November 29, 2017
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” those most famous lyrics ring true every first Friday in December when in Downtown Petoskey, and that would be this Friday, December 1st. And what better way to check the level of anticipation than to walk around town and inquire, “What’s your favorite part of Petoskey’s Holiday Open House?”
When asked what she likes about Open House, Carrie at Crossroads Title responds with her eyes wide and smile broad, “Everything! I like it all!”
Over at McLean & Eakin, Karen loves the “bustle of the people in and out of the store.” Upstairs, Alex says he loves the “memories of the snow.”
Next door at Shorter’s Mercantile, Shawn’s best memories of Open House are “seeing old friends. You, know, everyone is coming downtown and everyone being happy!”
Each person I asked ends their comment with an exclamation of excitement.
Over at Harbor Wear, Judith shares her favorites: “People being gregarious and the effects of the celebratory atmosphere.”
Looking for the sublime, I venture into the Sunglass Shoppe, but Robin continued with the exuberance, “I love the festive spirit and the camaraderie. There’s always people you haven’t seen in a while!” Then she adds, “It can’t be topped!”
Continuing the walk downtown, I notice the stage set for Santa to light the lights on the tree in Pennsylvania Park, where he’ll then meander over to his residence for the night at the Gazebo and entertain the wishes of children for the remainder of the evening.
Meanwhile, all of the shops, retailers, and anyone else with a storefront in Downtown Petoskey will be inviting merrymakers into their good graces for fun, food, and refreshment. (A hint if arriving from out of town: Restaurants are filling fast. Make sure you call for reservations!)
Not to be forgotten, the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will be cavorting around town in its two-tiered bus providing songs for dancing and singing long into the night.
So, for whatever reason you may join the crowds, be prepared to be happy. The drums will be playing, Santa will be Ho-Ho-Ho’ing, and the streets will be closed off to traffic allowing one and all to have the happiest of times at the Holiday Open House.
