Holiday fun for all at the Wayne Historical Museum

Tyler Moll and Nicole Conklin with the Grinch at the Holiday Night at the Wayne Historical Museum. Photo by Lori Gouin

By Sarah Shurge – It’s that time of year again, the holiday season.
For families that were looking for a night of good holiday fun, Wayne’s annual Christmas tree lighting just happened again this year.
Holiday Night at the museum was Saturday, December 4th, at the Wayne Historical Society on 1 Towne Square St. The event started at 6 p.m. and lasted until about 8:30 p.m.
The evening kicked off with a parade around the church at 6 p.m. The Wayne Memorial Zebra Marching Band performed in the parade, as well as fourth and fifth graders doing a pom pom routine. Groups from local churches walked, along with members from the Wayne Public Library and the City Council.
Santa Claus came in Wayne Police Chief Strong’s red truck and the Mayor of Wayne presented Santa with a key. Mrs. Claus also attended, as well as the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and characters from Frozen.
“This event is more than just seeing Santa,” said President of the Society Nicole Conklin.
Aside from the parade and tree lighting, the night was filled with activities for the whole family.
There were craft projects, along with carnival games in the parking lots. Candy and prizes were available for the kids. Professional balloon twisters attended, along with a choir singing and caroling bells. There was a petting zoo and a DJ.
Two performers from Detroit Flyhouse Circus also attended, as well as two ice sculptors. The sculptors had finished ice sculptures on display and were carving and answering questions throughout the night.
A food truck was also present. One free ticket was handed out to the first 300 attendees at the event.
Hillcrest Bible Church provided cookies and hot chocolate, while Phoenix Theatres State Wayne gave out free popcorn.
“This year we stepped it up a notch and I think the Wayne residents deserved it. I wanted them to enjoy this,” said Conklin. “This was our gift to them. Just for a couple hours, forget about the bills, forget about the pandemic. Just enjoy it.”
“The DDA is a proud sponsor of the event,” said Lori Gouin, Community Development/Planning Director.
This is the fifth year in a row the Wayne Historical Society has planned Holiday Night.
The museum is open Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.