In years past, families would tour Sparta’s neighborhoods and enjoy the holiday decorations. Coming to mind are the large, red candles in the front yards on Orchard Drive, or the luminary bags lining the street around the Harper Drive – Terrace neighborhood.

This year share your family’s decorating tradition by entering Sparta’s Christmas light contest! Township residents and Sparta Businesses can register by sending in a registration form by Dec. 1st. Voting forms and maps of the participating homes and businesses will be located at Momber Pharmacy, Choice One Bank, Rogue River Credit Union or Independent Bank after December 1st. These forms will also be located online at www.spartachamber.com after November 1st.

Public Voting will take place from December 10 – 22nd. Voting forms need to be turned in to participating merchants, or mailed to the Village Offices at 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345 Attention: light contest, by Noon on December 23. Jump in the car, swing through the local drive-up for a hot cocoa too!

Take a tour of our beautiful township and vote on the winners. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Show your holiday spirit by entering your home or business in Sparta’s light contest. Show your Christmas spirit and let Sparta shine!

Lighting Contest Entry Form (PDF)

Vote for the Best Lights in Sparta!  (Map & Voting Form PDF)  Coming soon!

Sixty three different apple dishes and recipes will be whipped up for the one day occasion by about 30 of the Peach Ridge farm women.  One of the farm wives have called the new Apple Smorgasbord event a “wonderfully fresh idea”.  The smorgasbord itself seems that it might become a very time consuming affair, as over 250 hours of weekly planning meetings have already taken place to prepare for the upcoming event.  Farm wives are discussing making recipes like Ham and Apples, such as hams basted in sweet cider and garnished by coconut covered cinnamon apples.  It is estimated that the event will serve about 100 farm folk and some specially invited visitors.  The farm wives are in charge of arranging apple smorgasbord tables, and the farmers will be showing some guests a close-up of apple production problems and practices.  It is heard that food editors from Detroit, Cleveland, and Toledo are invited to the event to draw attention to the fact that apples are good for many things besides munching and this year will be a bumper crop.  

The early part of September was chosen for the Smorgasbord, because the apple harvest begins then, and once the picking starts, everything else becomes secondary until the fruit is in storage.

1953 – It’s Really Taking Off

A Record 131 Dishes are sitting on the Apple Smorgasbord Table for this third annual event.  This year it is held in the yards of the Kober brothers, John and William on Peach Ridge Rd.  The ladies are beginning to swap recipes and sample the delicacies.  This year, besides apple dishes, there are nine turkeys that are furnished free by the Michigan Turkey Growers Association.

This year will also host stunts, games, contest, and auctions.  Wilbur Reister, it’s over heard in the group at the dessert table, is said to have accepted the chairman position of the 1954 smorgasbord already.  Apple industry leaders including Representative Gerald R. Ford, Senator Charles Feenstra, and Rep. Irving Pennington are expected to be present.   Looking around this beautiful layout of food, virtually everyone along the Peach Ridge seems to be in attendance and is contributing toward the success of the event. 

1954

Rain may become a factor in the big Apple Smorgasbord tomorrow.  Tonight, the men are working to erect a big tent, install the necessary electricity to run automatic deep fat fryers for the hot apple fritters and roasters for the hot apple-vegetable combinations, and put up the tables.  Umlor orchards are expected to host over 500 local growers and their special invited guests to the fourth annual event. 

One of the wives commented about the successes of the past few years, “We knew that a complete meal could be made of apple dishes!” 

1956 

The smorgasbord is becoming a real community affair, but for those who don’t “know” someone, the event is strictly by invitation only.  This year, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Reister, of Conklin, will host the event with 600 guests expected and over 200 apple based recipes.  The big copper kettle is heating up for the churning of Apple butter later this afternoon.  Aunt Jemima, in her full dress, just arrived and is warming up her griddle for the apple filled pancakes she is planning to make. 

1958

The downpour of rain, which came shortly after the dinner was served today in the 8^th annual picnic, made sure the farmers stayed busy that afternoon pulling out mud caked vehicles.  It took seven farm tractors to pull the 300 cars out of the oat field.  “Not a single car in the jam-packed parking area could move out on its own power”, said D.J. Johnson earlier today. 

Even with the rain, two interesting decorations highlighted the event with a five tier 30^th anniversary cake for the Peach Ridge Fruit Growers Association designed and baked by Mrs. Geo. Kober and the beautiful apple replica of the Mackinac Bridge designed by Janet Kober. 

