In-Focus | Published November 6, 2023
FERNDALE — The festive spirit is arriving early this year in Downtown Ferndale, as the city hosts its second annual Jingle & Mingle event with fun, shopping and giving on November 18 and 19.
“We are inviting people to come out and join their family and friends to kickstart the holidays — and make a positive impact in the lives of others,” said the City’s Special Events Director Michael Lary.
The two-day extravaganza presents the joy of holiday shopping at Ferndale Underground Market, complemented by DJ sounds, live entertainment and special PATIO Zone drinks at local bars and restaurants.
“Alongside festive performances from a brass band and choir, our DJ will keep the music going all day on both days,” Michael said.
A focal point of this year’s event is a food drive campaign to support the Renaissance Vineyard Food Pantry. As a way of giving kindness to those in need this season, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable dried or canned food items such as canned vegetables, canned soup, peanut butter, jelly, and rice side dishes.
The food drive aims to support 80 families and 100 individuals who need support. Last year’s event brought in four pallets of contributions, and event organizers are setting their sights on doubling that this season.
“This act of generosity not only helps those in need but also gives every donor a chance to win gift cards,” Michael added, noting that gift cards include Ford’s Garage restaurant, Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen and Quix Chocolates among others, with some valued at $100.
Located in the lower level of The DOT parking garage, the Ferndale Underground Market will feature vendors offering a wide selection of gifts and fashion items ideal for holiday giving.
“We will have about 100 different artists, makers, authors and bakers,” said Mark Loeb, president of Integrity Shows. “It’s just a variety of people doing creative things.”
Admission is free, but monetary donations are welcome, with proceeds going to the dual cause of the Renaissance Vineyard Food Pantry and FernCare Free Clinic.
Local businesses throughout Ferndale have also stepped up to join the campaign by hosting food drive boxes during the month of November. Donation points include Ferndale City Hall and the public library, with more locations to be announced soon.
Jingle & Mingle will be held at The DOT, 211 W. Troy St. in Ferndale, on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jingle & Mingle, presented by Les Stanford Buick – GMC, is co-sponsored by Newsradio 950 WWJ Traffic, Ascension Health, Credit Union ONE and WYCD Detroit’s Country — and jointly produced by the City of Ferndale, Ferndale Downtown Development Authority and Integrity Shows.
For more information, visit ferndalemi.gov/event.