Police cars, fire trucks, ambulance and towing trucks will be on-site for the Sparta Emergency Services display at Balyeat Field from 10 am – 1 pm!

Meet Fire Department, Ambulance, and Emergency Towing personnel during the Winter Blast Pancake Breakfast hosted by these groups.  All proceeds of the breakfast will benefit the efforts of the Sparta Rotary Club to bring Feeding America Food Trucks to Sparta to help feed local families in need. 

Kid’s Winter Blast – Fun in the Snow! Free Activities 10 am – 1 pm

Balyeat Field (190 Olmstead) (Behind Rogers Hardware)

Please bring your own skates!

Winter Blast Pancake Breakfast   7: 30am – Noon  $3.50 per person    Kids 12 & younger are FREE!

Sparta Civic Center (75 N. Union)

Sponsored and hosted by Sparta Fire Dept.,  Sparta A-1 Towing, Rockford Ambulance & Cedar Springs Sales & Graphics.  All proceeds will benefit the Feeding America Food Truck that is sponsored to drop off food to Sparta every month. 

Dinner, Drinks, & Dancing!  Tickets $20 per person (includes dinner) 

Ages 21 + only, please.

Saturday, February 13 2010

Doors Open 7 pm

Dinner Served 7:30 pm

Sparta Civic Center

75 N. Union, Sparta, MI 49345

Tickets can be purchased at:

Independent Bank of Sparta  887-8277

 Majestic Services  887-3320

 Kent Equipment  678-5368

2010 Monthly Editions      Ad Sales Deadline/ Article Deadline by:

 February Edition (Expo)                                              January 13, 2010

 March/ April Edition (Spring)                                  March 3, 2010

 May/ June (Pink Dress Run )                                        April 14, 2010

 July / August  (Town & Country Days)                   June 16, 2010

 September / October (Harvest on the Ridge)      August 18, 2010

 November/ December (Xmas Edition)                October 27, 2010

 Have a great story idea?  Have a business celebration: anniversary, re-grand opening, or special event?  Write an article and submit with a color photo to Elizabeth Gorski-Morse at ddadirector@spartami.org!  We are always searching for positive local stories to spread to our community.

Chamber Members receive an additional 10% off all ads! 

To advertise call Holly at 866-8300 or email at hbennett@staffordgroup.com.

 Thank you to our loyal supporters of the Sparta TODAY to date.  These advertisers have continued to make this local newspaper a success!

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/2009/10/27/santa-cops/ http://spartachamber.com/coc/2009/10/27/santa-cops/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:26 +0000 DDA http://spartachamber.com/coc/?p=1373 Donations of new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, cold wear accessories, & kids clothing were accepted for local distribution this holiday season.

Film courtesy of Positivelymichigan.net. 

Police Officers  distributed the gifts to deserving kids in the Sparta Area.  Donations were accepted at: Sparta Village Hall, Mombers Pharmacy, Tesa Tape, Independent Bank, and ChoiceOne Bank. 

Santa Cop Informational Flier

Posted 10/27/09

The Sparta Police Department is working to identify families in need in the Sparta and surrounding areas.  The department is looking to reach out to the community by finding children that have had a major misfortune or hardship this year such as a parent losing a job or the loss of a parent.  “We want to make the holiday special for some children in our community.  A little boy or girl that may need a little joy and hope this time of year,” says Sparta Police Officer and Santa Cops organizer Rick Rafferty.  “This program is pretty unique for this area.  Many departments do their part to take kids shopping, but not many programs actually have officers pull up in a cruiser and drop off presents at their door.”  Sparta Police Officers will deliver toys, clothes, and gift cards to local Sparta area families.  The Sparta Police Department is calling out for donations for the program to be a success.  “This community is amazing,” says Rafferty, “pulling together to help each other.”  Donations of new and unwrapped clothes, toys, gift cards, and books can be dropped off at several locations throughout Sparta, including the Sparta Village Hall, Independent Bank, Mombers Pharmacy, ChoiceOne Bank, and other locations from Nov. 1 through Dec. 5.  “This program will directly benefit families in our community,” Rafferty adds.  “When you have the ability to give a child basic necessities like socks and mittens, or a winter coat, and their face lights up, it is worth all the work.”

