What is Silver Bells? Celebrating the event as a Lansingite
If you are from Michigan, there is a chance that you have heard of Silver Bells in the City. I am a long-time Lansing resident but have only attended the event twice. I might not be the most knowledgeable about Silver Bells, but I can tell you what it felt like from my own experience.Â
The 37th annual Silver Bells in the City was held in Downtown Lansing on November 19, 2021. I decided to capture the night through my lens. With the holiday season creeping upon us, it’s important that we try to support our local businesses. Throughout the event, you will see local vendors with tents outside; additionally, Lansing has many shops and restaurants to visit in the downtown district. Â
So what happens at Silver Bells? Besides the opportunity to shop and dine, the main attraction of this event is the electric light parade and marching bands. Tons of participants, mostly local companies, line up and start from Washington Ave. and turn around at Ottawa St, ending their parade at the intersection of Hillsdale St. and Capitol Ave. There were ten marching bands present during this year’s celebration. Other attractions may involve entertainment from a celebrity artist and a fireworks performance at the end of the night.Â
After the parade, a countdown to light the Christmas tree happens in front of the capital. This year, the tree was 63-feet-tall; it was harvested in the Upper Peninsula. Pictured below is the crowd gathering for the electric light show and marching bands. Many people show up early for parking and places to sit.Â
I was hoping to see fireworks at the end of the Christmas tree lighting. That is what usually happens at the end of the event, but this year, there was a drone show. It was new to me and I preferred the fireworks, but still thought it was a trendy twist to the night’s end. Â
Some other parts of the night that I found interesting was the ice rink near the Michigan capitol. Unfortunately, it was not slippery enough to skate on, but it was a thoughtful add-on to the holiday festivities. I highly encourage everyone to go to Silver Bells in the City at least once. According to WLNS, there was a turnout of at least 45,000 people attending. It is a great way to get involved with the local community, network or just enjoy the holidays.
View more photos of the event here.Â
kianamaiart
theartofmadeline
kaledo-art
prguitarman
tangentwithtanner
jbbartram-illu