Access to accurate information is critical during a crisis, whether it’s a climate disaster, pandemic, or local emergency.

One person working to address these challenges is Wayne State University’s Dr. Matt Seeger, an expert in emergency and crisis communication.

He warns that the region’s vulnerabilities, exacerbated by climate change and class disparities in allocated resources, require robust and diverse communication strategies to keep residents informed and safe.

Seeger says traditional mediums like radio remain critical during disasters.

“It’s really, really hard to knock a radio station off the air,” he says, citing recent examples of broadcasters still operating with damaged buildings during Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Southeast Michigan has an additional vulnerability, according to Seeger – infectious diseases. Seeger says the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is an increasing concern for the region, impacting 25 dairy herds and nearly seven million birds in the state since last January, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture. In addition, two Michigan dairy farmworkers also tested positive for the virus following exposure to infected cows.

Seeger fears the misinformation surrounding COVID-19 could repeat if avian influenza also reaches pandemic levels. To combat that scenario, he advises local agencies to increase coordination among the local, state and federal levels, as well as providing more resources to underserved communities during a crisis.

No human-to-human spread of H5N1 has been detected during the current outbreak, according to the CDC. While the current public health risk is low, the agency says it is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

WDET’s CuriosiD series answers your questions about everything Detroit. Subscribe to CuriosiD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of CuriosiD, we answer a question from listener Angela Gallegos:

“What happened to the Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival?”

The short answer

The Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival, a beloved Detroit holiday tradition, ran for nearly 40 years before quietly ending in 2002. It began in 1962 as a replacement for the Ford Rotunda’s “Christmas Fantasy,” which was destroyed in a fire. Over the years, the event evolved from a free, community-focused holiday spectacle to a paid indoor amusement park. Attendance declined in the 1990s, and eventually, the North American International Auto Show required more setup time in Cobo Hall, leading to the carnival’s cancellation.

Born from the Ashes of the Ford Rotunda 

The Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival wasn’t Detroit’s first major holiday spectacle.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, families flocked to the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn for its famed “Christmas Fantasy” display, which included animatronics, live animals and a massive Christmas tree.

But tragedy struck in November 1962 when a fire destroyed the Rotunda, along with the vast majority of its holiday decorations. It was a heartbreaking loss for the community, but Detroiters didn’t let Christmas go up in smoke. Under the leadership of Mayor Jerome Cavanagh, a new holiday event was quickly organized at the recently completed Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit.

“They just had to start from scratch,” said Detroit historian and writer Amy Elliott Bragg. “They pulled this together in 29 days. They really had to rely on contributions from local businesses, donations, and labor unions.”

One standout contributor was George Johnson, who donated a spectacular North Pole display valued around $12,000. Johnson — known for his extravagant Christmas decorations at his home in Grosse Pointe, which drew large crowds each year — even put a sign in his driveway that read: “Go to Cobo Hall instead this year.”

The Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival Becomes a Tradition

The first Cobo Christmas Carnival opened in December 1962 and was a massive success. It featured animatronics, free candy displays and an entire section of the conference center was transformed into a North Pole wonderland with puppet shows, fake snow, and, of course, Santa Claus.

“I remember waiting in long lines to get a picture with Santa [in the late ’90s],” WDET listener Angela Gallegos recalled. “There were so many cool decorations, like little mechanical puppets and elves. It was so much fun.”

Originally intended as a one-time replacement for the Ford Rotunda’s Christmas Fantasy, the Cobo Carnival became an annual event. For nearly 40 years, it brought families downtown to celebrate the season, evolving into one of Detroit’s most beloved traditions.

Why Did It End?

Despite its success, the carnival came to an end in 2002.

“In 2002, the North American International Auto Show, which is also held at what we once called Cobo, came to the Parade Company and said, ‘You know, we really need more time to set up for the Auto Show,’” Bragg said. “So very quietly, with little fanfare, the Christmas Carnival came to an end.”

Changes in the event itself also contributed to its decline. By the early 2000s, Bragg says the free carnival had introduced admission fees, and attendance began to drop. Eventually, the holiday energy once centered at Cobo shifted to other traditions, such as the tree lighting and ice skating at Campus Martius.

A Legacy of Holiday Spirit

While the Cobo Christmas Carnival is now only a memory for generations of metro Detroiters, its impact on the city’s holiday culture lives on. 

“It’s just such a Detroit story,” Bragg said. “The way that Detroiters are resilient, the way that Detroiters will make magic happen out of nothing, time and time again.”

We want to hear from you! 

If you’ve ever wondered about Detroit’s history, culture, or community, send us your question at wdet.org/curious or fill out the form below.

More from CuriosiD:

• What is the history behind the Belle Isle Boathouse?
• What happened to Detroit jazz venue Strata Concert Gallery?
• What is on Boblo Island today? And what happened to the Boblo boats?

General Motors (GM) and Bedrock have proposed a $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Renaissance Center that would forever alter downtown Detroit’s iconic skyline.

The project — which calls for the demolition of the two towers closest to the riverfront, as well as ground floor retail and showroom space in the complex  — aims to “right size” the RenCen’s footprint by redeveloping the space into a six-acre riverfront park and vibrant entertainment district.

Towers 300 and 400 would be demolished under the proposal. The RenCen’s central tower would remain as a hotel, while the remaining two towers would be renovated for residential and office space.

Completed in 1976, the Renaissance Center is Michigan’s tallest building and a cornerstone of Detroit’s skyline. It was originally built during Detroit Mayor Coleman Young’s administration, as part of an effort to revitalize downtown Detroit. General Motors acquired the site in 1996 and has since invested over $1 billion in renovations.

Officials say the project seeks to adapt the complex to modern demands, addressing declining office space needs and increasing interest in urban residential and mixed-use developments.

“This iconic landmark’s future is important to Detroit and Michigan, and our shared vision with General Motors ensures that its redevelopment aligns with Detroit’s economic advancement,” said Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock, in a statement.

Project highlights include:

• A new pedestrian promenade that connects to the riverfront
• Removal of the ground-level base of the complex and the two office towers nearest the river
• Redevelopment of remaining three towers into “a mix of hospitality and housing”
• Turning reclaimed land into signature public spaces
• Reconfiguring the site to allow direct access to the buildings and the riverfront

Funding and next steps

Bedrock and GM have committed to funding the majority of the project, with the remainder contingent on public financing, including potential support from Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority.

The redevelopment plan will be presented to local and state leaders in the coming weeks to seek public support and legislative approval for funding. Demolition is expected to begin within two years, with the project being carried out in phases.

GM plans to relocate its headquarters to Bedrock’s Hudson’s Detroit site by early 2026.

Neither Bedrock or GM could be reached for comment about the proposal on Monday.