Events of November 17, 19 and 19, 2017

Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade.  Start time is 6 PM.  The Parade route is Michigan Avenue, from Blackstone, heading east to Francis Street.  The theme this year is “Peace on Earth”.  Lighted floats, marching bands, Christmas characters and of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.  Following the parade, Santa will greet children in the lobby of Consumers Energy, One Energy Plaza.  Parade goers are encouraged to park in either of the two parking decks adjacent to Consumers Energy (open and free after 3PM). 

ARTitude Opening Day.  Starting on November 17th until December 24th, the ARTitude pop-up marketplace will be open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm-4:00pm.  ARTitude is a holiday pop-up marketplace located in Downtown Jackson. Over 40 artists selling original art in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, metal works, jewelry, mixed-media, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and so much more. Open for the entire holiday season!  Artists interested in participating should apply online at www.ARTitudeJackson.com. Range of options for artists.  ARTitude is located at the former Christian Scientist Church, at the intersection of Wildwood, West Michigan and Louis Glick, Downtown Jackson.

Jackson Symphony Orchestra presents Bach’s Lunch Series.  The Bach’s Lunch Series promotes classical music through free noontime concerts open to the public, featuring Community Music School students, faculty and guest artists.  Concerts also include demonstrations and commentary given by professional musicians.  Come for all or part of the time.  All proceeds and donations support CMS programs community outreach.   Klavon’s pizza slices and beverages are available for sale or feel free to bring you own and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and cookies.  12 Noon to 1 PM, Jackson Symphony Orchestra Weatherwax Hall, Downtown Jackson.  www.jacksonsymphony.org.

The Big Bling Sale.  Jewelry, Scarves, Accessories!  Lightly used!  Inexpensively priced!    Friday, Nov. 17, before and during the Downtown Christmas Parade.  3 pm to 8 pm.  First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave.  Proceeds benefit the Jackson Personal Care Ministry.

Holiday Open House at the Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library.  Join us on Friday, November 17 from 4-8 p.m., to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Visit with Santa, get a free book, make some holiday crafts, enjoy live music and enjoy hotdogs & hot chocolate. The Friends of the Carnegie Branch Library will also be holding a book & bake sale. This program leads up to downtown Jackson’s Holiday Parade. All families welcome.

Dusty Guitar Promotions presents… “Tracy Lawrence”.   Doors Open at 7:00 P.M. Show starts at 8 P.M. Tickets are $49 to $65 dollars. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.  The country music legend has eighteen #1 hits, 22 Billboard Top Ten singles and has sold over 13 million albums.  Tickets available at www.michigantheatre.org.  Parking for this event is in the underground deck below One Jackson Square.  Enter on Mechanic Street across from the Michigan Theatre.

Jackson YMCA presents Parents Night Out!.  Come to the Christmas Parade Parents Night Out, where your child will get to be in the Christmas Parade in the signature YMCA Big Blue Bus.  Join in on the fun!  When the bus returns to the YMCA, there will be a pizza party followed by swimming and lots of other great activities.  5 PM to 10 PM.  Ages 4 to 14.  Participants are asked to arrive at the YMCA by 5 PM.  Cost:  Members, $10, Community, $20.

Jackson High School Drama Department presents “The Children’s Hour”, a play by Lillian Hellman.  Tickets are $5.  Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 PM.  Jackson High School Auditorium.

JPEC Turkey Bowl Fundraiser.  Jackson Preparatory & Early College is proud to announce its 3rd Annual JPEC Turkey Bowl at Airport Lanes, 3501 Wildwood Ave. Jackson.   JPEC staff, parents, and guests will be bowling in efforts to raise money for Jackson’s newest public charter. Taking place at Airport Lanes in Jackson, bowlers will be participating in our fundraiser for JPEC students. All proceeds raised help support our Dual Enrollment Program in partnership with Jackson College. Cost is $20 per person or $90 per lane. Local Business Sponsorships are available for $100 per lane. Check in is 8:30pm. Bowling starts at 9 PM.  This is an 18 and older adult only event.

