Big Red Balls Aren’t Enough—6 Things We Could Decorate the Lansing Roundabout With Year Round

There are so many things that make Lansing a fun, unique, and quirky place to live. One of those things (more specifically, four of those things) is big red balls.

What are Lansing's 'Big Red Balls'?

I speak of course of the "Orbs of Winter" as they're officially called: the four, enormous red and white ornaments that sit atop the center of the roundabout in Downtown Lansing every year around Christmas time.

The erection of these ornaments every year unofficially marks the start of the holiday season. And Lansing residents are pretty obsessed with them.

Organizations like Lansing Facts have made the coolest stickers all about those big red balls. And they're so loved that Lansing officially has a whole week dedicated to them being put out for the season.

What Could Lansing Decorate the Downtown Roundabout With Year Round?

Now, don't get me wrong, these big red balls are amazing, and I love seeing them decorate the Downtown area every year.

But, the holiday season is only one time a year. That roundabout sits empty the rest of the year...

Seasonal Decoration Ideas that Scream 'Pure Michigan'

Why don't we decorate the Downtown Lansing roundabout with something fun seasonally?

I came up with a few options to cover us across the following bases: spring, summer, fall, and year-round. Plus, they all have a Michigan theme! Take a look below.

Dueling Ice Cream Cones

These would be perfect for summer and the perfect way to honor Pure Michigan flavors: Superman and Mackinac Island Fudge.

A Mini Big Penny

Instead of a 12 foot clearance bridge that munches on too tall trucks, it would be a 6 foot clearance mini bridge that "munches" on too tall people. This is a perfect Lansing-centric piece of decor that would be perfect year round.

A Small Pyramid of Apples

This is perfect Pure Michigan nod to fall. Each apple could be a different type.

A Trio of Faygo Bottles

Another Pure Michigan way to decorate the Downtown Lansing area. I feel like all Michiganders are made up of at least 1% Faygo. The flavors I'd pick? Rock N Rye, Red Pop, and Moon Mist.

The Conflict Between Coney Dogs

Instead of crossing swords doing battle, it would be crossing Coney dogs; one with Detroit chili, and the other with Flint chili. Michiganders... choose your fighter.

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Orange Construction Barrels

While these can technically be a year round decoration, these would be most appropriate for spring, summer and fall, because we all know it's not nice weather in Michigan without copious amounts of road work.