Check out some of the fun, fall activities going on in our area in the days leading up to Halloween night.

Free Harvest Party

Oct. 20: Cedar Creek Community Church, 2969 – 14 Mile Rd NE, Sparta, 616-866-9829, will be hosting a FREE Harvest Party on Saturday, October 20 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. We will have hayrides (straw – due to allergies), pumpkin painting, dunking for apples, pumpkin bowling, bounce houses, cake walk, games for all ages, face painting, soup and hot dogs (from 5–6 pm), popcorn, lots of fun and fellowship. All are welcome.

Fall Fest at Spencer Township Library

Oct. 23: Celebrate the season with Autumn crafts, games and process art activities that focus more on the process and less on the final product. Tuesday, October 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Spencer Township Library, 14960 Meddler Ave, Gowen, MI 49326. For families with children.

Pumpkin carving and spooky walk

Oct. 26: Nothing says Halloween like pumpkin carving and a spooky trail walk at Howard Christensen Nature Center. Join us for a thrilling and ghoulish night on Friday, October 26, from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $5 for non-members and $3 for members. Price includes a pumpkin and everything you need to carve it. The event is open to kids of all ages (even the grownup ones). Donuts, cider, and coffee provided. Come in costume if you like! Please register online at www.howardchristensen.org.

Salvation Army Monster Mash

Oct. 26: The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its sixth-annual “Monster Mash” Halloween event on Friday, October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Center is located at 2300 S. Division in Grand Rapids. This free event will feature “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot, giving families a fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods. Multiple Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups will be distributing candy and other information, along with other local businesses.

Trunk or Treat at Courtland-Oakfield UMC

Oct. 27: The early bird gets the (Gummy) worm on Saturday, October 27, from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake NE, Rockford. Safe, friendly and fun. We’ll also be serving a free hot dog supper. 

Trunk or Treat at East Nelson UMC

Oct. 27: Trunk or Treat at East Nelson Church, 9024 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, on Saturday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m. Come and join the scary good fun!

Fall Fest at Nelson Twp/Sand Lake Library

Oct. 30: Celebrate the season with Autumn crafts, games and process art activities that focus more on the process and less on the final product. Tuesday, October 30 at 10:30 am at KDL – Nelson Twp/Sand Lake, 88 8^th St, Sand Lake. Come in costume for a parade around the library!

Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 31: The City of Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular will be on October 31, 2018 from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Main Street. Local businesses will be handing out candy and there will be police on duty to assist with crossing main the street. Residential trick or treating is from 5-8 p.m.

Halloween Warm Up Station at Cedar Springs UMC

Oct. 31: Be our guest at Cedar Springs United Methodist Church for some hot chocolate and popcorn during your Trick or Treat fun in Cedar Springs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 140 S. Main Street. 

Trunk or Treat at The Springs Church

Oct. 31: Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat at The Springs Church, 135 N. Grant Street, from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night. Our aim is to provide a safe and fun alternative to Halloween for people of all ages. Everyone is welcome! 

Last House Party at Solon Center Wesleyan

Oct. 31:  “Last House” Party at Solon Center Wesleyan. Make the church your last stop Halloween evening or simply come and hang out in a friendly and safe environment. There will be games, refreshments and candy, of course! The church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, and will be open from 7-8:30 p.m.

Trunk-R-Treat at Hillcrest Community Church

Oct. 31: Stop by Hillcrest Community Church, 5994 18 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs, for their annual Trunk-R-Treat on Wednesday, October 31, from 6-8 p.m. Just 2 miles from downtown Cedar Springs. Call 696-9333 for more info.

No trunks, just treats at Resurrection Lutheran

Oct. 31: Stop in to Resurrection Lutheran on Wednesday, October 31, from 6-8 p.m. There you will find No Trunks, Just Treats! The church is located at 180 Northland Dr., Sand Lake from 6-8 p.m.