Saturday November 18

The Jackson Downtown Development Authority presents DDA Day.  Activities are scheduled from 8 AM to 2 PM, with stores, restaurants and other businesses and organizations offering specials throughout the day.  The day begins with “Breakfast with Santa”, at Candi’s BZB Cafe, from 8 AM to 11 AM, photos with Santa from 9 AM to 11 AM.  Reindeer and a free Holiday movie at the Michigan Theatre from 11:30 AM to 2 PM.  The Santa mailbox is located at Horace Blackman Park, corner of Michigan and Jackson.  Specials, giveaways and prizes throughout the day at participating locations.

Joann and Keith Drayton present “All American Holidays”, the Ultimate Christmas Show, one performance only!  Today 11 AM to 1 PM, The Little Theatre at the Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3019 West Morrell Street.  Recommended donation is $10.  General seating.  Entertainment for everyone by a choral reunion for nationally recognized Starfleet Ambassadors and Broadway Revue performers.

Baker College Craft Show.  9 am – 4 pm. This is Baker College’s 4th Annual Craft show. Admission is a three dollar donation or less with donations of  canned goods. The money raised goes to help out local charities in Jackson County.  Baker College Jackson Campus, 2800 Springport Road.  Sponsored by Baker College Human Services.

Christmas Crazy Craft Trail – Pleasant Lake.  House to house to business shopping! All kinds of great things from many local Artist to buy for your family, friends or yourself. Fun girls day out , lunch is served at many locations. Support your local crafters.  Details on Facebook.

Fall Craft Show at New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship, 14977 Harper Road, Cement City ( Corner of US 127 and Harper Road).  9 AM to 3 PM.

Guest Speaker Saturdays at Michigan Military Heritage Museum.  1st Session starts at 12:00 PM:  President of Detroit’s Own Polar Bear Association, Mike Grobbel, will present the history of the American North Russian Expeditionary Force from 1918-1919. Come learn about the only Americans to fight communist Russians.  2nd Session starts at 2:00 PM:  Veteran and President of the Michigan War Dog Memorial Phil Weitlauf will speak on the history of war dogs from WWI through present day and on the Michigan War Dog Memorial. He will be accompanied by a dog.  The Museum is located at 153 North Union Street, Grass Lake.

“Touch Dahlem Center – Home for the Holidays” Series.  Join us at the Museum for part 1 of our 5-part informal program series focused on the senses.  For part 1, we are exploring the Dahlem Center where we attempt to awaken our sense of touch through nature.  This series is open to the public, but designed to connect those with early stage memory loss and their caregivers with these activities. Inspired by our current exhibit, “Home is Where the Senses Are”. The series will be kicked-off with a “How to Survive the Holidays” informational session presented by experts from the Alzheimer’s Association.  $5/$3 ($1 for caregivers); reservations required 517-787-2320.

Glow Ride.  Lets light up Jackson!  Decorate your bike with every light you can and and join us for the 3rd annual Glow Ride. The bike ride will start at P & T Fitness (225 N. Jackson Street, Jackson MI 49201) at 6:00pm. Starting at P & T Fitness we’ll ride about 12 miles through Cascades and Sharp parks. 12 mile an hour average ride speed. We’ll end back at the store for pizza and drinks. We are asking for a contribution of $5.00 to help pay for pizza and drinks, and bring a passing dish if you can.  RSVP (517) 789-6362.

Sunday November 19

The Jackson Community Concert Band presents “Dance!  Fall Concert!”  Enjoy dance music from around the world!  Dan Bickel conducts the Jackson Community Concert Band and presents pieces featuring dancers from Spring Arbor Academy of the Arts.  Pieces include Bizet’s “Farandole”, Gaelic Storm’s “Irish Party in Third Class”, Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance” and more.  3 PM, Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center on the Central Campus of Jackson College.  Free!