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

Kids and animals alike enjoyed Solon Market’s Pet Daze Expo last Saturday, August 13.
Photos courtesy of Rachaelyn’s Photography.

A chorus of joyful voices greeted Market-goers as they entered the community room at Solon Township’s Dog Daze Pet Expo Saturday, August 13. Humane Society of West Michigan led the choir with six puppies who were excited to be there. Excitement was the general consensus among the canine crowd, as they mingled while their people browsed exhibits, watched demos and stayed to watch and participate in the popular Pet Show.

Many people and their pets braved the weather to attend and forever homes were found for several of the animals, including five of WMHS’s six pups. The fundraiser garnered over $200.00 for area rescues and non-profit services and served to educate the public and bring awareness to animal needs, as well as highlight pet-related services. Kids who entered the Pet Show received bags of gifts donated by area businesses. Three lucky winners received pet beds and gift cards, donated by another business.

Kent County Sherriff’s Deputy Dekorte and his canine partner, Ritzey, a goldador, demonstrated their skills in arson detection and stayed to answer questions related to their duties. The Sheriff’s department is looking to add six dogs to their unit including a therapy dog. Donations can be made by accessing the following link:  http://www.trafficsquad.com/#!k9/c66d3

For more on the Expo, check out Solon Market’s facebook page and to see photos of the event.

Calling all kids, pets and pet owners Solon Market is once again hosting their Dog Daze Pet Expo and Popular Pet Show Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Bring your dog to Market for a free gift. The popular pet show, which benefits area rescues and services, begins at 11 a.m. Each child who enters will get a bag of goodies for them and their pets, courtesy of area businesses. The Market is adding a third prize this year for best costume. Two other grand prizes will be awarded for popular vote and most monies earned for area rescues (votes by cash). Prizes include dog beds, $25 gift cards, toys and treats. A local photographer has graciously offered to take photos of the entrants to share on Solon Market’s Facebook page and she will be available to do other portraits as well. Children can register for the Pet Show by calling Vicky at 616-696-4227.

Dogs and dog owners alike will enjoy the ambiance of the open Market, have a chance to visit with their neighbors and browse the 20+ Dog Daze booths inside, watch demos and visit the Market family as well.  It’s free, it’s fun, it’s a dog’s dream.  For more information or for a schedule of events and businesses, check out Solon Market’s page on Facebook.  Like them for updates.  Solon Market is located at 15185 Algoma Ave.

The third annual Dog Daze of Summer Pet Expo and Popular Pet Show, at Solon Market, is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This year’s event features Trooper David Cardenas and his canine unit, Paws With a Cause, a petting zoo, and many related businesses.  Talk to trainers, groomers, sitters, rescues and massage therapists.  Bring your dog to Market for a free gift. Kids can enter the popular pet show, which begins at 11:00 a.m. Every entry receives a prize! Two grand prizes will be awarded for popular vote and monies donated for rescues. Please be sure to come early to register and sign in. Free pictures with your pet via Solon Market’s Facebook page.

Market hours are 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  To pre-register for the pet show or for more information, please contact Vicky at 616-696-4227. Solon Market is located at 15185 Algoma Ave. between 18 and 19 Mile Rds. Check out their FB page and “like” them for updates.