First Krampusnacht festival brings crowds to Old Town

A haunting celebration of old European folklore filled the streets of Old Town on Dec. 9 with the city’s first-ever Krampusnacht Parade. Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is a central and Eastern European holiday, traditionally celebrated on Dec. 5 or the following Saturday. The streets of Old Town were filled with many colorful depictions of Krampus, a horned, half-goat, half-man version of Saint Nicholas, who punishes naughty children, while Saint Nicholas rewards the good children. 

Lansing Art Path Brushing the Canvas of Community

In the heart of Lansing, Michigan, a neighborhood once known for its industrial past has found new life through the power of art. Art Path, public art on the River Trail, has become a canvas where creativity is showcased, bringing the community together in a tapestry of colors and stories. In the heart of Lansing, Michigan, a neighborhood once known for its industrial past has found new life through the power of art. Art Path, public art on the River Trail, has become a canvas where creativity is showcased, bringing the community together in a tapestry of colors and stories. 

Live at the Replay offers socially distant space in Old Town

At the corner of E. César Chávez Ave and North Larch St. stands Replay Entertainment Exchange, where owner Ted Wilson has been hosting socially distant live events for the Lansing community. Techno blares from public address speakers as vendors and DJs set up their stations while Zee Simons and Travis Stillwater, coordinators for the Live at the Replay event, make sure that the artists and activities set up around the open lot are ready for a night of music, movies, and laughter. “It’s bummer summer 2020 and so we wanted to replay some of the summer and bring it back a little bit,” said Stillwater. Wilson said the idea to have outdoor events at the Replay parking lot was brought up years ago but wouldn’t have happened without the coronavirus pandemic.

Preuss Pets creates animal experience in Old Town

As the sun sets in Lansing’s Old Town, the letter “P” on the wall of Preuss Pets alternates from blue to orange to green. Below the letter, and spanning the wall of the building, is a mural showing animal habitats, flanked by a waterfall. It’s a unique storefront — one that customers say is matched by the unique experience inside. “Kind of what makes our store special or significant or of value is that we take seriously the idea that having a pet and having successful relationship with that pet is really important,” Owner Rick Preuss said. “So when you employ that from our side for over 30 years, the store becomes a different entity than if we were just trying to set up a store to make money.”

Snakes in Preuss Pets range in a variety of sizes.