The Village of Holland and the Community Development Committee will present Happy Holland Days at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 4, at Strawberry Acres Park.
The new event replaces the annual tree lighting ceremony and features family activities, entertainment, food and a special visitor from the North Pole.
The COVID-19 pandemic and an order from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration prompted a change in the traditional tree lighting ceremony, explained Holland Mayor Lee Irons. The tree at the intersections of McCord, Angola and Clarion roads can no longer be decorated with lights because OSHA officials said it is too close to power lines, posing a threat to employees.
Keith Walker of Walker Funeral Home, and Duke Wheeler of the Whitehouse Christmas Tree Farm, stepped up with Mr. Wheeler donating a Fraser fir and Mr. Walker paying for its removal and transplant at the park. The tree will be dedicated to kick off the day’s festivities.
Walker Funeral Home also is the presenting sponsor for the inaugural event which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. with activity stations lining the path around the park and train rides in the parking area of the playground.
Entertainment will be featured at the gazebo at 2:15 2:45, 3:15 and 3:45 p.m., prior to the arrival of Santa Claus at 4 p.m. The Holland Branch Library will offer opportunities for residents to warm up inside for storytimes and activities at 2:30, 3 and 3:30 p.m.
Santa will arrive at Strawberry Acres Lodge at 4 p.m., courtesy of the Springfield Township Fire Department, and will visit with children until the event concludes at 6 p.m.
Throughout the day, food vendors will be on hand offering a number of tasty selections and warm drinks.
A collection will be set up for Herb’s Heroes, an organization that works in conjunction with Springfield Schools to provide presents to students in need during Christmas.
Anyone who donates an unwrapped gift during Happy Holland Days will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas tickets.
The Community Development Committee, which is organizing Happy Holland Days, is seeking additional businesses and organizations to participate. Anyone interested in a booth, offering entertainment or being a food vendor for the event may call committee chair Jane Maiolo at 419-260-1540 or Leslie Ferman at the village, 419-865-7104. In addition to Walker Funeral Home, sponsors are Dwelling Place, McClure Insurance Group, Metroparks Toledo, Springfield Area Prevention Coalition, Springfield Township fire department, the township public services department and Welch Publishing/Holland-Springfield Journal.
