Behind the Scenes - Downtown is the Place for Holidays
Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes - Downtown for the Holidays
Downtown Muskegon does it up for the holidays! From the Hackley Park kickoff tree lighting, to Festival of Trees, to the Holiday Home Tour, to this year’s debut of the Unity Tree, to the Singing Christmas Tree, to the WSSO Home for Holidays concert, could there be more? In fact, there is more with the Holiday Movie Festival, now in its fifth year in the grand Frauenthal Theater. The Festival is a great place to spend some time the last days before Christmas, as nothing puts one in a holiday mood like a classic movie as it was meant to be experienced in a Real Theater. We talked with Main Street volunteer, Jen Cross of the Muskegon Chamber, one of the organizers, to get the skinny.
MS: What is special about downtown for the holidays? 
JC: Coming downtown for the holidays is a cultural experience. There is just something traditional about shopping at local, downtown stores, enjoying the historical culture, the beautiful lighting, and trekking around in our winter wonderland to take in the wonderful activities that downtown Muskegon has to offer.
MS: Tell us a little bit about how the Holiday Movie Fest has become a Muskegon tradition?
JC: Aside from all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Mainstreet Holiday Film Festival has brought an activity to escape and spend quality time with family and friends reminiscing about the traditions of the holiday, and especially in the surroundings of our beautiful, historic Frauenthal Theater. This is a low-cost, fun way to bring everyone together. It could also be a great outing for a grandparent to treat their grandchildren with while mom or dad is holiday shopping.
MS: I think this is the third year running the Polar Express will be playing. Why keep repeating it? 
JC: We are seeing that the Polar Express is becoming a classic holiday film. The book, having been around for some time now, has gained quite a bit of recognition. But, after the movie released a few years ago it has become a phenomenon. The best selling author of the book is a native of West Michigan, which also brings a unique connection to our community. The Polar Express is such an inspiring story with beautiful animation that it really appeals across cultures and generations.
MS: How do audiences react to seeing Polar Express and the other movies you have shown? 
JC: Very favorably. The Mainstreet Promotions Committee measures the participation each year and tries to bring a good mix of films that might appeal to a variety of audiences. The cost of admission is so low but there is also a discount for bringing in a canned good, which is donated to a local pantry. In addition, Santa make his appearance for photos, there will be a working model Polar Express train and “conductors” will be on on hand for the Polar Express showing to punch tickets. People always leave with a smile!
MS: Sounds like fun for the family. Thanks for telling us about this great event.
JC: Absolutely! And, I encourage everyone to come on down. It is a great activity to unwind and enjoy the holiday season!
Check it out on the web
Holiday Movie Information.
A Polar Express YouTube teaser
posted by Dan & Sarah @ 12:18 PM
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