Schedule of Events

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022

RED FLANNEL 5K RUN AND WALK & KID’S FUN RUN, RED FLANNEL 10K RUN

5K WALK/RUN starts at 9 am – KID’S FUN RUN starts at 9:45 am

This is a FUN EVENT for the ENTIRE FAMILY as runners and walkers. Awards and Kid’s Fun Run to follow 5K. Best dressed Red Flannel Competition!

HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK – 69 W MAPLE ST

KIDS DAY

Bring the kids down for a day filled with Fun events, Magic Show, Games, and Prizes. Starts at 11:00am at the Heart of Cedar Springs Park. Free entry, $1.00 raffle tickets. Raffle time 12:30pm.

HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK – 69 W MAPLE ST

BED RACE OBSTACLE COURSE

In one of the zaniest events the Festival offers, five-person teams race beds around an obstacle course competing for the best time! Throw in Festival icon, Keystone Kops, and the result is a hilarious time for all! Bring your own bed, or use one from the Festival! Check in begins at 12:30 pm; Race begins at 1:00 pm. FREE EVENT! 

MAPLE STREET NEAR HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK

RED FLANNEL QUEEN SCHOLARSHIPPAGEANT

Enjoy the elegance and tradition of a signature event. Tickets on sale, 3 weeks prior, at the Library & Red Flannel Festival Office, $10 each. Available at the High School Box Office for $13 at 6pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Pageant begins at 7:30 pm.  

CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

RED FLANNEL LUMBERJACK SUPPER

Come and enjoy a food old-fashioned Lumberjack Supper with all the fix-ins! Pulled Pork, Potatoes, Vegetables, Beverages and Dessert. Adults: $12.00; kids 12 and under $10.00; 5pm – 7pm 

CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022

POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL

NEW DATE AND TIME – SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

Junior and Senior young ladies play flag football! Begins at 6:00 pm. RED HAWK STADIUM

Friday, Sept. 30, 2022

CARNIVAL

Quality carnival rides, games with Elliott’s Amusements! 5 pm – 9 pm

ASH & BEECH STREETS

CEDAR SPRINGS FRIENDS BOOK SALE

Giant Book Sale at the Cedar Springs Public Library 10:00am – 6:00 pm

CEDAR SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY – 107 N. MAIN STREET

RED HAWK VARSITY FOOTBALL

Cedar Springs Red Hawks vs. Allendale High School at 7 pm.

GAME IS AT REDHAWK STADIUM

FIREFIGHTER PARADE

Join us in honoring local fire department members! Begins after the Cedar Springs Home Football game.

MAIN STREET

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE

7 pm to 12:30 am. $5 Cover. Must be 21 or over. The BEST LIVE MUSIC in Cedar Springs! Enjoy the band PRETTY KOOL from 8 pm -midnight!

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 – RED FLANNEL DAY

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Prior to the Band Competition. Presented by the American Legion Glen Hill Post #287, Cedar Springs Middle School Marching Band.                                             

RED HAWK STADIUM, CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

FLAPJACK BREAKFAST

All you can eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice, served from 7 am – noon. $10 – 13 and over; $8 – ages 5-12 and FREE for those under 5 years old and Special family price of $30. 

RED HAWK ELEMENTARY CAFETERIA

MARCHING BAND COMPETITION

Area High School Marching Bands present half-time shows in competition. Begins 9 am. See ad on pg 10.

RED HAWK STADIUM, CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

CARNIVAL BINGO

American Legion Post #287 Bingo Hall 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Going for over 30 years. 

AMERICAN LEGION POST #287 BINGO HALL

CEDAR SPRINGS FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Giant Book Sale at the Cedar Springs Public Library 10 am – 3 pm

CEDAR SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY – 107 N. MAIN STREET

RED FLANNEL PIE EATING CONTEST

BACK AGAIN. Starts at NOON! First one to finish eating the whole pie WINS! Prizes award for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Cost is FREE. Come on down and watch or join in this New RED FLANNEL TRADITION!

