Mold Remediation in Grand Haven, MI

GRAND HAVEN, MI - A local holiday parade is set to take place again this year, with even more in store for attendees.

The Jingle Bell Parade in Grand Haven is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, December 7.

The event is hosted by the chamber of commerce serving Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg and has been celebrated annually for more than 30 years.

“It’s truly a community event, it’s a chance for people to congregate and mingle in a beautiful setting downtown,” said Heather Solomon, director of membership and sales at the chamber, noting there aren’t many other night parades locally throughout the year.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. heading west on Franklin Street, then turning north on Harbor Drive to Washington Avenue, then east on Washington to Central Park, where there will be a tree lighting following the parade, around 7:30 p.m.

There are 86 different registered participants in the parade this year, most of which are local businesses.

“They spend a lot of time and a lot of money and creativity coming up with this stuff, it’s a lot of fun,” Solomon said.

An all-human reindeer and sleigh “ensemble” is a highlight of this year’s parade.

The float was put together by Dykstra Landscaping for the first time last year, and this year they are adding more “reindeer.”

“There are people dressed as reindeer and it moves - it goes up and down like they’re flying,” Solomon said. “It was really cool and welcomed by all.”

Another highlight of this year’s parade is the Grand City Show Skiers.

“They do a large stack of people in a pyramid while being pulled down the street like they’re being pulled by a boat,” said Abigail Wittkopp, chamber community events and programs manager. “They are not on a trailer or a float, so it’s more dangerous and a really unique thing to see.”

Santa will greet parade viewers in a horse-drawn carriage at the tail-end of the parade.

There will be a variety of boats, music and lights.

The Jingle Bell Parade has been going on for more than 30 years downtown Grand Haven.

Last year, it saw around 5,000 attendees, Solomon said.

Because of the high attendance and the closing the main streets for the parade, Solomon suggested people arrive early to find parking, either in local lots or on side streets.

The city will be busy all day Saturday, with several events going on in the area.

The 51st annual Christmas Arts and Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave. A $1 donation at the door is encouraged.

The Artist Trail will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown Grand Haven. Artists will do pop-up appearances in local shops.

“The artists will be invited into local shops where they set up a table and sell their goods and people can just wander,” Solomon said.

See below more Grand Haven-area holiday events planned for this season:

BLP Holiday Lighting Contest

Entries are open for the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power’s Holiday Lighting Contest. The Griswold Award will be given to the home with the most “over the top” lighting display and the Classic Award for the “most gorgeously designed display that captures the holiday spirit and looks like it jumped directly off the front of a Hallmark card,” a press release stated.

For more information about the contest or to enter, visit the BLP’s website at ghblp.org. The deadline to enter is Dec. 16. Winners will be announced on Dec. 19. Each award recipient will receive $150 in Chamber Dune Dollars to spend locally.

Spring Lake Sparkle

In the village of Spring Lake, there are several ways to celebrate the holiday season.

A Miracle on 34th Street

The Grand Haven Central Park Players will present the classic Christmas musical “Miracle on 34th Street” on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m. All five performances will take place at Central Park Place.

Ferrysburg Carol Sing

The annual Ferrysburg Carol Sing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Attendees gather around a bonfire taken care of by the Ferrysburg Fire Department and sing Christmas carols. The city provides hot cocoa and sweet treats. Santa will ride in on a fire truck at the end of the singing.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Muskegon” daily newsletter.

A Grand Rapids man is facing serious accusations of stealing more than $250,000 from an organization that exists to support children with serious medical challenges.

Richard Williams, a former member of the Saladin Shriners, has been charged with six counts of embezzlement in connection with the alleged theft. The Saladin Shriners, who are part of the larger Shriners International network, are well known for their charitable work, especially in providing medical care for children in need.

However, prosecutors say that between 2019 and July of this year, funds began disappearing from the organization’s accounts. Each charge against Richard Williams corresponds to a separate alleged incident of missing money during that time.

Can you imagine taking from an organization like this?

According to court records, three of the charges involve amounts exceeding $100,000, while the other three relate to sums between $50,000 and $100,000. If the accusations are true, Williams used his position within the organization to funnel money away from its mission and into his own pockets.

The potential consequences are severe. If convicted, Williams could face up to 105 years in prison if the sentences for each charge are served consecutively. Even if the court opts for concurrent sentencing, he could still spend up to 20 years behind bars.

This case has sent shockwaves through the community, especially among those who have supported the Saladin Shriners for years. Many may be struggling to comprehend how someone could allegedly betray an organization so dedicated to helping vulnerable children- it's truly a terrible act to take from the least fortunate.

As the case moves forward, we will be watching closely, hoping for justice to be served—and for the funds to eventually be restored to their rightful purpose: helping children in need. If you want to make a donation to help their mission, you can visit their website.

Speaking of helping those in need, these are some great organizations to consider...

8 Charities in West Michigan You Should Consider Supporting

West Michigan has many ways you can give back to those around you, but these are some of the best and most underrated ones that you need to put on your radar.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - With the first big snow of the year already in the books for the Grand Rapids area, residents and visitors are eager to get in the holiday spirit by visiting the best festive events around town over the next few weeks.

Whether you’re looking for something for the whole family or a fun night out with friends, this list boasts Christmas joy for everyone.

Keep scrolling for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press’ top 10 holiday events to check out this winter season.

1. Christkindl Markt

The Grand Rapids European-inspired Christmas market is back to illuminate the city until Christmas.

“Twice the Cheer” is the motto for this year’s 28-day event, which runs through Dec. 23 at the Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW.

