By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Brandon Twp.- Find some merriment in the village next weekend.

Christmas in the Village returns Dec. 3, with trappings of the season including food, carols, the tree, gifts and the jolly old elf.

“It’s impressive to me that everyone is engaged and involved in Christmas in the Village and it’s really a community event with municipalities, merchants, groups and organizations,” said Matt Jenkins, director of the Downtown Development Authority, sponsor. “It involves the whole community and is for the whole community.”

The centerpiece of the event is a parade featuring Santa Claus, which will wind through downtown beginning at 3 p.m.

However, the fun begins early, with several downtown businesses hosting open houses. Among the shops joining in the celebration are For the Love of Local, Mabelena’s, South Street Consignment and A Dime in Time Florist. Hamilton’s Feed will offer the traditional peanut butter pinecone birdfeeders. The Brandon Township Library, 304 South St., will host “Seed to Beak,” the ultimate winter bird feeding station, from 1-2 p.m.

Looking for more fun for the little ones? Head to the Kid Holiday Craft Zone from 2-5 p.m. at 431 Mill St. (next to Papa Bella’s), where children can make a candy cane ornament, Christmas tree bookmark, color-your-own winter mini puzzle, find Winter Wonderland coloring books and make a “Santa & Me” photo frame.

Kids can get their picture with the big guy at the Old Mill, where he will be taking requests from 3:30-5 p.m., joined by Mrs. Claus. Candy, homemade baked goods, hot chocolate and homemade bean soup are for sale at the Old Mill throughout the day.

More goodies can be found at a S’mores station from 2-5 p.m. at the Brandon Fire Station, 53 South St.; and the Craft, Treasure and Bake Sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., both Friday and Saturday at the Edna Burton Senior Center, 345 Ball St. Indulge in a delightful holiday ham dinner from 4-7 p.m. at the Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 N. Church St.

Looking for some unique, handcrafted items for the nice on your shopping list? Check out the Holiday Boutique from noon-5 p.m., at the Old Town Hall, where you can find jellies, cookies, honey, candy, jewelry, soaps, hand-knitted scarves and mittens, handmade aprons and even homemade dog biscuits.

“It’s a wonderful array of hand-crafted items from people who love their craft,” said Toni Mariucci, who organized the boutique. The 13 vendors on display are all local artisans, from Ortonville, Goodrich and the surrounding area.

Reindeer will visit Hamilton’s Feed from 3-5 p.m., and carriage rides will also depart from the store from 3:30-5 p.m. Wander over to see the festival of miniature Christmas trees from 1-5 p.m. at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 48 South St. before heading to the big village Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Heritage Garden next to the Old Town Hall, at which the Brandon High School choir will wrap up the caroling they start at 3 p.m. throughout the downtown, filling the air with songs of the season.

When coming downtown to enjoy all the festivities, remember that it is the season of giving. You can help make the holiday a happier one for your neighbors in need by bringing a non-perishable food donation for the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund food pantry, an unwrapped toy for the Community Christmas Toy Store, or a clothing items for Brandon’s Community Clothing Closet. Collection boxes can be found around town.