MAIN AND ASH IN FRONT OF THE GRANDSTAND

RED FLANNEL CAR SHOW

Come to enter your pride and joy, or just browse and admire! Admission is FREE. Cost $15 per entry, registration at 7:30 am. Show is from 10 am – 2 pm. Winners receive FREE Grand Parade entry!

ELM STREET BETWEEN MAIN AND SECOND AND MAIN AND FIRST

POORMAN PULLERS MINI ROD TRACTOR PULL NEW LOCATION

Weigh in begins at 10 am, pulling from 11 am – 2 pm. FREE Admission 

141 W. CHERRY BY THE WHITE PINE TRAIL

RED FLANNEL ANTIQUE FARM TRACTORS & ENGINES SHOW – AT CEDAR SPRINGS MUSEUM!

Antique tractors and running farm equipment fill Morley Park! Museum tours from 10 am to 2 pm. FREE admission to tractor show and family events.

MORLEY PARK

RED FLANNEL MARKETPLACE

Vendors of many different item types displayed all day! Browse and shop in beautiful downtown Cedar Springs!

CHURCH STREET BETWEEN MAIN AND SECOND

CARNIVAL

Quality carnival rides, games with Elliott’s Amusements. All day! WRIST BANDS (SATURDAY ONLY) Cost: $25.00 per person                    

ASH & BEECH STREETS

GIANT ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR

Over 90 vendors of beautiful handmade items. 9 am – 2 pm. $1 admission

RED HAWK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CEDAR SPRINGS ROTARY FAMOUS CHICKEN BARBECUE!

Come and experience an EXCELLENT chicken dinner with all the trimmings at the Rotary Chicken barbecue from 11 am – 5 pm!

CHERRY & MAIN STREET

LUMBERJACK SHOW

By Jack Pine Lumberjack Show – Mackinaw City, Michigan. Show times at 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm

THE EMPTY LOT ON THE CORNER OF MAIN AND ASH NEXT TO THE TRIPLE B

RED FLANNEL CHILDREN’S PARADE

The Children’s Parade will line up with the Grand Parade! The Prince and Princess will have their own float. Bike riders and walkers will walk with the Prince and Princess Float. Please have your child and their bikes in the parade line up by 2:45 pm!

LINE UP AT MUSKEGON & MAIN STREETS

KEYSTONE KOPS

The MOST FAMOUS ICON of the Festival, they arrest everyone not wearing RED!Be on the look out and prepared with $1 in “bail money” to “get out of jail”!

KEYSTONE KOP JAIL at MAIN & ASH STREETS

RED FLANNEL GRAND PARADE

The Festival’s signature event! Headlining for 2022 ‘THE SCOTTVILLE CLOWN BAND’! More than 100 entries of floats, bands and entertainment. PARADE BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 3 PM!

MAIN & MUSKEGON STREETS

RED FLANNEL PARADE GRANDSTAND

Stop by and see Ryan Melanaphy, who is announcing the parade for the 1st time!

CEDAR SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RED FLANNEL TALENT SHOW

The Red Flannel Talent Show is a mix of musicians, singers, dancers, and other local entertainment. The show starts immediately after the Grand Parade. Tickets $3 ea.

HISTORIC KENT THEATRE-DOWNTOWN CEDAR SPRINGS

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE

7 pm to 12:30 am. $5 Cover. Must be 21 or over. The BEST LIVE MUSIC in Cedar Springs! Enjoy the band  UNION GUNS from 8 pm -midnight, featuring Miller/Coors products.

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK

RED HAWK REUNION BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR!

Calling Cedar Springs Red Hawks! (21 and over) Red Flannel Day Red Hawk Reunion! Music, dancing, fun, prizes, and drinks! Starting shortly after the Grand Parade. 5 to 7pm. Bring your yearbooks, Red Hawk swag and Red Flannel Day memories! 5$ cover at the door. See you there!

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK

SCOTTVILLE CLOWN BAND

They’re back to entertain Cedar Springs! Directly following the Grand Parade. Bring a chair!

HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS AMPHITHEATER

This Saturday, September 24, marks the 79^th annual Red Flannel Festival Queen Scholarship Pageant, where judges will decide who will be the 2022 Red Flannel Festival Queen and Court, and represent the Red Flannel Festival for the next year.

It will be held at Cedar Springs High School, 204 E. Muskegon Street at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Cedar Springs Public Library and the Red Flannel Festival office. They are $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and younger. 

There are six contestants for judges to choose from this year. 

They are:

Contestant #1 Sally Mae Odren, daughter of Andy and Heather Odren.

Contestant #2 Haley Joy Van Kampen, daughter of Dennis and Kelly Van Kempen.

Contestant #3 Brie Kalyn Cummings, daughter of Brian and Heidi Cummings.

Contestant #4 Haleigh Brooke Johnson, daughter of Aaron and Ashleigh Wilcome.

Contestant #5 Alecia Jailyn Alber, daughter of Dan and Kara Alber.

Contestant #6 Abigail Marie Goltz, daughter of Keith and Laura Goltz.

The Queen and Court members that are selected will receive scholarship money at the end of their reign. If you would like to donate to the Queen Scholarship fund, you can do so through Paypal by going to https://www.redflannelfestival.org/queen-and-court-updates/ and clicking on “Queen donation.” You can also send a check or money order to The Red Flannel Festival, PO Box 43, Cedar Springs, Michigan, 49319.

Red Flannel Lumberjack Supper

Would you like a great meal before the Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant? Then come on out to enjoy an old-fashioned Lumberjack Supper, at Cedar Springs High School, on Saturday, September 24, from 5-7 p.m. You’ll get pulled pork, potatoes, vegetables, beverages, and dessert. Adults are $12, kids 12 and under $10. 

Red Flannel is Chicken Time!

Get your grilled chicken dinner on Red Flannel Day from the CS Rotary Club at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets from 11 AM to 5 PM or until the chickens are gone. Look for the big white tent. For $10, you get 1/2 grilled chicken, potato salad, cookie and a drink. Proceeds go to support community organizations such as the CS Library; CS Community Food Pantry; ScoutsUSA Troop 222B and Cub Scout Pack 3220; Youth Leadership Training and scholarships; CS Garden Club; and others. See you then!

Red Flannel Powder Puff game – new day and time

The Red Flannel Powder Puff game between the Lady Red Hawk juniors and seniors will be held on Wednesday, September 28, at 6 p.m. at Red Hawk Stadium. Come on out and show your support!

Firefighter parade

You don’t want to miss the special parade on Friday, September 30, to honor our local firefighters! It will take place after the home football game.

Prince and Princess contest

On September 21, the youngest members of Red Flannel royalty will be crowned at the Kent Theatre, at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Business and house decorating contest

Show your Red Flannel pride by decorating your house—the more creative the better. Judging is September 27. It’s free to enter, and applications can be found at www.redflannelfestival.org. Cash prizes for first, second, and third place in both the house and business divisions. 

Red Flannel 5/10K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run

Come join the fun on Saturday, September 24. Late registration is available at 7:30 a.m. morning of the run at the amphitheater in the Heart of Cedar Springs (shirts not guaranteed at late registration.) Packet pickup from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Heart of Cedar Springs Park. The 10K run starts at 9:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:15 a.m., and the Kids Run starts at 9:45 a.m.

Sport your Red Flannel pride, by wearing your best Red Flannel outfits, the zanier the better, as you race through the streets of Cedar Springs! Prizes will be awarded to the winners by crowd vote! (Please remember that this is a family event, when choosing your attire.) For a registration form and to see cost per participant, go to https://www.redflannelfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5-10K-form.pdf

Bed Races

The annual bed races are a zany way to kick off some Red Flannel fun on the Saturday before Red Flannel Day. Sign up today for some fun with your friends and family!

The bed races are a fun-filled event consisting four pushers and one rider who push a bed around a timed obstacle course.

