Check out some of the fun, family activities going on in the area for the holiday season.

CEDAR SPRINGS

Dec. 2: The Cedar Springs area Chamber of Commerce presents Mingle with Kris Kringle from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Start the day off by making and taking crafts and ornaments at the Cedar Springs Community Library from 9 a.m. to noon. Decorate and fill a mug, or make an ornament for the downtown Christmas tree or one for your own tree. At 9 a.m. is story time with Mrs. Claus at Perry’s Place; meet and greet Red Hawk cheerleaders at 3 p.m. at the corner of Ash and Main Street where the downtown tree is; visit the Double K Farms Petting Zoo at 4 p.m. at Ash and Main; and at 4:15 p.m. the Red Hawk Choir will be caroling at Ash and Main. The Kris Kringle parade will start at 4:30 p.m. from the corner of Maple and Main and travel to Main and Ash, where Santa will light the tree at 4:45 p.m.; and there will be a live nativity there at 4:45 p.m. also. At 5 p.m. walk over to the American Legion Hall where you can get photos with Kris Kringle, and write a letter to Santa and do a coloring activity while waiting. You can also purchase baked goods from the ladies auxiliary.

Dec.2: Courtland Fire Department will be having Santa come to visit on December 2 from 1-4 p.m. We are located on 14 mile Rd just east of Myers Lake Rd. We will also be having punch and cookies.

Dec. 3: All abooooard the Bethlehem Express! A free event filled with crafts, carols, snacks, and the Christmas story. Great for young and old, families and singles! Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main, Cedar Springs, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m., in the fellowship hall.

Dec. 9: Christmas open house at the Cedar Springs Community Library, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come dressed in your pjs for a time of celebration with a visit from Santa, crafts, decorating, Christmas cookies, listening to a reading of the Polar Express, and craft bazaar.

Dec. 9: The 2017 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Concert hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, December 9, from 3-5 p.m. Come out and have some holiday family fun! Admission tickets are $3 per person. This is a family friendly event that gives local talent the opportunity to perform live on stage and create holiday cheer. Line up to be announced.

GREENVILLE

Hometown Christmas parade and Santa party

Dec. 1: Come join the fun in downtown Greenville on Friday, December 1. The Santa park party will take place from 4-6 p.m. at Lafayette park (210 S. Lafayette). Enjoy holiday treats, games, activities & holiday merriment, then watch while Santa magically lights the Christmas Tree at 5:45 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Lafayette Street. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

Dec. 2: 2017 Craft Fair and Flea Market, Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greenville Area Recreation & Community Center, 900 E Kent Rd, Greenville. New and vintage items, handmade gifts, crafts and baked goods, all from local vendors and artisans. Free admission.

KENT CITY

Dec. 9: HCNC Wreath Making/Craft Make and Take. Make this year’s wreath with foraged cuttings, and personalize it with provided trimmings. While you enjoy your wreath making, let your children 5 & over do craft ornaments to make and take. This event is held at Howard Christensen Nature Center’s Camp Lilys, on 20 Mile Rd. Saturday, December 9 from 10 am to 1 pm. Wreaths $10 non-members, $5 members, Make and Take $5 non-members, $3 members. HCNC requests pre-registration online www.HowardChristensen.org, 616-675-3158. 

ROCKFORD

Dec. 1: Help us ring in the holiday season with the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the Rockford Dam overlook, 25 Squires St. Enjoy the sounds of the Rockford High School Jazz ensemble prior to the Rockford Choirs singing Christmas Carols. The Rockford Mayor will present a message of peace prior to thousands to lights coming to life in downtown Rockford and at the dam. This is a wonderful way for your family and you to start the holiday! Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and the Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Also Holiday Carriage Rides at the Rockford Pavilion (50 Squires St) from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 2: Join us for Rockford’s 74th Annual Santa Parade! Parade starts at 11 a.m. in downtown Rockford. The jolly man in the red suit makes Rockford one of his first stops on his world tour. More than 60 floats line the downtown streets to welcome Santa Claus. He always arrives in style in a gorgeous white carriage. After the parade, he visits all good boys and girls in the Rockford Rotary Pavilion to hear their wish lists. The event features free photos, free milk and cookies, children’s activities, Christmas carols and each child receives a goodie bag after visiting with Santa. Free Carriage Rides from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Rockford Rotary Pavilion, 50 Squires St.

Dec. 6: Santa in the Rotary pavilion, 50 Squires St. Tired of battling the mall crowds? Why not bring your child to Rockford to visit Santa – all in the idyllic setting of downtown. Kids can give Santa their wish lists, and enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies!

Dec. 7-8: Free horse-drawn carriage rides 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce sponsors horse-drawn carriage rides each year so that visitors to Rockford may enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautifully decorated streets of the downtown area. Visitors are able to ride through the tree-lined streets free of charge. It is a beautiful way to recapture the feelings of Christmases past and make memories with your loved ones.

