Parker Pride Foundation to host free 'Christmas in the Park' with food, toys and tree lighting in Highland Park

Sydney Spike, president of Parker Pride Foundation, said the group will stage a free "Christmas in the Park" on Dec. 6 in Highland Park that will include complimentary meals, toys for children, live entertainment and a tree-lighting ceremony.

"We just wanna bring excitement, memories, and enjoyment to the city of Highland Park by putting on the things that we do for free," Spike said in a park interview, announcing the event. She said the foundation purchased a food truck and plans to distribute meals at no charge to attendees.

Event organizers say the program will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., with a tree lighting immediately afterward. Santa is scheduled to arrive at about 4:45 p.m., Spike said, riding on a Highland Park fire truck. Children will be able to meet Santa and receive toys donated through a community toy drive.

Spike detailed the food and distribution plan: the food truck will serve items such as chicken fingers and fries, and a sponsor has pledged 600 hot dogs. Organizers said they will issue wristbands so each person receives one meal. "We're gonna give all the food away on the food truck for free," Spike said. "Every kid in the city should get a toy."

She credited a long list of local supporters for in-kind contributions and sponsorships, naming the CW Morris funeral home (which she said purchased the food truck), Michigan Chronicle publisher Hiram Jackson, DTE Energy, Troy Towing, Avalon Village, Rehab Highland Park, CGC Global, Tom Hardeman, and local businesses including K and G. Spike also said Oakland County resources will provide a stage for live performances and identified Lauren D. Harper and the David Whitfield choir production among scheduled entertainers.

Spike described the event as part of a broader effort to bring community groups together. She recounted organizing the city's centennial celebration in 2018 and outlined longer-term goals, including a proposal to rehabilitate the old Caucus Club and unused school grounds into an "Alumni Park" with sports facilities and performance space.

On volunteer and membership opportunities, Spike said the foundation is not accepting new members at the moment but is recruiting volunteers who could become members later. She provided a volunteer contact phone number during the interview.

The foundation asked attendees to arrive early and follow event staff instructions. Spike thanked the City of Highland Park and organizers and closed by inviting residents to join the celebration.

Next steps: the event is scheduled for Dec. 6 in Highland Park, with organizers asking anyone who wants to volunteer or donate to contact Parker Pride Foundation as announced by Spike.