Howell's Fantasy of Lights kicks off holiday season

Gillis Benedict, Livingston Daily
·1 min read

Thousands lined Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell on Friday in anticipation of the Fantasy of Lights parade. At the top of the parade, event emcee Brent Earl asked for a moment of silence to honor Steve Manor, who died Nov. 11 after a long illness. Manor had been named the parade's grand marshal; a car carrying his family members participated in the parade.

Howell Fantasy of Lights Grand Marshal Steve Manor died weeks before the event, but was honored with a moment of silence at the beginning of the parade Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
Howell Fantasy of Lights Grand Marshal Steve Manor died weeks before the event, but was honored with a moment of silence at the beginning of the parade Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.

That moment of silence was the beginning of a long parade of brightly lit floats that culminated in the arrival of Santa Claus. After Santa spoke about the spirit of Christmas, the tree on the lawn of the historic Livingston County Courthouse was lit.

6-year-old Ava Fry of Howell studies the antlers on Poinsettia, one of two reindeer from Shining Star Ranch shown at Howell's Fantasy of Lights celebration Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
6-year-old Ava Fry of Howell studies the antlers on Poinsettia, one of two reindeer from Shining Star Ranch shown at Howell's Fantasy of Lights celebration Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.

A pack of Bernese mountain dogs, some wearing holiday lights, walked the parade, as did several school bands and Howell's varsity pompon squad, among others.

The Grand Marshal award went to the Citizen Insurance float in the Fantasy of Lights parade Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
The Grand Marshal award went to the Citizen Insurance float in the Fantasy of Lights parade Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.

An annual 5k run was included in the festivities, with many runners wearing lights and other holiday attire.

Before the parade, Santa met with children for photos and to get their Christmas lists in person.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell's Fantasy of Lights kicks off holiday season