Mackinac Island Christmas Tree Lighting

The first Friday in December hosts the Christmas tree lighting on Mackinac Island which begins the holiday season for the 500 year-round residents. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to partake in the celebration and peek “behind the curtain” of Mackinac Island in the winter! Chuck (DaViking) tolerates my extremely whimsical wishes!

The Huron Ferry Ride

Starline provides ferry service on The Huron, weather permitting, during the winter. Otherwise one could pay for a small plane flight to the island. If the lake freezes later in the season, the locals will often take a snowmobile along the “ice path” marked by their used Christmas trees from British Landing to St. Ignace.

*The Huron ferry was decked with lights and a Christmas tree on the bow.*

*The “Mighty Mac” was dressed in hazy sunlight* *on Thursday, December 2, 2021.*

*The Huron ferry was loaded with carts of construction supplies, heavy totes and some luggage.*

The Christmas Tree

After checking into the Pontiac Lodge, we headed to The Broken Spoke restaurant for dinner. The Mustang Lodge was another option for eating, as well as Doud’s Market, the oldest grocery store in Michigan. With year round residents, Mackinac Island has some businesses that stay open.

*The quiet main street was captivating.*

In the summer these sidewalks are jam packed with tourists which the locals call, “Fudgies.” In this stillness Mackinac Island revealed her underlying peacefulness and steadfast reliability especially during the winter.

Fire Trucks?!

As we were studying the menu, a fire truck rolled by. At first it felt normal to see an emergency vehicle slide by the restaurant window. We placed our order with Taylor. This was her third year on the island.

Then it occurred to me that it’s unusual to have any type of motorized vehicle on Main Street. Suddenly I recalled the cottage that had burnt this past summer. Concern and curiosity gripped me. I left my seat with only a nod toward Chuck and clamored out the door.

*The island fire trucks were positioned near the lit Christmas tree.*

As I turned east, I could see the tree was lit and the ladder was being moved up. “Oh” I silently surmised and then asked a fire fighter, “Are you testing the lights before tomorrow’s official festival.” “Nope.” A firefighter answered. “The first Thursday in December, we take our annual photo.”

DaViking appeared, evidently wondering where I’d gone. We observed together for a few minutes. A woman rode up on her bike pulling a large dolly-type cart. I started talking with the islander, Sara Chambers. We shared a short conversation about the firemen’s photo.

Soon, the other ladder was raised. Extra lights facing the trucks were lit. A small clutch of fire personal gathered near the tree and smiled for their annual picture.

*The reflection in the windshield captured my layers of enthusiasm for the islanders’ close knit community and the sneak peek at the tree all lit up in her glory!*

When I returned to The Broken Spoke, Chuck was chewing, “Ummm,” he shrugged innocently, “some of your tater tots have disappeared.”

Friday Morning Hike

After staying warm inside the Pontiac Lodge until check out time, we set out on individual hikes. DaViking headed to the fort and then proceeded to Arch Rock. (Pictured below on the left) I headed east in search of Dwightwood Spring. This is one of many naturally occurring springs on Mackinac. This water source had become a gathering place dating back to the Anishnaabek. They held “Grand Council” meetings among the area tribes: Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi. Mackinac Island’s central location in the straights had served these natives, the French explorers and fur traders, the British forces and the Americans.

*In 1909 Edwin O. Wood donated funds for the pergola and benches in memory of his son, Dwight Hulburt Wood.*

*Arch Rock and DaViking (somewhere on the left)*

“POPPINS!” I heard a call. So, I walked further east until I could hear Chuck from the top of the look out point. We agreed to head to the library.

The Mackinac Island Library

DaViking and I strolled a mile to the library to complete research and warm up from our walks. We climbed the stairs and found the library door locked. Then, we noticed the scrap of paper taped to the window, “I’ll be back shortly _ _ _12-3-21.”

I was relieved that I hadn’t made a mistake with the library’s open hours. So Chuck and I stepped along the wooden walkway while we waited. The water lapped at the shoreline as we watched a barge replace dock posts. The quiet winter has been an ideal time for islanders to spruce up their businesses and make renovations.

When the librarian returned we were able to enter the beautiful space. She went to a back room where we heard dishes clatter and a microwave ding. It was evidently lunch time. So without access to the research room, we sat at the large table and worked on our notes.

