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 7, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will run from 9 a.m. to early evening, with various fun, family-friendly, events. The day starts with with the Cedar Springs Public Library hosting their Annual Holiday Open House: Winter Wonderland A Frozen Adventure on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Anna and Elsa for storytime occurring every 20 minutes throughout the event, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make ornaments/crafts/Christmas cards, decorate cookies, check out the Friends of the Library bake sale and more. All ages are welcome to attend and everything is free. You can also decorate cookies at the Rustic Roof from 12-2, enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus from 2-3 p.m. at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more. You can also hang ornaments with the Cedar Springs cheerleaders, enjoy a petting zoo, and caroling, all before the mini-parade that will bring Santa to the Heart of Cedar Springs at the corner of Main and W. Maple Street 4:30-4:45.

There are two major changes this year: the Christmas tree will be in a new location in the Heart of Cedar Springs, and that is where everyone will gather for the lighting. The other change is that the parade will not go down Main Street. It will start at Cherry Street by the White Pine Trail, head east to Second Street then North to Maple and west towards staging area.

Following the parade will be a live nativity scene near the Christmas tree, and mingling with Kris Kringle at the amphitheatre, where kids can meet Santa. While waiting for Santa, there will be crafts and coloring activities in the library, and an opportunity to write Santa. 

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 7, for this fun, community Christmas celebration! See page 8 of our e-edition or go to holiday happenings for more info on this event and check out events in the surrounding areas well.

The second weekend of Mingle with Kris Kringle brought families to the Kent Theater for the annual Christmas concert and the Dance extravaganza. 

“We had a great variety of performers for both the Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Concert and Christmas Dance Extravaganza,” said Cedar Springs Area Chamber President Perry Hopkins. “We sold out the dance extravaganza.”

Families also came out for the first ever night of carriage rides on Monday evening, December 10. “We averaged about 50 passengers an hour between 5 and 8 p.m.,” said Hopkins. 

There were two carriages carrying 5-6 passengers each. The carriages loaded at the staging area and then up W. Maple to Main Street, down Main Street with all the pretty Christmas lights, then west on Ash, and then north on Second Street to W. Maple.

It was fun for kids and adults alike!

Santa holds a young child at the “Merry Grinch-mas” celebration at the Cedar Springs Library. Photo by Kristen’s Flashback Photography.

Mrs. Claus poses with children after story time at Perry’s Place. Photo by Kristen’s Flashback Photography.

Hundreds turned out last Saturday, December 1, for the city’s annual Mingle with Kris Kringle holiday celebration.
The day started off with the Jingle Bell Run (a fundraiser for the Cedar Springs Senior All Night Party). Then over 700 people attended the “Merry Grinch-mas” at the Cedar Springs Library, where the community was invited to “Whoville” to make Christmas tree ornaments, decorate cookies, make gifts and cards, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, have popcorn popped onsite by Mayor Gerry Hall and Amy, and join “Whos” Melissa Dubridge and Cassie Hall for a great show in “Whoville.” Cindy Karafa, leader of 4H Animal Junction, came with 27 volunteers and 500 sugar cookies to decorate. All but 3 cookies were claimed. The 4H students competed for “Best Gingerbread House” recognition. The Library gave away 4 prizes in a free raffle (the favorite prize was a LEGO Model Car, donated by City Manager Mike Womack).
The Library provided supplies to make lovely ornaments for home and the City Christmas Tree, a necklace for mom, a key chain for dad, letters to Santa and holiday coloring pages
Santa and Mrs. Claus flew from the North Pole to Cedar Springs just to bring good cheer to Cedar Springs families. They chatted with kids and parents for three and a half hours.
Following the library celebration, story time with Mrs. Claus at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more was a big hit with children and parents a like. Later, the Cedar Springs High School choir sang at the tree while the crowd awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, who was a wee bit late. Double K Farms and Animal Junction (and 4H) brought their animal friends (goats, rabbit, etc.) out to have fun with everyone. The live nativity was canceled due to the weather.

