Local Event in Lansing: Silver Bells Festivities to Begin with Exciting Lineup

The annual Silver Bells in the City event is anticipated to bring festive cheer to Lansing, Michigan, this weekend, with weather forecasts predicting mostly dry conditions. According to Scott Thomas, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, the event is likely to remain dry despite a slight chance of isolated rain showers, estimated at 10% to 15% probability. The temperature is expected to hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the Friday evening festivities, with possible winds reaching up to 25 miles per hour.

The event kicks off with a parade on Friday evening featuring 70 entries, including 11 marching bands. Paralympian silver medalist Jayci Simon from St. Johns is set to serve as the parade’s grand marshal. Notably, part of the Silver Bells celebration includes a community sing-a-long led by American Idol star David Archuleta and a striking drone show.

The schedule for Friday includes the Silver Bells Village from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., showcasing 30 vendors and seven food trucks. The Electric Light Parade will commence at 6 p.m., starting from Lenawee Street and Washington Square, followed by a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 7:25 p.m. The evening will culminate with fireworks over the Capitol building at 7:50 p.m.

Visitors looking for a quieter experience can find less crowded stretches along Capitol Avenue between Washtenaw and Hillsdale streets. Additionally, sensory maps will be provided to indicate areas with prominent lights and sounds, while Grewal Hall offers a sensory room for those needing a respite from the excitement.

In preparation for the event, several road closures and restrictions will be in place. Northbound North Capitol Avenue will be inaccessible from Michigan Avenue to Ottawa Street starting Wednesday until Saturday. Allegan Street will also be closed from Washington Square to Grand Avenue from Friday through noon on Saturday.

The Silver Bells event is expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees to downtown Lansing, prompting several road closures or limited access for vehicles. Attendees are encouraged to plan their visit accordingly.