Zoo Keeper gets lost at the farm

Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat at the Boat n Canoe Club, 401 North Park St. in Grand Rapids from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. Mary’s Farm Critters will be there for young and old; there will be games and candy for all; and costume prizes as well. 

Hundreds of little ghouls and goblins (and some big ones, too!) hit the city streets on Monday evening, October 31, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual Halloween Spooktacular. Businesses, churches, the museum, library and fire department all stayed open to hand out treats to little ones and to make their night much safer and a whole lot more fun!

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.

Halloween Extreme at the CS Historical Museum

Oct. 29: Don’t miss Halloween Extreme at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum in Morley Park on Saturday, October 29th from 5 to 7 pm. This special evening is for teens and adults, a little scary for the little ones but loads of fun for our older visitors. #43p

Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 31:  The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses and churches in Cedar Springs are sponsoring the annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 31. Some of the free events include trick or treating from 4:30-7 p.m. at area businesses and City Hall, with maps available at the Library; The Cedar Springs Historical Museum will be having their Haunted School House from 5- 7 p.m.; Apple Cider from the Kent County Traffic Squad and Candy by the Cedar Springs Fire Department at the Fire barn (Maple Street); The Springs Church Trunk or Treating from 6-8 p.m; warm up at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church with hot chocolate and treats. #43

Halloween Hospitality Center

Oct. 31: Warm up and rest station at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs on Monday, October 31st from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Serving hot chocolate, popcorn and treats. Hope to see you then. #42,43p

Haunted School House 

Oct. 31: On Halloween night be sure to visit the Haunted School House in Morley Park. This Spooktacular event will be open from 5 to 7 pm. Our volunteers Marie and Nolon Patin along with Phil Mann will transform the one room school next to the museum into a fun and spooky place at visit. This event is suitable for all ages. #43

Trunk or Treat at Hillcrest

Oct. 31: Monday, October 31st: It’s Trunk or Treat fun time! Come check out our crazy trunks from 6 – 8 pm at Hillcrest Community Church of God located at 5994 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. Don’t miss out on the safe family fun! #43

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Nov. 1,8,15,22,29: 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. #43

Seuss on STEAM at KDL

Nov. 2,3: Kids are never too young to be introduced to basic scientific principles, especially when it involves fun activities based on their favorite Dr. Seuss books. For ages 6 and younger. Wednesday, November 2, 10 a.m. and Thursday, November 3, 6:30 p.m., Spencer Twp. KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler, Gowen. #43

Fall Festival at Cedar Springs UMC

Nov. 5: The annual Fall Festival will be on Saturday, November 5th from 9 am to 2 pm at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Springs. Booths will include: Cookie Patch, Jewelry, Grandma’s Attic, Book Nook, Toys and Home Made Crafts. The church is located at 140 S. Main St. All are welcome. Celebrate the season with us. #43,44

Sand Lake Lions Club Variety Sale

Nov. 5: The Sand Lake Lions Club will host a Variety Sale on Saturday, November 5th from 9 am – 3 pm at the Sand Lake United Methodist Church ED building. Located on the corner of 6th and Maple Streets. Antiques/Vintage collectibles and crafts, quality used clothing, miscellaneous items. #43,44

HCNC Holiday Make and Take

Nov. 12: Nothing Says Happy holidays like a homemade gift from a youngster. Bring your kiddos to Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City on Saturday, November 12 from 10 am to 1 pm to make holiday gifts, ornaments and other crafts that can become gifts from the heart and the pride of your child! Drop off your child (5 and over) for a few hours while you shop for them and they become some of Santa’s greatest Elves. $8 per child, $5 for members. HCNC requests pre-registration to all events. Pre-registration online allows us to ensure enough supplies for all attendees. 616-675-3158.  #43

