Strolling carolers, tree lighting ceremonies, roasting chestnuts, and the arrival of Santa will be part of the Les Cheneaux Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. Holiday events are set for the three weekends following Thanksgiving and include November 28 through November 30, December 5 through December 7, and December 12 through December 14.

The celebration is the idea of resident Rose Miller, who came up with the local plan after visiting the "quaint" small town of Sombra, Canada, which began the Christmas celebration to help bolster its economy when business started dropping off in the summer months, she said.

Although she and her husband do not own a business, Mrs. Miller chairs the Les Cheneaux Old Fashioned Christmas group, comprised of local volunteers.

"Anything that can help the economy here would be fantastic," she said of the Les Cheneaux area.

Mrs. Miller also presented the information to the Clark Township board September 18.

"I just believe in this community," she told the board, "so that's why this has gotten started."

The volunteer group is working with businesses, churches, and schools. Raffles, a live nativity scene, sales at stores, business open houses, and skits are planned. A gingerbread house making contest will also take place. Photographs are planned with Santa during nine days.

"We want to plan a lot of different things that people will be interested in," she said.

Volunteers are needed and those interested can call Mrs. Miller at (906) 484-1519.