Georgetown Twp. tree lighting dazzles to ring in the holidays
Voices rang out at the Georgetown Township Library on the evening of Dec. 2, as the West Michigan Community Chorale sang as part of holiday festivities that included a holiday craft market, Christmas tree lighting, handicrafts and stories with Mrs. Claus.
GEORGETOWN TWP. — Voices rang out at the Georgetown Township Library on the evening of Dec. 2, as the West Michigan Community Chorale sang as part of holiday festivities that included a holiday craft market, Christmas tree lighting, handicrafts and stories with Mrs. Claus.
The Holiday Market started at 4 p.m. on the lower level of the library, where local artisans sold toys, decorations, food and more.
Ileana Lamberts was there for the fourth year, selling repurposed gifts such as centerpieces and wreaths. She started it as a hobby with a friend.
"As good friends, we started doing it, and we've been going to craft shows for 20 years," Lamberts said.
The Georgetown Holiday Market is one of 13 on their schedule this year, but it stands out as special.
"I live down the street, so it is a part of my community," Lamberts said.
She loves seeing the community gather and familiar faces that come through the market year after year.
Before the Christmas tree was lit, Township Trustee John Schwalm introduced the choir."
They volunteer like this and do an incredible job in our community, and we sure appreciate it," he said.
He then showed appreciation to the people who gathered for their willingness to be involved and encouraged more people to get out and spend time in the community.
"There's an excitement here because of how you people feel about fellowship and friends and being involved," Schwalm said. "Please continue to follow that."
The West Michigan Community Chorale sang three songs. They have a free concert coming up at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Jenison Center for the Arts, 8375 20th Ave., Jenison. For tickets, visit westmichcc.org.
Ellen DeJong and her husband, Bart, came to the festive event for the first time this year. Ellen said she was inspired to brave the cold temperatures in part by Hallmark movies.
"And I love the library," she said.
Voices rang out at the Georgetown Township Library on the evening of Dec. 2, as the West Michigan Community Chorale sang as part of holiday festivities that included a holiday craft market, Christmas tree lighting, handicrafts and stories with Mrs. Claus. [ONN photos/Joshua Vissers]
The Holiday Market and Christmas Tree lighting are just one of many holiday events happening at the library this December. There are 36 themed Christmas trees throughout the library for people to tour through. There are Christmas movies being shown every weekday at 1 p.m. on the lower level.
On Dec. 6, there's a giveaway for gently used toys.
"We got so much stuff in response to that, it's amazing," Rob Bristow, library director, said. "Anybody's welcome to come."
Bristow gave a special thanks to everyone for coming out on a cold night, during a busy season.
— Joshua Vissers covers communities in eastern Ottawa County. Contact him at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
