Lighting up Northville

November 17, 2006 -

The Northville Lights Parade was one of the highlights of my year so far! This unique parade winds through downtown Northville at dusk - each float lighting the street and the MANY cold faces of the spectators. Riding in one of the coolest parade entries I've ever seen was just one thing that made this event so much fun. Our entry included 4 classic convertible VW bugs (3 decked out as reindeer!) and the junior workshop and senior chours girls from Miss Harriet's Dance Studio (my Alma mater)! Although I was not in a reindeer, my VW bug was adorned with custom lit signs that read "Miss Michigan and the Snowflakes!", and three 'snowflakes' and I kept each other warm on the parade route while singing along to Clay Akin's "Sleigh Ride" as the dancers performed around us!

What really made this event so special for me was that it was a true return home. Having grown up at Miss Harriet's Dance Studio, it was an honor to be welcomed back by the faculty, students and parents. After the parade, we went to Genitti's to warm up and celebrate. There I had the chance to speak to everyone and thank them for having me back. I also had the chance to talk to the students about my journey to become Miss Michigan and about how persistence truly does pay. Looking them in the eye and talking about how I got my start right where they are today and that they could get anywhere from here was one of those moments that make me truly grateful for this job.

Thank you to Miss Denise and Dr. Demary for having me back home at the Northville Lights Parade and rolling out the red carpet.