NORTHVILLIANS,
It was great to see many of you at the Lighted Holiday Parade this past weekend. The parade was truly memorable, with folks 6 deep on either side of the downtown streets and thousands along its route. The Northville Chorale sang Holiday Carols, getting us ready for the lighting of the community Christmas tree in Town Square. Then we gave Santa (who rode into Town on a Roush fire truck) the keys to the city, along with a Santa Proclamation signed by the Mayor and the Governor.
Notably, the Chamber Director Jim Cracraft and his Team coordinated an outstanding parade, with over 60 floats & entries – many people thought it was one of the biggest Lighted Parades yet. Both our Chamber and DDA Groups worked together with City officials to produce an impressive weekend for the entire community. After the ceremony, I stopped at the “Social Bones” concert at the Marquis Theatre where hundreds were rocking out the night. And then on Saturday, the rock group Salem Witchcraft played for hundreds more at the Marquis.
Finally, I ran into a great number of Northvillians walking around town during the Holiday Home Tour and Greens Sale, which were part of the “Hometown Holiday Festival.” I even had the chance to lead a few history tours downtown and check out the free horse and buggy rides from the DDA before I attended the Tipping Point Theatre’s “A Very Northville Christmas,” where I had a cameo appearance as the Mayor.
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, it is truly up to all of us to slow down and reflect on all for which we are thankful. Like many, I am sincerely grateful for family & friends. The background on Thanksgiving (our National Holiday) began by giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest, dating back to the time of the pilgrims. It has historic roots in religious & cultural traditions and is even celebrated on various dates outside the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving!
Before looking at past Thanksgivings, let’s see what's happening in town today:
- 3rd Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Meal – 11/27 from 12-2:00 (All Invited) at First United Methodist Church, 777 8 Mile, hosted by First Presbyterian, Our Lady of Victory, and First UMC churches. Food, fellowship and the Lions game! Link
(Northville Businesses supporting the event include Genitti’s, Great Harvest, & Tuscan)
- Santa at Maybury Farm – 12/6, 12/7, 12/13 and 12/14. Link
- Northville Chorale Concert at Marquis Theatre – 12/6 at 4PM. Link
- Christmas in the Village – 12/14, 2-6PM. Mill Race Village’s Victorian holiday includes lighted trees, music, and activities for all ages. Link
- Troop 755’s Christmas Tree Sale – Weekends, 9:30-5:30, at American Legion, 100 W. Dunlap. Link
- Northville High School Holiday Concert – 12/16 and 12/17 at 7PM. Link
- Tipping Point Theatre – “A Very Northville Christmas” Till 12/21 Link
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link
INFO FOR CITIZENS...
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg– 12/3, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force– 12/8, 7:00 PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair (See Link for information or Link to donate/support)
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
- FORD FIELD – Work continued last week on the Sunrise Vista overlook and ADA entry. The Fort Griswold playscape work is continuing and in 2026 a bathroom structure, a connected Ford Field East Park and South Main Park will all be completed.
- RIVERWALK – The “Downs” River Park will be dedicated in Spring; the park is truly spectacular. Catch a view from 7 Mile. Overall, 5 sections of the Riverwalk are planned.
- DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) planned completion 12/1.
- NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – In addition to the Farmers’ Market, special events will continue at this location (which is Township & City owned) including Car Shows, 5K Runs (like this past weekend’s Community Santa Run), and movie nights.
- GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link
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Thanksgivings of Yesteryear in The Ville:
- 1800’s – Starting in the late 1800s, large community Thanksgiving gatherings took place yearly at Northville’s historic meeting place (the Princess Rink – Dunlap/Center area), including a night-before gala event with food & live music for Northvillians and those from all the surrounding communities.
- 1800’s to early 1900’s – Historically, ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve services were held with many of the local churches gathering together, helping to grow a holiday spirit of cooperation and support for those in need in the community … Very similar to the present-day Thanksgiving Meal served at the First United Methodist Church with support by the Presbyterian and Catholic churches.
- From 1800’s till Today – Thanksgiving baskets & meals for those less fortunate have always been part of our local DNA. Many organizations such as the Masons, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Rotary, Woman’s Club, and others continue this tradition today.
- Early 1900s – Thanksgiving activities took place including the traditional community football game at the Athletic Park (where the Northville Downs Development is today) and at Cass Benton Park previous to this. Events also occurred at the library, sponsored by the Northville Woman’s Club with locals giving remembrances of Thanksgivings past.
- 1932 – According to The Northville Record, it was an extraordinarily hard year for the Village. City Council rose to the occasion and combined forces with the American Legion, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and many other local organizations to form a Local Support Committee to enable all in the community to have a Thanksgiving.
- 1972 – The Record published a proclamation from Mayor Allen. It read, in part: “I, the Mayor of Northville, do hereby proclaim November 23rd as a time for sincere thanksgiving for the people of our community.”
Over 53 years later, I concur with Mayor Allen, giving my heartfelt wishes to all Northvillians for a weekend full of family, fellowship and food. Please have a safe, restful & enjoyable holiday.
If you are looking for a welcoming place to gather for Turkey Day, I will see you with the rest of my family at the community Thanksgiving event at the Methodist Church (777 Eight Mile), Thursday, 12:00 – 2:00pm. Yes, we will have the Lions game on the screen! Let’s all agree to share our time & talents with those in need around us, especially during this holiday weekend.
Keep that Northville Thanksgiving Faith!
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