Holiday lights and trees, snowflakes, Santa Claus and gingerbread houses . . . it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Downtown Lakewood, thanks to the fifth annual Light Up Lakewood.
The event is a holiday tradition that seems to get bigger and better every year. It returns 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3 with a winter parade, fireworks, Santa’s arrival, street entertainment and more.
To accommodate the festivities, Detroit Avenue will be closed to traffic from Marlowe Avenue (just east of Lakewood Hospital) for about a half mile west to Arthur Avenue (just west of Lakewood Public Library). Plenty of fun will fill the area.
And of course, area merchants and businesses will be decked out for the holidays.
The festivities are coordinated by a collaboration of businesses, organizations and volunteers, said Ian Andrews, executive director of LakewoodAlive. Tamara Karel is the Light Up Lakewood Committee chairperson.
For a complete list of events and activities included in Light Up Lakewood this year, visit downtownlakewood.org.
BE AN ANGEL — Make the holiday season a little brighter for homeless cats and dogs by donating $5 to honor your family pet to the Citizens Committee for Lakewood Animal Shelter Angel Tree.
The tree will be on display in the windows of Pet’s General Store, 16821 Madison Ave., and at Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit, through December.
Helene Gaidelis said donations can be made by stopping at one of those locations, completing the donation form and mailing a check to CCLAS, Furry Angel Tree Fund, P.O. Box 771323, Lakewood, OH 44107, or visit the website cclas.info and donate via PayPal. She said donations will be used to improve the lives and welfare of the community's pet population.
Also, consider adopting a pet from the Lakewood Animal Shelter, 1699 Metroparks Drive, ¼ mile southeast of the Emerald Necklace Marina in the Cleveland Metroparks. Shelter hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Call (216) 529-5020 for more information.
CAMPUS NEWS — Daniel Mitchell, a junior at Ashland University, was selected as the October Intern of the Month at Ashland. He was chosen by a committee of students who coordinate the program on campus.
Mitchell received a portfolio for his work and a gift card for the campus bookstore. A 2008 graduate of Lakewood High school, he is the son of Paul and Amy Mitchell. He is a resident assistant, campus tour guide, Ashbrook scholar and executive officer of academic affairs for the Student Senate at Ashland, where he is majoring in economics and marketing.
MORE HOLIDAY FUN — Carabel Beauty Salon and Store, 15309 Madison, will have a contest this month and the winner will receive a mani-pedi party for four women at the salon. Information will be available at Light Up Lakewood Dec. 3, or stop by the salon. The drawing will be between the holidays.
SALE ON THE GROUNDS REMINDER — Don't forget to stop by the Nicholson House, 13335 Detroit Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 or noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 to get some bargains on unique gifts, ornaments, decorations, greeting cards, gift wrap, nativity sets, linens, serving pieces and more. The event is sponsored by the Lakewood Historical Society, which benefits from the proceeds.
SUNDAY WITH FRIENDS — Bob Ford will be at Lakewood Public Library at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 for a free program featuring Celtic music, tall tales of the American frontier and holiday favorites.
The event, part of a series of programs, is funded by the library. No registration is needed; call (216) 226-8275, Ext. 127 for details.
SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Calvary Community School will host a Santa's Workshop 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at 16305 Hilliard Blvd. Cost is $3 per child (age 1 and older).
There will be a continental breakfast, age-appropriate crafts and gift-wrapping stations to help children create a present. Santa will visit and take pictures with visitors.
For more information, call Sandy Hampton, (216) 221-4324.
ADVENT CONCERT — Faith Lutheran Church, 16511 Hilliard Road (at Woodward Avenue) will host the annual Dorfmyer Memorial Advent Concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 4.
The seventh annual concert will feature the Amethyst String Trio, followed by a reception. A freewill offering will be accepted, said Shirley Bruns, event chair. Call (216) 221-3876 for more information.
LAST CHANCE — Friends of St. James will sponsor a Breakfast with Santa 9-11:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at Brennan's Party Center, 13000 Triskett Road in Cleveland. Cost is $8.50 for children, $13.95 for adults, which includes a breakfast buffet, holiday crafts for children and a photo with Santa.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Darlene at (216) 521-4061 or email [email protected]. Friends of St. James is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving St. James Church.
INFORMATION, PLEASE — Submit column items to [email protected], fax them to (216) 986-2340, Attention: Carol Kovach, or mail them to me at 5510 Cloverleaf Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44125.