It was a perfect autumn afternoon. The laughter of children rang on the air as they played games, collected snacks and built their very own scarecrows. Velzy Park, in Solon Township, was the scene of much activity Saturday, October 21, as the Park’s “Bootacular” got underway. The event was created as a Park fundraiser and public service to the community. Originally hosted by Solon Market, the event was adapted by the joint Park and Market committees to help promote the new park and raise needed money toward continued improvements.  

The “Build a Scarecrow” was a new addition and created much excitement among the youngsters as they watched their scarecrows come to life. It was a toss-up as to who had the most fun—the children, their parents or the volunteers. The scarecrow event and boo-tacular was the brainchild of Park chair, Shelly Aardema, who is also a member of the Market Committee.

The committee is seeking funds to build a restroom and playground as Phase One continues. The park currently features a walking trail, gazebo and picnic area, mostly funded though fundraisers and donations from area residents and businesses. If you wish to help, donations can be sent to Solon Township Office, 15185 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, MI  49319.  Be sure to designate it towards Velzy Park. Volunteers are also needed to assist with construction and maintenance as well as events and fundraising. Material donations are welcome as well. For more information, contact Mary Lou at 616-696-1718 or Shelly at 616-696-1848.

Solon Township cut the ribbon on the new trail which will run through and around Velzy Park.

Saturday, June 10, was a perfect day for Velzy Park’s Spring fundraiser. The event, sponsored by the Velzy Park Committee and Solon Market Committee, included community sales, indoor craft sales, basket raffles donated by area businesses, a ribbon-cutting and a hotdog lunch.  All profits went to funding continued development of the park, located behind Solon Township Hall.

Community sales were part of the fundraiser.

The highlight of the event was a ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce the new trail running through and around the entire park. This begins Phase One, which will include a restroom, play ground and picnic area. Shelly Aardema, Committee Chair, assisted in the ribbon cutting. It was her inspiration to pair Solon Market’s Community Sales with the Park fundraiser. The event netted the Park over $450 and likely will become an annual event to showcase park improvements. Donations for the park can be made out to Solon Township Velzy Park and mailed to 15185 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, MI  49319.

Looks to the future with a dedicated shelter

Solon Market is taking hiatus for the 2017 season as the Market Committee determines how best to serve its customers and Market family.

The Market has been a staple at the Solon Township Hall for the past seven years catering to the community. It has provided a free venue for farmers, artisans, and flea market vendors, as well as activities and entertainment to area residents.

The Committee will continue to meet to determine the future of the market as the township works toward its planned park with a dedicated shelter. They will be assisting the Park Committee in fund-raising as the Township continues Phase One of Velzy Park.

Plans for a community garage sale/picnic are in the works for June 10, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recently completed new trail. For a minimal fee, crafters can set up inside the Community room for this event. Plans also include a 50/50 raffle.

The park will also serve as an important pit stop for the North Country Trail as it connects to the Cedar Springs line. For more information or to donate to the Park, please check out Solon’s website at solontwp.org or call the Township Office at 616-696-1718.

It’s a scream! It’s spootacular! It’s October! Looking to start your trick-or-treating early this year? Look no further than Solon Market! The Market’s fourth annual Bootacular takes place Saturday, October 8 at 15185 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, inside the Township Hall. Games, refreshments, a costume contest, and treats are all part of the planned entertainment. Browse the Market as well, as Solon Market wraps up this year’s free events for the season. It’s free, it’s fun, it’s a scream! Market hours are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The games will take place between 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with the costume contest following at 11:15 a.m.  For more information, contact Shelly at 616-696-1848 or check out the event on Solon Market’s facebook page. See you at Market!

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.

Red Flannel Prince and Princess Registration

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS!! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Chirstian, Home School) are eligible!! #33-36b

Chicken BBQ and Rummage Sale

Sept. 9,10: Courtland Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Rd., Rockford, is having their annual Chicken BBQ, Rummage and Bake Sale. The rummage and bake sale is Friday, September 9^th from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, September 10^th, from 9 am to 7 pm. BBQ Chicken will be available on Saturday, September 10^th from 4 to 7 pm. Half chicken and fixin’s, dine in or carry out. Vegan option available. $10.00. All proceeds go toward community programs in 2017. #35,36p

Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State

Sept. 10: Join us for a Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State and Solon Market Giveaways Saturday, September 10^th to benefit Velsy Park. Market runs from 9 am until 1 pm and the Car Bash runs from 10 am until 12 pm. Support your team! No open toed shoes please. Rain or shine. Questions? 616-696-1848 or check out the event on Facebook/Solon Market. #36b

