By Linda Lane
“We’ve got a stone soup operation here, with everyone in town pitching in,” Kelly Bergland said to describe Schoolcraft’s upcoming Christmas Walk. “With everyone pulling together, there’s truly a sense of magic in the moment that makes it special.”
The first weekend in December kicks off Schoolcraft’s Annual Christmas Walk through the village, on Friday, December 1, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kelly Bergland and Deb Christiansen have teamed up together to coordinate the event. They’ve put their money where their mouths are, fronting the cash for advertising, printing and invitations for the community event.
“It’s getting people together face-to-face that makes a difference in the community. Making those connections with people in the business and residential areas is what makes this such a close town,” Christiansen said. “We’ve really got a great line up of things happening for the Christmas Walk!”
Among the highlights:
Reindeer will be visiting for families to see up close in Burch Park on Saturday, December 2 from 2-4 p.m.
There will be two options for kids to get their picture taken on Santa’s lap Saturday, December 2: from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Beauty Bar; and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Schoolcraft Holiday Bazaar at the Krum Center.
Walkers can get a glimpse of the former Opera House in Schoolcraft, while checking out Art at the Opera, which will feature paintings by Miles Cooley, caricatures by Cooley and a free postcard of Schoolcraft’s Underground Railroad by William Christiansen; Art at the Opera is on the second floor above the Grand Antique Gallery, formerly Norma’s Antiques.
Others may want to stop by the Schoolcraft Library to enjoy hot chocolate and vote for their favorite Christmas decor entered into the Gathering of the Greens. There will also be cookie decorating, sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union from 2-4 p.m. at the Library.
The Kalamazoo County State Bank will sponsor “the Christmas Present Jar” where visitors can guess the amount of money in the jar, and sample donuts and hot cider as well.
A variety of crafts and Christmas shopping can be found at numerous places around town during the Christmas Walk as well. The Schoolcraft Holiday Bazaar will be held at the Krum Center.
Christmas Crafts are at Camelot, hosted on South 14th Street in a beautiful historic home. Schoolcraft Ladies Library will have crafts, refreshments and a tour of the historic building. Schoolcraft United Methodist Church will have food for sale and First Presbyterian Church, hosted at DeVries Law offices, will have crafts for sale there on Friday and on Saturday at the Church’s Westminster Hall.
Treats, drinks, antiques, and shopping around town will include: Abby’s Shop, The Beauty Bar, Grand Antique Gallery, Loving Ewe, Nana D’s Attic, Schoolcraft Antiques Mall, Schoolcraft Lions Club and the Estate Outlet.