Dec. 13: Santa at the pavilion with live reindeer, 6-8 p.m. Tired of battling the mall crowds? Why not bring your child to Rockford to visit Santa—all in the idyllic setting of downtown. Kids can give Santa their wish lists, and enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies! On December 16 Santa will be bringing his LIVE reindeer for the kids to get a closer look at these amazing animals. 50 Squires St.

Dec. 14-15: Free carriage rides 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce sponsors horse-drawn carriage rides each year so that visitors to Rockford may enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautifully decorated streets of the downtown area. Visitors are able to ride through the tree-lined streets free of charge. It is a beautiful way to recapture the feelings of Christmases past and make memories with your loved ones.

SAND LAKE

Nov. 26: Sand Lake tree lighting and caroling at 5:30 p.m. at the tree at Lake and 4^th Street. Special music by Resurrection Lutheran Preschool. Hosted by all Village Churches and Sand Lake Chamber.

Dec. 1: Live indoor nativity at Sand Lake United Methodist from 6-8 p.m. Shepherds watching, angels singing, wise men searching, and the Christ child. Live animals will greet you. Enjoy the refreshments and stay as long as you like. 

Dec. 2: Sand Lake Family Christmas Celebration. Visit with Santa 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the VFW Hall. Visit the Christmas craft show at Resurrection Lutheran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the Live indoor nativity at Sand Lake United Methodist from 1-3 p.m. Bring your ornaments to help decorate the trees. 

SPARTA

‘Tis the season! Check out these fun Sparta holiday events.

Nov. 23: Turkey Trot in Sparta, Thursday, Nov. 23. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. at Sparta Civic Center, 75 N. Union. Registration forms at spartachamber.com. Homemade pies to first three males/females to cross finish line and first three kids under age 14. Cost is $20 plush two non-perishable foot items and/or gently used coats/hats/gloves to donate to local pantries. Also 50/50 raffle for prizes and jackpot. All proceeds to benefit Sparta Rugby club and Sparta Lions.

Nov. 27: 5th annual Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Run, registration at 8:30 a.m., race at 9:30 a.m. Starts/finishes: Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 4085 Lutheran Church Rd., Kent City. Proceeds to Adopt a family and food pantry at Mamrelund. Register at michianatiming.com. 

Dec. 2: Christmas at the Sparta Library 10 a.m. to noon. Santa & Mrs. Claus visits, story time, crafts & cookie decorating, bring your own camera.

Dec. 2: Candy cane hunt for kids in Civic Center parking lot starts at 10:30 a.m. Donations welcome to keep Candy Cane Lane lighted! 

Dec. 12: Santa Workshop 6-8 pm at Maddie LaRoues, 126 E. Division.

Dec. 14: Pet night with Santa at the Santa House 6 to 8 p.m. 80 N. Union (behind the Sparta Library).

Dec. 16: Come visit Santa in the Santa House behind the Sparta Carnegie Township Library (80 N. Union) from 1-3 p.m. Free horse and trolley rides.

Dec. 19: Come visit Santa in the Santa House behind the Sparta Carnegie Township Library (80 N. Union) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

Dec. 21-24: Ballard Church of Christ, 1633 10 Mile Road, presents “The Living Nativity,” from 7-8 p.m.

Dec. 23: Come visit Santa in the Santa House behind the Sparta Carnegie Township Library (80 N. Union) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free horse and trolley rides.

Hannah, 10, and her sister Hailey, 8, pose with The POST.

The Post recently traveled with the Dempsey family, of Solon Township, to Shipshewana, Indiana.

Hannah, 10, her sister Hailey, 8, mom Kathy, and grandma Joyce Petersen stayed over night at the Blue Gate Hotel, where they swam a lot. They had fun at the petting zoo, did lots of shopping at the flea market, and enjoyed lots of good food. They waited to go on a horse and buggy ride, but the line was too long, so they went back to their hotel, and lo and behold, a carriage was parked right in front of the hotel! So the girls got their Cinderella carriage ride after all!

Thanks so much for taking us with you!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Hundreds of people attend the Burley Park flea market, in Howard City, on summer holidays. Patrons who attended the flea market this past Labor Day got a little extra excitement while shopping for bargains.

Detectives from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Sixth District Tobacco Tax Enforcement Team were inspecting the Burley Park Flea Market in Howard City, on Monday, September 7, when they discovered several vendors selling counterfeit purses, perfume and headphones.

Over 400 items were seized, including counterfeit Beats headphones and MK purses. The goods were valued at approximately $10,000. Two of these vendors were arrested and their inventory of goods seized.

One of the suspects fled on foot from the scene, but was captured by troopers.

Detectives determined the two suspects had traveled to the yearly event from Chicago. The two men, ages 17 and 19, were lodged on felony charges at the Montcalm County Jail.

“Intellectual property crimes are not victimless crimes because they threaten legitimate Michigan businesses and commerce,” the MSP said in a news release on the crime.

For more information on intellectual property crimes, visit the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at www.iprcenter.gov.

