A favorite hot dog vendor has been chosen as the grand marshal of Howell’s Fantasy of Lights Parade

HOWELL — Howell’s favorite hot dog vendor has been chosen to lead the 40th anniversary of the city’s popular holiday parade.

Tony Poma was named grand marshal for the 40th anniversary Fantasy parade of lights in Howell, according to a news release from the Howell Chamber of Commerce.

Poma is the owner of Tony’s Dogs, and the Fantasy of Lights parade committee selected this year’s grand marshal. The Fantasy of Lights Festival of Lights is set for Friday, November 29 on Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell, bringing holiday cheer to families in Livingston County.

Poma’s is well-known in Howell, serving its famous hot dogs during special events and on weekdays in the parking lot of Byrum Ace Hardware, 1250 E. Grand River Ave. Poma is known for his friendliness and warm presence, which have made him a local favorite, according to the release.

Sign up: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

According to the release, the Fantasy of Lights Committee said it selected Poma as the 2024 grand marshal in recognition of “his love and dedication to the Howell community.”

“The Fantasy of Lights Parade is one of our most cherished traditions, and we are thrilled to have Tony Poma of Tony’s Dogs serve as Grand Marshal for this special 40th anniversary,” said Janelle Smith, president of the Howell Chamber. “His warmth and spirit reflect the essence of our community. We look forward to Tony leading the way as we celebrate the magic of the holiday season.”

The Fantasy of Lights Parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 29 on State Street with family-friendly activities including letters and photos with Santa, music and vendors along the Mint Trail.

Fantasy 5K runners are encouraged to participate in a costume contest at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Howell Carnegie County Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave. The 5K starts at 6 p.m. Walkers can sign up for the 1-mile walk, which begins at 6:05 p.m. The parade under the slogan “Christmas around the world” will begin at 7:00 p.m.

More information is available online at howell.org/fantasy-of-lights.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at [email protected]. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on the Livingston Daily: Tony Poma has been named grand marshal for Howell’s Fantasy of Lights Parade