When my kids were little, I taught them to think about other people, about making a difference, being
involved in our community and to look for ways that they can give back. The Holidays are the most
wonderful time of year when we all think of donating, giving back and making a difference.
I saw a quote that rings true to the core. “Giving is not just making a donation. It is about making
a difference.” – Kathy Calvin, CEO and President of the United Nations Foundation.
I grew up in a small town and as I’ve gotten older, I miss living in a place where people actually know
each other and care for one another. In the hustle and bustle of everything going on in the world,
it’s refreshing to know that a place still exists where community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life.
The Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar is a celebration that celebrates community in every
sense of the word. The Christmas Bazaar feels like a time in the past when people in communities
got together to share the goods that they made by hand. The Mackinac Island community assembles
to sell their handmade crafts, eat great, home-cooked meals and where they auction off their unique,
Mackinac Island items. Truly like going back in time.
This year, the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar will kick off on November 30nd and goes
through December 3th. It’s a great community gathering that’s been going on for years. It’s a time when friends
and families meet, talk, eat together, and shop for great bargains for three days. But in true Mackinac
Community spirit, the ultimate goal is raising much needed money for the Mackinac Island
Medical Center, as well as St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Little Stone Church, Trinity Episcopal
Church and the Mackinac Island Bible Church.
The fun and excitement starts on November 30nd, right before the Christmas Bazaar
begins. The Mackinac Island community will enjoy time singing Holiday carols in town and then everyone
gathers around the Christmas tree on Main Street that’s placed right in front of the Tourism bureau by
Starline Ferry Dock. At 5:00 pm, an island favorite is when a local child is selected to throw
the switch to turn on the lights on the Christmas tree sending out a warm, radiant glow to
the cheers of the crowd.
On Saturday, the Community Hall and Fire Hall open their doors at 11:00 a.m. and lunch is
served in the Community Hall at 11:30 and throughout the day. Shopping on a full stomach is a
great way to stay focused on the many great things to buy. Santa arrives at 1:30 p.m. and the live
auction kicks off at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 pm.
On Sunday, the Community Hall and Fire Hall will open again at 11:00 and lunch will be a
delicious Prime Rib Dinner that starts at 12:00 p.m. Then, round 2 of the live auction starts up at
2:00 p.m. There will be lots going on and all of the day’s activities will be done by 6:00 p.m. The final
day, Monday, doors open at 11:00 with lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by raffles being drawn
between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Mackinac Island Community’s Christmas Bazaar is the most
wonderful time of the year and a true reflection of our close-knit island community.
The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa has some great rooms available for the Christmas Bazaar so give
us a call at (866) 847- 6575 to reserve your suite. Plus, have you ever spent the Holiday season on
Mackinac Island? We’ll be re-opening again from December 29th – January 2nd and we still have
availability before and after New Year’s Eve so give us a call and enjoy a Winter wonderland,
pure Mackinac style.
We’d love to see you for the Christmas Bazaar or during the Holidays. Also, make a difference and
give back to help others in need in your local community. Giving back shows what true community
is all about.
I’ll be back in December, so until then…
George Piliouras for The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa
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