together. The tree lightings in both downtown Montague and downtown Whitehall bring all ages together, along with the carriage rides, which offer up an experience that not everyone may normally get.”
In addition to the fun activities, the purpose of the Holiday Walk is to encourage local residents to shop local.
“Our business community inspires us to continue the Holiday Walk every year,” Ware said. “From services, to places to eat or drink, shop, places to stay, things to do, we know these businesses and the owners, and know how hard they work 365 days a year. Our businesses care about the community and it’s a great motivator to know that this event can help encourage the community to give back to those businesses by choosing them for their holiday purchases over a place they order online from.
“Additionally, this event has been such a festive tradition for 30 years now. There’s a small-town feeling of wonder and magic that comes with the tree lightings, carriage rides, carols being sung by both Montague and Whitehall choirs, and the trolley rides. Knowing how this event makes people feel and that it helps kick off the holiday season for many, that’s a great motivator.”
The Chamber of Commerce and the White Lake community are happy with another successful Holiday Walk.
“We are thankful to the businesses and the community that trust us to put together this event year after year, and bring a memorable holiday event for all involved,” said Ware.
