We would like to thank all merchants, guests and volunteers who made the third annual
“Christmas Fantasy” another fantastic success.

  The participation of local businesses was fantastic and the attendance for guests was
tremendous for events of this nature.

  The event centered around a magnificent “Tree of Lights” custom-made for the
City of Perry by the Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI).
Heartfelt thanks and gratitude were extended to Director Lynn Coleman and
Assistant Director Daryl Gallant of MLTAI for this
everlasting gift to the community.

  Working together to make everyone smile is always a very rewarding in many ways.

  Key features during the Saturday, Dec. 14, holiday event, included: a one-of-a-kind
ice sculpture
created by Scott Miller of Miller Ice Sculpting as a tribute to the
Michigan Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI) in Perry Township;
the Fenton Lakes Chorus, part of the Sweet Adelines; a live Reindeer Station;
Christmas carolers from
the Congregational Church; pianist and soloist Sue Hammond (at the museum);
and local authors Leland Scott and Laura Salisbury of the Shiawassee Area Writers,
who were selling and signing books at the library.

  Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in town in a fantastic horse drawn wagon,
courtesy of Dr. Tammy Mika of Perry Dental and provided by Doneth Farms of Durand.
The two seasonal visitors were escorted by the
Perry Police Department with Perry Area Fire Rescue providing a secure route to the
Christmas tree. 

Dr. Dave Mika, of Mika Orthodontics, organized and sponsored an exciting
Scavenger Hunt with numerous prizes; and business windows were dressed for the
holidays with festive paintings created by members of the Perry High School (PHS)
National Arts Society. Thanks to PHS teacher/advisor Sarah Rozdilski for all her help.

  Two “selfie” stations were set-up for photo enthusiasts including Mistletoe Stop, thanks to the Floral Gallery and Total Resale as well as a
second station located inside Joyful Sole.

  Various fun-filled activities (and goodies) were provided by several merchants including: Darling Art; Lori Loves Pets;
SDL’s Bentley Branch Library; and Amy’s Downtown Diner.

Lots of free goodies and giveaways were available to guests, including those from: Mugg & Bopps, Brent’s Pizza; Total Resale;
Swan Creek Candle (also Santa Paws); Joyful Sole; Perry Area Fire Rescue; Brian Parker of Ferrellgas; EyeCare Associates;
Charlie’s Bar & Grill; and Darling Hardware.

  Many, many thanks to Shawn Hanycz, and Perry Dental for providing not one, but two, Santa Mailboxes in town.

  Gratitude is also extended to: 7-Eleven; Tom Chaput and Deb Neal; Perry AmVet Ladies Auxiliary; Perry Sons of AmVets; Mindy Galbavai,
the Calkins-Macqueen House Museum (Nancy Parrish, Rebecca Parrish, and Nate Parrish); Chili Judges Mayor James Huguelet,
Perry Township Supervisor Mark Fulks and Bart Darling; and Spalding Insurance (help with the ice sculpture).

  Help with setting up the event was graciously provided by the Perry DPW, Perry Area Fire Rescue (all you guys are awesome),
Devin Miller, Mandy Miller, Deenie Miller, Peyton Smith, Shirley Smith, Emily Thomas and Judie Hempstead.

  Whether you helped make event decisions, donated prizes, sponsored an event, opened your business as a warming center,
or attended as a guest, thanks again from the bottom of our hearts.

  Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.