Holiday celebration set for Hemlock Crossing
OTTAWA COUNTY — A luminary-lined path, colorfully lit trees, crafts for the kids and more will be part of the festivities at the Friends of Ottawa County Parks’ second annual Outdoor Holiday Event in December.
The event runs 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Hemlock Crossing County Park, 8115 West Olive Road. No registration is required. While the event is free, visitors are invited to help decorate a hat and mitten tree with donations of new and gently used items (including scarves) for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a warm drink and snack.
Friends of Ottawa County Parks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity with the goal of bridging the gap between community and nature through county parks. Its members saw a need for a traditional holiday event that encompassed the entire family. Last year's inaugural event brought more than 250 people to the park.
Hemlock Crossing’s woodlands path, just east of the nature center, will be lit by luminaries and accessible if not snow covered. The path, just under a quarter-mile long, allows families to walk and enjoy the sounds of the season in a woodland setting.
Staff and volunteers will string lights on trees in front of the nature center, where families can take photos to commemorate the season.
The sidewalk to the nature center will house a craft project for younger guests. Participants can use sunflower butter and seeds to coat pinecones for their feathered friends to enjoy at home.
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Donations for the mitten tree may be dropped off at the nature center's front desk anytime before or during the event.
— Friends of Ottawa County Parks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, recreation and community by partnering with the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holiday celebration set for Hemlock Crossing
