The activity is picking up along Grand River Ave. in Howell as more people make their way into the downtown area, and also as the vendors start setting up their “booths” to be a part of the fun today at the Fantasy of Lights Parade.

Vendors set up their "booths" along Grand River Ave.

New to the event this year is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, who is raffling off a very cool victorian dollhouse as part of a fundraiser for the church.    

New Addition This Year

Back for the 9th year in a row is Joe Pasko of PJ’s Hot Dogs, who is here with his “Mobile Food Establishment” featuring the “hots” – hot dogs and hot chocolate!  It’s pretty cold outside now, and the temperature is expected to fall some more as evening approaches.  But that’s okay with Joe, since he says that hot chocolate is always a great seller in the cold weather!

An "Old Pro" Sets Up Shop

So even though it’s only about 1:30 p.m. and the parade doesn’t start for another five hours or so, there are already plenty of new friends and familiar faces to see as the activity continues to pick up in Howell…

Later this afternoon, we will share some of the free entertainment happening before the parade begins!