It is the year of our Lord, 1981, and Peace Lutheran Church is preparing to add a sanctuary to the existing building.  The members of the congregation believe it is their duty to help with the financial situation to lessen the burden than by simply increasing the weekly offering. 

There is rumor of two board members on the Christian Fellowship board, Mary Preston Barends and Ethelyn Anderson, who are talking about planning something “big” to help decrease the mortgage for the much desired addition.   

The Plan Comes Together

The idea is moving forward throughout the congregation and to family and friends to invite the community to participate in a new Fall Festival.  Owners of Bradford Insurance Agency, Don and Duane Bradford, are throwing around the idea of an Elderberry Jubilee.  There is little debate after Don and Duane bring in one of Mrs. Bradford’s elderberry pies and they inform everyone how the elderberry bushes grow along the side of the road and along fence rows in farmer’s fields.  The elderberry bush is never cultivated, sprayed or trimmed, but is a natural forming crop.  The group begins to roll out plans for an Elderberry Jubilee over Elderberry Pie.

The First Event in 1981

The first Elderberry Jubilee, scheduled for September 12, 1981, is rumored to have a lot of activities at the 12 Mile Road church.  Children’s activities, baton twirling, Terry Tice, Puppet Shows, Maycroft Sq Tappers, a Bazaar and bake sale, produce stand, fishing booth, cake walks, t-shirt sales and corn roast are among some of the activities that the group is planning.  A pig roast will be held in the afternoon with a live auction that will include a Hot Air Balloon Ride, Marco Island Vacation, Quilts and more. 

Growing Each Year

The success of the first year Jubilee has the group brain storming for the upcoming years.  In future years, the group is considering including a float during the next Town & Country Day parade, and including an Elderberry Jubilee Queen and her court.  The group is also discussing putting together a set of by-laws, duties of the chairman and committees they will need to make the next event a success. 

Jubilee in 1982

The 2^nd year of the event will include an Elderberry Ball at the Bee Hive in Sparta.  The Harvest Home Band has agreed to play the event with round and square dancing.  The cost will be $15 a couple and the crowning of the 1982 Elderberry Queen will take place.  Andy Rent from radio station WCUZ will host a remote broadcast on location.  The days events will include a men’s slow pitch softball tournament, and the new Elderberry Road Run will start at 9 am. 

Changing Gears in 1991

The success of the past 10 years of Elderberry Jubilee has helped pay off a large part of the mortgage of the addition made 10 years ago, as was the goal of the event.  Each year the Jubilee has turned into an enormous undertaking.  Rather than stop the event altogether, the congregation will probably vote to have a smaller festival in the fall that would include the pig roast dinner and auction. 

Jubilee in 2009

Peace Lutheran is working hard once again to bring the family friendly festivities to Sparta with Children’s Games, arts & Craft booths, Elderberry wine, jams, and pie for auction.  The pig roast is scheduled for 2 – 4 pm with the donations helping fund its community pantry.  On October 10, be sure to enjoy the food and auction at 3 pm at Peace Lutheran Church located at 1225 12 Mile Road in Sparta.  Call (616) 887-9417 for more information.

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!

Begin the evening with a train tour at the Railroad Depot Museum (400 N. Union Street) from 3:30 – 5 pm.  At 5 pm, line up at the Railroad Depot Museum for a Kids Costume Parade with police cars and fire trucks marching south on Union Street to the Sparta Civic Center (75 N. Union).

At the Civic Center, the Sparta American Legion will have a treat for the parade participants.  The Sparta Rotary Club will also host a “Pan for Silver” game for kids.  The Sparta Boy Scout Troop 280 will host a free Spook House, continuing a 20 year tradition!  Stop by the Sparta Fire Dept afterwards to Trick-or-Treat at the Fire Station!

Activities throughout the Month:

Oct 24             Pet Costume Contest in Rogers Park (75 N Union)

11:00 am – 12:30 pm Registration, Judging begins at 1 pm

Oct 24            Halloween Carnival at Sparta Fire Department (70 N State)

Noon – 4 pm    Free arts, crafts, games, prizes, tricks & treats!

Oct 28             Farmers Market with Freddie The Clown!  5 pm to Dusk

(201 E. Division in Downtown Sparta)

Oct 31             Halloween!

