Christmas is such a wonderful time of year but we often get caught up in the shopping and consumer aspect of it all. This year why not save some of that cash or better yet give it to those who are worse off than you. Here's a list of things to do with your family that can be new traditions for the whole bunch. They won't cost you much if anything at all. Spending time together is more valuable than any toy that will be forgotten in a month.
Dec. 2nd 6-8pm
Sparta Old Fashioned Christmas 2008 Party - This event is held at the Civic Center in Sparta and will include a hot dog supper, cookie decorating, face painting, kids' activities as well as pictures with Santa. The cost is $1 per person.
Dec. 4th 6-8pm
Pet Night with Santa - This is at the Sparta Santa House. You can bring your pet to visit Santa and get a free picture of the two together. There are also treat bags for pets. They are asking for donations of unopened pet food for the Kent County Humane Society.
Dec. 4th 4-7pm
Holiday open house at Erika's Deli Bistro Market - Visit the demonstration area for a presentation on a "15 minute cocktail party" complete with recipes and samples. This is free. Erika's is located at 3989 Cascade Rd. #20, GR 49546.
Dec. 5th 7pm
Coopersville Nighttime Christmas Parade - One of my favorite things to do! You can ride the train for free into town. See and pet reindeer. Get free hot chocolate and even a free picture with Santa! You can visit the Reindeer Petting Park from 6-7pm. The parade is in downtown Coopersville on Main street. Santa photos are taken afterwards at the Jr. High School.
Dec. 5th 5-9pm
Tree lighting - The new GRAM will be hosting this event at the beginning of its Friday night program. Normally it costs $5 to get in, but not on this night. You get in free for this special occasion. It's going to be a regular Rockefeller Center experience when you see the ice skaters at Rosa Parks Circle after 6pm.
Dec. 6th 10-12pm
Holiday open house at Erika's Deli Bistro Market - Bring your kids for a gingerbread cookie workshop. Be sure to sign up for this event at 942-1450. Erika's is located at 3989 Cascade rd. #20, GR 49546. This is a free event.
Dec. 6th 10am - 5pm
UICA Holiday Artist's Market - This is a fun place to shop and doesn't cost anything to get in. There will be a free children's art workshop to entertain them while parents shop.
Dec. 6th 11am - 3pm
Christmas for the Animals at John Ball Zoo - This is a free event where you are asked to bring items that can be used to enrich the lives of the animals there. Such items are - mirrors, jelly, sunflower seeds, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, fresh or frozen berries, wading pools, unsalted crackers, pillowcases, socks, blankets, freezer bags and even cutting boards. Go to http://johnballzoosociety.org/pdfs/2008_enrichmentlist.pdf to see a full list. They will be doing demonstrations on how they use these items at the zoo. There will also be a visit from Santa and his reindeer! This event is preceded by an all you can eat pancake breakfast from 9:30-10:30am. The cost is $6 for those over 13 and $3 for those 13 and under. You need to make reservations for this.
Dec. 6th 11:30 - 1:30pm
Free photo with Santa - For those who live on the south end of town this one's for you. Bring in a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to Rite Aid on 60th & Kalamazoo or 44th & S. Division to receive a free photo with the big guy.
Dec. 6th 10am
S. Division Santa Claus Parade - It starts at 33rd st. SW and S. Division and continue south to 43rd st. SW. This, of course, is free.
Dec. 6th 11am
Rockford's Santa Parade - This takes place in downtown Rockford and is always fun.
Dec. 7th 1-5pm
Holiday open house at the Gerald R. Ford Museum - This is also a free event for everyone. There will be a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus plus a variety of activities for children.
Dec. 7th 2-4:30pm
An Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Day - This event is held at the Hyser Rivers Museum (6440 West River Dr.). You can make an ornament to take home and all the materials are provided and there's no cost for you. They do ask that reservations be made in advance. You can call 364-8466 to do that.
Dec. 12-14th 7, 7:30 & 8pm
Living Nativity at Brookside Christian Reformed Church - They will be telling the Christmas story with live animals, actors and songs. Cookies and hot chocolate will follow after the three performances. Be sure to dress warm!
Dec. 13th 4-8pm
Homestead Holidays at the Blandford Nature Center - There will be horse-drawn wagon rides for $1, holiday crafts and family activities. This event costs $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Dec. 4th 5-9pm
Holiday Hop - Wealthy Street, East Fulton Street, Eastown and East Hills will be celebrating the season by having special festivities and discounts that evening. You can park in one spot and take the jolly holiday trolley to the other shopping districts for free. Eastown will be having Santa Claus, carolers and food and drink coupons for those who stop by. East Hills will also have carolers plus a tree lighting ceremony at the Inner City Christian Federation building (920 Cherry st. se). East Fulton businesses will be hosting entertainers in their shops as well as carolers. I've been to this event several times and just can't seem to find the trolley unless it's flying by me. Maybe you'll have better luck. (sorry this is out of order - I'm too tired to redo it)
Dec. 27th 10:30am
Penguin Express / Two-for-one at the zoo and Childrens Museum - Head to the zoo first for some live penguin fun and then hop on the trolley and head to the museum for some more penguin fun. You must make reservations at 336-4312. You can also add a ticket to see Madagascar II in IMAX for $8 more or you can get a regular theater ticket for $6.50. Without the added movie tickets this day will cost you $9 no matter your age.
One last deal to throw your way. The Public Museum is having what they call Snowfall break days. They are offering admission for $5 for adults and any accompanying children are free. During these special days you can also go to craft stations, get a BOGO for a planetarium show, see the Herpolsheimer's train and get free carousel rides. Here are the dates for these specials:
December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20th - 24th, 26th - 31st and January 2nd - 4th. Don't forget that Mondays are always free for GR residents who have ID that has GR on the address.
Lots of fun that won't cost much if anything at all! So save your money and invest in the gift of time.
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