Santa and Mayor Gerald Hall at the tree lighting ceremony. Photo by Kristen’s Flashback Photography.

After the Santa parade and tree lighting, Santa greeted children in the American Legion Hall. While they waited, children were able to do crafts and other activities, and were provided free hot chocolate by the Women’s Auxillary.
This weekend will be the second weekend of the holiday celebration, with music and dance at the Kent Theater on Saturday and Sunday, and free carriage rides on Monday. See ad on page 20 for more details.

Looking for some holiday cheer? You don’t want to miss the “Mingle with Kris Kringle” event this Saturday, December 2, put on by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The day-long event starts with make and take crafts and ornaments at the Cedar Springs Community Library at 107 N. Main St 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 at 90 N. Main St. There will also be a meet and greet and photos with the Cedar Springs cheerleaders, a petting zoo, bake sale, and caroling from the Cedar Springs High School choir, 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 by Calvary Assembly of God and mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall, where kids can get their photo taken, and do an activity while they wait. 

The fun then continues next 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. For more info on both weekends of fun, see ad on page 10.

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.

In this photo from 2013, Santa arrives escorted by the Red Flannel Tree Farm, as he will again this year. Photo courtesy of the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

Santa parade, tree lighting this Saturday, December 3, and a musical weekend December 10-11 

Are you ready to have yourself a merry Christmas Cedar Springs-style? The next two weekends will have some great family fun and entertainment put on by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

Come on out and experience a day of goodwill and cheer on Saturday, December 3, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will start at 10 a.m. with families able to make and take Christmas ornaments at the Cedar Springs Library from 10-1, then do kids crafts at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum from 1-3 p.m. 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, 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, tree lighting, caroling, and mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall.

Then on Saturday, December 10, is the 2016 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Concert hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (CSACOC). It is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come out and have some holiday family fun! 

On Sunday, December 11, will be the 2016 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Dance Extravaganza. Come out to see dance performances from Cedar Springs Dance Company and Seira Kovach & Cameron Wilson with poi dancing, at the Christmas Dance Extravaganza, hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, on Sunday, December 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St. in beautiful downtown Cedar Springs. Come out and have some holiday family fun. Admission tickets are $3 per person. By special request from the Cedar Springs Public Library, they are including a reader’s theater performance by Actors del Arte Ensemble of A Christmas Carol for the second half of their show this year.

For more info on the musical weekend, check out the Chamber ad by clicking the link below:

CSChamberXMAS6x16fc4816.pdf

Santa parade, tree lighting and more next Saturday, December 3 

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 3, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will start at 10 a.m. with families able to make and take Christmas ornaments at the Cedar Springs Library from 10-1, then do kids crafts at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum from 1-3 p.m. 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, 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, tree lighting, caroling, and mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall.

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 3, for a fun, community Christmas celebration! See the Chamber advertisement here for complete details on times and locations.

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

CEDAR SPRINGS

2016 Cedar Springs Christmas Mingle with Kris Kringle 

Dec. 3: Celebrate the kick off to the Christmas season with “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle,” presented by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Come make Christmas ornaments at the Cedar Springs Library from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Sign up at the library, 43 W. Cherry St., Cedar Springs, MI. Free.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kids crafts at the CS Historical Museum (Cedar Street by Morley Park)

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Story time with Mrs. Claus at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more (90 N. Main, corner of Maple and Main Street)

4 p.m. Parade Line Up corner of Second and Maple Street

4:30 p.m. Christmas Parade starts at Maple and Main Street

4:45 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting at the corner of Main and Ash Street

5 p.m. Live Nativity Scene (reenacted by Calvary Assembly of God at the corner of Main and Ash Street)

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Bake Sale and Hot Chocolate at the American Legion

5:15 p.m. Mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall (Photographs with Santa by Kristen Smith)

Main Street will be closing down (from Oak Street to Beech) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the mini Christmas Parade, Tree lighting, and Mingle with Kris Kringle portion of the event.