Date: Saturday, September 24

Time: 12:30 p.m. Check In, 1:00 p.m. race

Where: Heart of Cedar Springs (Maple and Second)

Wheels must be a minimum of five inches, and at least two of them must turn.

It’s free to enter!

Red Flannel Kids Fun Day

The Red Flannel Festival Kids Fun Day event will be held Saturday, September 24 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Heart of Cedar Springs park, in front of the amphitheater next to the CS Public Library on Maple Street. 

There will be games, a bubble machine, face painting by Erica, plus a raffle. A $1 raffle ticket gets you in a drawing for all day wristbands for the 2022 Red Flannel Day Rides, a bike, games, TV, and more. Drawing to take place at 12:30 p.m.

Don’t miss out on all the fun!

Faith Fraser and Anna Nozkowski will serve as Grand Marshals for the 83rd Red Flannel Festival

By Judy Reed

The Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors have proudly named Cedar Springs residents Faith Fraser and Anna Nozkowski as the 2022 Grand Marshals for the 83rd Annual Celebration, to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022.  

“The Festival is extremely proud and thankful for the many years of Faith and Anna’s outstanding dedication to the Cedar Springs community and their dedication as Festival Board members,” said Nancy Deyman, President of the Festival. 

Anna served on the Red Flannel Festival Board for three years, the last year as First Vice President. Faith served on the Red Flannel board for over four years, her last year in the role of secretary and parade organizer.

“It is very obvious Faith and Anna love The Red Flannel Town and especially the Red Flannel Festival,” said Deyman. “Faith and Anna are sisters and will reign this year, the Festival’s 83rd Annual Celebration, over the two weekends of the 15^th oldest Festival in the state of Michigan, sharing the Red Flannel warmth of our community to visitors and residents.”

Faith and Anna moved to Cedar Springs with their family in 1991. Anna said she was in sixth grade. Anna went on to marry her middle school sweetheart, and they have two boys—Jacob 16, and Marek 12. Faith is single but said she has four amazing kids: Aaron, 27; Travis, 16; Emily, 16; and Jack, 14.

The Red Flannel Festival has always been important to the sisters. Faith remembers taking part in it before being a resident here. “Red Flannel is important to me because it’s something I have been a part of since before moving here,” she explained.  “I rode my bicycle through the parade when my dad ran for State rep. I have always enjoyed being a part of the festival as the parade organizer, former board member, and volunteer, as well as just a spectator.  As one of the oldest festivals in Michigan it has truly been an honor to serve the citizens of Cedar Springs and keep this tradition alive.”

Anna likes the way it brings people together. “The Red Flannel Festival is important to me because it is the one weekend a year where we can all come together as one community and celebrate our heritage,” she said. “The Festival has so much rich history behind it and I think it is important to keep that history alive. Plus, where else can you hang out in your underwear for a whole weekend out in public?”

Besides volunteering for the Red Flannel Festival, Faith and Anna have kept busy volunteering in other areas of the community. “I spend a lot of my time these days as a soccer referee and board member for Cedar Springs AYSO,” said Anna. “I became involved there when our boys began playing soccer about 8 or 9 years ago. I truly enjoy being on the field with the players, helping them learn the game and have fun.”

Faith has volunteered in other ways. “I have always jumped in and volunteered with pretty much everything I have done. I was a 4H leader for many years, and my most recent job has me volunteering at a shelter serving food to people in need. I delivered Santa Clause girls presents for a few years. Volunteering is something I have always enjoyed doing, from roadside cleanups to selling tickets for events at the Delta Plex.”

Despite all they have accomplished, neither felt they deserved the honor of Grand Marshal. “I truly felt that I shpuld not be chosen,” said Faith. “I felt there must have been someone they overlooked, then I cried because it was truly one of the greatest honors to be chosen for the Grand Marshal! I am extremely proud to have been selected out of the many that were nominated.”

“Like Faith, at first I felt I was not deserving as there are many, many people in our community who have served for so long. When Matt told me I would be sharing the role with my sister, my first thought was ‘This is going to be a riot!’  I am truly honored to have been chosen for this and I can’t think of anyone I would rather share it with than my sister,” said Anna.