HCNC Wreath Making

Nov. 12: Come on back and make this years wreath from natural supplies. While they may not last as long as an artificial wreath, they are sure to fill your home with that aromatic sense of the holidays and add even more beauty because you made it! Have kids? This is a great time for them to join other “elves” in the Make and Take at the same time! Saturday, November 12 from 10 am to 1 pm. $10 per person, $5 for members.  Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. HCNC requests pre-registration to all events. Pre-registration online allows us to ensure enough supplies for all attendees. 616-675-3158.  #43

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Fun and Film

Nov. 21: Join KDL at Celebration Cinema North in the Wave Room for the ultimate Harry Potter experience! Wear your favorite Hogwarts costume, hang out with other fans and try your hand at wizard crafts. After the party, head downstairs for a 7 p.m. private showing of “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.” Seats in the theater are limited. Purchase tickets in advance any KDL location or online at www.kdl.org. Tickets are $15 per person and include pop and popcorn. For teens grades 6-12. Monday, November 21, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. #43

Are you ready to trick or treat in Cedar Springs?

It’s only two days until Halloween—are you ready for a night full of fun? Does the thought of greeting scores of trick or treaters make you break out in a cold sweat? Forget staying home! Pack up the kids and come out Halloween night for the Annual Cedar Springs Area Halloween Spooktacular in Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun begins at 4:30 p.m. with trick or treating at area businesses up and down Main Street, some side streets, and 17 Mile until 7 p.m. Special events include a haunted library at the Cedar Springs Library at the corner of Cherry and Second from 5-7 p.m.; a haunted school house at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum on Cedar Street in Morley Park from 5-7; Calvary Assembly of God will have lots of games and candy and prizes at the corner of Main and Ash from 5-7 p.m.; the Kent County Sheriff Traffic Squad will hand out hot chocolate and donuts at the Cedar Springs firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. again this year, and The Springs Church will host Trunk-or-Treat from 6-8 p.m., in their parking lot at the corner of Maple and First Street, along with a giant slide, and refreshments.

Check out some of the fun, fall activities going on in our area for Halloween!

MCC Haunted Indoor Forest

Oct. 24, 25: Montcalm Community College Art Club hosts a Haunted Indoor Forest from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Instruction North Building, on the college’s Sidney campus. A $2 donation is suggested.

Harvest Brains at Sand Lake/Nelson Library

Oct. 25: Program for teens, at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 25. Save your brains! Build a survival bag, practice your aim, and learn what it takes to stay alive during a zombie apocalypse. The library is located at 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

Harvest party

Oct. 25: Cedar Creek Community Church, at 2969 14 Mile RD NE Sparta, will host a harvest party on Saturday, October 25, from 5-8 p.m. There will be hayrides (using straw due to allergies), pumpkin painting, dunking for apples, cake walk, games, face painting, soup, hot dogs, popcorn, and lots of fun! All are welcome. Call 866-9829 for more info.

Pumpkin Carving and Lit Trails Walk

Oct. 25: Pumpkin/Carving and Pumpkin lit trail hike from 5-8:30 p.m. at Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16290 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, on Saturday, October 25. Suggested donation is $8 per person or $30 for family of four or more, including pumpkin to take home. (No one turned away for inability to pay. This donation helps keep HCNC operating.) Pumpkin carving from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and pumpkin lit walk through our spooky Enchanted Forest from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Friendly enough for your toddlers. Non scary animals will be on display in the forest, weather permitting for the mock-animals). Includes pumpkin to take home or leave at the center for the wild animals to munch on. Dress up as your favorite nature character. Open to all ages.

Trunk ‘r Treat at Courtland-Oakfield UMC 

Oct. 25: It’s our fourth annual Trunk ‘r Treat for kids of all ages. Saturday, October 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake NE. Candy outdoors; hot dogs & baked beans indoors.

Trunk or Treat at East Nelson UMC

Oct. 25: Bring your kids and come “Trunk or Treat” at East Nelson UM Church, 9024 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs on Saturday, October 25 from 5-7 p.m. Warm up with hot chocolate and sloppy joes. Games and fun for all.