*Pam, a lighthouse friend, found us in the library!*

Suddenly the room vibrated with life when a blonde woman strode toward us. “I found DaViking and Poppins!” She exclaimed in an outdoor voice. It was Pam! She and Chuck had worked on the Spectacle Reef lighthouse for a weekend last summer. Pam’s energy filled the space with joy. We chatted (not so quietly) and only saw the librarian after Pam had said, ‘Good bye.’

As time marched closer to the lighting of the tree, DaViking and I decided to have an early dinner and drinks at The Broken Spoke before the event. We took a seat at the bar and met a hardworking, kind, and an insightful local, Randy, who had been our bartender. When his shift ended, he sat with us.

Randy

“I have been a chef out west, along the east coast and in Florida.” Randy shared. “So, what brought you to Mackinac Island?” Chuck asked. “I would work in six month stints.” Randy explained. “I grew tired of just getting to know someone and then having to say good-bye.” He brightened, “I’ve been here five years now. Everyone knows everyone.” Randy nodded with a pleasant smile. He had gotten married last year. He and his partner live in “the village” about a mile and a half away. “I walk everywhere.” Randy gave a grin. His husband works at The Mustang Lounge.

It was wonderful to hear an islander’s perspective of the community on Mackinac. Thank you, Randy, for spending time with us!

Sara Chambers

We bit farewell to Randy and joined the assorted assembly gathering around the Christmas tree. There was Sara, the gal I’d met at the fire trucks the previous night. We smiled. “Ya know, I’ve been delivering packages here on the island since 1994. 27 years.” She beamed.

*Sara’s initiative and endurance was admirable!*

Later I learned that Mackinac Island receives 600 packages daily. The large ones are hauled by a draft team, but Sara does the majority! That’s a LOT of biking! I bet Santa has some extra goodies for Sara’s stocking! I feel like he understands the hard work Sara accomplishes daily. After all, he only goes out once a year!

Sara Chambers delivers packages across the island. I admire her dedication!
Photo Credit: Rose Marie Witt – December 2021

The Tree Lighting Festivities

At 5:30 pm the crowd clustered around the tree. Several newscasters were on hand as well as a livestream for Facebook. A woman weaved through the large circle distributing pages of Christmas carol lyrics.

*The crowd parted and cheered as Santa emerged from the blue house on Main Street.*

Kenda, a friend from Lowell, came over to greet us. She was there with a jolly group. Our exuberant conversation carried across Main Street! Behind us a team of draft horses rattled. “I’m making a sharp right turn.” The driver announced. As I moved over I heard giggling. Pam came up alongside me and slipped a small bottle (adult beverage) into my pocket. Pam continued on. I suppose to spread more joy.

*We sang several songs as the sky darkened.*

I snuck across the street to see Santa. The newscasters and Facebook live team were on point, so I quickly snapped the picture and respectfully returned to my spot next to DaViking.

The bond of singing, mixed with the holiday cheer, rippled emotions to my skin. As we sang “Oh Christmas Tree” the fir tree brightened with her holiday smile!

*My skin rippled with emotion. I will always cherish this moment!*

The Christmas Bazaar and Auction

With the glowing bulbs Mackinac Island’s joyous jubilee was underway. On Saturday morning a collection of crafts would be on sale at the community center. Islanders had started this tradition as a way of shopping for the holidays when ferry service and deliveries were not as reliable as they are today.

The bazaar and on-line auction raise money for the Mackinac Island Medical Center and the four churches: Little Stone Church, Mackinac Island Bible Church, Ste. Anne Catholic Church and Trinity Church. There is a raffle for a snowmobile, too.

The drawing for prizes took place on December 12th. Sara Chambers won $500.00! I was thrilled to read that she has been magically rewarded with extra pocket money this holiday season!

Our Departure

Sadly, we didn’t have the opportunity to shop at the bazaar. We needed to board the late night ferry and drive to Owosso. DaViking had secured tickets for The North Pole Express.

We joined the line of “Fudgies,” as ferry workers offered us free beverages from their cart. “Thanks for riding with us!”

*The lit Huron ferry gave us a jolt of jolly, as did the free beverages provided by the staff.*

In my opinion, islanders are extraordinary. The residents’ attitude of “we’re-all-in-this-together” provides a family-like bond. As you know, people are born with their personalities. On an island, away from societal constraints, locals are able to fully develop their uniqueness. Each islander is valued for their contribution and openly accepted for who they are. It’s a fascinating community! I look forward to visiting again!

Resources:

2019 Christmas Tree Lighting Article from The Mackinac Island Blog

The Restless Viking