By Judy Reed

It rained for two straight days last week (Thursday and Friday), but when Saturday rolled around, the sun came out and shined down on the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s first annual Community Celebration.

People came from around the area to shop the sidewalk sales, visit the farmer and flea market, take a shot at the dunk tank, and experience good food, fun, and entertainment. Many people stopped on their way through town just to ask what was going on.

According to Chamber President Shawn Kiphart, the vendors were pleased with the way it turned out. “Everybody loved it,” he said. “Even those who didn’t sell as much had fun and enjoyed seeing people walk up and down Main Street, the way it was intended to be.”

The Chamber has also heard a lot of positive feedback from residents who attended the celebration.

About 30-plus businesses and non-profit groups participated in the celebration. The Kent Theatre held a bake sale and raised $700 towards its digital projector fund. The Cedar Springs Fire Department held a car wash to raise money for restoration of the antique 1929 fire truck, the police department had two officers with police cars out in front of city hall for kids and parents to look at, and Mayor Charlie Watson walked up and down Main Street, greeting and talking with business owners and residents.

Kiphart said he would like to see it become an annual event, and possibly grow it next year by adding more children’s activities, such as bounce houses. He also said that the Chamber would be bringing more community events to residents and businesses.
“We want to continue to generate excitement for Cedar Springs and the surrounding businesses. We accomplish that by bringing fun and excitement to downtown,” he explained.

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber will meet again next Monday evening at Perry’s Place, at the corner of Main and Maple Street, at 7:30 p.m. You can follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CedarSpringsAreaChamberOfCommercecsacoc.