Fall Festival  

Oct. 29: Fall Festival for all ages at the Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs on Wednesday, October 29, from 6:30- 8 p.m. For families with children 5th grade and under. Games, prizes, snacks, boy and girl door prizes and candy, candy, candy! The church is located on Algoma, just north of 19 Mile Road.

Nightmare on Cherry Street

Oct. 30: Calling all 4th to 6th graders!  You are officially invited to come to our “Nightmare on Cherry Street” party at the Cedar Springs Library! The fun, games, and food will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30 and go until 7:30. Registration is required, so come into the library to sign up or call 616-696-1910

Trick or Treat Trail Walk

Oct. 31: From 3-5 p.m. on Halloween, bring your kiddos by Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16290 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, to take a short walk down one of our trails to collect some candy, so we don’t get tricked!

Cedar Springs Spooktacular

Oct. 31:  The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses and churches in Cedar Springs are sponsoring the annual Main Street Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 31. Some of the free events include: spooky storytelling and crafts at the Cedar Springs Public Library, 4:30 p.m.; a haunted school house at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum in Morley Park 5-7 p.m.; a Kids Carnival, hosted by Calvary Assembly of God 5-7 p.m.; Trick-or-Treating at local businesses between 5-7pm; and Trunk or Treat at The Springs Church from 6 to 8 p.m. (see more details below).

Kids carnival

Oct. 31: Calvary Assembly of God will be presenting a free carnival during the Chamber of Commerce’s Spooktacular event from 5-7pm on Friday, October 31. The carnival will be at the corner of Ash and Main Street, next to DJ Nails, and will have lots of family-friendy games, with prizes and candy.

Haunted school house

Oct. 31: The Haunted School House is back this year at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum in Morley Park from 5-7 p.m. again. Nolan Patin has worked up another fun spooky event for the museum. We do adapt our spookiness when young children are coming through and will be handing out treats.

Trunk or Treat at The Springs

Oct. 31: Creative costumes—check. Oodles of goodies—check. Lots of giggles and loads of fun—doublecheck! You’ll experience it all at The Springs Church at Trunk or Treat on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be lots of candy for the taking, carnival games, a giant slide, and refreshments. It will be fun for the whole family, and a safe, well-lit environment for kids. The church is located at 135 N. Grant St., in Cedar Springs.

Traffic Squad/Fire Department

Oct. 31: There will be cider, donuts and candy at the Cedar Springs Fire Department on Maple Street from 5 to 7 p.m. or while supplies last.

Halloween Hospitality Center

Oct. 31: Warm up station at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs, on Friday, October 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Serving hot chocolate and popcorn, everyone is welcome to join us.

Halloween party – Courtland Fire

Oct 31:  Stop by the Halloween party at the Courtland Fire station #2, 9535 Myers Lake road from 5-9 p.m. Games, snacks candy, cider, coffee,  car trunks with treats welcome. Sponsored by women auxiliary, and many stores in the area.

Family Harvest Celebration

Oct. 31: Pine Ridge Bible Camp invites you to its annual Family Harvest Celebration on Friday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. This free event includes hayride, games, puppet show, cider, donuts and trip through Treat Town. Please bring a bag for collecting treats. It is a fun night for the whole family. Costumes welcome but not necessary. Please no witches, ghosts, monsters, etc. Pine Ridge is located just 5 miles east of town at 8415 17 Mile Rd. Call 616-696-8675 for more information.

Trunk or Treat at Crossfire Church

Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat at Crossfire Church, 4780 Cornfield Drive, Cedar Springs, from 6-8 p.m. There will be games and prizes, candy for the kids, hot dogs and chips available.

Ghostbusters at the Kent Theatre

Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov.2: Don’t let the Halloween weekend go by without spending some time at the Kent Theatre. A special showing of Ghostbusters will be on the big screen October 31, November 1 and 2, in celebration of Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary. Now in digital format, watch your favorite ghost busting team in action! Showing Halloween night at 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday at 3, 6 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 3 and 6 pm. Tickets are only $3.00.

