It's Beginning to Look a lot like...

Jenna, Jordyn, Myself and Emily next to the decorated window at Sparrow Children's Hospital.


...Christmas!!!

And with the Holiday Season upon us... I have had the opportunity to take part in a number of wonderful events in and around Monroe County.

Firstly, I had an amazing time at the LAMP Fall Forum and met some fabulous local titleholders who I will be spending my week with in Muskegon :o)

I hurried home for the Monroe Holiday Parade... and BRRRR was it cold! However, I still love the parades. Little kids were shouting out along the parade route, "I put money in our United Way bank Miss Monroe!" It was so exciting to hear of their interest in the United Way Youth campaign and know that my 13 school visits contributed to the success of this years' campaign.

I also took part in the Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Al and Martha Reeves. What a great turnout there was! I stood with the children of Monroe as Mayor Al flipped the switch on the giant tree. One three-year-old girl described the sight well, "That tree is AMAZING Miss Monroe!" The special night also included horse-drawn carriage rides, choir performances, and of course... hot chocolate. Thank you to Brenda Miller and everyone who helped to put this event on!

I was also served as a judge for the Little, Junior and Teen Miss Lake Huron Shores Pageant. It was a lot of fun!!... and much more relaxing being on that side of the stage. The girls were all so talented, beautiful, and intelligent. Thank you to everyone on the Miss Lake Huron Shores Board for your hospitality and this opportunity!

This past weekend, I was honored to ride in the 24th Annual Ida Light Parade. I have been going to this parade for as long as I can remember... and this year, I got the chance to light the streets up myself! There was over 30,000 people in attendance for the jaw-dropping display of lights. I have to say... our float was very cool!! It was decked out in purple rope lighting with an 8 foot sign that read 'Miss Monroe County' with a sparkling crown. Thank you Dione, David, Al, Amber and Kevin for creating a float that truly made me feel like a queen!

I am looking forward to the following holiday appearances taking place these next few weeks:

United Way Achievement Dinner: December 6

Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Frenchtown Mall: December 16

Frenchtown Twp Christmas Party: December 16

Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Matthes Tree Farms: December 17

Newport Holiday Parade: December 20

Princess Holiday Tea at Erie Library: December 28