Families, friends and area residents are invited to Strawberry Acres Park for the second “Happy Holland Days.” The Village of Holland and the Community Development Committee organized the event, which begins at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, December 3.
Happy Holland Days replaces the annual tree lighting ceremony and features family activities, entertainment, food and a special visitor from the North Pole.
With the pandemic no longer impacting plans, activities will be moved indoors to the Lodge at Strawberry Acres and Holland Branch Library.
Visitors may enter the lodge and library beginning at 3:30 p.m. where there will be activities prior to arrival of the jolly old elf.
Students from Penta Career Center’s cosmetology program will offer face painting, and Compelled Church will host children’s activities. Metroparks will be on hand with a craft and in the drive circling the lodge will be displays from area first responders and a lighted Nativity.
During the afternoon’s festivities, the Springfield Blue Devil and Chick-fil-A cow mascots will be out and about greeting visitors and refreshments will be on hand.
At 4:30 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive at the lodge, courtesy of the Springfield Township Fire Department, and will visit with children. Scott Stigall of State Farm is sponsoring complimentary photos with Santa.
At 5:45 p.m., the Springfield High School brass ensemble will perform holiday tunes as they lead visitors from the lodge to the Christmas tree, donated last year by Walker Funeral Homes and the Whitehouse Christmas Tree Farm.
“We are excited and look forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors return to the lodge,” said Holland Mayor Lee Irons.
