The Suggestion Box: What's Going On in Newaygo County?

​The Suggestion Box
By: N3 FeatureTeam

OK Near Northians can you spell 3 DAY WEEKEND?

Yes the usual couple of days to kick back and regroup, but wait, there’s an extra day attached to the end. An entire 24 hour period giving the weekend a 50% increase and as a bonus, reducing the following work week to the four day trek some of us have been waiting for decades to have become the norm.

Early weather reports are mixed but most indicate some rain so while being outside and engaging in a bit of appreciation for the natural wonders that abound in these parts, you may want to look into a few options for an occasional duck  into dryness should it move from a drizzle to a downpour.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday

Newaygo will be kind of a centerpiece of activity drawing crowds to its downtown area for the annual arts and crafts festival so ably assembled by the River Country Chamber. Got young folks who live with you or some who may be just visiting? Make sure you check out the Kid’s Carnival. Take a tour of the museum, walk the streets in search of the best deals at the sidewalk sales and drink in the celebratory atmosphere that comes alive at this Start of Summer Soiree.

If you live on one of our many lakes or have friends and relatives who do it is hoped there will be some sunny stretches to grab a bit of water-driven action. Boating, tubing, skiing, swimming are all on the docket as pontoons, paddleboats, personal watercraft and the magic of motorless water travel via kayak or canoe await those who favor such activity.

Need a bit of river time? Wisner Rents Canoes, Croton Dam Float Trips, Pinky’s, and others farther adrift will set you up with your cruising pleasure. You can kayak or canoe down the Magnificent Muskegon, taking in the sights while putting in a little effort and exercise or you can meander the mighty Mo in the most absolutely indolent manner, slothfully streaming along with no cares and a flotilla of friends foods and the beverages of one’s choice.

Oh, and did I mention a campfire? If you have the access, spend a little time around a campfire or two this weekend. It’s good for your mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health (if you limit the S’mores) and a great way to slow things down a bit, particularly if you enjoy it in a device-less manner.

​Saturday:
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This one’s a real treat for young and old
I think we all share a fascination with the stars and planets that loom above us and more of us are driven outside this time of year to enjoy the sparkling show provided us during the cloudless nights. Well, to put a little more gusto in your gazing take in the latest Star Party at the Stephen F. Wessling Observatory. Weather permitting they will be doing a little constellation/galaxy hop through our infinite sky. Things get rolling about 9pm but come a little early and see what’s been happening at the historic barn at adjoining Kropscott Farm Environmental Center. 
Fun place, fun folks.
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​​Sunday: 
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This is a little farther afoot than we usually travel but our own Megan Wirts (Megan Again columnist) will be doing her stand-up comedy thing at the Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge in Grand Rapids. It’s called Sunday Night Funnies and she is part of a dozen fast-paced comedy acts beginning at 8:30pm.

Monday:

After a couple days of intense merriment and fun seeking you can take some time on the Day itself and pay homage to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to enjoy  the freedoms we so richly relish. 
Should this be on your agenda here are the services and events that have come to the attention of the staff at N3. 
Fremont’s ceremony will be held in the evening beginning at 6pm when the parade assembles at Main & Darling for their 6:30pm pass down Main to Veteran’s Park. After their arrival the service will take place beginning at 6:45pm.
Hesperia folks will gather at the fairgrounds at 10am for a service followed by ceremonies at Vida Weaver Park and the cemetery.
White Cloud’s services will commence at 10:00am across from the post office downtown then parade to the cemetery where speakers and song will help honor the occasion.
Big Prairie/Everett Cemetery will be including the dedication of the Korean and Vietnam War memorial plaques in their ceremony beginning at 1pm. The cemetery is located at 20th St and Pine Avenue.
The Honor Guard from Newaygo’s VFW Post will visit cemeteries before a final noon ceremony at the Post and Croton/Hardy will be doing cemetery visits as well convening back at the American Legion Post at noon for services at The Rock.
Lincoln Township will be having a ceremony at the township cemetery beginning at 1pm.
Enjoy the weekend, fly a little Red White and Blue, and honor those who gave their all for the cause of freedom.