The annual Daddy daughter dance put on by Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation is such a hit that all tickets were sold out by the Friday morning before the dance. “Two hundred tickets were sold to 455 people,” said Parks and Rec Executive Director Amanda Gerhardt.

The dance was held last Saturday, February 2, at Cedar Springs Middle School.

Besides dancing, Gerhardt said they drank punch, ate mini éclairs, petit fours, cookies and candy. Each family had a picture taken and girls were able to make key chains at a craft table with their dads. They could also buy teddy bears from  Noah’s Animal Workshop.

“We had a great time and look forward to another fun year as we celebrate the 10th annual on Feb 1, 2014,” commented Gerhardt.

For more pictures see the Cedar Springs Area Parks & Recreation facebook page.

There’s a nip in the air, the Christmas decorations line Main Street, and a beautiful Christmas tree sits on the vacant lot at Main and Ash Streets. It can mean only one thing—the annual Christmas tree lighting in Cedar Springs is not far away!
The Grindles kindly donated this year’s tree in memory of Gerald James Grindle (Curly), who lived from 1962 to March 2011. We hope they get enjoyment from the faces of all the residents, old and young, who attend the annual Christmas tree lighting on December 2!
The event is led this year by Cedar Springs Area Parks and Rec Director Amanda Gerhardt, Pastor Craig Owens, pastor at Calvary Assembly of God. There will be a living nativity beginning at 5 p.m. with actors and animals. They will be joined by actors from the upcoming play “A Christmas Carol,” who will sing Christmas carols. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. when Santa arrives.
The details are still coming in, so watch next week’s Post for details on what else might be happening that evening!

Parker Briggs, 7, enjoys a book at the library

The Cedar Springs Public Library’s summer reading club got off to a great start Monday, with over 600 people passing through the doors of the library to sign up, pick out books, get a book bag, and lots of other goodies.
New employee Rosann Gerhardt, commented, “(There was) great energy, a lot of excitement. People everywhere! I enjoyed watching children looking through our library’s books, trying to pick just the right book.”
Amber Hath, employee for 2 years, experienced her 3rd CSPL Summer Reading Program. She said, “This was my first time to work the program in the morning. I was not prepared for the onslaught when the doors opened.”
Friends of the library held a book sale, summer reading club t-shirts were on sale, and kids enjoyed some tasty ice cream courtesy of Kelly’s Restaurant, and Double K Farms was there with their petting zoo.
“We had 28 volunteers that made the day run smoothly,” said Library Director Donna Clark.

Kids enjoy ice cream at the opening of the summer reading club program.

Area residents celebrated poetry month last weekend with the “Potpourri of Poets” at the Kent Theatre.
The event, held Saturday evening, April 30, showcased a variety of classical and original poetry read by 25 adults, teens, and youth. Several presenters either dressed in character or brought along props to enhance the presentation.  Sue Harrison emceed the event.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said Librarian Donna Clark, one of the event organizers, along with Rosann Gerhardt and Nancy Noreen.  “I’m so proud of each and every one who participated. Every poem was special, adding a special flavor to the evening. Every person I talked with said how much they enjoyed the evening. We definitely want to do it again next year!”