Families could use a fun outing, and two Easter events—one in Sand Lake and one in Cedar Springs—will bring some much needed joy to kids and parent.

The Sand Lake 2021 Easter egg scramble will be held this Saturday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at Salisbury Park in the Village of Sand Lake. The event, put on by the Sand Lake Chamber of Commerce, is free to the public. There will be an egg scramble for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. There will be Easter Basket Giveaways, along with one big prize for each age group. There will also be a special guest in attendance–come have some fun with the Easter bunny and get your photo taken with him!

The Cedar Springs Community Easter Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Heart of Cedar Springs Park behind the library. The event, which is being put on by Green Family and Friends and City Impact, is free to the public. There will be an Easter egg hunt, polaroid photos with the Easter bunny, hot dogs on the grill, raffle prizes, music, and lots of fun! The event is mask-friendly.

By Judy Reed

For the past 150 years, people have come from the surrounding areas on July Fourth to stroll through Salisbury Park in Sand Lake and revel in the festivities. They come to watch the parade; eat ice cream, popcorn, corn dogs, candy apples, and homemade sausages; ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round; play games; dance to music; enjoy a rodeo or demolition derby; enjoy the fireworks; laugh with friends; forget today’s cares; and become part of history. But, unfortunately, that won’t happen this summer.  

The Sand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce made the difficult decision earlier this week to cancel this summer’s annual Fourth of July Festivities. They made the announcement on their Facebook page Monday evening.

They cancelled it due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19 and the current protests (with rioting and vandalism) taking place after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minneapolis, at the hands of police.

The Sand Lake Chamber’s announcement reads: “We have come to a very hard decision tonight on the Sand Lake 4th of July celebration. With all the restrictions that the Covid-19 pandemic brings, and the current protests taking place, we cannot go forward with this event.
“It is with very heavy hearts, and a lot of discussion that brought us to this decision.
“As many of you, we wanted this to take place very much, as we held on until the last possible minute to make this decision. With all the regulations in place, it’s just not possible.
“We are going to work hard to bring a fall event to our community, with all of us working together to make that happen. We would love your ideas on this also, as it will give us something to look forward to yet this year. Thank you all for your patience while we worked through all of this, and your understanding on our decision to do what’s safe for our awesome little community. Very hard decision for all of us tonight.”

This year’s celebration would have been the 151^st celebration. 

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.

Heritage Festival

Aug. 3-5: The 31^st annual Montcalm Heritage Festival is August 3-5 from 10 am to 4 pm daily at Montcalm Heritage Village on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus. The three day celebration features historical displays, events, refreshments and music for all ages. Visit www.montcalm.edu/heritagefestival for more information. #30

Marshmallow Madness

Aug. 3,7: Think you can create a giant tower using just spaghetti noodles, tape, string and a marshmallow? This will be a team challenge with a prize awarded for the tallest structure.

For teens. Thursday, August 3, 6:30 pm – Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen and Monday, August 7, 1:30 pm – Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #30

Family Fun Day at Metron

Aug. 4: Metron of Cedar Springs’ annual Family Fun Day will be held on Friday, August 4^th from 4 to 6 pm at 400 Jeffrey St. NE in Cedar Springs. Bring the entire family for games, food, entertainment, raffles and a balloon release. #30,31p

Community Picnic at Salisbury Park

Aug. 5: The Village of Sand Lake is having a community picnic with free games, food, and fun at Salisbury Park on Saturday, August 5^th from 1 to 3 pm. #30

Summer Gospel Music Blowout

Aug. 5: This benefit to support 2^nd Chance School will be held on Saturday, August 5^th from 3 to 9 pm at 2^nd Chance School, 810 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. Music starts at 3 pm and will feature a new group each hour with Old Time Gospel Singers, Wayne Jarvie, Stroll Over Heaven, Northwoods Brothers, Traditional Country and Gospel Singers and North Country Band. There will be food, Chinese raffle, and 50-50 raffles. Come enjoy the music and support 2^nd Chance. For information contact Mike Hubert 231-335-0726 or Harvey Becker 616-460-1318. #30,31b

Register Now For Free Hunter Education

Aug. 8: To register for firearm Hunter Safety Classes  at the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, call Jim Pope at 231-834-5545 after 6 pm. Classes at the Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs, will be Tuesday, August 8^th, from 6-9 pm,  Thursday, August 10^th from 6-9pm,  Saturday, August 12^th , from 8 am-4 pm. Class size limited to 50 students. #29,30b

Pet Show at KDL

Aug. 8:Your pet is a star! Every critter’s a winner in this unique show designed to put the spotlight on your furry, scaly or feathered friend. All acts must pre-register. 616-784-2007. Tuesday, August 8, at 10:30 am – Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. For more information visit www.kdl.org. #30

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Aug. 8,15,22,29: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #30

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.

