2013 Coming Events in Marshall Marshall’s Historic Michigan Avenue Feb 8 Winter Festival May 17-22 Michigan Week Marshall, Michigan Marshall’s Central Business May 18 31st Annual Oaklawn Hospitality Classic District has a 175 year history along Tourism/Hospitality Day in Marshall its length from old Courthouse May 18-19 Square to Exchange Square. As Territorial Road, it saw Michigan’s settlers & 25-27 10th Annual Mayfaire Renaissance Festival Home for the Holidays pass through to populate much of the Lower Penin- May 27 Memorial Day Parade sula. The original design had streets 100 feet wide - July 4 Fourth of July Celebration, Fountain Circle unique enough to be noted in city planning text July 5-6 12th Annual Cruise to the Fountain, Fairgrounds books found at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. July 13-14 23rd Annual Welcome To My Garden Tour The business district has shown an amazing July 20 10th Annual Marshall Blues Festival, Downtown ability to adapt itself to changing times. Imagine at one time there were 18 general stores along the July 25-27 16th Annual Bluegrass Festival, Fairgrounds road, 16 of them serving liquor by the glass. Aug 11-17 165th Calhoun County Fair Until 1930, the Interurban Railroad ran down Sept 7-8 50th Annual Historic Home Tour the middle of the street while Michigan Central Sept 7 12th Annual Civil War Ball & Social Event Railroad was only a half-mile south of the district. Oct 12 13th Annual “If These Stones Could Talk…” Marshall merchants planted trees along the street; a - A Living History Portrayal, Oakridge Cemetery look which still gives it much of its character today. Oct 12 17th Annual Harvest Festival, Fairgrounds From the days of general stores, cigar makers, and farm support shops, Marshall’s versatility has Nov 9 Santa’s Bag Arts & Crafts Show allowed the transition from that time to a modern Dec 2 49th Annual Christmas Parade, Downtown shopping center for gifts, antiques and general needs Dec 6 Retail Christmas Open House, Downtown all in 100+ year-old buildings. Dec 7-8 34th Annual Candlelight Tour Honors continue to flow to the distinctive Dates are subject to change business district that now readies itself for another Please call (800) 877-5163 or check www.marshallmi.org joyous Christmas season. This unique town has for a complete listing and current information. been in the “Michigan Main Street” program since 2003. In 1991, the district became part of the city’s National Historic Landmark District, the country’s largest in the small urban category. It’s also the heart of the Midwest’s “Prettiest Painted Places,” and one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive 2012 Destinations.” In addition, a 1.2 mile stretch of old Territorial Road was been proclaimed by the Michi- gan Department of Transportation as “a Michigan Christmas Season Heritage Route-Historic,” one of only a handful so honored in Michigan. Marshall boasts twelve muse-

ums and forty-five historical markers and plaques. Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce

With all of these attributes, Marshall, Michigan 424 E. Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 continues to be a wonderful place to relive Christ- (269) 781-5163 (800) 877-5163 www.marshallmi.org mas memories ... and create new. www.marshallmi.org [email protected]

Christmas Decorations in Marshall 48th Annual Christmas Parade Retail Christmas Marshall’s Christmas decorations started mod- Open House estly 60 years ago and quickly gained popularity. Just like a storybook picture, arches of fresh ever- Friday, November 30th green garlands and antique holiday lights help to (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) make the downtown a stunning wonderland. The Christmas decorations, colorful Christmas decorations sparkle with lights bright lights, carolers, illuminating bustling shoppers below. Also, a special strolling musicians and Christmas display highlights the fountain circle with Santa make this evening overhanging lights illuminating a life-size manger magical. Inside the shops scene. Don’t miss the “Camel Crossing” sign! the merchants welcome their many visitors with holiday refreshments as 33rd Annual shoppers stroll through the unique selections Candlelight Walk of Christmas gifts. It is a memorable evening for all. Monday, November 26th (7:00 p.m.) Saturday & Sunday There are good reasons why residents and visitors Marshall Museum Holiday Hours December 8th & 9th (4:30 p.m. & 6:45 p.m.) from all over south central Michigan come to Marshall November & December, 2012 Five private homes and the Honolulu House will for this old fashioned holiday parade. It’s a traditional Not only will the American Museum of Magic be be featured on this highly personalized Candlelight delight that’s highlighted by dozens of floats, bands, open for the Nov 30th Retail Open House from 6-9 Walking Tour. A reception precedes both the early horses and marching units to help usher in the holiday p.m., they will also be opening their doors during and late tours each day. Reserved tickets are $20 season. ( photo courtesy of Kathie Boyer) some December weekends along with the Honolulu each and can be ordered with a check or credit card. House, Governor’s Mansion and the Postal Mu- Please contact the Marshall Historical Society, 107 Santa Claus is seum. Dates and open times available for each are N. Kalamazoo, Marshall, MI 49068 (269) 781-8544 coming to town! available on marshallmi.org. or the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce at

(800) 877-5163. Following his arrival as (Check online at marshallmi.org Attractions)

“On its best blocks, Marshall makes the the highlight of the Midwest seem like the sweetest place on earth.” Christmas Parade, Santa Other 2012 Christmas Activities will be available to dis- - New York Times Santa’s Bag Arts and Craft Show at Marshall High School, cuss whether kids have Nov. 10th.

been naughty or nice Barton Theatre Organ playing beautiful Christmas music Governor’s Mansion Tea beginning Friday, No- at the Mole Hole during the holidays.

Sunday, December 9th vember 30th during the An Olde Fashioned Christmas playing at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, Nov. 1st—Dec. 22nd. (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) first 2 hours of the Retail Open House. He will be Mitten Mart at the B.E. Henry Building near the Fair- Held the same weekend as the Candlelight Walk, grounds, Nov. 30th. this historic structure will be beautifully decorated for located downtown at The Toy Barn, 114 W. Caroling most evenings at Schuler’s Restaurant through the the holiday season. Come join us for tea and cook- (photo courtesy of Dennis Craft) holiday season. Michigan Ave., on Fri- ies while enjoying this 1839 Greek Revival home. The Franke Center for the Arts Christmas Concert with days, December 7th & 14th from 5-7 p.m. and Satur- ’s Matt Giraud, Dec. tba. days, December 1st, 8th & 15th from 2-4 p.m. “Marshall resembles a page from a 19th-century Great Escape Theatre’s Christmas show, Dates tba. scrapbook.” - Michigan Travel Ideas www.marshallmi.org (800) 877-5163 Please call (800) 877 -5163 or check www.marshallmi.org for details.