1971

Each year, the Smorgasbord has changed, evolved and grown.  This year, the tables will feature apple cookies in addition to the breads, desserts, salads, and more on the lawns of Robert Umlor.   In attendance this year will be the 1971 Kent-Ottawa Apple Queen Charlene Schmidt and the 1970 State Apple Queen Brenda Lee Rasch.   The Committee, which features literally dozens and dozens of farmers and their wives to pull of this event, agree that the original intent of the Smorgasbord was stated well by one committee member, “They wanted to have a real picnic, so for that reason decided to have the Apple Smorgasbord outdoors at the homes of different members.  Each year, they tried to improve and add something new in the way of food, as well as entertainment.”  Throughout the past 20 years, the Peach Ridge Fruit Growers Association has become a more unified and better acquainted group through the combined efforts of all to make our Smorgasbord a success.

Information obtained from:

From the notes of the 6^th annual Peach Ridge committee in 1956

Ridge Economic Agricultural Partners website www.fruitridgemarket.com

Numerous Sparta Reminder, Sentenial Leader, and Grand Rapids Press Newspaper articles

On Friday, October 30, visit downtown Sparta to participate in the Moonlight Madness Sales from 5 – 7 pm.  Check out the discounts at participating stores: Moonlight Madness 2009!

Costume Contests, sales from 15% to 25% off, prizes, cookies, coffee, and more!  At these sale prices, you can pick up some early Christmas gifts, pick out something fun for you, and have a night of entertainment for your kids!

SCARECROW CONTEST ENTRY INFORMATION

HARVEST ON THE RIDGE – APPLE FESTIVAL

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26, 2009

Sparta, Michigan

SCARECROW CONTEST LOGISTICS

• The scarecrow contest will take place in downtown Sparta, Michigan. Scarecrows will be mounted on assigned light poles or other sites in the downtown area.

• The scarecrows will be on display from Thursday, September 24th to Sunday, September 26 at 5 p.m.  You may set up your scarecrow on Wed, Sept. 23 or Thursday, Sept. 24.

• Judging will take place over the course of the exhibit by the Regional Arts Guild of Sparta (RAGS) and the Sparta Sports Boosters.  Awards will be announced beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Balyeat Field.

• As an event sponsor, the Scarecrow Committee and RAGS reserve the right to refuse entries. Applicants are encouraged to create positive, creative, and nonviolent scarecrows.

• Scarecrow entry sponsors are required to monitor the health and well being of their scarecrow for the duration of the exhibit. Scarecrows that deteriorate beyond reason (as determined by the Scarecrow Committee) will be removed.

• Scarecrow entry sponsors are required to remove their scarecrow no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2009.

• Please no-handouts should be at your Scarecrow entry display.  A small 8 ½ x 11 sign with your location number & space for the title of your scarecrow will be provided.  You must attach this to your display for judging and informative purposes. Businesses may put their name on the sign.  If you mail your application, you will have to stop at the Village Office for your sign.

SCARECROW CONTEST REGISTRATION

• Those who wish to submit a scarecrow entry are required to register. Forms may be picked up at the Sparta Village offices or downloaded from the website www.spartachamber.com

• Applications will be received from August 15 to September 15^th at the Village offices.  There is a $5 fee to enter and register your scarecrow. Applications will be accepted by mail or in person. Mailed applications, including a check, can be sent to Sparta Village, c/o Scarecrow Contest, 156 E. Division St., Sparta, MI 49345.  Ph. 616-887-8251. Late entries will pay a $10 fee.  Absolute cutoff is Sept. 22, providing we have space.

• Each applicant will be assigned a designated light pole or other location. Sites or poles will be assigned by the Scarecrow Committee.

• One entry per category per person, family, business, or organization.

• Entries in multiple categories are permitted.

SCARECROW CONSTRUCTION

• All scarecrow entries must remain on display outside from Wed, Sept. 23^rd or Thursday, Sept. 24^th through Sept. 26, 2009 and may be subjected to severe wind and/or rain. Their construction should be durable and all ornamentation securely attached. The Scarecrow Committee reserves the right to remove any scarecrow that does not hold up to the natural elements. Scarecrows may be removed after 6 p.m. on Saturday, the 26^th. All scarecrows must be removed along with all additional materials by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27. The Best of Show and runner-up scarecrows will be displayed at Steffens Orchard Market after the weekend.

• Each scarecrow may or may not have a horizontal support of wood for the body. This support is required for each scarecrow at ground level that will be tied to a light post for display.

• Maximum overall height is 8 feet. The area around the scarecrow except on the street side can also be utilized. The scarecrow display cannot interfere with foot or car traffic. Your exhibit may include more than one figure but no more than four. The space around the light poles varies, depending on location. Some other sites without light poles may be bigger. Indicate on your entry form what space you will require.

• Scarecrows must stand alone or be tied to the light poles with zip tie, rope or twine. No wire or abrasive material can be used. Your scarecrow will be inspected to assure that it won’t damage the new light poles.