Sand Lake Fire Department

Oct. 31: The Sand Lake Fireman’s Association will host their annual Halloween festivities at the fire station at 2 Maple Street in Sand Lake from 6-8 p.m. There will be games, a bounce house, prize drawings, goody bags, cider, donuts, and coffee. There will also be a costume contest. Judging is at 7:15, must be present to win the contest. Call 636-8854 for more info.

Trick or Treat at Meadowlark

Oct. 31: Meadowlark Retirement Village in Sparta loves having trick or treaters. Their doors will be open from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 31. The residents can’t wait to see all the kids dressed up! Meadowlark is located at 65 Ida Red Ave, Sparta. Call 887-8891 ext. 102 for more info.

Are you ready to trick or treat in Cedar Springs?

It’s only one week until Halloween—are you ready for a night full of fun? Does the thought greeting scores of trick or treaters make you break out in a cold sweat? Forget staying home! Pack up the kids and come out Halloween night for the Annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular in Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with spooky storytime at the library, at the corner of Cherry and Second. That is followed by trick or treating from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Street businesses.

The Kent County Sheriff Traffic Squad will hand out hot chocolate and donuts at the Cedar Springs firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. again this year, and the Cedar Springs Historical Museum will host a haunted school house at the museum in Morley Park. Calvary Assembly of God will host a carnival at Main and Ash, and The Springs Church will host Trunk-or-Treat from 6pm-8pm, in their parking lot at the corner of Maple and First Street, along with a giant slide, and refreshments. For more info, see ad below.

Trunk or treat at The Springs was a big hit with trick-or-treaters. They offered a kid carnival, lots of candy, and free hot dogs, donuts, cookies, cider, hot chocolate and coffee. Photo by Landon Prater.

Trick-or-treaters on Main Street during the Spooktacular on Halloween night. Photo from the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

It rained during the day and into the evening last Thursday, October 31, but that didn’t keep the little ghouls and goblins away. And that’s a good thing—because the businesses and churches in Cedar Springs were ready for trick-or-treaters!

More than 40 businesses, churches and non-profits were part of the Halloween Spooktacular last week, which was put on and organized the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. The evening included a haunted house at the Cedar Springs Museum’s schoolhouse, storytime at the library, a scavenger hunt and lots of trick-or-treating. While some outdoor events were cancelled because of the weather, The Springs Church moved its Trunk or Treat and kids carnival inside, and estimates that about 1,500 people flowed through their doors over the course the evening.

The Post was one of the many businesses handing out candy, and we thank you for coming to see us! Check out our Halloween album at https://www.facebook.com/cedarspringspost

Are you ready to trick or treat in Cedar Springs?

Are you ready for a night full of fun? Don’t let the forecast of rain keep you home Halloween night—there will be plenty of fun both indoors and out at the annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular in downtown Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with spooky storytime inside the library, at the corner of Cherry and Second, and a scavenger hunt by En Gedi that starts at City Hall. That is followed by trick or treating from 5 to 7 p.m. at almost 40 Main Street businesses—so bring your umbrella!

If you are looking for more indoor activities, The Springs Church, located at 135 N. Grant Street, will host their Trunk or Treat inside the church. Calvary Assembly God will also hold their kids carnival inside at The Springs. There will be lots of candy for the taking, games, hot chocolate, cider and donuts. It will be fun for the whole family!

The Cedar Springs Fire Department will hand out hot chocolate and donuts at the firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. again this year, and the Cedar Springs Historical Museum will host a haunted school house inside the museum in Morley Park for the first time.

The En Gedi youth center’s “Ghost in the graveyard” at North Park (NE corner of Pine and Main) will be canceled if it rains.

Come see us at The Post! We will be handing out candy, along with many other businesses. Check out all the businesses and non-profits handing out candy this year on or just off Main Street (starting at the south end):

Cedar Street: The Cedar Springs Historical Museum

Between Muskegon (17 Mile) and Church Streets: Family Video, Hungry Howie’s, CS Family Chiropractic, Main Street Restaurant, Awesome Tan, and Admiral.