3:30 – 5 pm      Train Tour @ Railroad Depot Museum (400 N Union)

5 pm                  Kids Parade (Begin at 400 N Union walking south)

5 :15 pm           Cider & Treats with Sparta American Legion (75 N Union)

5:15 pm            Pan for Silver with Sparta Rotary Club (75 N Union)

5:30 pm            Kids Spook House (Sparta Boy Scout Troop 280) (75 N Union)

5:30 – 8 pm      Official Trick or Treat time in the Village of Sparta

5:30 – 8 pm      Trick or Treating at Sparta Fire Dept. (70 N State)

Wednesday Evenings from 5pm – dusk

October Activities at the Sparta Farmers’ Market:

Wednesday, October 7:
Music playing in the Parking Lot, stop by the Market for a FREE Sparta grown Apple!  First 100 kids receive a free washable apple tattoo!

Halloween Coloring Pages!

Print off a page, color your favorite Halloween character and bring it to the Sparta Farmers Market for a yummy treat!

Halloween Bat | Jack-O-Lantern | Frankie

Farmers’ Market Drawing!

Enter each week into the “Farmers’ Market Drawing” to be one of 5 winners to win a canvas Sparta Shop Local bag filled with Sparta grown apples!  Registration is free, you just need to register at the Farmers’ Market.

Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival: September 25 & 26, 2009

Sparta’s new Apple Festival, called Harvest on the Ridge is scheduled for the last weekend in September and organizers say there are more than just a few things for your family to enjoy. Friday, September 25th includes Kids Harvest Bouncers (large blow up play equipment), Michigan beer and Michigan wine tasting tent, Live Music entertainment, and more. On Saturday, the Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest held in downtown Sparta will be an attraction for locals and visitors alike to experience the sights and delicious smells of a semi-professional BBQ Contest! The Sparta Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest is a Michigan State Championship Site and Kansas City BBQ Society event.

The winner will be qualified to be invited to the Jack Daniels Invitational and The American Royal BBQ Contest. Everyone can try some of the professionally made BBQ’s as sandwiches and other BBQ food will be available for purchase. In addition to this mouth watering event, downtown Sparta will be the host of the Art in the Park Show, to purchase the handmade works of local artists. The Art Show is a place where one can sell their creative works or purchase a new piece of art in Rogers Park.

Live music will kick off Friday night and follow through starting on Saturday morning at 11 am with the Guinness Brothers Band featuring classic and popular rock-n-roll, oldies, and favorites. Special guest appearances will also be performing throughout the day.

An “Official” Apple Pie contest will also be underway in Balyeat Field. Registration details and rules for the Apple Pie competition can be found at www.spartachamber.com. Another new contest as part of the festival includes the Sparta Scarecrow Contest. The Scarecrow Contest will take place the weekend of the festival and awards announced on Saturday afternoon. Scarecrows will be hung downtown on light posts for everyone to see for the weekend. Pre-registration is required and details can be found at www.spartachamber.com.

Farm Market Tours will be on Saturday at local markets including beginning at 9:00 am. A special highlight will be the tour of a packing-shed where the apples are sorted, weighed, washed, and packaged for sale at local grocery stores.

As Sparta is the hub of the apple growing ridge, it’s easy to see how the excitement of the festival has grown over the past few months. Organizer Dana Quick exclaims, “One thing led to another that led to another! The volunteers of the community are working together to show the Mid-west why Sparta is such as fabulous place to live!” The event has grown leaps and bounds, says Dana, but began as a small committee to help promote Sparta’s distinguishing factor, something that other communities are probably wishing they had right about now. “Agriculture”, Dana says, “and tourism are two of the three top industries in Michigan. We can promote our community through agri-tourism, one of few growing fields in Michigan.” The Sparta Chamber is working hard to promote the importance of supporting and eating Michigan grown produce as well as supporting local businesses in the community. “Without our local growers, our community would lose our identity and our uniqueness. The hay fields, corn fields, and apple orchards are what make our area so distinct and beautiful.” After many discussions with local community members, Dana remembers sitting at coffee one morning and imagining what the Harvest on the Ridge festival could be. “Local growers are excited, the community is excited, this is the perfect place and time to celebrate our agricultural roots and promote our community through the new festival.”

In addition to the activities listed above there are many other events taking place. A program will be printed and can be found in local stores or online at www.spartachamber.com.