Make gingerbread houses at the library

Dec. 10: Come make gingerbread houses at the Cedar Springs Library on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Sign up at the library, 43 W. Cherry St., Cedar Springs, MI. Free.

2016 Kent Theatre Christmas Concert

Dec. 10: The 2016 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Concert hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (CSACOC) is scheduled for December 13th from 3pm to 5pm. Come out an have some holiday family fun! 

The Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Dance Extravaganza

Dec. 11: Come out to see dance performances from Cedar Springs dance Company and Seira Kovach & Cameron Wilson with poi dancing, at the Christmas Dance Extravaganza, hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, on Sunday, December 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St. in beautiful downtown Cedar Springs. Come out and have some holiday family fun. Admission tickets are $3 per person. By special request from the Cedar Springs Public Library, we are including a reader’s theater performance by Actors del Arte Ensemble of A Christmas Carol for the second half of our show this year.

GREENVILLE

Celebrate Christmas on the green in Greenville

Hometown Christmas parade and Santa party

Dec. 2: Come join the fun in downtown Greenville on Friday, December 2. The Santa park party will take place from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at Lafayette park. Get your picture taken with Santa, enjoy games and live music, 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!

Enjoy local events and shop local businesses 

Dec. 3: Shop local businesses and enjoy local events throughout the day on Saturday, December 3.

Picture of You & Your Pet with Santa– 12-1:30 p.m. Town & Country Animal Clinic-FREE

Holiday Craft Fair. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Greenville Area Community Center

John Berry Christmas Concert

Dec. 3: Ring in the Christmas season with country legend John Berry at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Hillcrest, Greenville, on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. This year marks Berry’s 20th holiday concert tour. He has big plans to celebrate and involve fans like never before! The John Berry concert benefits “Have Mercy,” helping our homeless get safe and warm, while working with them to rebuild their lives. Tickets are $25 at JohnBerry.com/tour OR pick up at the UPS store in Greenville.

Dec 4: Gingerbread House Decorating 1-3pm at Greenville Area Community Center $10(registration) 900 E. Kent Rd., Greenville. (616) 754-9163.

Dec. 4: MCC’s Holiday Celebration 1-4pm at Sidney Campus-Free

Dec 5: High School Band/Orchestra Concert 7:30 pm at GHS Performing Arts Center-free

Dec 6: Middle School Holiday Orchestra Concert 7pm at GHS Performing Arts Center-free

Dec 7: Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops 7:30 pm at GHS. 

Dec 10: High School Holiday Choir Concert 7:30 pm at GHS; FREE tickets are required

Dec. 10: Holiday Flea Market at the Greenville Area Community Center – 754-9163.

Dec 11: MCC’s Alumni & Friends Holiday Choir Concert 3-4:30 p.m. at Sidney Campus. Admission is free.

Dec 12: Middle School Holiday Choir Concert 6:30 pm at GHS Performing Arts Center-free

Dec 13: Lincoln Heights Holiday Concert 6:30 pm at GHS FREE!

Dec 14: Cedar Crest Holiday Concert 6:30 pm at GHS FREE!

Dec 15: Walnut Hills Holiday Concert 6:30 pm at GHS – FREE!

Business After Hours @ The Daily News Stafford Room 5 p.m. Food & refreshments $3. 754-5697

Dec 19: Baldwin Heights Holiday Concert 6:30 pm at GHS-Free.

NEWAYGO

December 11:  Newaygo Community Christmas Concert Sunday, December 11 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Grant High School Fine Arts Center 331 E. State Rd, Grant. Come and enjoy the sounds of the Christmas Season. Admission is free.

ROCKFORD

Discover a Rockford Christmas

Take a step back in time and capture the magic of the holidays with these special events!

