SAGINAW TWP, MI – For 15 years, local party animals have been flocking to the Saginaw Township Soccer Complex to Party on McCarty. But this holiday season, Fashion Square Mall is getting in on the action.
During the fifth year of Winter Party on McCarty, two of the three days of activities will take place inside the mall, with games, live music, raffle prizes and more.
“They are as excited as we are,” said Party on McCarty Director Jon Howell about the involvement of the mall, located at 4787 Fashion Square Blvd.
Taking over the 20,000-square-foot space that once housed H&M, local bands will entertain crowds from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on both Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Stone Street Revival is the featured act for Friday, while Jedi Mind Trip will play on Saturday.
Attendees will have the choice to pay a $5 entry fee to support Covenant Kids or bring an unwrapped toy to donate.
Admission will include a raffle ticket for prizes, including a Hoffman’s snowblower on Friday and diamond earrings from Diamonds & Jewelry Unlimited on Saturday.
“We’re hoping that mom and dad will come out,” Howell said. “Maybe mom will bring a girlfriend and they’ll go walk to Macy’s or JCPenney or some of the stores and do some shopping. Dad will sit there and have a beer. It’s a great time to get out.”
The Saginaw Township Soccer Association will run a bar inside the event space with $5 beer, wine and canned mixed drink options. Three food trucks will be parked outside for attendees to visit, with a dining space set up inside.
Attendees can bring along chairs to use while watching the bands, but leave the bag chairs at home. Bags will be limited to clear see-through purses and coats will be checked at the door.
The lineup of activites isn’t limited to the musical, nighttime offerings. Saturday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., a free event near the JCPenney side of the mall will include games for kids, Santa Claus, hot cocoa and cookies.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, Saginaw Township’s annual Christmas tree lighting will take place at the Saginaw Township Soccer Complex, 3575 McCarty Road. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5 p.m. for hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks.
While the Saturday afternoon and Sunday events are both free to attend, organizers are encouraging donations of money or unwrapped toys to support their partnership with Covenant Kids. Those who choose to donate will be entered into raffles during both events. Covenant Kids will distribute the donated toys to hospitalized children.
“The bottom line is it is for a good cause,” Howell said.
