Amtrak Depot lights up Dec. 3

The Four Flags Garden Club hosts the 20th annual Hometown Christmas Celebration on Dec. 3.

From 4:30 to 6 p.m.  Dec. 3, the Four Flags Garden Club will host its 20th annual Hometown Christmas Celebration at the Historic Amtrak Depot, 600 Dey St., Niles.
The impetus for this free, annual event is the last scene of the 1991 John Candy movie “Only the Lonely,” which was filmed at the depot on a warm summer night. To create a Christmas scene, the studio placed lights on the roofline and fake snow on the ground.  Many Niles locals served as  stand-ins.
After the filming, the studio left the lights behind and the garden club, along with community members campaigned to “Keep the Lights Burning.”
This was a fundraising endeavor to rewire the depot in order to use the lights, as the movie company had used portable generators.
Now, two sets of lights later — the most recent being energy-efficient LEDs — the event marks its 20th anniversary.
Everyone is invited to visit the depot to enjoy the holiday decorations, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy homemade cookies, cider and candy.
The depot interior and exterior will be decorated with fresh greens, window topiaries, wreaths and handmade ornaments on the Fraser fir tree donated by Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm of Galien.
Entertainment will be provided by Lake Effect Winds, a woodwind quartet from St. Joseph, performing music ranging from classical to 20th century.
Niles Mayor Mike McCauslin will address the group, and community royalty will stop by.
A drawing will be held at 5:45 p.m. for two round- trip tickets, compliments of Amtrak, from Niles to Chicago for two lucky people.  The tickets are free, and you must be present to win.
The official lighting of the Depot outside lights will be at 6 p.m.
If anyone is interestedin learning more about the club, call Elaine at (269)  683-5292.

SportsPlus

Business

Wings Etc. locations to offer free entrée on Veterans Day to honor military service

Dowagiac

Teacher/Staff Spotlight: Melissa Lillie, Kincheloe Elementary

Berrien County

2024 school board election results

Berrien County

Niles Township marijuana proposal passes

Berrien County

2024 Berrien County local election results

Cass County

2024 Cass County local election results

News

Brandywine volleyball falls to Bridgman in D3 district opener

Community News

Santa, live reindeer to visit Niles Nov. 23

Business

Dowagiac to welcome the holiday season with festive event lineup

Dowagiac HS

Edwardsburg, Dowagiac spikers sweep district foes

Community News

SMC Founders Day celebrates 60th anniversary

Berrien County

MDHHS warns Michigan residents about increase in whooping cough cases

Crime/Court

Niles man gets probation for Joey Armadillo’s disturbance

Community News

Junior Farm Bureau presents plaque to Berrien County Youth Fair Association

Community News

Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant kicks off 84th year

Brandywine HS

Buchanan’s McBeth all-state at cross country state finals

Edwardsburg HS

Eddies control clock, use big plays to derail Beavers 29-8

News

Niles routs Paw Paw 42-14 in D4 playoff opener

Crime/Court

Dowagiac men get prison time on drug charges

Community News

Pat Ham student appointed honorary member of Dowagiac City Council

Crime/Court

Arrest made in connection to fatal Keeler Township home invasion

Community News

Dowagiac Chamber honors Anderson with Lifetime Achievement Award

Buchanan

New Buchanan tattoo parlor ‘a dream come true’ for owner

Dowagiac

Teacher/Staff Spotlight: Dara Killarney, Dowagiac Union Schools Transportation