Twinkling lights, giant snowmen, jolly old Saint Nick, and snowflakes fill up front lawns this time of the year. And some communities want to share the area’s beautiful displays with the Upper Peninsula.
In the fall the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce held a Halloween lighting and decoration tour. And has brought back the fun for Christmas, with the Baraga County holiday décor tour. Chamber President Debbie Stauffer says it was fun to see the participation for Halloween, and even better to see more homes get involved at Christmas.
It was an idea suggested to us by one of our participants who likes to decorate in a big way so we kind of grew it from there. We were looking to provide something for the community to do low-cost no cost to them an opportunity for people to share their lights some people go all out and they enjoy sharing that so they’d like to give the opportunity for everyone to know where those lights are and be able to look. – Debbie Stauffer, President, of Baraga County Chamber of Commerce
The tour includes homes throughout L’Anse, Baraga and Pelkie. Stauffer says with the tour’s layout families could make an entire evening out of the tour. Or spread out the fun through the remainder of December.
You’re making a night out of it and given the way it’s set up, you could do this over several nights. You could go to L’Anse one night, Baraga another night, and Pelkie the third night. It’s not a walkable tour for sure. There are neighborhoods where perhaps there would be three or four within walking distance, but this is a driving tour. So you should expect to follow the map, drive that route and the homes that have signed up know that they’re signed up so they’re not going to be disturbed by people parking across from their homes or looking at their property. – Debbie Stauffer, President, of Baraga County Chamber of Commerce
Homes will have lights on beginning at 6 pm, until January 1st. Properties participating in the holiday tour can also earn Baraga Bucks, which can be used at various businesses in the county.
I’d only like to see it get bigger and bigger. The more homes of course that are on the tour, the more nights that people could go out and enjoy the season and drive around and see the sights. – Debbie Stauffer, President, of Baraga County Chamber of Commerce
Residents and visitors who want to check out the holiday light tour in Baraga County can pick up a map at several sites in town. Those interested in learning more about holiday events in Baraga County can find more details online here.
Find copies of the Baraga County Holiday Décor Tour maps at Baraga County Chamber of Commerce Office in L’Anse, and Pat’s Foods on the bulletin board. In Baraga individuals can find the Décor Tour map at Larry’s Market.
