Sparta Celebrates Christmas

Sparta’s Old Fashioned Christmas really gets rolling tonight {Tuesday, December 6} at the Civic Center {75 North Union Street} from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, when you can have Supper With Santa.  $1.00 per person includes hot dogs and popcorn as well as photos with Santa, crafts, and cookie decorating.

Then on Thursday, December 8th from 6 pm – 8 pm it is Pet Night with Santa in the Santa House! Get a free photo with a pet food or cash donation to the Humane Society.

The Santa Train & Kids Parade is Saturday, December 10th.  Enter the free raffle to win a chance to ride with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in the kids parade. Santa Train arrives Saturday morning at 10:10 AM, then the Kids Parade to the Santa House starts after the Santa Train departs.  Santa Hours are 10:30 AM to noon.  Santa’s Reindeer are there from 9:00 AM to noon, and there are free horse and wagon rides from 11 am to 1 pm.

Also on Saturday, December 10th is the Round Again Elf Workshop.  From 10:00 AM to noon kids are welcome to stop by the Elf workshop to pick out and wrap a surprise gift for free!

Kids can also visit Santa in the Santa House {This is WAY BETTER THAN THE MALL!!} on at 94 North Union Street Saturday, December 17th from 10:00 AM to noon and again Thursday, December 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Saturday, December 24th fr0m6:00 PM  to 9:oo PM  there will be Horse Drawn Trolley Rides through Harper Drive in Sparta.  The loading zone and treats are at the Sparta Fire Department.

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Full Swing. Without the Snow.

A snowstorm arrived in Michigan yesterday, but somehow magically flew right past Grand Rapids.  That never happens!

It seems like there should be snow, but maybe it’s good that there isn’t any.  There is a LOT to do.  So much, that I was getting a little nervous trying to figure out how I will fit it all in.  Snow would only slow me down.

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Oh, and did you notice that almost everything on this list is FREE?!

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What’s Happening At The Library This Week

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY

When the Library Lights Go Out – A Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Bring your stuffed friend to a special pajama storytime and leave it for a sleepover at the library. Pick up your special friend the next day to see what fun it had while the library was closed. For all ages.

Tuesday, November 29, 6:30 PM – Wyoming branch

Dance Party

Join us for pure dancing fun as we rock out to tons of kid-friendly music! Burn off a little energy, have a lot of fun, and share special time with your child. Come and go as you please. For ages 6 and under.

Monday, November 28, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids branch

Around the World in 80 Minutes

Explore music and games enjoyed by people worldwide in just over an hour. Get ready to become a virtual globetrotter with fun hands-on activities for the whole family! For all ages.

Monday, November 28, 2:00 PM – Englehardt branch

Holiday Gift Making

Don’t know what to get friends or family for the holidays? Make them something! They’ll be focusing on transforming ordinary craft supplies into beautiful works of art. For all ages.
Saturday, December 3, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township branch
Saturday, December 3, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch

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December 9 Scholastic Sale

There are two BIG Scholastic sales; one in May and one in December.  There are other sales during the year, but there seems to be a lot more to choose from during the May and December ones. If you haven’t been; it’s a big warehouse with shelves and shelves of Scholastic books!

The December sale will start on the 9th and go through the 21st.  The schedule is:

  • Weekdays (Dec. 9-21): 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Saturday (Dec. 10): 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Saturday (Dec. 17): 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
  • Closed Sundays

Make sure you sign up and get the “Fast Cart Pass”; you’ll get a coupon! Usually it’s $10 off of a $50 purchase. There is no shame in taking a calculator with you!  I always check that I am an “other educator”.

The address is 8280 Broadmoor Avenue, Caledonia.  Look for a big “Clifford”!

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December 3 Calvin EcoPreserve First Saturday

We love the Calvin EcoPreserve First Saturday programs!  Heading out to a nature program might not seem like a ‘holiday’ thing to do; but since Calvin is a Christian college they always manage to talk about God’s creation during the programs.

The December 3 program is“First Snow in the Woods” from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. You’ll learn how animals survive the winter; what birds stay around when it starts to snow, what are the adaptations that the White tailed deer has to help it survive the coldest time of year and more!

They’ll read the story The First Snow in the Woods and families will observe winter birds, get hands-on experience with deer artifacts, create a bird feeder for their own backyards, and spend time outside looking for animal signs.

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December 7 Kentwood Tree Lighting

The Kentwood Christmas Tree Lighting Spectacular is Wednesday, December 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th Street SE.  It’s FREE, and there will be:

  • A Candy Cane Hunt for kids 6:00pm
  • Refreshments 6:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Pictures with Santa 7:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Tree Lighting 7:00pm
  • Caroling 7:00pm – 7:30pm
  • Flashlight Hunt for Adults 7:30pm

For more information, please contact Jen Keith at Kentwood Recreation by phone at (616) 656-5272 or email keithjci.kentwood.mi.us.

Keep up with all of Grand Rapids’ culinary, cultural, and community events that your kids (and your wallet) will love!  Subscribe to my RSS feed, get Big Binder by email, follow me on twitter, or become fan on Facebook.

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December 3 Home Depot Kids Workshop Snowman Napkin Holders

These would be a really cute gift for your kids to make {for you or someone else!}.  They would be proud that they made it themselves; and also? IT’S FREE! Kids build and paint this Snowman Napkin Holder at Home Depot during their Kids Workshop on December 3 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a “Fun Family Events” Calendar item.  Check it out for more great frugal community activities your family will love!

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What’s Happening At The Library This Week

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY

Wacky Science

Grab your lab coat and join us for wild experiments and hands-on, multi-sensory fun. For ages 6 and up.

Saturday, November 19, 10:00 AM – Byron Township branch
Saturday, November 19, 2:00 PM – Kentwood branch

Reel Fun: A Family Movie Event

Come enjoy a family movie. Call or stop by the library for details. For all ages.

Wednesday, November 16, 6:00 PM – Sand Lake branch

Katie L.’s Big Top Birthday

Kent District Library turns 75 this year! Let’s wish Katie L., our elephant friend, a HUGE Happy Birthday! Join us at the library for birthday crafts, activities and treats. For all ages.

Monday, November 14, 10:30 AM – Alto branch
Wednesday, November 16, 10:00 and 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – East Grand Rapids branch
Thursday, November 17, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – East Grand Rapids branch
Saturday, November 19, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial branch

KDLville Ribbon-Cutting Party

Celebrate with Katie L. the elephant as she cuts the ribbon and welcomes you to KDLville, KDL’s new early literacy play space! Party and learn with crafts, games, balloon animals, and a tasty KDLville treat! For ages 6 and under.

Tuesday, November 15, 10:00 AM – Kentwood branch

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Santa’s Workshop

Saturday, November 19 11:00AM – 2:00 PM – Main Branch

This is a “Fun Family Events” Calendar item.  Check it out for more great frugal community activities your family will love!

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November 20 Children’s Music Performance at Schuler Books

Kids 2 to 10 will LOVE learning about wilderness safety, pollination, and saving electricity at this  educational concert!  Jeff Kagan and Page Doughty have lots of fun planned; join them at Schuler Books {2660 28th Street SE} at 4:00 on Sunday, November 20.

This is a “Fun Family Events” Calendar item.  Check it out for more great frugal community activities your family will love!

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Michaels Free Make It Take It Event “Thankful Tree” November 20

Head over to all Michael’s locations for a FREE make it take it “Thankful Tree“.  It’s for ages three and up, on November 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

This is a “Fun Family Events” Calendar item.  Check it out for more great frugal community activities your family will love!

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