Between Church and Beech Streets: Amish Warehouse, McBride Accounting, United Methodist Church.

Between Beech and Ash Streets: American Legion, The Cedar Pub.

Between Ash and Cherry Streets: D&J Nails, Traveler’s Trunk, Link Wireless, The Hair Craft Company, Alpha Omega Coffee and Games, Round Up Tavern, Take Two Game Shop.

Between Cherry and Elm Streets: The Cedar Springs Public Library (Cherry Street), The Kent Theatre, Vitale’s Pizza, The Gun Tavern.

Between Elm and Maple Streets: Curves, Cedar Chest, Homemade Ceramics, Car Quest, Frog’s Legendary Billiards; Perry’s Place, Cedar Springs Fire Department (W. Maple), The Cedar Springs Post (E. Maple), and The Springs Church (driveways off E. Maple and First Streets).

Pine Street and North: Wesco, B&H Sporting Goods, Cedar Springs Tire, Dollar General, KC’s Kones and Coneys, Kelly’s Restaurant, Vanderhyde Ford.

Are you ready to trick or treat in Cedar Springs?

It’s only one week until Halloween—are you ready for a night full of fun? Does the thought of greeting scores of trick or treaters make you break out in a cold sweat? Forget staying home! Pack up the kids and come out Halloween night for the Annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular in Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with spooky storytime at the library, at the corner of Cherry and Second, and scavenger hunt by En Gedi that starts at City Hall. That is followed by trick or treating from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Street businesses.

The Cedar Springs Fire Department will hand out hot chocolate and donuts at the firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. again this year, and the Cedar Springs Historical Museum will host a haunted school house at the museum in Morley Park for the first time.

A youth center and two area churches will also be part of the festivities. The En Gedi youth center will host a “Ghost in the graveyard” at North Park (NE corner of Pine and Main); Calvary Assembly of God will host a carnival at North Park; and The Springs Church will host Trunk-or-Treat from 6pm-8pm, in their parking lot at the corner of Maple and First Street, along with a giant slide, and the Double K Farms petting zoo. They will also serve donuts, hot chocolate and coffee inside for trick or treaters and their families.

Halloween Fest

Oct. 26: Halloween Fest for all ages at East Nelson UM Church, 9024 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs on Saturday, October 26 from 4-7 p.m. Games, snacks, haunted house, costume contest! Trunk or treat in the parking lot. Car trunks packed with treats for the young ones. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the party! Sponsored by the C.I.A. (Christians in Action-Youth Ministry)

Harvest party

Oct. 26: Cedar Creek Community Church, at 2969 14 Mile RD NE Sparta, will host a free harvest party on Saturday, October 26, starting at 5 p.m. There will be hayrides (using straw due to allergies), pumpkin bowling, bounce houses, cake walk, games, face painting, soup, hot dogs, popcorn, and lots of fun! All are welcome. Call 866-9829 for more info.

Pumpkin Carving and Lit Trails Walk

Oct. 26: Pumpkin/Carving and Pumpkin lit trail hike at Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16290 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, on Saturday, October 26. Suggested donation is $8 per person or $30 for family of four or more, including pumpkin to take home. (No one turned away for inability to pay. This donation helps keep HCNC operating.) Pumpkin carving from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and pumpkin lit walk through our spooky Enchanted Forest from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Includes pumpkin to take home or leave at the center for the wild animals to munch on. Dress up as your favorite nature character. Open to all ages.

Trunk ‘r Treat  at Courtland-Oakfield UMC 

Oct. 26: Whether pirate, zombie, princess, or other, you’re invited to go trunk to trunk and fill your goodie bag at Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake NE, on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6:00-8:00pm. Get candy, chili, and hot dogs, while they last. Safe, friendly, fun!

