FRANKENMUTH -- The lights in downtown Frankenmuth glow as brightly as ever, even though one of the city's biggest stars is now watching from the sky above.

"Wally is truly missed every day of the year.  Christmas is no exception.  He sure had an impact on our community in that respect.  We've actually encouraged all of our main street businesses to adorn their windows for Wally this year so that Wally can see we are still shining here in Frankenmuth and will continue that tradition," says Jaime Furbush of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce.

Frankenmuth's 2008 holiday celebrations officially get underway Friday with the 35th annual Candlewalk.

Christmas carols in German tradition begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by local clergy telling the story of Christmas, a tribute to Wally Bronner, singing by the St. Lorenz choir, a candlelight walk to the Chamber Platz, a ceremony to honor U.S. Military Service Men and Women and finally the lighting of the community Tannenbaum.

The holiday celebrations continue throughout the weekend with the Christkindlmarkt at the Frankenmuth Farmer's Market.