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.

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.

It’s that time of year again, when kids can’t wait to mail their letters to Santa! To help parents out, the Cedar Springs Post has set up a special North Pole drop box. Every year dozens of kids use our special box for express delivery to the North Pole, and we make sure Santa reads each and every one! So, if you’d like to send a letter to Santa, and maybe get it printed in the newspaper, just drop off your letter in the bright red box labeled “Santa Mail” outside our office at 36 E. Maple Street, or mail your letter to: Letters to Santa, c/o the Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Make sure they arrive to our office by Monday, December 19th so we can get them to Santa in time!

Jacobs Christmas List

• Fit bit (any)

• Bike

• Under Armour Clothes

prefers Green, any Shade

• 3DS

• Snow Shovel (Red)

• Piggy Bank

• Bean bag (Blue w/ white polka dots)

• diary “Danger” + has Pixels on it

• Lego set – construction set

• Semi truck – Kenworth W900 w/

Lowboy trailer Hauling an

excavator 1:43

“New Ray Toy”

• Truck N Stuff SPT3304 Volvo VNL 300 Day Cab Semitractor

• Trucks N Stuff SP089HO Peterbuilt w/ Chevron Heil Tank

• Truck N Stuff SP096 Semi Peterbilt 386 Day Cab 53 Dry Van Trail

• Northern tool and equipment 13773

• hew-ray Peterbilt Box truck

• Hockey gloves

• Skateboard

Books

Treats

(Big Bag) Cool Ranch Doritoes

Snickers

Skittles

TySon 12/5/16

Dear Santa, I have been

very good this year but there’s

some thing’s on my Cristmas

list. I would like some

under armor shoe’s and under armor

outfits. In School I’m learning to

add, subtract, and mytilply Fraction’s.

Sincerly,

From: Tyson Van Sprange

To: Santa

DeAr SANTA

1# CAN JOSH ANd Angie STAy ONe more DAy?

2# CAN I MeeT ruDolPH?

3# AND pS 4 madden modle FOOT BAll

GAMe.

4# guN 410 rilly good guN.

5# And really really wAnT MoTersycle

6# AND SNow caSle ouT Side

THANK You

For evryTHiNg!

macking Good Grads iN My

rePorT Card ANd lising To

My MoM And DAD.

LoVe you     FroM Joe.

I accompLish not talking

in class.

Dear SAnta,

I want for a present. candy cane. Lego City. New clothes for

JoSh and angie. a deis. and a new skylandr pordl. a New sweatr. footie

pajamis. a New wii controler and nunchuck. Havint seen JoSh and

angIe for a long time. I also want a spit Ball Gun for

pant Balls.

Volunteer tracker Chief Master Sgt. Roderick Schwald, North Amercian Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command first sergeant, answers calls from children and parents across the globe while at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Dec. 24. More than 1,200 volunteers from across the base and community join to cover shifts spanning the 23 hours of tracking that the North American Aerospace Defense Command hosts annually, dating back to pre-NORAD 1955. Photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh/Released.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 61st Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey! The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, which launched Dec 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores, so parents and children can countdown the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Google+. Santa followers just need to type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started.

Starting at 2:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com. Any time on Dec. 24, Windows Phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct—only the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition, which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

Three of the officers on hand for the Shop with a Sheriff event included (L to R) Sgt. Jason Kelley, Chief Deputy Kevin Kelley, and Sheriff Larry Stelma.

On Sunday, December 13, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office hosted their annual Shop with a Sheriff Program at the Cedar Springs Meijer. Thirty kids from the Cedar Springs and Kent City school districts were selected to shop with Deputies and experience law enforcement in a nontraditional role. Approximately 35 Deputies volunteered their time to participate in the event.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause made an appearance at the Shop with a Sheriff event. Photo by P. Conley.

Before shopping, the kids were able to ride in police cruiser, playing with the lights, sirens and other electronics. After the cruiser ride, each child was placed with a Deputy and they were able to shop throughout Meijer. The children select items of need—coats, boots, and clothes. They are able to select some toys as well. Once the shopping is complete, the kids were treated to donuts, juice, a special t-shirt, and a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

This program started in 2003 and the kids are identified by referrals from the schools. Deputies participate on a volunteer basis and help the kids shop for the items on their list. The program is fully funded through gracious donations made by businesses and members of the community.

Kids shopped throughout the store with a deputy.

Donations for this program can be made to the Kent County Community Action Fund and mailed to:

Kent County Sheriff’s Office

Community Services Unit – Sandi Jones

701 Ball Ave NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Post photo by L. Allen.

Zeke Miles, age 23 months, was so excited to drop his letter to Santa in the Santa mailbox at the Post earlier this week! What about your kids? Have they mailed their letter to Santa? Would you like to see it in the Post? There are only a few days left to get us those letters, because next week’s paper comes out on Christmas eve, the last week we will be running them. Drop yours off today at 36 E. Maple Street, and we will print them as space allows. Click here to see this week’s letters.

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.

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 5, 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,and then at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. then decorate the tree at Main and Ash with their ornaments from 3 to 4 p.m. with the Cedar Springs Cheerleaders.

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.

Following the parade will be a live nativity scene, tree lighting, caroling, and mingling with Kris Kringle at the corner of Main Street and Ash.

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 5, for a fun, community Christmas celebration! See info in our holiday events section on pages 10-11 for complete details on times and locations.