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Sept. 11: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, September 11^th  at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message and music will be shared by the duet of Maxine Vader and Leon Seiter. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #36

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.13: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #36

Help Promote Literacy

Sept. 15,23,28: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Thursday September 15^th at 10 am, Friday September 23^rd at 2 pm and Wednesday September 28^th at 6 pm. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #36

Red Flannel Wine & Craft Beer Tasting

Sept. 17: A Red Flannel wine & craft beer tasting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6-9pm at the Whitefish Lake Golf and Grill, 2241 Bass Lake Rd., Pierson, MI. Local craft beer and wine tasting includes a delicious dinner with beer and/or wine samples. Only $40 per person. Buy tickets at the Red Flannel Offices, 18 S. Main St. There will also be a Silent Auction to benefit the RFF Queen’s Scholarship Fund. #36,37b

Howard City Harvest Festival

Sept. 17: Howard City will hold its 14^th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 17^th. For more information please check out the event schedule online at www.howardcity.org. #36b

Michigan vs. Michigan State

Just in time for football! The first annual Car Bash for Velzy Park, on Saturday, September 10, features a rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State fans as they try to bash the corresponding colors on the donated car. The Car Bash is the brain child of Velzy Park Committee’s Shelly Aardema, as the group continues its efforts to raise funds for the planned park located behind Solon Township Hall at 15185 Algoma Ave.  All proceeds will go to support the park. Participants should come prepared with closed-toed shoes. You must be at least 16 (with parents signature) and everyone must sign a waiver.

The Car Bash runs concurrent with Solon Market at 15185 Algoma Ave. but the hours for the Bash are from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., while Market hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tickets for the bash are $2.00 a hit, $5.00 for 3 hits or $10.00 for 7 hits.  The Township is being assisted in these endeavors by donations from area automotive and retail businesses. Solon Fire and Rescue will be on hand to provide any needed services. Hammers bats and goggles will be provided. For more information, please contact Shelly Aardema at 616-696-1848 or check out Solon Market’s facebook page.  Like them for updates.

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.

Solon Market!

It’s Christmas in July at Solon Market! Join the fun this Saturday, July 9, at Solon Market, 15185 Algoma Ave. Santa arrives via fire truck at 10:00AM but the fun begins when Market opens at 9:00 a.m.  There will be cookies to decorate, pictures with Santa shared via Facebook, drawings, games and activities.

For your convenience, the Market has reserved Solon’s Community Room for the event.  Come enjoy the ambience of the Market, browse the stands, visit with your neighbors and pick up fresh produce, crafts, baked goods or flea market items. Have you been a good boy/girl? Be sure to visit with Santa and give him your list! Dress the kids for a run through the fire hose!

Solon Market is a FREE market, by the community, for the community.   There are no set-up fees, parking or cover charges.  Market hours are the second Saturday of the month, 9AM until 1PM. Want to join the Market family?  Give us a call at 616-696-4227 or 616-696-1718. Check out our Facebook page (Solon Market) and “like” us for updates.  See you at Market!

Event based Market begins this Saturday

It’s here! This Saturday, June 11, is opening day for Solon Market! The new Market will take place the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be event-based. This week’s Market features a community sale and petting zoo, chair massages and a raffle fundraiser to help build Velzy Park, the planned recreational facility behind Solon Township’s Office. Join the township in a perimeter walk along the proposed walking trail. Bring your garage sale items and join Solon’s vendors for a day at the Market. Produce featured this week includes asparagus, rhubarb, farm fresh eggs, honey and maple syrup. Other events planned include Christmas in July, Dog Daze Pet Expo in August, Sept Giveaways and Car Bash and October’s Bootacular.

Kids enjoy the petting zoo at the Solon Market.

For more information or to volunteer for events, Please call Shelly at 616-696-1848 or visit their facebook page—Solon Market. The Market address is 15185 Algoma Ave. in Cedar Springs. See you at Market!

With Fall comes football, pumpkins and Solon Market’s third annual Boo-tackular!  Solon Market will be hosting its last annual event for the season this Saturday, October 17. Join them for fun, games and refreshments from 10:00am to 11:00am, costume contest beginning at 11:00am and Trunk or Treat during Market hours—9am until 1pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, cutest and most original costumes.  Alternative rain date has been set for October 31.  Market season ends, Saturday, October 31.

Solon Market can be found at 15185 Algoma Avenue, west of Cedar Springs.  Check out their facebook page and like them for updates.

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.