By Judy Reed

Hundreds of people turned out last Saturday, December 7, to enjoy the variety of events planned for Mingle with Kris Kringle—A Cedar Springs Christmas.

The Cedar Springs Public Library kicked off the day with their “Frozen” event from 9 to noon. Princesses Anna and Elsa were on hand to greet and entertain the children. They did five different shows for them, and children were able to make a craft or talk to Santa and Mrs. Clause. Library Director Donna Clark said that they had 610 people attend the event.

Following the library event there was also cookie decorating at the Rustic Roof, and story time with Mrs. Claus at Perry’s Place for herbs, teas, and more. “Story time was well attended as the children listened to Mrs. Claus’s stories around the 14 ft Christmas tree,” said owner Perry Hopkins.

The Grinch also made an appearance at many of the businesses in the downtown area.

Santa and Mrs. Claus returned in the late afternoon/early evening for the parade and tree lighting in the Heart of Cedar Springs park behind the library. Everyone welcomed Santa back and then gathered around the new permanent Christmas tree for the lighting. Before lighting the tree, Mayor Pro Tem Pam Conley said a few words and Pastor Jon Huizenga, from Rise Up Church read the Christmas story from Luke 1.

After the tree lighting, kids went inside the library to see Santa and were able to write him a letter and color a picture, both courtesy of the Post. (Some of those letters might be in today’s paper. Turn to page ?? to check!)

The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary also had a bake sale with hot chocolate inside the library for people to enjoy.

“The children having an opportunity to see Santa Claus both in the morning and after the tree lighting made the mingling with Kris Kringle a little smoother,” said Hopkins who is also currently the president of the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Rise Up Church for their time and efforts of decorating this year’s town Christmas tree. Also thankful for the donor (who wished to remain anonymous) who donated the new permanent tree for us to use for years to come. We had many positive comments about the new location for the Christmas tree and lighting. We also had positive reviews from people thinking the parade route was safer than when we had it on Main Street,” noted Hopkins.

Cedar Springs Christmas week 2 is happening this week and weekend. Mingle and shop late on December 12, a Kent Theatre Christmas Concert on December 14 with Christmas Karaoke after, and a Christmas Dance Extravaganza on December 15. Turn to page 25 to see details, as well as what is happening next week!

First Place in online votes for the 2018 October Cedar Springs Adopt-a-Pot decorating contest went to Nikki and Company Hair Design. Pictured is Lacey, Kristen VandenBerg, Owner Nikki Twichell, Mayor Gerry Hall, CSACoC President
Perry T. Hopkins (not pictured Cassie Healey and Misty Butler).

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (CSACoC) and Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority (CSDDA) teamed up to help bring a little more hometown charm to our downtown this October. Local businesses, organizations & individuals were invited to compete in the Cedar Springs Adopt-a-Pot competition, where they decorated the downtown flower pots in a Halloween theme, and then asked the community to vote on which one they liked the best.

Residents could vote online or by paper ballot during the Halloween Spooktacular at Cedar Springs City Hall. The winner of the online voting was Nikki and Company, and the winner of the paper ballot was Cedar Chest Resale Shop.

Nikki and Company Hair Design are donating their $115 winnings to the CSMS Choir for the hard work Mrs. Tata puts into organizing their events. 

The Cedar Chest Resale Shop is donating their $115 winnings to the Santa Claus Girls- Sally from the Cedar Chest likes that they work in conjunction with the Cedar Springs Women’s Club every year to help community children enjoy the joy of Christmas.

Chamber president Perry Hopkins said they plan to do other Adopt-a-Pot themes in 2019. 

Look for details on a Christmas/holiday season decorating contest on the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce page and Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority Facebook pages to be posted soon.

It’s time once again for the annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 31 in Cedar Springs, and that means lots of witches, goblins, zombies, superheroes, and more will be traveling up and down Main Street to treats from the businesses. Trick or treating at downtown businesses will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. and residential trick or treating is from 5-8 p.m. See more Halloween activities on page 7.

You may have also noticed that some of the flowerpots downtown have been decorated. The DDA worked with the Chamber to put together the Decorate a Pot contest that you now see lining Main St. Trick or Treaters will get a chance to vote for their favorite decoration and the money collected for the entry fee from the decorators will go to the charity of the winner’s choice. While you are out trick or treating take a minute to vote for you favorite either by paper ballot at City Hall or online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFHX7SG.

