By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
The Prairie Township Community Center is preparing to host a variety of activities sure to bring joy to area residents.
The center will be once again host its annual Prairie Township Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt and Santa’s Mailbox Program.
“All of these events had great success last year, so we decided to bring them back,” said James Gant, director of the community center. “We have found that new events, as well as returning events, seem to get wonderful community participation.”
The tree lighting ceremony will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., Dec. 4 at the community center, 5955 W. Broad St. The Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt will run Nov. 28 through Dec. 18 at participating township businesses and Santa’s mailbox will be available from Nov. 28 though Dec. 18 at the community center.
The tree lighting will feature a traditional ceremony, holiday music from local school choirs, visits from Santa, ice sculpting demonstrations and arts and crafts for children.
Businesses throughout the township will participate in the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, including Angel Animal Hospital, Flyer’s Pizza, Home Depot, Raising Canes, Tony’s Coneys and the Westland Area Library. For a complete list of businesses participating, visit http://www.prairietownship.org/248/Elf-On-The-Shelf.
“Participants must visit these local businesses and find the Elf on the Shelf. Once they do, they need to get a mark on a sheet,” Gant said. “After you find all the elfs you can be entered into a raffle to win a kids bike.”
Participants must be between the ages of 3-12 years old.
“Each business that participates also donates $20 toward the bikes,” Gant said. “Last year, were were able to give away five bikes and we are hoping to be able to give away as many this year.”
The Prairie Township Santa’s Mailbox Program gives area children and opportunity to write a letter to Santa.
Children can hand deliver their letter to Santa at the Prairie Township mailbox and receive a reply from Santa at the North Pole. Children just need to include their full name in their letter, their address and a stamp.
“Members of the senior center will be helping Santa with these letters,” Gant added.
Gant said that even though these events are fairly new for the community, they have quickly become traditions.
“People love getting together during the holidays and celebrating,” he said. “These are great events to bring the community together and celebrate the year.”
For more information on holiday events the Prairie Township Community Center will be hosting, visit www.prairietownship.org.