Both Faith and Anna would urge others to also volunteer with the Red Flannel Festival and other organizations. “Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to help out your community I can think of and even giving just a little bit of your time is so appreciated,” said Anna. “The Festival and many other organizations would not be where they are today without volunteers.”

“I encourage everyone to go out and volunteer, there are so many areas in the community that depend on volunteers in order to keep their mission going,” remarked Faith. “I always volunteer because I love being around people, learning new things.  Even if you have no money, you can give your time and the return you get is worth far more than anything imaginable!”

Congratulations to Faith and Anna, who will help us all celebrate this year’s Red Flannel Festival theme, Cheers to 83 years!

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By Judy Reed

True to this year’s theme, the Red Flannel Festival brought back the fun to 2021! The last two weekends, and especially Red Flannel Day, October 2, were sun-drenched, fun-filled days where people enjoyed elephant ears, a chicken dinner, carnival rides, crafts, vendors, a lumberjack show, pie eating contest, grand parade, beverage tents, music, and so much more.

“The Red Flannel Festival board felt this year’s event was a huge success,” said Red Flannel Festival President Nancy Deyman. “We were not sure how it would turn out coming out of the pandemic.” 

But people were ready. Thousands flocked to downtown Cedar Springs to enjoy the return of the legendary Red Flannel Festival.

“The Red Flannel Festival would like to thank everyone who attended the festival this year,” said Deyman.  “We hope you all had a wonderful time!”

See gallery below for some of the photos you contributed of this year’s festival.

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On Saturday, October 2, the Red Hawks welcomed nine marching bands from across the region to host the 61st Red Flannel Invitational.

In class B, Otsego took first place with a score of 92.2. Ionia scored 83.7 to place second and Kenowa Hills scored 79.8 to place in third.

In class C Tri-County scored 86.7 to place in first. Whitehall took second with a score of 83.3, Montague came in third with 79.3 and Oakridge placed in fourth with a score of 64.7.

Fulton was the only school in class D to attend and scored 57.4.

Cedar Springs performed their show, The Eternal Circus, for exhibition only.

Following the invitational, Cedar Springs, Fulton and Tri-County participated in the parade.

Senior Drum Major Gabe White says, “It was so nice to see the stadium as full as it was! It’s been amazing to see the community support that we’ve had this year! And a special thanks to all of the band volunteers who made it all possible!” 

The next opportunity to see the band perform is this upcoming Friday, October 8, at the Cedar Springs homecoming football game. The next competition for the marching Red Hawks is October 16, in Portage Northern.

Follow the band on Facebook at Cedar Springs Bands.  

Two sets of Red Flannel Prince and Princesses were chosen last week to represent the Red Flannel Festival. 

One set is from this year’s kindergarteners to represent 2021, and another is from this year’s first graders, to represent 2020.

According to Red Flannel President Nancy Deyman, they had a total of 20 students enter the contest. The prince and princesses were chosen by raffle tickets that were sold by the contestants.

The 2021 Prince and Princess is Calvin Saboo, son of Duke and Dana Saboo; and Sadie Scott, daughter of Jared and Danielle Scott.

The 2020 Prince and Princess is Liam Vodry, son of Scott and Brittany Vodry; and Everlie Bielecki, daughter of Josh and Jenna Bielecki.

A new float has been build by Ken Deyman for the Prince and Princess.  They will be in the main parade right behind the Queen’s float.

Congratulations to our new Red Flannel Prince and Princesses!

Get your grilled chicken dinner on Red Flannel Day from the Cedar Springs Rotary Club at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the chickens are gone. Look for the big white tent. For $10, you get 1/2 grilled chicken, potato salad, roll, cookie and a drink. Proceeds go to support community organizations such as the CS Library, CS Community Food Pantry, ScoutsUSA, North Kent Community Enrichment, Youth Leadership Training, and others. See you then!

