Suggestion Box: “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…..”

By N3 Holiday Specialists

Are you kidding? No one with any level of familiarity regarding  the environs we fortunate folk reside in need any suggestions about this weekend.
Thanks to the efforts of the River Country Chamber of Commerce, area  businesses and organizations, and the ever valued troop of volunteers it is a Christmas lover’s paradise in these parts for the next few days and with a full moon smack dab in the middle of it there looks to be mirth,merriment, and a smidge of magic in the air.
What follows is a handful of holiday happennings for some first-rate  family friendly fun.

Friday night is The Christmas Walk in downtown Newaygo, an annual event like no other. The evening seems to evolve into a wondrous series of happenings with folks buzzing about to check out displays, ice sculpting, chestnut roasting, caroling, Santa sitting, wagon riding  and the splendid collection of shops that line the downtown area.
The organizers and local businesses hit it out of the park with this one because not only does the community turns out in droves  a substantial number of out of towners looking to tweak their Christmas spirit make the yearly trek to Newaygo.
Starts at 6pm ends about 9pm. If you’re looking to capture a sea of smiles, here’s a golden opportunity.

Saturday the action moves 10 miles north as Christmas in White Cloud featuring Candy Cane Lane rolls out a feast of of family fun from  1-5pm.
We received this from N3 contributor and White Cloud enthusiast Tracy Maike-Kehr  “Be sure to stroll through White Cloud and visit our area businesses spending the day making memories with your friends and family. This year there are many new locations, events and activities. A printable list of events and a map to mark and make sure you have visited all the places you desire is available at RiverCountyChamber.com and will be available at many locations you visit. We would like to thank our many sponsors who helped to make this family tradition possible. A list of our sponsors is found on our website.”
She also kindly included Santa’s schedule.

​11:00 am - 3:00 pm White Cloud St Joe's Catholic Church
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Family Health Care
1:00 pm - 5:00pm  Santa House located in Rudert's parking lot
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Patt's Pet Parlor (selfie with Santa and pet)
We all thank Santa of course for making himself available despite what must be a rather demanding schedule.

There are a lot of great  opportunities for runners in our parts, but few match the fun and festive atmosphere associated with the St Nick Kick taking place Saturday morning 10am at Newaygo High School. From humble beginnings this holiday inspired run has evolved into one of the ‘can’t miss’ runs in the region. The event draws a lot of regulars and the giveaways are always terrific. Runners often wait until the day to register and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day for the 5k 10k and 1 mile walk so if you’re not going to lace them up come out and cheer on the participants with proceeds going, (fittingly I might add) to the Cross Country programs at NHS.See the ad on our home page.

From 11am-3pm is the Bellwether Open House a chance to pick up some gifts for your furry friends while supporting the exceptional work being done by the Bellwether folks.
This was the much favored organization of my late friend Shotgun who despite his years living in the lap of canine luxury and settling into his role as faithful and near constant companion (truly the Tonto of dogdom) never forgot his quadruped colleagues still searching for a lifetime home.
The pet boutique has holiday treats and supplies to purchase for your fur baby so no one is forgotten on Santa’s list and pet pictures will be taken by the talented folks from Treasured Images.
Lots of stuff to do and see here so check out BH located west of Fremont on 48th St.

The Newaygo County Community Choir takes to the Main Stage of the Dogwood Center at 3pm Sunday for their Christmas Concert under the direction  of Joseph Jennings. The seasonal soundfest features time honored music a surprise or two and perhaps a little audience participation.

More fun will be unfolding as we meander through December so hang on to your holiday hat.
It’s going to be a fun ride.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ”-Norman Vincent Peale

Suggestion Box is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. where good times are never out of season