The old Stout barn will soon be torn down. Photo by Len Allington.

By Judy Reed

The long-running campaign to save a Solon barn came to an end last week, when the barn was sold at auction for $300.

The barn, known as the Stout barn, is located on property that Solon Township bought in a foreclosure sale several years ago. It is located behind the Township hall, at 15185 Algoma Ave. It is one of several barns on the property.

The barn has been a bone of contention since the Township bought the property. They originally investigated putting money into it for the new township hall, but decided to build after finding out what needed to be done.

The barn has been used for the flea market portion of the Solon farmer and flea market in the past, and this past winter was used for storage of RVs.

In March, the Solon Township board voted to remove the barn, and have Supervisor Bob Ellick facilitate the removal as economically as possible.

Ellick said that the demolition could start as early as next week, and should only take a few days, according to the buyer, a Mr. Bonthuis, of Ravenna. Under the agreement, he has 120 days to complete the job, and gets everything, even the concrete.

The buyer has to show proof of liability and comprehensive insurance, and the payment has been put into escrow. “If they do something wrong, then we keep the money,” Ellick explained.

According to current drawings for the park to be built on the Solon property, it shows a barn in the spot where the old one is. Ellick said the idea is to relocate the other three barns on the property, although he didn’t know where they were going to be put. He also said it’s also possible they could build a new one, but the plans have not yet been completed.

School’s out and Mom’s already frazzled. The kids have already started their, “I’m bored!” blues.  What to do?  Head on over to Solon Market for a fun-filled summer! The Market kicks off Opening Day Saturday, June 7, with give-aways and a petting zoo, free samples and plenty of seasonal produce as well as crafts, baked goods and flea market items.  Browse the open-air market and visit with your friends, neighbors and family.

Solon Market is bringing back many favorites such as Christmas (in July this year), Fire Fighter Days and the popular Dog Daze Pet Expo. For a complete calendar of events, check out their facebook page at Solon Market or call 696-4227.

Solon Market is a free market charging nothing to vendors for set-up. Located at 15185 Algoma Ave. behind Solon Township Offices in and near the picturesque barn once owned by the Stout Family. It is family-oriented and kid friendly.  Market hours are every Saturday through October from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Come and join the fun!

Would you like to get some great deals and have the profits go for a good cause at the same time? Now you can! The Jesus Non-Denominational Church and community impact center has started a farmer and flea market in the old Meijer store parking lot on 1220 N. Lafayette, Greenville. According to Pastor Tom Turner, the profit goes to feed 3,000 people monthly.

The market is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and shoppers can expect to find everything you would normally find—fresh fruits and vegetables, and everything from antiques to hand-crafted woodwork.  And a big plus for both shoppers and vendors is that it is open all day! “We have 1,000 cars that pass us every hour,” explained Turner, “so vendors stay set up all day. Other farmer and flea markets close at noon because the public leaves. But we have customers all day.”

Turner said they only ask for a $10 donation for three full car spaces from vendors—about a 30X18 space per day. He said that in the future they would like to build their market to around 300 vendors and use the profits to build their community impact center dream.

They are open for vendors starting at 6 a.m. and the public at 7 a.m. Call 616-225-9999 or visit www.jesusndc.com for more info.

The Solon farm, craft and flea market was bustling last week with vendors and customers from around the area.

There were a lot of items to choose from, including fresh produce, plants and flowers, farm fresh eggs, pure maple syrup, jams and jellies, homemade candles, wood crafts, pet supplies, horse supplies, free wagon rides, popcorn, and even a spray paint artist creating and selling his pictures on site.

“I really appreciate the way everyone worked together to make it happen, and especially thank Rich Straub for bringing his horses, Ford and Chevy—to offer the free wagon rides,” said Vicky Babcock, who is helping organize the farm market. She said the free wagon rides would be there again this Saturday.

If you haven’t checked out the Solon Township farm market yet, head on over this weekend it’s located at 15185 Algoma Avenue, between 18 and 19 Mile, and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer free sites to vendors to sell their goods and a covered pole barn. Doors open at 8 a.m. Interested vendors should call 696-4227.

Montcalm County Sheriff deputies received a call early Thursday morning, June 30, that a man was a man going in and out of the tents at the flea market in Trufant. The man also tried later to get into the caller’s car and caused damage. When Deputies arrived they investigated and found money was missing from the vendors at the flea market.

Meanwhile, homeowner Tony Sorenson was awakened by noises downstairs in his home, and thought it was his son. He went to check on him and found him still sleeping. He then noticed several patrol cars outside shining spotlights in the area of his home. Sorenson heard another noise and turned around to find a man standing behind him. He grabbed the man by the arm and took him outside to deputies. The intruder matched the description of the man police were looking for in the flea market break-ins and he was taken into custody.

A large amount of money was found on the man, and he was arrested on numerous charges, including larceny, illegal entry, malicious destruction of property, and disorderly conduct. The man was identified as a 37-year-old from White Pigeon, Michigan. The case is still under investigation.