By Judy Reed

The Red Flannel Festival is bringing back the fun in 2021 and you will get a taste of it this weekend!

It kicks off Friday night, with a home football game against Forest Hills Eastern, and the firefighter light parade at 9:30 p.m. 

Saturday will find more goodies on tap, with the Red Flannel 5K fun run and walk; kids day in the Heart of Cedar Springs park behind the library; those zany bed races; and the Queen pageant Saturday evening. Click Here for more info.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

RED HAWK VARSITY FOOTBALL

Cedar Springs Red Hawks vs. Forest Hills Eastern High School at 7 pm.RED HAWK STADIUM

LIGHT PARADE

Join the Cedar Springs Fire Department in our annual Light Parade honoring all Police, Fire and Emergency Medical personnel and honoring the 9/11 20th Anniversary. Begins after the Cedar Springs Home Football game. MAIN STREET

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021

RED FLANNEL 5K/10K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run

The 10K run starts at 9:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:15 a.m., and the Kids Run starts at 9:45 a.m. Heart of Cedar Springs – 69 W MAPLE ST

Red Flannel Festival Kids Fun Day

11:00am to 1:00pm Kids can enjoy games, a bubble machine, face painting, plus a raffle. Free entry, $1.00 raffle tickets. Raffle time to be announced.  HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK – 69 W MAPLE ST

CANCELED: CHILI COOKOFF  BACK AGAIN!

9:00am with tasting starting at noon. HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK – 69 W MAPLE ST

BED RACE OBSTACLE COURSE

Five-person teams race beds around an obstacle course competing for the best time! Bring your own bed, or use one from the Festival! Check in begins at 12:30 pm; Race begins at 1:00 pm. $10 entry fee (per 5 person team). HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS PARK, MAPLE & Second Streets

RED FLANNEL QUEEN SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

Enjoy the elegance and tradition of a signature event. Tickets on sale, 3 weeks prior, at the Library, $10. Doors open at 7 pm.Pageant begins at 7:30 pm. CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

TALENT SHOW DRESS REHEARSAL

7:00 pm HISTORIC KENT THEATRE – DOWNTOWN CEDAR SPRINGS

Friday, Oct. 1, 2021

CARNIVAL

Quality carnival rides, games with Elliott’s Amusements! 5 – 9 pm. WRIST BANDS Cost: $20.00 per person. ASH & BEECH STREETS

CEDAR SPRINGS FRIENDS BOOK SALE

Giant Book Sale at the Cedar Springs Library 10:00 am –6:00 pm CEDAR SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY – 107 N. MAIN STREET

RED HAWK VARSITY FOOTBALL

Cedar Springs Red Hawks vs. Allendale High School at 7 pm. RED HAWK STADIUM

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE

7 pm to 12:30 am. $5 Cover. Must be 21 or over. The BEST LIVE MUSIC in Cedar Springs! Enjoy the CENTER STAGE BAND from 8 pm -midnight! NEW LOCATION: RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 – RED FLANNEL DAY

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Prior to the Band Competition. Presented by the American Legion Glen Hill Post #287, Cedar Springs Middle School Marching Band. RED HAWK STADIUM, CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

FLAPJACK BREAKFAST

All you can eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice, served from 7 am – noon. $8 – 12 and over; $6 – ages 5-12 and FREE for 5 years and under or Special family price $25. RED HAWK ELEMENTARY CAFETERIA

CARNIVAL

Quality carnival rides, games with Elliott’s Amusements! ALL DAY! WRIST BANDS Cost: $20.00 per person. ASH & BEECH STREETS

RED FLANNEL MARKETPLACE

Vendors of many different item types displayed all day! Browse and shop in beautiful downtown Cedar Springs! CHURCH STREET BETWEEN MAIN AND SECOND

RED FLANNELMARCHING BAND COMPETITION

Area High School Marching Bands present half-time shows in competition. Begins 9 am. RED HAWK STADIUM, CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

GIANT ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR

Over 90 vendors of beautiful handmade items. 9 am – 2 pm. $1 admission  RED HAWK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CARNIVAL BINGO

American Legion Post #287 Bingo Hall 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Going on our 30th year. Son’s Elephant Ears 10 am to 6 pm AMERICAN LEGION POST #287 BINGO HALL

CEDAR SPRINGS FRIENDS BOOK SALE

Giant Book Sale at the Cedar Springs Library 10:00 am –6:00 pm CEDAR SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY – 107 N. MAIN STREET

RED FLANNEL CAR SHOW NEW LOCATION!

