Drive-by event this Friday aims to deliver cheer to
residents at Imlay City facilities
IMLAY CITY — The community is being asked to deliver holiday cheer on four wheels.
This Friday, December 18, an Imlay City Seniors Lighted Parade will visit two area senior living facilities and organizers are looking for entries.
Crystal Campagne, Community Manager at Maple Vista, said local senior citizens are in need of some Christmas cheer and she figured that a drive-by type event was one was to accomplish that while keeping everyone safe.
The parade is due to drive through the parking lots of Maple Vista and Angela’s House beginning at 5 p.m.
“In a typical year we are thrilled with the many visits from the public. Denise Herwaldt’s violin classes give us a concert, we are blessed with carolers such as the high school choir, led by Alan Demski, and children in 4-H and Girl Scouts. Our Lady of Mount Carmel brings every resident a gift and helps at our Christmas party. As with everything else this year, the holiday season is looking much different,” Campagne said.
“Our seniors are all doing their best to follow the CDC guidelines and stay safe by limiting contact outside of their onsite neighbors and friends. This is one way to bring them holiday cheer from the greater community without risking exposure to germs.”
Campagne is partnering with Samantha Bates from Angela’s House for the special event. Both serve on the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
“Residents will watch from inside their apartments, or socially distanced in the dining room or the really brave may choose to go outside and watch from a safe distance,” Campagne said.
Vehicles or floats will start to line up in the Sacred Heart church parking lot adjacent to Maple Vista (700 Maple Vista) on Friday at 4:30 p.m. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and will travel through Maple Vista’s parking lot before heading to Angela’s House Assisted Living at 1839 S. Almont Ave.
Because it will be dark or nearly dark, entrants are encouraged to have some kind of lights or other illumination. Christmas music is welcomed along with cheerful holiday signs or messages to loved ones. Everyone must remain in their vehicles or on their floats. Anyone who brings a hand out, donation or gift will need to leave it with management for disinfection purposes.
Please call Maple Vista at 810-724-6300, ext. 622 to sign up.