It’s that time of year again, when kids can’t wait to mail their letters to Santa! To help parents out, the Cedar Springs Post has set up a special North Pole drop box. Every year dozens of kids use our special box for express delivery to the North Pole, and we make sure Santa reads each and every one! So, if you’d like to send a letter to Santa, and maybe get it printed in the newspaper, just drop off your letter in the bright red box labeled “Santa Mail” outside our office at 36 E. Maple Street, or mail your letter to: Letters to Santa, c/o the Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Hi Santa i want…

New rasr scotr elechrick

Legos candycane sweters

Kindle Fire

Air hogs scdolonde

Minecraft Lego

Pilos

Sno glod

Marvle akshin figr

Thank you for dowing

this for me

Snserle

Ben eden drier

Dear Santa

• I really really want

a xbox 360!!!  —–> game’s

• minecraft story mode!!
• call duty zombe’s!!!
• Bat Man game!!!

• new zoomer

bino

• Elf on the Shelf

clothes \ Jacket!!!

• minecraft toy

• canby cane’s

We got A new elf on the shelf her name is angle. We are taking care of angle & Josh. tell Josh we got him and new hat. Can you send Josh back erly!!!

love Joseph Drier.

love you Santa

Dear Santa,

What I want for Christmas

is Tetris and The Legend of Zeald

for nintendo enertamit Syestem

and pokemon red for my game

boy color. I also want Super

Mario 3d land for wiiu. I really

want Grayson to live because

he is a stray cat and I really

want him to live more than

geting presents. That’s all

I want for Christmas please

and thankyou!

Love, Courtneny Mooney

P.S I hope you have a safe

flight Christmas Eve!

Dear Santa

My name is Owen. I am 4 years old. I have been a good boy. Could you please bring me a present? I would like a trailer with ramps for my power wheels, a fertilizer spreader, three power wheels lawn mowers. One is a push mower, one is a feet stand mower and one is a buckler mower. The old one is leaking oil. I’m so tired of fixing it. I also need a new lunch box. Could you fill it with cheese and boiled eggs. They’re my favorite. Mrs. Holloway makes them for snack time at school. She’s my teacher. Could you please bring Mrs. Holloway some new toys for her classroom? A lot of them got stepped on and broken. But I didn’t step on any, I’ll leave a bell for your reindeer.

From Owen Spicer

Dear Santa

This is my first Christmas so I want rattles, musical toys, and outfits because I’m growing fast. And my mom to get a good night sleep.

Love,

Jeremiah 

Russell

Dear Santa

My name is Oliver. could bring me a nerf gun please?

I have been kinda a good  boy for 5 days in a row.

From

Oliver

Dear Santa i hope you  Get my Good or  Bab List and The Things Theat i watid

from Gracie. aBBott

to: Santa

i Love You Santa

Santa i wat a Monster high american Girl Polly Pocites toy horses

Schleich s woves and pups shopkin Pok’emon Game DS CanDy

Colering Book Books Monster high Books Gift

Cards money and a american Girl Horses. american Girl outfit for me and the american Girl.

Dear Santa,

I would ask for a few

things. First bands… Lime, orange, brown, red, blue/baby blue, purple, sparkley, clear, Black, yellow, dark green, raseberry, white, & pink! please Santa. Next I want a cute just white jacket for my puppy bella. Last please! please! please! get 2 things 1. The movie star wolf and Amercan doll cloths!

 Love, 

Chandyce Novak

P.S. Please get my brother a pet!

P.S.S. Please!

P.S.S.S. Please put me and  are presents under the snow tree!

Please get me a camra

Last Get my dog a BIG doggy bed!

Dear Santa

I would like camo

stuff, batman nemoto

car, spring shoes, ralph.

thank you, Keegan Nix

Dear Santa

I love you, I am 4 years old. For Christmas I want a

really big tool Box filled with Little screwdrivers,

A beautiful necklace with A angel on it, and a match

Letters game. for my mom I would like a ring with a

jewel in it. For my Dad I would like some wood Island Stools.

for my brothers I would like smelly soap

and last my dog Audrey a sqweeky toy.

Merry Christmas.

Colton Ream

Dear Santa

My Name is Ben Dorrance

all I want for Christmas

is a beebee gun and

football, cars, clothes.

Thank you

From

  Ben

12-1-14

Dear Santa,

This is River Oligney from Cedar Springs, MI. What I want for Christmas is call of duty advanced warfare for my X-box 360. And farcry 4 for Xbox 360.

I also want a GoldenTate Jersey and call of duty legos

I also want to get internet at my place because my mom said it cost to much    I would like to get Xbox live also    Thank you very much.

Please get me some stuff I know you are real and you can do it.

Luv River Oligney

AKA X-BOX!

P.S Dont forget my little sister

Brooklyn Archer. Even if she is a brat!

12-1-14

Dear Santa,

Hello My name is Brooklyn Archer and I live in Cedar Springs MI

I am 3 years old so mommy is helping me write this to you. I would like for you to bring me a woofer hound dog guitar and Doc McStuffins walk n go doll and a Doc McStuffins get better talking mobile cart and a puppy suprise and the game shark mania and a Hello Kitty Sports Car 6 volt ride on with bonus 3 wheel scooter. I’m trying to be good at home and school.

But at home im a little bad. But my brother River Oligney is real bad. But you can still bring him stuff if you want. I love you Santa. Dont forget me please!

Love Brooklyn Archer

from Cedar Springs.

Dear Santa,

Legos

Sled’s

BarBie’s

Monsterhigh Doll’s

Book’s

Jakt’s

Frosen Poster

That is all

I love you Santa

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).

Olivia Rostic 2, was all smiles with Santa at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library last Saturday, December 14. Olivia had a lot to share with Santa and told him all about what she wanted for Christmas. To see more Santa photos click here.