Come to enter your pride and joy, or just browse and admire! Admission is FREE. Cost $15 per entry, registration at 9:30 am. Show is from 10 am – 2 pm. Winners receive FREE Grand Parade entry! ELM STREET BETWEEN MAIN AND SECOND AND MAIN AND FIRST

RED FLANNEL ANTIQUE FARM TRACTORS & ENGINES SHOW 

Antique tractors and running farm equipment fill Morley Park! Museum tours from 10 am to 2 pm. FREE admission to tractor show and family events. CEDAR SPRINGS MUSEUM, MORLEY PARK

CEDAR SPRINGS ROTARY FAMOUS CHICKEN BARBECUE!

Come and experience an EXCELLENT chicken dinner with all the trimmings at the Rotary Chicken barbecue from 11 am – 5 pm! CHERRY & MAIN STREET

LUMBERJACK SHOW BACK AGAIN!

By Jack Pine Lumberjack Show – Mackinaw City, Michigan. Show times at 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. THE EMPTY LOT ON THE CORNER OF MAIN AND ASH

RED FLANNEL PIE EATING CONTEST BACK AGAIN!

First one to finish eating the whole pie WINS! Prizes award for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Cost is FREE. Starts at NOON! Come on down and watch or join in this New RED FLANNEL TRADITION! MAIN AND ASH IN FRONT OF THE GRANDSTAND

RED FLANNEL CHILDREN’S PARADE

The Children’s Parade will line up with the Grand Parade! The Prince and Princess will have their own float. Bike rider and or walkers will walk with the Prince and Princess Float. Please have your child and their bikes in the parade line up by 2:45 pm! LINE UP AT MUSKEGON & MAIN STREETS

RED FLANNEL GRAND PARADE

The Festival’s signature event. Be sure to wear RED! or the Keystone Kops will arrest you! More than 120 entries of floats, bands and entertainment. PARADE BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 3 PM!. MAIN & MUSKEGON STREETS

RED FLANNEL PARADE GRANDSTAND

Stop by and see Sue Harrison, who has been graciously donating her time to announce this parade for 30 years! MAIN & ASH STREETS

RED FLANNEL TALENT SHOW

The Red Flannel Talent Show is a mix of musicians, singers, dancers, and other local entertainment. The show starts immediately after the Grand Parade. Tickets $3 ea. HISTORIC KENT THEATRE-DOWNTOWN CEDAR SPRINGS

RED FLANNEL DAY RED HAWK REUNION NEW THIS YEAR!

Calling Cedar Springs Red Hawks! (21 and over) Red Flannel Day Red Hawk Reunion!! Music, dancing, fun, prizes, and drinks! Starting shortly after the Grand Parade. 5 to 7pm. Bring your yearbooks, Red Hawk swag and Red Flannel Day memories! 5$ cover at the door. RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS

RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE

7 pm to 12:30 am. $5 Cover. Must be 21 or over. The BEST LIVE MUSIC in Cedar Springs! Enjoy the Union Guns from 8 pm -midnight! NEW LOCATION: RED FLANNEL GRAND LODGE TENT; HEART OF CEDAR SPRINGS

KEYSTONE KOPS

The MOST FAMOUS ICON of the Festival, they arrest everyone not wearing RED! Be on the look out and prepared with $1 in “bail money” to “get out of jail”! KEYSTONE KOP JAIL at MAIN & ASH STREETS

POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL– NEW DATE AND TIME – OCTOBER 6, 2021

Junior and Senior young ladies play flag football! Begins at 7:00 pm.  RED HAWK STADIUM

By Judy Reed

The Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors has proudly named area resident and longtime community supporter Cindy Patin as the 2021 Grand Marshal for this year’s Red Flannel Festival, to be held on September 24-25, and October 1-2, 2021.