Holiday lighting ceremony

Dec. 2: Holiday lighting ceremony from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rockford Dam overlook. Help us ring in the holiday season with the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. 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 from 6-8 p.m.

Santa Parade

Dec. 3: Join us for Rockford’s 73rd Annual Santa Parade on December 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.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.

Rockford community holiday concert

Dec. 4: Enjoy the delightful sounds of the season as the Rockford Community Band and Rockford Community Orchestra present their annual holiday concert at Rockford High School Fine arts auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. They will be playing all of your seasonal favorites and snacks will be served after the concert. Come and be a part of a Rockford tradition! Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Santa at the Pavilion

Dec. 7: 6-8 p.m. Tired of battling the mall crowds? Why not bring your child to Rockford to visit Santa at the Rotary Pavilion, all in the idyllic setting of downtown. Kids can give Santa their wish lists, and enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies! Rockford Rotary Pavilion, 50 Squires St. Square.

Holiday carriage rides

Dec. 8-9: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Take a free horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautifully decorated streets of the downtown area. It is a beautiful way to recapture the feelings of Christmases past and make memories with your loved ones. Rockford Rotary Pavilion, 50 Squires St. Squar.

Santa at the Pavilion with Live reindeer

Dec. 14: From 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion. Kids can give Santa their wish lists, and enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies! Santa will be bringing his LIVE reindeer for the kids to get a closer look at these amazing animals.

Holiday carriage rides

Dec. 15-16: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Take a free horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautifully decorated streets of the downtown area. It is a beautiful way to recapture the feelings of Christmases past and make memories with your loved ones.

SAND LAKE

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 at 5:30 p.m. Meet at the tree on the southeast corner of the park. Special music from Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschoolers.

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.

SPARTA

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

Nov. 24: Turkey Trot in Sparta, Thursday, Nov. 24, at 9:00 a.m. Race begins at Sparta Civic Center, 75 N. Union. Registration forms at spartachamber.com. Proceeds to Sparta Rugby club.

Nov. 26: 4th 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. Contact Cindy 616-799-0500 with questions.

Dec. 3: Horse-drawn trolley rides with Santa 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 112 E. Division.

Dec. 6: Santa Workshop 6-8 pm at Maddie LaRoues, 126 E. Division. Free photos with Santa, activities, & more!

Dec. 8: Pet night with Santa at the Santa House 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 80 N. Union.

Dec. 10: Visit Santa in the Santa house 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. 80 N. Union.

Dec. 11: Children’s Christmas program 10:10 a.m. at Sparta United Methodist Church.

Dec. 12: Holiday fun at the Sparta Library, 80 N. Union at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus has been invited to come and read a story at our library. We will have cookie decorating and a fun craft for the kids to make. Bring your cameras for a fun holiday photo!

Dec. 13: Sparta Middle School band holiday concert 7 p.m. Sparta High School auditorium.

Dec. 15: Sparta High School holiday concert with concert band, jazz band, and choir. 7 p.m. Sparta High School auditorium.

Dec. 15: Visit Santa Claus in the Santa House, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17: Visit Santa Claus in the Santa House, 11-2 p.m. Horse drawn wagon rides.

Dec. 20: Visit Santa Claus in the Santa House, 6-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 22: Visit Santa Claus in the Santa House, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Post photo by J. Reed.

Photo by by Craig Owens

By Judy Reed

Last Saturday, December 5, was a beautiful day to be out and about in downtown Cedar Springs, to celebrate the annual Mingle with Kris Kringle, sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to Chamber president Perry Hopkins, the first weekend of the 2015 Cedar Springs Christmas went really well, with a lot of people turning out to make and take ornaments at both the Cedar Springs Public Library and the Cedar Springs Historical Museum, and to see Santa at the end of the day.

