Suggestion Box: The Star, Some Song, Lots Of Christmas Stuff And Let’s Hope It Doesn’t Rain

Rain and a bit of a warm-up in the forecast but we are on the very cusp of December when the serious Christmas stuff starts rolling out and this weekend has a bunch. We at N3 World Headquarters (aka 'Bronners West' during Christmas time) have immersed ourselves in the Christmas spirit (via being exposed to  a steady stream of Hallmark movies) and soon a new page dedicated to the holidays will emerge for a limited run.
Stay tuned.

Ok, maybe it’s still November but the Newaygo Christmas Walk will be going on Friday evening as the streets of the downtown area close down and the myriad of intriguing shops open up. This is always one of those ‘must dos’ this time of year and the downtown merchants put on their best to welcome visitors, wandering carolers deliver inspiring song, chestnuts roast on an open fire most years and the festive nature of the season is captured as folks mingle about with friends and neighbors.
​Oh, and the wise men are back on the hill so all's right with the world.

Runner? Walker? Supporter of the Newaygo Cross Country Team? Out looking for a way to kick start a December Saturday?
All or part of the above?
The Annual St. Nick Kick is Saturday morning beginning at 10am so if you haven’t registered yet and want to do your part in supporting our youthful runners there is same day registration. 5K, 10K and, the choice of those of us at N3 World Headquarters, the one mile walk, are the options.  N3 has covered this event since its inception and it has grown into a festive kind of happening  combining a little competitiveness with some healthy, outside, winter fun.
And we know it doesn’t officially start until the 21st (at 5:23pm to be exact) but hey, look outside.
It’s winter.

On Saturday head north for more holiday fun as Christmas in the Cloud kicks off at noon and runs until 4pm. Lots of family friendly activities, wagon rides, music, games and, of course, Santa. From there if you’ve not had your holiday fill you can travel over to Camp Newaygo where they will be  hosting Santa and S’mores Saturday from 4-8pm.

Star of Bethlehem
One of the coolest places around is the Kropscott Farm. Ned Hughes sent us this missive about an interesting program they have going this weekend.
“Ever stand amazed at the vastness of the universe or wonder how the sky looked on the night Jesus was born. And who were those wise men and where did they call home?
“Then, come join the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers at the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center Barn Demonstration Area and explore the sky as it would have looked to the shepherds 2000+ years ago.”
Presentations are 7pm Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.
Cost: Adults/children:  $5; children under 2 years: free
Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be available for a nominal fee  
A drawing will be held for a small telescope at the conclusion of the Sunday December 2nd, program! Participants DO NOT   have to be present to win!
Certainly bears checking out.

In the mood for some bluegrass music? Studio 37 in downtown Newaygo is hosting The Journeymen on Saturday starting at 7pm. Veterans of the annual Luthiers concert might recognize the fiddler. Isaac Smith has been wowing folks  since he took the stage at the Luthiers as a preteen more than a decade ago and he has, of course, only gotten better. Isaac is just one of the talented troupe of artists that create the Journeymen.
Well worth a listen or two.

Suggestion Sox is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. a fine establishment serving good food and drink.