Cindy was originally chosen as grand marshal for the 2020 RFF, but the festival was canceled due to COVID-19.

“The festival is extremely proud and thankful for the many years of Cindy’s outstanding dedication to the Cedar Springs community and her dedication to the Red Flannel Festival,” said Nancy Deyman, president of the festival. 

Cindy started co-directing the queen’s pageant in the spring of 2002 until 2014. In 2014, Cindy took on the role of queen director, which coordinates the pageant director, scholarship committee and the queen chaperone.  She helped with the queen’s scholarship committee from 2002 until 2019, serving as the chair/coordinator for several years.

“Cindy was also the 1989 red flannel queen (Cynthia Wilcome), and it is obvious Cindy loves the Red Flannel town and especially the Red Flannel Festival!” remarked Deyman. 

The Post asked Cindy how she felt about being chosen to represent the RFF. “Well, at first I was very shocked and then I cried,” she said. “It is such an honor to be considered for the role of Grand Marshal. As Red Flannel event coordinators, we waited each year with great anticipation for the announcement from the board as to who was selected.  The people who have been in this role before have been an inspiration, for the selfless giving of their time and talents.  You don’t volunteer for any position for the recognition; you volunteer because of the passion and interest you have in the organization, to help it succeed and grow, and make an influence in a positive way.  This is true especially for the Red Flannel Festival, which is entirely volunteer based, and has been for all these years.”

She noted, however, that it really is an honor shared with her family. Cindy married her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two young adult sons–Cameron is 22 and Nolan is 20. 

“It was a team effort on the part of my family to be able to volunteer for the Festival for 18 years—my immediate family, especially, but also my extended family—my mom, my siblings, my in-laws, Jeff’s siblings, Jeff’s aunts, friends—all were asked to help along the way…and they never said no! They’ve moved things with their trucks, made dresses and re-built floats, donated garage space, served on the interview committees, etc.  They love the Red Flannel Festival and cherish its heritage, as much as I do!” she explained.

What does being a part of the Red Flannel Festival mean to Cindy?

“Being involved in the RF Festival means a great deal to me, as we are contributing to the continued success of an event that began when things were pretty gloomy (1939) as a way to lift people’s spirits and has remained stable ever since. Now it is a matter of continuing that legacy. The Red Flannel Queen Pageant, specifically, is very special, as it is a way to help teach and mentor young women in a positive way, that literally can change their lives (communication and interviewing skills, scholarship awards, etc.),” she remarked

But Red Flannel is not the only thing Cindy has been involved in.

“I’m at a different season of my life, right now. It was a very busy time—almost a blur—during my years with the Festival. We were raising our sons, Jeff was teaching and coaching (high school and college basketball), we were homeschooling (some of the time), volunteering for the boys’ school, sport teams, and theatre/haunt activities (Nolan – CS Museum), volunteering at Church (choir, gardening, leading study groups), and we were working with our business leader group as Shaklee Corporation Sales Leaders, in the health and wellness field. (Our kids are third generation Shaklee users.)  I’m so thankful for the flexibility of our business, and for the great clients and leaders we work with, that allowed us, as a family, to be able to engage in all those activities and roles. Presently, I’m still running our business, and serving on the Board of Education at Creative Technologies Academy, volunteering at our Church, writing for the Bugle and taking care of all the projects at home we set aside through the years.”

Why did Cindy and Jeff choose to be involved in so many different activities? 

“We chose to be involved in all those activities, as a witness to our sons, that our lives are meant to be spent helping and serving others,” she explained.  

Congratulations to Cindy, who will reign this year at the RF Festival’s annual celebration, over the two weekends of the 15th oldest festival in the State of Michigan, sharing the red flannel warmth of our community to visitors and residents!