Lighted Winter Parade on Farmington DDA's 2013 Events List

Imagine a parade of lights moving down Grand River through downtown Farmington to help kick off the annual Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Holly Days celebration.

DDA events planner Janet Bloom has had that picture in her mind ever since she came to Farmington in 2009. Next year, it's finally going to happen. 

Bloom presented Farmington city officials with information about the Holly Days lighted parade, slated Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, and other 2013 events, during Monday's city council meeting. 

"We're trying to get a head start on planning for next year so that we can maximize our planning cycle potential and our sponsorship potential," said DDA director Annette Knowles, who also provided a quarterly update. 

Bloom said the DDA has discussed the additional closure of Grand River, a state highway, with the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT). Grand River is also closed during the Memorial Day parade in May, Art on the Grand in June and the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival parade in July. 

"I don't think we're going to go as far as for Founders Festival," Bloom said. "I don't expect (the parade) to be as lengthy." 

Council member Bill Galvin asked whether rush hour traffic had been a consideration in planning the Friday event. Bloom said that discussion with MDOT led to a 7 p.m. start time for the parade. 

Most DDA events will not change much next year, Bloom said. One significant move will be to eliminate the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market, held at the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion and Riley Park from May through November, during the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival, July 18-20, 2013. In the past, the market operated in "growers only" mode that weekend.

Bloom said the DDA will also ask that business owners be allowed to offer sidewalk shopping during events. City council members voted unanimously to approve the 2013 schedule.

For more information about downtown Farmington events, visit downtownfarmington.org.