Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

Happy Thanksgiving! The day that families and friends gather to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. Followed by the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday. And that’s all before we even get into December.

This year the GINCC is promoting “Small Business Season” which goes through December 31. As you head out the door, give some thought to where you’re going to spend your money. As we strategize our shopping plan, think about diversity. Your spending is part of our local community budget. Small Business Saturday on November 26 is your chance to invest.

Don’t over look Giving Tuesday, November 29 as the annual day of giving. The #Give906 program hosted by Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development shares a directory of non-profit organizations to contribute to. If you are a non-profit organization, you can register your program at www. glcyd.org and click on Programs and Events.

The holidays aren’t just about shopping. Holiday events help build community too.

On Friday, November 28 the Ishpeming Community Events will be having its annual Christmas Parade on Main Street in downtown Ishpeming. The parade starts at 6pm with the tree lighting at Old Ish Park immediately afterward. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be attending so bundle up and come on out to this traditional Christmas kick-off.

Activities don’t stop there in downtown Ishpeming. Throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas there will be opportunities to visit with Santa at Santa’s Workshop that will be in place for the season next to Old Ish Park. On Thursday evenings (December 1, 8, 15, 22), kids and parents are invited to visit with Santa, or drop off a letter. For more information go the Ishpeming Community Events Facebook page.

Tinseltown returns to downtown Negaunee on Saturday, December 10, from 4-8pm. The town will light up with the Tunnel of Lights, live musical performances, a Christmas Bazaar, along with the parade and Christmas Tree lighting at 6pm across from the Negaunee Fire Department. Santa will be at the Negaunee Elks Club to meet kids and parents after the lighting. For more information go to the Negaunee DDA Facebook page.

During all the hustle and bustle of this Holiday Season, take a few moments to appreciate what it is all about: celebration, family, community, sharing, caring and giving.

Editors note: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.