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The 2008 holiday season is here and the Ludington Area has a barrage of events and activities occurring throughout the month of December for both residents and visitors alike to participate in. Activities range from area holiday parades, kids crafts, and shopping events.

 

In conjunction with the annual holiday events and activities, Ludington has turned pink for the Pink Christmas campaign. The campaign, which has taken center stage for the season, is a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of women with Breast Cancer. The campaign’s goal is to raise funds during Pink Christmas to benefit the new Women’s Imaging Center at Memorial Medical Center with Digital Mammography at its heart.

 

 

The following are annual holiday celebrations and Pink Christmas events that will be occurring through out the month of December.

 

 

December 1, 2008 – December 22, 2008: The Ludington Historic Bed & Breakfast Association presents the first annual Ludington Lights Up the Season – a self guided tour of area homes.

 

December 5, 2008 / December 6, 2008 / December 13, 2008 / December 20, 2008: The Gingerbread House will host Santa & Ms. Clause this holiday season. Santa’s helpers will be from the Ludington Library, West Shore Pregnancy Care Center, and the Ludington Optimist. The groups are getting involved to take part in Pink Christmas but also to build awareness of their organizations. The Gingerbread House will host Santa and Friends from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m on December 5, 6, 13, 20.

December 5, 2008 – December 7, 2008: There is a holiday market in everyone’s small town, Scottville. Take a stroll through the artist market at the corner of Main and State Street in downtown Scottville. Eat roasted chestnuts, buy reasonably priced, handmade gifts and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

December 5, 2008 / December 12, 2008 / December 19, 2008: Ludington Late Night Holiday Shopping – Stores will be open from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Several of the merchants will be highlighting special pink items and proceeds from those items will go to the Digital Mammography fund.

 

December 5, 2008: “Aglow on the Avenue” Ludington’s annual holiday parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be pre-parade activities held at the James Street Plaza which includes caroling, free chili and roasted chestnuts. In addition, The Center for the Arts will be hosting Hot Cider and Caroling after the parade.

 

December 5, 2008: A Wreath Raffle and Open House are being held immediately following the “Aglow on the Avenue” holiday parade at the Mason County District Library in downtown Ludington. The library will also be serving Hot Chocolate following the parade.

December 6, 2008: Santa Parade & Party – Santa will be coming to downtown Scottville and will be welcomed by the Scottville Santa Parade. The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. A Community Tree Lighting and Santa Party, which will be held at the Scottville Optimist Hall, will follow.

 

December 7, 2008: Ludington Historic Bed & Breakfast Association Victorian Christmas Open House -Go back in time and experience the beauty of seven historic Ludington Bed & Breakfasts, all decked out in their holiday finery. Ride the old fashioned trolley, listen to the carolers as they stroll along, and enjoy refreshments and cookies at each lovely inn. The tour is being offered from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 

December 9, 2008 / December 16, 2008 / December 23, 2008: Scottville merchants will be offering late night shopping to area residents and visitors. For every $10 spent downtown you receive a raffle ticket and are eligible to win $50. The Monday can be spent in downtown Scottville. A winner will be announced each Tuesday evening.

December 13, 2008: Once again, through special arrangement with the North Pole’s Office of Tourism and Marquette Rail LLC’s Community Outreach program, Santa and Mrs. Claus will once again visit West Michigan communities on a special train! Due to the overwhelmingly popular excursions over the past two years, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will hand out candy to good boys and girls from the Santa Express. Children (and adults) of all ages are welcome!

 

Marquette Rail will operate its third annual Santa Express on Saturday, December 13th between Grand Rapids, Ludington and Manistee. Among its many stops, the Santa Express is scheduled to arrive in Scottville (Main Street Crossing) at 3:45 p.m. and depart for Ludington at 4:05 p.m. The train will then arrive in Ludington (First St. crossing) at 4:25 p.m. and will depart at 4:55 p.m. in order to visit neighboring communities.

 

For more information, contact Marquette Rail at (231) 845-9000 is a short-line railroad serving West Michigan and is the world’s only majority employee-owned railroad.

 

December 13, 2008: The Lucky 13 Shopping Event will be held and the Ludington Elks Lodge 129 E. Ludington, Avenue. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ludington Elks Building Fund and the Pink Christmas -  Digital Mammography fund.