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Are You Ready for the 27th Annual Silver Bells in the City?

October 19, 2011

Lansing ----- Millions of lights. Thousands of people. One very special guest. Are you ready for Lansing's premiere holiday event?

The entire city will glow with millions of lights for the 27th Annual Silver Bells in the City, bringing together family and friends from all over Michigan to celebrate the holiday season. This year features even more activities and special outdoor performances, all highlighted by the very special 15th annual Electric Light parade which steps off at 6:10 p.m., Friday, November 18 from the corner of Washington Avenue and Lenawee.

Immediately following the parade, the steps of the State Capitol will sparkle as the State Christmas tree is lighted, followed by a spectacular fireworks display cascading over the capitol dome (weather permitting). Check out all of the exciting Silver Bells festivities this year:


  • Kick off the fun with the all-new Silver Bells Fun Run! The run will include two loops of the parade route, and will benefit Silver Bells in the City and the Chris Holman Foundation. Starts at 5 p.m. on the Capitol Lawn. Registration is $25 and limited to 1,000 participants. Visit www.runwalkjog.com/silverbells to register.

  • Silver Bells Village located on East Allegan Street between South Washington and Grand Avenues will feature Christmas crafts, homemade treats and other delights for eager holiday shoppers.

  • The 27th Annual Silver Bells in the City commemorative holiday ornament is available for purchase. They will be sold at the Silver Bells Village, Lansing City Market or online at silverbellsinthecity.org.

  • Radio Disney's national touring street team, the Radio Disney Road Crew Show will excite the crowds before the parade starts, from 5:10-6:10 p.m. near the steps of the Capitol Building. This year's special guest star will be announced later this month, so stay tuned!

  • Returning this year is the Toy Mill, an interactive water and light exhibit sponsored by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Bring an unwrapped toy to the 200 block of N. Washington Square to be distributed to underprivileged children through the Marine Corps' Toys-for-Tots program.

  • Come visit with Santa and his reindeer at the Lansing City Market, and enjoy free cider and cookies (while supplies last) at five activity sites throughout the festivities.

  • Enjoy performances by nearly 50 regional arts and cultural organizations, school groups, storytellers, theatrical troupes, clowns, hand-bell choirs and many others.

  • Don't miss the free horse-drawn wagon rides on Washington Square!

  • Other event entertainment includes free admission and entertainment at 20 downtown cultural institutions, selfguided tours of the State Capitol building and a live bigscreen telecast of the festivities at the Lansing Center.

  • In addition to these festivities, downtown stores and restaurants will be open late to kick-off holiday shopping and dining. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and stay late to take in all that downtown Lansing has to offer.

  • Due to construction, Impression 5 will be closed for Silver Bells in the City. However, they will be offering free passes to check out the center at a later time. Contact Katie Wittenauer, communications manager at Impression 5, at 517.485.8116 ext. 39 for more details.


Silver Bells in the City is free and open to the public. A project of Downtown Lansing Inc., Silver Bells in the City is produced with the assistance of many dedicated community volunteers from the city, state, downtown businesses and educational and cultural institutions.

The 27th Annual Silver Bells in the City is made possible through the support of hundreds of generous area sponsors. The event is proudly presented on the Signature Sponsor, the Lansing Board of Water and Light. The Electric Light Parade sponsor is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 665 and the Lansing Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. The fireworks are sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union.

For more information, please visit www.silverbellsinthecity.org or contact Mindy Biladeau at Downtown Lansing Inc., 517.485.3357.

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