Awesome Autumn Adventure

Oct. 29: Celebrate the season with autumn crafts, pumpkin decorating, games and bountiful farmyard fun at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library, Tuesday, October 29, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please bring your own pumpkin. For all ages. The library is located at 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

Fall Festival – The Great Tomb Raid

Oct. 30: The Solon Center Wesleyan church presents its annual Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 30^th from 6:30 to 8 pm. For families with children 5^th grade and under. Discover Jesus’ power and enjoy candy, snacks & fun through this archaeological based festival. There will be Great Tomb Raid games, digs and artifacts, an Israel Bones Excavation station and a Tomb Raiders Cafe. A prize will be awarded for the best Indiana Jones look alike, so kids wear your costumes. The church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., just north of 19 Mile Rd. See you at the dig!

Family Harvest Celebration

Oct. 31: Pine Ridge Bible Camp invites you to its annual Family Harvest Celebration on Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. This free event includes candy, games, gospel magician, wagon rides, cider, treats and a lot of fun decorations. It is a fun night for the whole family. Cider and treats will be served in our new dining hall. Pine Ridge is located just 5 miles east of town on 17 Mile Rd. Call 616-696-8675 for more information.

Cedar Springs Spooktacular

Oct. 31:  The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses and churches in Cedar Springs are sponsoring the annual Main Street Halloween Spooktacular on Wednesday, October 31. There will be a Haunted School House at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum in Morley Park; a Kids Carnival, hosted by Calvary Assembly of God in North Park (NE corner of Pine St. and Main St., behind Cedar Rental); a Ghost in the Graveyard, hosted by En Gedi at North Park; Trick-or-Treating at local businesses between 5-7pm, and Trunk or Treat at The Springs Church from 6 to 8 p.m. (see more details below).

Traffic Squad/Fire Department

Oct. 31: There will be cider, donuts and candy at the Cedar Springs Fire Department on Maple Street from 5 to 7 p.m. or while supplies last. Chief Marty Fraser will have the fire building open and staffed during this time period.

Trunk or Treat at The Springs

Oct. 31: Creative costumes—check. Oodles of goodies—check. Lots of giggles and loads of fun—doublecheck! You’ll experience it all at The Springs Church at Trunk or Treat on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be lots of candy for the taking, carnival games, a giant slide and a petting zoo! For the adults there will be hot chocolate, cider and donuts. It will be fun for the whole family, and a safe, well-lit environment for kids. The church is located at 135 N. Grant St., in Cedar Springs.

Sand Lake Fire Department

Oct. 31: The Sand Lake Fireman’s Association will host their annual Halloween festivities at the fire station at 2 Maple Street in Sand Lake from 6-8 p.m. There will be games, a bounce house, prize drawings, goody bags, cider, donuts, and coffee. There will also be a costume contest, with judges walking around from 6:30 to 7:30 looking at the costumes. Judging is at 7:30, must be present to win the contest. Call 636-8854 for more info.

Costume, check. Trick-or-treat bag, check. Comfortable walking shoes, check. Ready for a night full of fun? Double-check!

Pack up the kids and come out Halloween night for the 6th Annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular in Cedar Springs! Sponsored by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and churches, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with storytime at the library, at the corner of Cherry and Second, followed by trick or treating from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Street businesses.

People can pick up their maps of participating businesses at the library. Trick-or-treating will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you are hungry, there will be hot dogs for sale next to the Cedar Pub.

The Kent County Sheriff Traffic Squad and Cedar Springs Fire Department will hand out candy, cider and donuts at the firebarn at W. Maple and Second St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. while supplies last.

Two area churches will also be part of the festivities. Calvary Assembly of God will host a carnival in the lot by the next to D&J nails. The Springs Church, at the corner of Maple and First, will be hosting Trunk-or-Treat from 6pm-8pm, along with a giant slide, and the Double K Farms petting zoo in their parking lot, and free donuts and hot chocolate inside for trick or treaters and their families.

For more info, including details on the costume contest and other Halloween events, click here.