This photo, taken in 2010, shows a firefighter giving a four-year-old a chance to use a fire hose at Community Night. Photo by J. Reed.

April 19, 6-8:30 p.m.

By Tom Noreen

For the past 31 years, the Community Action Network (CAN) sponsored Community Night. CAN was founded as a group of people and organizations meeting to serve as a public forum for member organizations to share information on community opportunities and challenges. Since then, other organizations have evolved to better meet the needs of client groups. The Kent Schools Service Network (KSSN) provides support for the schools; the Cedar Springs Ministerial Association is a forum for local churches; and the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce for businesses. Each of these groups now run events as well. The CAN board of directors voted to dissolve CAN and offer Community Night to the Cedar Springs Rotary Club.

 For the Rotary Club, this seems to be a great fit to provide an opportunity for community businesses, churches, non-profits, and individuals to share what they are doing. Many of our small home-based businesses only get exposure by word of mouth. This gives them a chance to display their products in a public forum at a reasonable cost. Community service is a key element of Rotary’s mission. Any proceeds from this event will be returned to community.

The 32nd Annual Community Night will be Thursday, April 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Cedar Springs High School. Vendors, churches, non-profits and more will have booths for you to peruse. Food will be available from the Music Boosters concession stand and multiple forms entertainment will be in the auditorium throughout the evening. Additionally, there will be martial arts demonstrations in the auxiliary gym and industrial arts projects in the industrial arts room near the concession stand.

If you would like to register for a booth, go to cedarspringsrotary.org and download the registration form in the left hand column. Deadline for the $30 registration fee is March 23. After that it will increase to $35. They can also be picked up from the Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation, Cedar Springs Community Library, ChoiceOne Bank, Independent Bank, City Hall and White Creek Lumber.

Community Night also offers the Rotary Club an opportunity to expand its exposure in Cedar Springs. For 75 years, the CS Club has supported local organizations and international projects. Annually the Club sends 4-8 high school students from CSPS and CTA to Life Leadership Camp and awards two $1,000 scholarships. As part of Rotary’s literacy focus, the Club conducts a writing contest with 5th grade students in CSPS and CTA. Check out their Facebook page and website for more information and activities. 

Santa Claus arriving for the Christmas tree lighting in Cedar Springs last Saturday, December 2. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

We had great weather here in Cedar Springs last Saturday, December 2, to welcome Santa Claus to town. And a lot of people enjoyed the day-long events that took place before the big man made his entrance in the parade.

“A Cedar Springs Christmas weekend 1—Mingle with Kris Kringle—went over quite well,” said Perry Hopkins, president of the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. “The library had over 100 people attend their crafts to start the event off. Story time with Mrs. Claus and Cousin Shannon was a hit for the children as well. “

Hopkins said that the children loved the petting zoo and bake sale provided by Double K Farms and Animal Junction. The CS HS Choir performed while people were waiting for the parade to start.

More people marched or drove in the parade this year, which brought Santa from the fire station to the corner of Ash and Main, in a horse-drawn carriage.

Calvary Assembly of God presented their live nativity before the tree lighting. Post photo by J. Reed.

Calvary Assembly of God once again did a live nativity scene, and then Santa and Mayor Gerald Hall did a countdown to light the tree. Afterwards, children and their families were invited to follow Santa over to the American Legion where they could color a picture, write a letter to Santa, or have hot chocolate, while they waited to visit with Santa and get a photo taken. Baked goods were also available for sale.

The Christmas tree after it was lit at the corner of Ash and Main Street. Post photo by J. Reed.

Hopkins said that photos that were taken during the daylong event will be available on the Mingle with Kris Kringle event page on Facebook. 

The fun continues this weekend with the Kent Theatre Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 9 from 3-5 p.m., and the Kent Theatre Christmas Dance Extravaganza on Sunday, December 10, from 3-5 p.m. Admission is $3 for each show.

Santa Claus hugs two excited children at the 2016 Mingle with Kris Kringle. Photo courtesy CS Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Are you ready to have yourself a merry Christmas Cedar Springs-style? Come on out and experience a day of goodwill and cheer on Saturday, December 2, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with various fun, family-friendly, events. The starts at 9 a.m. with families able to make and take Christmas ornaments for our downtown tree or decorate a mug at the Cedar Springs Library from 9-noon. You can also enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus from 2-3 p.m. at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more. There will also be a meet and greet with Cedar Springs cheerleaders, a petting zoo, and carolers from Red Hawk Elementary, all before the mini-parade that brings Santa to the corner of Main and Ash Street at about 4:30-4:45.

