“This event is becoming a really big thing for this community,” organizer Jennifer Castro said. “A lot people reach out to me, even at the end of the school year, asking about the next event. Kids are talking about it and they want to be part of it.”

The event set for Thursday evening moves to the Kingsford High School this year. Most events will be in the gymnasium but cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the cafeteria, which will allow more space for events, she said.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 4:25 p.m. on the fire truck. From 4:30 to 6:25 p.m. children will be able to visit with Santa. The Woodland Elementary School choir performs from 4:35 to 5 p.m., followed by the Kingsford High Band and Choir from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

At 6:25 p.m. Santa will lead all attendees to the tree for the annual tree lighting. The 15-foot tree was donated by the Big Red Barn, who also donated one to the school.

At the 2024 Christmas event in Kingsford, Dennis Baldinelli passes a gift bag to 2-year-old Elijah Ritschel of Iron Mountain, as his mother Amy, and sister Leah look on. This year's event will be Thursday evening. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News)

Dickinson Conversation District will have little wooden ornaments kids can decorate, the Kingsford High School Key Club will have a photo booth and Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club plans to have a snowball toss. Members of the National Guard reached out to her and they will have a booth with a game and prizes.

The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union made 400 goodie bags. “We have a lot to give out,” she said.

“We’re also going to be promoting the Hometown Heroes banner program,” Castro said. They have received five submissions so far and there has been a lot of interest.

New this year, they are asking for donations to support the Backpack Blessings program, which aims to fight food insecurity for area students. They help about 70 to 80 students each week.

Accepted items include individual instant oatmeal packets, Slim Jims or beef jerky, sandwich crackers, applesauce or other fruit pouches, granola bars and fruit snacks, juice boxes and protein drinks, canned soups and ravioli, mac and cheese cups, ramen noodles — anything kids can make for themselves.

“That’s something we started this year and we’re going to try to promote a group every year,” she said.

They are accepting donations at City Hall, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union and at the event.

“I’m hoping people will come in with a bunch of stuff,” Castro said.

Sponsors for the Christmas event include Ace Hardware, the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union, the Breitung Township School District, First National Bank & Trust, CJ Graphics, GEI Consultants, the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club, Kwik Trip, the Big Red Barn, the Dickinson Conservation District, and Frog 101.5.

“Thanks to all the sponsors for this year’s event,” Castro said. “Without them, there’s no way we could pulled off everything that we pulled off the past few years.”

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.