1


Fezziwig’s Ball Gets Holly Warmed Up for Dickens Festival
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 22, 2018
Holly, MI- It was a lovely night of dancing, games, snacks, and neighborly chatting as about 40 people gathered at the Holly Hotel for the annual Fezziwig’s Ball.
The Victorian-themed holiday soiree is a fundraiser for the Holly Dickens Festival which fills the Downtown with historic charm for three weekends after Thanksgiving.
Guests of the ball enjoyed stuffed mushrooms, pate, warm bread pudding and more as live music set the tone.
And then the nuns came in.  Three sisters from Saint Dominic Chapel in Highland arrived to introduce the English Country Dancing Club who performed traditional Victorian dances such as the Sir Roger DeCoverly.  Guests were then invited to join in the fun, twirling through the center of the dance floor, linking arms with the well-trained dancers.
Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, played by Jon Russell-Coggins and Mary Bontumasi-Coggins, were the jubilant hosts, making every guest feel welcome and encouraging them to partake in the festivities.
Among the delights was the pulling apart of poppers with surprises on the inside.  The poppers got everyone excited, each table laughing as they compared gifts and told the corny jokes that came along with.
Money from the ball helps support the annual Dickens Festival.
Thousands of people visit Downtown Holly through the holiday shopping season to enjoy the historic atmosphere, partake in some wintertime revelry, and enjoy the mix of unique retails shops and restaurants.
There are also concerts, performances from Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” visits with Santa, a sledding hill, a lighted parade and more.  The Detroit Model Railroad Club is also open, showcasing Michigan’s largest O Scale model railroad.
The fun begins with a lighted parade Friday night on Saginaw Street beginning at 7:30pm.
Learn more:
Detroit Model Railroad Club
Dickens Festival
Downtown Holly