Following the parade will be a live nativity scene and mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall.

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 2, for a fun, community Christmas celebration! See the Chamber advertisement on page 9 of this week’s e-edition and our list of Holiday Happenings in the surrounding areas for complete details on times and locations.

Downtown Cedar Springs is looking more festive and cheery than it has looked in the past decade, thanks to a partnership between the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Cedar Springs.

According to Perry Hopkins, who is chairman of the DDA, president of the Chamber, and sits on the City Council, it’s been at least 10 years since the trees lining Main Street were decorated with lights. “They haven’t had them since I opened my business here,” remarked Hopkins, who owns Perry’s Place llc for teas and more. 

Hopkins said that both old and new businesses were asking, “Why don’t you bring back the small-town Christmas charm this town used to have?” 

Hopkins explained that Mayor Gerald Hall offered to string the lights and hook up the needed accessories if the Chamber could get sponsors to raise the money, and several businesses chipped in to make it possible. The City Council then voted to pay for the electricity.

The Cedar Springs DPW plugged the lights in on Monday and they now come on at dark with the street lights. 

Kids lined up outside of the Post to get a spooktacular treat. Post photo by J. Reed.

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s Halloween Spooktacular was a big hit as hordes of little and not so little ghouls and goblins, zombies and zany characters visited homes and businesses in Cedar Springs Tuesday evening for annual trick or treating fun.

Businesses along Main Street, the old schoolhouse at the C.S. Museum, the fire station, the library, and The Springs Church all gave out treats and held their own form of Halloween fun.

Superheroes, princesses, and evil villains all helped
themselves to candy at The Post. Post photo by J. Reed.

Downtown trick or treating was from 5-6:30 p.m., while residential trick or treating lasted until 8 p.m.

The Cedar Springs Post is ready for ghosts, spooks, fairies, monsters, princesses and other forms of ghouls that will fill the streets of Cedar Springs this Halloween with a pile of candy* to appease the scary (or pretty) masses.

But beware, there may be a few monsters residing here at our local newsp aper as well. If you say the magic words, “Trick or Treat” they will hand over their candy with a smile and maybe a growl. But do not fear, none of them actually bite!

For more information on Spooktackular Fun courtesy of the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, click link to see Hometown Happenings.

*Only available while supplies last!

Christmas is right around the corner—Christmas in July that is!

The fun starts this Friday, July 14, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce holds a Community Potluck Picnic and Movie in Morley Park. The picnic starts at 6 p.m. This is a free event where everyone is welcome. Bring the family down and a dish to pass and enjoy dinner and yard games in the park before the movie starts! Dinnerware and water provided. This year’s movie is Arthur Christmas and starts at dusk.

On Saturday, July 15, over 90 businesses and vendors will line Main Street for the Christmas in July Artisan Market and Sidewalk Sales event. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. They will hold a ribbon cutting for Ryanne Donahue State Farm Agency at 11 a.m.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Head Start for Kent County

Apply today! North Kent Head Start a high quality preschool program is taking applications. No cost to families. 3 year old – full day classes. Family support – transportation (in most areas). Nutritious meals and snacks. Child Health and Development screenings. Accommodations for children with disabilities. Families must meet eligibility guidelines. Complete an application on our website www.hs4kc.org or call 616-453-4145. #28,29b

Potluck Picnic, Movie and Sidewalk Sales

July 14,15 : Christmas in July Community Potluck Picnic and Movie in Morley Park: The fun starts Friday, July 14^th at  6 pm in Morley Park. This year the Cedar Springs area Chamber of Commerce has decided to add a community potluck/picnic to the Christmas in July movie in Morley Park event. This is a free event where everyone is welcome. Bring the family down & a dish to pass and enjoy dinner and yard games in the park before the movie starts! This year’s Christmas in July movie will be “Arthur Christmas”. Saturday July 15^th over 90 businesses & vendors will participate in Christmas in July Sidewalk Sales. #28b

Sing to the Lord

July 16: 2^nd Chance will be having gospel hymn sing on Sunday, July 16^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). Music will be provided by Deb and Larry Eadie and the message shared by Ron Parson. Invite your family and friends. The Sing to the Lord hymn sings will be every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. Sing to the Lord hymn sings will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #28b

