Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District hosts fifth annual Strolling Lights Festival

From staff reports

The Strolling Lights Festival within The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District has become an annual tradition for both families, groups or individuals to join together to decorate a holiday tree in honor of a worthy cause, or to get visitors in the holiday spirit when they light up The District in Glen Arbor.

Proceeds from the 2025 Strolling Lights Festival will support the Empire Area Food Pantry which serves all of Leelanau County. This once-a-week Food Pantry, which is hosted at Glen Lake Community Reformed Church on Tuesdays year-round, serves an enormous need in our community to help support those who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Food Pantry offers up canned and dry food as well as meat and produce. They currently see up to 25 families a week.

With the funds that are raised from this festive tradition, Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District has a goal to help increase the amount of protein on hand which many times runs out.

The funds will also be helping boost the amount of flour and sugar available which are currently in short supply as well. By making a donation by way of sponsoring a tree or just a monetary donation towards The Giving Tree, we will then be able to help the Food Pantry with serving the local community.

Strolling Lights Festival Trees are $150 to sponsor and can be purchased via www.crystalriveroutfitters.com. Monetary donations toward “The Giving Tree” can also be made online as well.

Families can start decorating their trees on Friday, Nov. 21, and can be viewed by the public through the New Year with the kickoff Thanksgiving weekend in Glen Arbor.

The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District is open daily throughout the holiday season for free viewing of the trees.

Additionally, on Nov. 29, Santa will be on the M22 Glen Arbor Wine Patio from 11-1 to meet your kids, hear their holiday wishes and pose for family pictures. There is no cost to attend this and all are welcome!