• No electricity will be available at this time.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SCARECROW MAKING SUPPLIES:

• You can find used clothing at the following locations:

~Round Again, Inc., 213 E. Division, Sparta

~Mel Trotter Ministries, 538 S. State St., Sparta

~Rummage sales or your closet.

• You can build a scarecrow of any size at Steffens Orchards Scarecrow Factory, 4344 13 Mile Rd., 2.3 miles W. of Sparta. All materials provided, the cost is $15. If you bring clothing, cost is $11. Go to our website www.steffensorchardmarket.com for a $2 off coupon for building a scarecrow. Call 887-2404 and make an appointment to build your scarecrow. It takes approximately 1 hour or longer to build a scarecrow depending on how you design it.

• Sparta Elevator, 9 Loomis, Sparta – Has straw and corncobs

• The internet has many ideas and suggestions. Use your imagination.

• Your scarecrow may project a theme or the “Harvest on the Ridge – Apple Festival”.

CRITERIA USED IN JUDGING THE SCARECROW CONTEST

• Originality of Design (Is the idea original?) 60 points
• Creativeness (Are props a part of the entry?) 60 points
• Durability (How sturdy is the scarecrow?) 40 points
• General appearance & presentation 20 points

Total          200 points

An independent panel of judges with a creative bent from RAGS (Regional Arts Guild of Sparta) and the Sparta Sports Boosters will select a Best of Show and Runner-up.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGE(S) ARE FINAL

Ribbons for the following may be awarded:

Best Theme Presentation

Best Standing Scarecrow

Best Laying Down or Sitting Scarecrow

Most original

Most Creative

Most Handsome

Most Beautiful

Judges may award Honorable Mentions ribbons, if appropriate.

SCARECROW COMMITTEE:

Jo Ann Lettinga, Formerly of Round Again

Sharon Steffens, Steffens Orchards

John Douglass,  Sparta Sports Boosters

Betty Van Patten, Sparta Sports Boosters

Scarecrow Contest Entry Form

Entry Form Deadline:  September 15, 2009

Sparta Village Offices, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345,

Ph. 616-887-8251

Organization Name (if appropriate) ___________________________________

Contact Person ______________________________ Ph. _________________

Alternate Ph. _______________ Email _______________________________

Fax: ____________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________

City ________________________ State ________ Zip _________________

Category 1: Traditional Harvest Figures: These scarecrows will be typically old-fashioned figures constructed from throwaways from the farm. Clothing, hay, stuffing, burlap, farm implements, farm produce (corn husks, vegetables, pumpkins, etc.) are but a few ideas of the traditional scarecrow.

Category 2: Whimsical/Contemporary: Whimsical character(s) do not have to resemble a scarecrow and can be made of any material.  These scarecrows are inspired by storybook characters, cartoon figures, crazy characters, and out of the ordinary situations. This modern scarecrow may also be made of materials using art methods or electronics of today. Collage, ceramics, metal sculpture, plastics, etc. are examples of components that may be utilized. The composition and utilization are limited only by one’s own imagination.

No electricity is available.

Division 1: Business: Any registered business in the West Michigan area is eligible and pays a $5 entry fee.

Division 2: Organization: Any registered charitable group, club, association, or school in the West MI area is eligible.  A $5 entry fee is required.

Division 3: Family: Any individual or group of individuals (roommates, families, or friends) that work together to create a scarecrow qualifies for this division. A $5 entry fee is required.

Checks must be made out to Harvest On the Ridge. Please send to the Sparta Village Offices, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345.

Please provide a title or name below for your scarecrow design:

________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK A CATEGORY AND A DIVISION:

Categories:

1        Traditional Harvest Figure          1     Whimsical/Contemporary

Divisions:

1        Business            1     Organization      1     Family or Individual

My scarecrow(s) will be

1        Free-standing    1     Tied to light pole        1     Sitting or laying down

Size of Exhibit:

1        2′ x 2′               1     3′ x 3′               1     4′ x 4′

I will setup on:

• 1 Wed. Sept. 23, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• 1 Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to Noon

1        Thursday, Sept. 24,    3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

I agree that photographs of my entry can be used in future promotion efforts.

I, by signing this entry form, declare that I have read and understand all

the instructions.

Printed Name:

Signature:__________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________                Accepted By: ______________________

Steffens Orchards would like to display the top two or three winners at Steffens Orchard Market, 4344  13 Mile Rd., (2.3 miles west of Sparta) following the contest.  Condition of the scarecrows will determine how long they would be on display.

Join the North Kent Eagles Club at Appleview Elementary School for a free Easter Egg Hunt!  Candy filled eggs and prizes sponsored by local businesses in the Sparta area.

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.