Photo by Donna Clark

According to Library Director Donna Clark, 70 people—old and young alike—attended the “Make and Take Ornament” morning at the library. They created an ornament for the town Christmas tree and one to take home. They created lots of pine cone ornaments filled with birdseed, so that they would be environmentally and bird friendly.

At 4:30 p.m., a mini parade made its way down Main Street from Maple to Ash, with Sgt. Kelley, of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department Cedar Springs unit leading the way, and a horse-drawn wagon carrying Santa Clause at the end.

“Having the cheerleaders in the parade again this year singing, as the mini parade escorted Santa to the tree, was great,” said Hopkins. “And the Chamber was happy to have royal courts from both the Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire and The Red Flannel Festival in our mini Christmas parade this year.”

Photo by by Craig Owens

The American Legion Post #287 Honor Guard also marched in the parade.

After the parade, the Jubilee quartet led the singing of Christmas carols, and Calvary Assembly of God put on their live nativity, assisted by the Double K Farms petting zoo. “The awesome voices of Jubilee leading the caroling added a new touch  to this year’s Christmas tree lighting,” remarked Hopkins. “As always, the petting zoo and live nativity scene were awesome.”

Mayor Jerry Hall addressed the crowd, and then it was finally time to light the tree. Afterward, children lined up to sit on Santa’s lap in the heated tent.

Hopkins said they are already making notes of ways to improve the event for next year, and they hope more businesses, organizations, and community members will be in the parade next year.

By Judy Reed

The annual “Mingle with Kris Kringle” in downtown Cedar Springs gets a little bigger every year, and is starting to become a tradition for families in the community.

Last Saturday’s event, sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, was a day-long affair, and kicked off with about 40 kids and adults showing up at the library to make decorations to hang on the tree. Perry Hopkins, who organized the event for Chamber, said there was also a great turnout for the story time with Mrs. Clause at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas and more, and the Christmas Puzzle time with Santa’s Elves at Alpha Omega Coffee and Games.

There was one glitch—the parade started a half hour late because Santa was running later than expected. But on the bright side, the parade had more participants this year, with the American Legion walking in it, and the cheerleaders leading Santa. Mayor pro-tem Pam Conley also walked in the parade, and helped Santa with his countdown for the tree lighting.

The Red Flannel Queen and Court mingled with residents near the tree, while waiting for Santa, and there was also a petting zoo, and a live nativity by Calvary Assembly of God Church.

The Cedar Springs Historical Society held a tour of the museum after the tree lighting (see page 2).

Santa parade, tree lighting and more 

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 6, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will start at 10 a.m. with families able to create decorations for the Christmas tree at the Cedar Springs Library from 10-1, then decorate the tree at Main and Ash with their ornaments at 1 p.m. There will also be a bake sale, free hot chocolate, a storytime with Mrs. Clause, a Christmas puzzle time with Santa’s Elves, and a petting zoo, all before the mini-parade that brings Santa to the corner of Main and Ash Street at about 4:30-4:45. There will also be time to visit with him afterward, as well as tour the Cedar Springs Museum.

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 6, for a fun, community Christmas celebration! See the ad on page 9 for complete details on times and locations.

Help North Kent Community Services deliver a memorable Christmas to children and teens in northern Kent county by donating socks (all sizes), underwear (all sizes), pajamas (sizes 0-3 months to adult XXL), hats and gloves (all sizes) and personal care items (toilet paper, soap, deodorant, etc…).

Items can be dropped off at Alpha Omega Coffee, Cedar Springs City Hall, Family Cuts N More, Kin of Hope, Cedar Chest, Cedar Springs Library, Geek Worx, Take 2 or at any business with a Seats and Feet Drive sign in the window!

Donations will also be collected by the Christmas Tree at the Chamber’s Come Mingle with Kris Kringle Event in downtown Cedar Springs on Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 to 6:00pm.

Please contact Patricia Troost at (616) 635-1196 or patriciatroost43@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to help.