What the Dickens?

Set in Historic Downtown Holly, the annual Dickens Festival takes residents and visitors back to Christmases long, long ago. “Tiny Tim” and other characters from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – even old Scrooge himself – make appearances around town. Chestnuts roast over open fires while Christmas music plays and red-cheeked children in colorful hats and mittens warm up with hot cocoa. The festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas and is now in its 41st year, the oldest and now officially longest-running Dickens Festival in the U.S., according to Committee Director George Kullis.

And this year promises to be the best year yet!

The festival began the weekend after Thanksgiving, but MCM readers can still join in on the fun during the first and second weekends in December. A committee spearheaded by George and his wife, Diane Kullis, is breathing new life and bringing some fresh ideas to the festival for 2014. “We really have some talented people,” boasts George about the committee that has worked for months on the project. With a goal of getting the whole community involved, students from Holly schools have been involved in the planning process this year, according to George.

“God bless us, everyone!”
Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol

This year, there will be new and exciting events during the festival’s first and last weeks. Partnering with the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Dickens Festival will present DIA Away: Think Like an Artist, which is a free, mobile interactive classroom for people of all ages. “We’re very excited about it!” exclaimed George. Snow Hill is also back for sledding this year, and Holly’s Blackthorn Pub will provide a tent where adult beverages will be served.

Fans of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will enjoy several live performances in the outdoor patio area at the Red Devil Restaurant. Many local churches will participate in a live nativity scene, a bell choir and hymn sings. Street performances will include a puppet show and performances by the Holly High School Band, and many vendors will be on hand offering food and retail items.

While the event kicks off with a parade, tree-lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus on the first weekend, another parade is scheduled for December 6 at noon. The sponsor-funded event is free to the public. “Come on out and join in the fun!” invites George. ♦