Silver Bells Celebration Helps Economy

Friday night the city of Lansing will ring in the holiday season with its 24th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration and organizers say the event will not only mark the start of the holiday season but will also bring a boost to Lansing's economy.

With food, fun and fireworks planned for Friday night, the 24th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration promises to be a crowd pleaser.

Organizers say the event itself not only brings customers into their favorite downtown shops and restaurants but it opens their eyes to businesses they may not have known about before.

"It gives exposure to all of the businesses down here, new ones, staples that have been here for many years that the community comes to love, but also new ones that you haven't even seen before so it sparks interest," said Mindy Biladeau, executive director of the principle shopping district.

And while shoppers will be spending money, the city is saving money and energy by using LED lightbulbs on the state Christmas tree.

"We've provided 5,000 LED lights and these use 85 to 90 percent less electricity. They're a lot more green and they're reusable. In the past we've not been able to reuse the lights," said Peter Lark, general manager of the Board of Water and Light.

When it comes to saving money, visitors will find it easy to do at the silver celebration by attending one of many free events Friday evening.

"We have over 50 arts and cultural groups that perform that night free of charge at all locations both inside and out," said Leslie Donaldson, director of the Lansing Arts Council.

But the Arts Council says the best part of the celebration is the exposure it gives downtown Lansing because it always brings visitors back for more.

"That Friday after Thanksgiving when everybody kinda has the day off and they go out shopping a lot of people come back to downtown Lansing and go to the stores and enjoy the restaurants," Donaldson said.

If you do plan to attend the celebration Friday night the city is encouraging you to park and ride the CATA buses from the state parking lots off Kalamazoo, Allegan and Ottawa streets.

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