Portland's Holiday Fest has been held on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving since it began.  But not this year.  Shelly Perry, Portland Main Street manager said "we heard from a lot of people who thought we should have the event after Thanksgiving so as to not overshadow that holiday."

That's why it's happening on Saturday.  That change allowed the Main Street committee to join forces with the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce and Portland Orchestral Society, which previously had held separate holiday events.

The chamber begins the festival with their annual breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 607 E. Grand River Avenue.  The festivities will conclude with a free concert by the Portland Orchestral Society at 7 p.m. at the Portland Playhouse, 231 Maple St.

Also new this year is an egg nog contest.  For $5 visitors can sample the egg nog submissions and vote for their favorite entry.

The highlight of the festival is the fifth annual light parade at 6 p.m.  This year's parade should be the largest yet.  They have over 20 entries so far, which is more than they've ever had.

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