CS Renaissance Faire

May 20-21: 2017 Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire “Fellowship of the Springs” hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will be held in Morley Park, Cedar Springs, on Saturday, May 20^th from 12-8 pm, with a royal dinner and entertainment from 6-8 pm; and Sunday, May 21^st from 12-6 pm. Vendors and live entertainment all afternoon both days (music, dancers, performers, and cosplay cast). #19,20b

Sing to the Lord

May 21: 2^nd Chance will be having a gospel hymn sing on Sunday, May 21^st 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. It will also 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! #20b

Spruce up Salisbury Park

May 21: The newly formed Community Engagement Committee is having their first event on Sunday, May 21^st at 1 pm. The whole community is invited to Salisbury Park in Sand Lake to help clean out the horseshoe pits, power-wash the playground equipment, repair the gazebo, etc. Lemonade and cookies will be served. For more information you can contact Dave or Jan Dewey at 616-636-5982. #20

UMC Guitar Boot Camp 

May 22: Basic training for guitar will be taught at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Registration will be held Monday, May 22^nd  at 7:00 PM. Students must be registered on this date.  To register enter at the South door Located on Church Street; class size is limited to 12 students. Registration fee is $60. A parent or guardian is required to sign. Guitar and all supplies are furnished these may be kept at the completion of the class. Classes will be Monday evenings for 12 weeks starting June 2nd. #19,20b

Auditions Canceled

May 22: The Cedar Springs Community Players regret to announce auditions for their next production, the classic tale of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” has been canceled. Production will be delayed until 2018. Any questions? Please use the following link  http://bit.ly/2ms32gX and leave your comment or question. #20

Cedar Springs Youth Football SIGN-UPS

May 23: Flag: 4-7years olds / Rocket: 3rd-6^th grades / Middle: 7th-8^th grades. Burger King: 5/23, 6/10, 6/20: 6pm-8pm. Shaner Ball Field: 5/18, 6/06, 6/14 6pm-8pm. Skinner Field: Tues & Thurs 7/11-7/27 5:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: April Victorson (616)890-5869 csyflsecretary@gmail.com. #19-26b

Honeybees: Pollinators, Stinging Insects and Honey Makers

May 25: Come learn about honeybees and their amazing abilities with Donald Rewa, seasoned beekeeper of 20 years. Followed by a Q&A. Thursday, May 25^th at 6:30 pm, Spencer Township’s KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #20

Memorial Cemetery Walk

May 28: The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding its 17^th annual Memorial Cemetery walk on Sunday, May 28^th at 2 pm to honor veterans of all wars. This years’ veterans will be Samuel Andrus, Civil War; Burton Smith, Spanish/American War; Leon Marsh, World War I; Neal Mackey, World War II; James Remington, Korean War; John Gardell, Vietnam War. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 pm and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentation in the museum. #20,21b

CS Varsity Wrestling Fundraiser

May 31: The Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Team is striving to be their BEST this year! Support the team and purchase a tube of WHITENING Toothpaste by May 31^st!The team would like to attend The University of Iowa Competition Camp this summer, June 26-30th. This program will help increase their skills, performance and make way for a successful upcoming season! Visit the fundraiser Facebook event “Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Whitening Paste Fundraiser” and share on your social media platforms. COST: $20 per tube, plus shipping. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the wrestling team. Visit www.havewhiteteeth.com to order some today or email fundraising host Kim Shuck, at kimberlyshuck@hotmail.com with any questions. #20,21p

Red Flannel Queen Pageant Time

June 3: Attention all young ladies living in or attending school in the Cedar Springs School Public School District who will be in the 11th grade in the 2017-2018 school year (including homeschooled, or private school attendees that live within the Cedar Springs Public School District boundaries): There will be a mandatory meeting for any young lady who would like to participate in the 2017 Red Flannel Pageant and her parent (at least one). The meeting will be Saturday, June 3^rd at 10 am at the Springs Church (135 N. Grant St, Cedar Springs, Michigan). There will be a makeup meeting for anyone not able to attend the first meeting on Sunday, June 4^th at 2 pm at the Springs Church. Informational packets can be picked up before the meetings in the main offices at Cedar Springs High School and Creative Technologies Academy starting Tuesday May 16th. For more information, contact pageant director Kaleigh Goehler at redflannelpageant@gmail.com. #20-22b

Irish Bowling Fun Day

June 3: Join Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Rd., Kent City, as we partner with the Sparta Celtic Festival for a day of Road Bowling on our trails. An exciting family fun experience that includes a pig roast, music and beverages! Saturday, June 3^rd all day. Register online or call the office, www.HowardChristensen.org, 616-675-3158. The entirety of the HCNC property will be closed on this day to accommodate the event taking place on all the trails. Please plan accordingly, or simply join the Irish fun. #20

Alpha Family Center LifeWalk

June 17: Alpha Family Center will hold its 22^nd Annual LifeWalk on Saturday, June 17^th at 10 am Morley Park in Cedar Springs. There will also be a 5K LifeRun at 8:30 am and a Kids FunRun at 9:15 am. There is a coloring and short essay contest too. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 7^th. For a pledge form or entry forms for contests stop by Alpha at 6 N. First St. in Cedar Springs or call 616-696-2616 for more information. You may also visit Alpha’s Facebook page to print off forms. #20,21b

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.

