HOWELL — The Fantasy of Lights Parade returns Friday, and in addition to various holiday events, the holiday festival will honor Grand Marshal Steve Manor, who recently passed away.
Manor resigned from the city council in October and died soon after.
Manor was a local teacher in Howell Public Schools for more than 32 years, leaving Howell High School in 1998. He also taught at the former Michigan Avenue School and Highlander Way High School.
“Sometimes it’s hard to quit, and this was such an opportunity for me, but it’s time,” Minor said last month.
He was elected to the Howell City Council in 1999. He held several positions, including the position of mayor.
“Manor has dedicated countless hours to serving the Howell community,” city officials said in a release. “His involvement in addition to city and council initiatives included Howell Rotary, Parker Skate Park, Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, Livingston County Diversity Council and more.”
Earlier this month, Howell Chamber of Commerce President Janelle Best said Manor’s death was a “great loss” to the community.
“Steve just had a big heart,” said Best, who met Manor through Howell Rotary. “His desire to give back to the community was very evident. When a task arose that seemed difficult, he was not afraid to not back down from these problems. I think he’s a really good example that there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Best said there will be a banner in the parade honoring the Manor, as well as a large marshal’s ship. The final details were still being worked out.
The parade begins at 7 p.m., with Masters of Ceremonies Jake Andrews and Brent Earle at the Library Viewing Stand and Main Viewing Stand.
MORE: Howell councilor, teacher Steve Manor remembered for his ‘big heart’
Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. from Cleary University’s Peppermint Path on State Street. There will be food, drink and dessert trucks from Good Sense Coffee, Rise & Grind Coffee, Whoa Taco, Sovis Farms Home Cooking, OMG Fudge and MStreet Bakery.
Spectators can browse local vendors, enjoy refreshments, listen to live music and see Santa and his reindeer.
In addition, there will be children’s activities, musical entertainment, Santa’s reindeer and more. The entertainment schedule includes:
- 4 to 4:30 p.m. – Lantern Makers of Livingston County
- 16:30 – 17:00 – Choral of the Highlanders
- 17-17:30 – MaskEra a cappella
- 5:30 to 6pm – Bronsyn Sacker
- 6 to 6:30 pm – Parker High School Choir
- 6:30 – 7:00 pm – Livingston County Chorale
At 4:00 p.m., those who wish can take a picture with Santa Claus. Fantasy 5K & Family Run/Walk will be held at 6 p.m. According to the organizers, dogs are not allowed in the races/walks for safety reasons.
The event takes place on Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes to participate in the competition. Cost is $30 to participate in the 5K run and $25 to participate in the 1 mile walk.
Many streets will be closed during the parade, including:
- Grand River Avenue between Cattrell Street and Highlander Way.
- Michigan Avenue between Sibley and Clinton Streets.
- Byron Road between Grand River and Clinton Streets.
- Westbound traffic will be directed onto Cattrell Street. Traffic will be directed to National and then West Clinton Street. At Michigan Avenue, traffic will be directed northbound on Michigan Avenue toward M-59
- Eastbound Highlander Way traffic may turn left onto M-59 or right onto Highlander Way for a detour back onto Grand River Avenue. Traffic will be directed to turn left onto Mason Road, onto Dearborn Street, onto Fowler, east of Sibley, then east of Grand River onto National Street.
- Southbound traffic on Michigan Avenue will be detoured westbound on Clinton Street.
- Northbound traffic on Michigan will be detoured eastbound on Sibley Street.
- Southbound traffic on Byron Road will be detoured eastbound on Clinton Street.