The week is finally upon us, and Miracle on Erie Street is quickly approaching. On Thursday the three-day event begins at 7:00 pm in downtown Willoughby with the tree lighting, which is coming with a few changes. Due to the growth in attendance over the last few years, the City of Willoughby had to re-evaluate the location of the stage to ensure more people would see the performance. Instead of in front of City Hall by the clock, the stage will now be on West Spaulding in between Fiona’s and Anne S. Bergen Law Offices. The show will continue as always. Make sure to take the kids to see Santa in his house as the town lights up with the flick of a switch by Mayor Anderson.
The Miracle on Erie Street tent will now be located directly in front of Wes Point Park. This year they will be selling Miracle on Erie Street t-shirts, collecting canned food items for the Willoughby-Eastlake Food Pantry, and handing out event guides.
Additionally, Thursday kicks of the time-honored tradition of The Holiday Stroll in Downtown Willoughby, which started over 30 years ago. This weekend is the time that the shopping season kicks off for the small business in downtown Willoughby. Throughout the weekend businesses will be open until 9:00 pm to ensure you have enough time to get all your holiday shopping complete.
On Friday, the festivities continue with the Holiday Stroll and the festive Holiday Bar Blast, organized by Cleveland Scene Magazine and the Downtown Willoughby Organization. This event had over 600 attendees last year and is expected to be the same this year. Participants will receive a free swag bag with tons of giveaways, appetizers at registration, and drink specials throughout the night. Bring three non-perishable food items to the registration table and receive a free drink ticket to redeem at registration. The items will be donated to the Willoughby-Schools Food Pantry.
Saturday is full of fun and excitement starting with the Breakfast with Santa at Sol. Registration is still open, but selling out fast. Also, that morning there will be a Winter Market and Festival starting at 10:00 am in City Hall Parking Lot. There will be vendors, live reindeer, live nativity, ice carvings, crafts for kids at the United Methodist Church, and much more. If you enjoy a good fun run/walk or are trying to set a personal record, the Miracle on Erie Street 5K is for you. Dress in your festive gear or come ready to shatter your previous records; all are welcome.
The proceeds from this year’s event go towards the Downtown Willoughby Organization, and the Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Food Pantry.
Lastly, we have to credit where it is due. This event would not be possible without many of our wonderful sponsors and helping the organization. Ganley Village Group in Painesville and Wickliffe and Lake Health are the major supporters of this event. Additionally, this event could not be possible without the following organizations: Downtown Willoughby Organization, Heart of Willoughby, The DTW Bar and Restaurant Association, Cleveland Scene Magazine, Torva Local, City of Willoughby, Willoughby-Eastlake Library, Cougar Radio, Platinum Real Estate, Edge Hair Salon, Willoughby Brewing Company, Sol, The Wild Goose, Achilles Running Shop, Great Lakes Race Timing, and the many businesses in Downtown Willoughby.