Thurs. Dec. 10^th 6-8 pm *** RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, DEC. 18th 6-8 PM DUE TO WEATHER! *** Pet Night with Santa in Santa House! Bring your furry friend to visit Santa in the Santa House! (80 N. Union, Sparta) Prepare to wait outdoors while waiting your turn! Pet food, blanket, or cash donations will receive a free photo of your pet and Santa!

Sat. Dec. 12^th 10:15 am – 1 pm Santa Train, Santa Parade & Visit with Santa! (Bring your camera for photos with Santa!) Watch as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves arrive on Marquette Rail into town! Follow Santa in a Kids Parade to the Santa House. Train arrives at 10:15 am; parade begins at 10:30 am. (Train 240 E. Division; Santa House 80 N. Union Street, Sparta)

Arrive between 9:45 am to 10:10 am to enter to win a FREE chance to ride with Santa in the Parade! Each child must be present to enter. Drawing will be held at 10:10 am.

Two of Santa’s live reindeer will be visiting near the Santa House after the parade until Noon! From 11am-1 pm enjoy free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides!

Tues. Dec. 15^th 6-8 pm Santa House is Open! Bring your camera! (80 N. Union, Sparta)

Tues. Dec. 15^th 6:30-7:30 pm Christmas Craft and Story time at the Sparta Township Library from with snacks and Christmas book raffle!

Thurs. Dec. 17^th 6-8 pm Santa House is Open! Bring your camera! (80 N. Union, Sparta)

Sat. Dec. 19^th 11 – 1 pm Santa House is Open! Bring your camera! (80 N. Union, Sparta)

Tues. Dec. 22^nd 6-8 pm Santa House is Open! Bring your camera! (80 N. Union, Sparta)

Thurs. Dec. 24^th 6-9 pm Free Horse Drawn Trolley Rides through a luminary wonderland on Harper Drive! Load and unload at the Sparta Fire Department (70 N. State, Sparta). Free cider & treats provided by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home.

Thank you to our sponsors of Old Fashioned Christmas for brining Santa to town for the community to enjoy. Please be sure to thank our sponsors!!!

Hessel-Cheslek

Moore & Bruggink

ChoiceOne

North Kent Towing

Independent Bank

Northern Physical Therapy

Sparta Church of the Nazarene

Sparta Tire

What Old Fashioned Christmas events did we celebrate this year?

Tues. Dec. 1^st 6-8 pm Santa Party! Visit Santa at the Santa Party and decorate cookies, take pictures with Santa, create crafts, airbrush tattoos, enjoy a hot dog dinner and music! Only $1 per person at the Sparta Civic Center (75 N. Union, Sparta).

]]> http://spartachamber.com/coc/2009/11/13/old-fashioned-chirstmas-activities/feed/ 0 http://spartachamber.com/coc/2008/11/19/believe%e2%80%a6/ http://spartachamber.com/coc/2008/11/19/believe%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00:31 +0000 admin http://spartachamber.com/coc/?p=83 The holidays are about more than simply getting presents or about Santa Claus. It’s about spending time with friends and families, sharing in the spirit of giving, and the sense of compassion that is evident in many people in our community. Here in Sparta alone, we have many different ways to donate toys to families less fortunate and numerous ways to help with food donations to those in need.

The traditional values found in our community that are so important during the holidays and year round gives us the reason to continue to believe in the goodness in people and the importance of the giving of yourself. Especially during the holidays, lately it seems, people can get caught up in the commercialism that the holidays have become- dashing to the mall to wait half the night to get the latest and greatest electronic toy is quite the norm. During the hustle and bustle period this year, it’s nice to know we live in a community that still believes in the values connected to the holiday. When we hear the word “believe”, we know it means more than in “Santa Claus”, but to believe in hope, compassion, in the spirit of giving and the goodness of people.
The Holiday Season in downtown Sparta is special, too. Homes are decorated with holiday lights and family’s together to meet Santa at the Santa House or take a stroll through candy cane lane, there truly is nothing like this time of year. While downtown, take a moment to see if any of our local businesses would save you the hassle of the traffic and crowds elsewhere. You may just find a perfect gift for a loved one from restaurant gift certificates, antique collector’s items, customized framing, men’s work ware and tools, auto accessories, and holiday collectibles.

This season, we have many activities for you and your family to enjoy. Visit Santa as he arrives with Mrs. Claus on the Santa Express train or bring your furry friend to pet night with Santa. Looking for a fun evening with Santa and his elves? Bring your little ones to the Santa Party where we will be making crafts, decorating cookies and taking photos with Santa! And if you and your family would like a real holiday treat, take a free trolley ride through Harper Drive on Christmas Eve.

All of the events that are scheduled throughout the month are brought to you because of the generous local businesses that support the community events. These events continue a tradition of the holiday spirit in the Village of Sparta. Please remember to thank the businesses that bring you events throughout the year. Please visit the website for more information or contact us at (616) 887-2454.