Holiday Market

Nov. 26: The Tri County Music Boosters is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday, November 26^th at Tri County High School, 21338 Kendaville Rd., Howard City, from 10 am to 4 pm. Over 30 of your favorite vendors will be on hand offering specials for the holiday season on their unique items! Why fight the crowds in the malls when everything you could want can be found right here! Admission is only $2.00 and includes a raffle ticket of over two dozen fantastic door prizes. #47p

Sand Lake Tree Lighting & Carols

Nov. 27: There will be a Tree Lighting and carols in Sand Lake at Salisbury Park on Sunday, November 27^th at 5:30 pm. Meet at the tree on the southeast corner of the park. Special music from Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschoolers. #46,47p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Nov. 27: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, November 27^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). The message and music will be shared by the group Riding for the Brand. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church 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! #47

Indoor Live Nativity

Dec. 2,3: Sand Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall is transformed into the city of Bethlehem for an indoor live Nativity on Friday, December 2^nd from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, December 3^rd from 1 to 3 pm. See the baby in the manger and listen to the angels sing. Our free gift to you this Christmas. #46,47p

Annual Cookie Walk

Dec. 3: St. Peter’s Ladies Guild’s Annual Cookie Walk will be Saturday, December 3^rd at 310 E. Division in Rockford from 9 am until the cookies are gone. The cookies are sold by the pound and you pick the combination. This is the perfect time to pick up cookies for the holidays. Proceeds help our Mission Projects throughout the year. #47,48p

Vendor and Craft Show

Dec. 3,4: The Rockford American Legion, 330 Rockford Park Drive, is hosting a Craft and Vendor Show on December 2^nd from 5 to 9 pm and December 3^rd from 9 am to 4 pm. Lunch will be available for purchase. #47,48p

Holiday Marketplace

Dec. 3: Get a good start on your Holiday Shopping at the Greenville Area Senior Citizen Center, 715 S. Baldwin, Greenville, during their Holiday Marketplace event, taking place on Saturday, December 3^rd from 9 am to 3 pm. Choose from a nice selection of quilts, crafts, dolls, holiday décor, gift items and baked goods, along with unique gift options from outside vendors. Entrance and free parking is in rear of building. Holiday Marketplace is part of a citywide holiday celebration. #47

Chalk Artist and Ventriloquist

Dec. 4: Chalk for Christ artist and ventriloquist, Rod Snow will present an entertainment show the whole family can enjoy, Sunday, December 4^th at 4 pm in the sanctuary of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! There is no charge for this event. #47,48p

Help Promote Literacy

Dec. 5,16,20,28: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Monday, December 5^th at 10 am, Friday, December 16^th at 2 pm, Tuesday, December 20^th at 6 pm and Wednesday, December 28^th at 10 am. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #47

HCNC Holiday Party

Dec. 9: The Howard Christensen Nature Center staff, board and volunteers would like to invite you (everyone) to our annual holiday party at the Center! Unlike the previous years potluck style dinner, this one will have a light faire provided with samplings of cider, wine, juice and pop! No need to bring anything, however HCNC always appreciates holiday donations. Mingle with those who make this place happen and get to know us a little more! FREE to all, but donations are appreciated. The center is located at 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City, 616-675-3158, www.HowardChristensen.org. #47

Girls from the Girl Scout Troop 4282 were awarded Good Citizenship certificates by the Village of Sand Lake on August 30, for being good stewards of Salisbury Park.

According to Judy Howard, Clerk of the Village of Sand Lake, the troop picked up trash that littered the park. Howard presented the certificates to the girls.

This pine tree in Salisbury Park in Sand Lake was planted in memory of Jennifer Kowalczyk, 12, who died in 1984. It is Sand Lake’s community Chistmas tree this year.

Residents in the Village of Sand Lake have stepped up to make this year’s celebration on Saturday even more special than in year’s past.
Not only will they have the annual Santa parade and a visit with Santa at the library, they have decorated a special tree in Salisbury Park and will hold a tree lighting Saturday night.
The pine tree was planted in the spring of 1984 by the Mothers Club of Sand Lake Elementary, in honor of Jennifer Suzanne Kowalczyk, 12, who died of Burkettes Lymphoma. Jennifer, the daughter of Mike and Sue Kowalczyk, was a 7th grader at Tri County Middle School, and attended Resurrection Lutheran Church with her family. Jennifer died on March 30, 1984, at St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Each year, the church holds a fundraising preschool bike-a-thon for St. Judes, that raises awareness of the needs of cancer stricken children like Jennifer. The bike-a-thon has reportedly raised thousands of dollars for the hospital in her memory.
And now the community is lighting her tree.
Volunteers decorated the tree and the fencing around it. “Volunteers too numerous to name came together for a labor of love,” said one resident. “We thank the community for decorating and their donations.”
The fun starts at 10 a.m. this Saturday, December 10, with the Santa parade, at the corner of Fourth and Lake St. The parade will go down to the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library, where Santa will see children beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Christmas tree lighting and caroling will start at 6:30 p.m., and winner of the Gingerbread Contest will be announced at that time. Refreshments will be served afterward at the VFW Hall.