Olde Fashioned Holidays 2011

On December 1 from 5pm-8pm at the Marquee of Redford Township (in the Town Hall Complex, site of the Redford Farmers’ Market) Supervisor Tracey Schultz-Kobylarz continues a great Redford tradition, Olde-Fashioned Holidays.  The all volunteer-effort, led by the Township Festival committee, has produced a holiday event that highlights the great traditions of the past and combined it with the green sensibility of the present.     The event kicks off with the arrival of Santa.  Kids can have their picture taken and personally hand him their letters.  While they wait, kids and parents can experience the great American tradition of model trains and magical gingerbread houses courtesy of former Redford residents, Mike and Sharon Mogan.  The Mogan’s will raffle off the Gingerbread Houses at the end of the night.

Family fun continues in Santa’s Playland.  The centerpiece is a life-size Gingerbread Castle constructed of recycled materials complete with a secret tunnel and drawbridge.  Craft activities for children include making ornaments of recycled materials, bird feeders, holiday card making and decorating gingerbread cookies.

Local community groups and artisans are selling food, beverages, holiday ornaments and gifts.  New this year, community groups and businesses are decorating wreathes for a silent auction.  All auction proceeds from the auction will go to the Redford Goodfellows.  Residents can bring unwrapped, new gifts to donate to the Redford Goodfellows for their holiday gift giving.

Musical entertainment begins at 5:15pm with holiday tunes by Mary Lou Battley played on the hammer dulcimer.  Following the tree lighting ceremony at 6:00pm, the all-girl group, The What Abouts, will get you in the spirit with their upbeat vocals.  Acoustic duo Fable and Grable close out the night’s entertainment.

Outdoor activities include a petting zoo and horse-drawn carriage rides. Tickets sell out quickly each year for the horse-drawn carriage rides through the neighborhood around Townhall so residents should arrive early.  Residents on the carriage route decorate their houses especially for the event and a prize is awarded to the best decorated houses.

Event sponsors are the Redford Parks and Art Conservancy, Redford Jaycees and Redford Democratic Club.  For more information on Olde Fashioned Holidays contact the Redford Township Leisure Services Department at 313.387.2650