By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
If a trip to the North Pole isn’t a possibility this year, some local boosters would like you to consider Bowling Green.
A group of people associated with the Holiday Parade wanted to extend the seasonal spirit celebrating both the holidays and downtown Bowling Green’s small town feel. That set the spark for Merry & Bright, a series of events happening over two weekends in the middle of December starting this Thursday, Dec. 5.
Brian Paskvan said the downtown already has great ambiance, and there are holiday events planned. Merry & Bright will add to that and tie them together. “The ultimate point is to make BG a destination spot.”
That includes having events on Wooster Green the first weekend. The hope is visitor will go there, and then wander down town to shop and get a bite to eat.
On Friday and Saturday, from 5-8 p.m. Santa Claus will visit Wooster Green. Free
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, hot chocolate will be served courtesy of State Bank Gives Truck, and Detroit Mini-Donuts will be available.
Fire tables and caroling will add to the festivities, and professional photographers with a variety of seasonal backdrops will be on hand to capture the moment. Those photos, Paskvan said, will be uploaded to a website so the subjects can download their favorites.
“The idea is to make it family friendly and low cost,” Paskvan said.
In downtown the Oak Grove Collective at 186 S. Main will host its third monthly market. The market offers a variety of items from regional artisans, including food, clothing, household accessories lotions, holiday decorations, and more. The market is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A few doors down on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the annual Holiday Boutique will be held at Grounds for Thought, 174 S, Main and across the street at Myla Marcus Winery, 133 S, Main St. The boutique offers a variety of hand crafted items created by local artisans.
The next weekend, Dec. 13 and 14 the activities shift to downtown with strolling carolers and Santa as well as horse and carriage rides.
On Sunday, Dec. 15 from 3-4:30 p.m. the County Commissioners are hosting a concert in the courthouse.
Four vocal ensembles will perform in the grand staircase of the courthouse, allowing the music to reverberate throughout the space.
Performing will be:
- Encore, the Eastwood A Cappella Group, a vocal ensemble performing popular songs with inventive vocal arrangements.
- The BGHS Madrigals, a select choir singing holiday classics.
- The Pride of Toledo Chorus, A Sweet Adelines choir performing modern hits in four-part harmony with choreography..
- Note To Self, a contemporary vocal quartet known for their intricate harmonies and modern song selections.
The commissioners will host a reception throughout the event outside Judge Matt Reger’s courtroom. Punch and cookies will be served.
Paskvan said the organizers hope to expand Merry & Bright in future years, extending it further into December, and maybe even New Year’s Eve.
That all depends on how well the support, which has been strong on the first year, and recruitment of volunteers goes in the maiden outing.