Dinner at the Legion

July 17: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Baked Chicken dinner on Monday, July 17^th , from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #28

VBS at Ensley Baptist Church

July 17-21: Ensley Baptist Church, 7077 E. 120^th St., Sand Lake will be hosting Vacation Bible School, “Camp Kilimanjaro” an epic expedition through Proverbs, July 17 thru 21 from 9 am to 12 noon. Ages: pre-K thru 6^th grade. #28

Alan Kazam – Magic Show

July 18: If it’s fun, laughter and unforgettable memories you’re looking for, then come watch Alan Kazam, a professional magician who has been delighting audiences with his unique brand of magic for over 20 years. Presented by the Cedar Springs Community Library on Tuesday, July 18^th from 1 to 2 pm at Cedar Springs Middle School, corner Northland Drive and 16 Mile Rd. #28

Celebrate Recovery Tent Meeting

July 18: The weekly (Tuesday at 6:30 pm) meeting fo the nationally recognized program Celebrate Recovery will be a tent meeting outside on Tuesday, July 18^th at Hillcrest Community Church, 5993 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Phone 616-696-9333 for more information. #28

Michigan Blood Drive

July 18: A Michigan Blood Drive will be held on July 18^th at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm until 7 pm. Members of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club will be grilling hot dogs for all those who attempt to donate. Chips and a drink will be included. Summer is a particularly slow number for donors but a high demand for blood. Each donation has the potential to save 3 Michigan lives. The Blood Center thanks all the people that donate at the Cedar Springs blood drive. #28

VBS at Cedar Springs UMC

July 24-27: Come and discover your Super strength with us at “Hero Central!” We’ll have lots of fun – including crafts, games, stories and much more. Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main Street. July 24^th to the 27^th from 6 to 8 pm. Find registration forms on our website, www.cedarspringsumc.org, outside of the Sanctuary or in the church office. Contact Sally Johnson with any questions at 616-788-8225 or email: sallex58@gmail.com. #28,29b

VBS at Resurrection Lutheran Church

July 24-28: Vacation Bible School at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive, Sand Lake will be held July 24^th – 28^th from 6 to 8 pm. Ages 4 years old to sixth grade (entering). For registration information, please email churchresurrection@yahoo.com or call 616-636-5502. #27-29b

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out what’s happening in Cedar Springs and the surrounding area.

Thursday morning, June 8, CS Brewing Farmers Market:  Cedar Springs Brewing Co., at the corner of Main and W. Maple Streets, will be hosting its first CSBrew Farmers Market of the season behind the brewery from 8 a.m. to noon. They have vendors lined up to sell local produce, meats, eggs, honey, syrup, cheese, kettlecorn and more. The farmers market will offer fresh, seasonal produce from local area farmers to everyone in the community every Thursday until October.
Friday, June 9, Movie in the Park: Pack up some snacks, lawn chairs or a blanket, and take the family to Morley Park on Friday evening, June 9, to see the movie “Goonies.” Games and activities start at 6 p.m. and the movie will start as soon as it is dark enough for the movie projector to show up on the wall of the Cedar Springs Historical Museum. The event is put on by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, June 10, Sidewalk sales: The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Artisan Market & Sidewalk sales event beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Cedar Springs. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s sidewalk sales are set to include Artisan Market vendors and will be a great time for some downtown shopping.

Saturday, June 10, Velzy Park Picnic fundraiser: Head out to the Solon Township Hall at 15185 Algoma Ave to help raise funds for the new Velzy Park. The event will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with community wide sales, (in the parking lot); a craft show (inside the hall); ribbon cutting ceremony for the new walking trail at 11:00 a.m.; a hot dog picnic (fee) at noon; plus 50/50 raffle, basket raffles, and T-shirt sales.

Saturday, June 10, Rickerstrong Run Razor: Back roads motorcycle ride and poker run to raise funds for Brison and Preston Ricker, two local teens suffering from cancer. There is also breakfast, a car show, dinner, and silent auction. Registration 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Tribes Church, 6070 Kuttshill NE, Rockford. The car show and dinner will be at Kent City Lounge, 28 S. Ball Creek Ave, Kent City. Call Ginny Wheater for more info at 616-206-1599.

Check out our Hometown Happenings  for other things going on in the Cedar Springs area.