RELATED: Your guide to the 2024 Christkindl Markt: Top attractions and must-see events

Visitors can expect more than 60 open-air wooden vendor booths complemented by twinkling lights and fun activities like roasting s’mores over the fire pits or enjoying a menu of bubbly expressions from around the globe.

Guests can also expect plenty of new souvenir glassware with a new design to add to their collection, and brand-new beer steins filled with an exclusive German dark wheat beer by Brewery Vivant called “Dünk the Halls.”

RELATED: 5 tasty foods you can’t miss at the 2024 Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids

The Markt will have special hours around Christmas, including from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 23. Regular hours are as follows:

2. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s ENLIGHTEN Spectacle

“ENLIGHTEN” is a one-mile illuminated pathway allowing guests to traverse a winter wonderland of cutting-edge light installations synchronized to music and interactive elements at Meijer Gardens, located at 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.

RELATED: See Meijer Gardens new mile-long pathway with interactive holiday light displays

Timed entry runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 4 on select dates. Tickets range from $10 to $20 for members and $12 to $24 for nonmembers, depending on specific days. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more guests.

The walk is a separate ticketed evening event and is not included in general admission. Visit the Meijer Gardens website here for more information, to view a map of the experience, or to purchase tickets.

3. Coopersville Marne Train

All aboard the Santa Train. This vintage train has a special seat reserved just for Mr. Claus, his elves, and the kids who get to meet them and receive a special gift.

This year’s Caroling Train will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m. on the boarding platform at 311 Danforth St. in Coopersville.

All ages are welcome to choose from a Premium Class for table seating, including Biggby hot cocoa and a cookie from the local Delly Belly Bakery. Guests must arrive 30 minutes early for the boarding process.

The special train, which features cozy, heated carriages and restrooms on board, runs on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Tickets for Coach Class, with newly renovated 100-year-old vintage railroad passenger cars, start at $37 and can be purchased here.

4. Christmas Adventure at Deer Tracks Junction: A Drive-Thru Light Experience

Experience an all-new event held at Deer Tracks Junction, 7850 14 Mile Road NE in Cedar Springs,through Jan. 5, 2025.

From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Drive-Thru Christmas light show captures all the enchantment of the holiday season, offering residents and visitors a chance to navigate illuminated trails and delight in the comfort of their vehicles.

“This captivating holiday journey will fill you with wonder and the joy of Christmas,” Deer Junction states on its website. “Come and see where the adventure will take you. Don’t miss out; join us for a night to remember.”

Admission into the event is $40 per car, SUV, minivan, or truck and $85 per passenger van or minibus under 9 feet tall. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit deertracksjunction.com/christmas-adventure.

5. LMCU Ballpark Christmas Lite Show

West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-thru light show is back for “Another Year of Magic.” This season marks the 27th year LMCU Ballpark, right off U.S. 131, has hosted its entertaining Christmas Lite Show.

Patrons can expect nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over two million lights, 70 animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more from Nov. 27 through Jan. 4.

The dates and times include 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window:

Learn more at christmasliteshow.com/.

6. Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Tea

Join High Tea GR at 1522 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids for its highly anticipated annual reading of Charles Dickens’s beloved classic, ‘A Christmas Carol,” where all are invited to gather to celebrate this timeless holiday tale.

The event will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 22. Each reading has a limited number of seats, so organizers encourage guests to carefully choose the desired date before checking out.

Each $60 ticket purchase includes a full afternoon tea service featuring High Tea GR’s winter menu.

View the food and beverage options and buy tickets here.

7. Meet Santa: A Private Farm Party at Robinette’s

Skip the mall, sip hot chocolate and meet Santa: A private farm party at Robinette’s will be on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 3142 4 Mile Road NE in Grand Rapids.

The outside event, which will feature hot chocolate, doughnuts, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, is open to all ages. Children must have one adult supervisor signed up.

Tickets for ages 2-17 are $6 and $4 for ages 18 and older.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

8. Winter Wonderland Forest

The Winter Forest is a cheerful outdoor experience at Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE in Belmont. Dates include Dec. 13-14, and Dec. 20-21.

The woods are filled with twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and beloved holiday characters such as Snoopy, the Grinch, Santa Claus and more.

The walk is roughly a half-mile long and takes place on an illuminated dirt path that winds through the trees. General admission is $10, and kids 2 and under are free.

Friday hours are from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday hours are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at cannonsburg.com/the-winter-forest/.

9. Once Upon a Christmastime - A Holiday Princess Ball

Join Tinker Bell and her princess friends for an Enchanted Christmas Ball at the Hilton Garden Inn - Grand Rapids East on Sunday, Dec. 22.

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., guests can expect interactive activities, Christmas carols, photo opportunities, surprise character appearances, special gifts from the princesses, and lots of holiday magic.

All proceeds from this event will go directly to Olivia Grace & Company’s Magic Fund, which sponsors events and experiences for children and families who need magic most.

This event offers three availability options, including 10 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Characters who will appear in their holiday gowns are the following:

Admission ranges from $25-$50, depending on age. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.

While the hunt has had some support from city staff and commissioners, one neighbor near the proposed hunting site said he's not thrilled about it.

More Videos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For more than a year, Grand Rapids city leaders have been trying to determine how to help curb a rising urban deer population.

James Smith, a resident, is against the city's idea of a pilot urban deer hunting program.

"They don't need to hunt," said Smith. "It's like I said before, it's a residential area. They don't need to be hunting."

The hunt is being proposed for a 12-acre piece of property that borders his home.

"If the arrow hits a tree or something, or, you know, veers off to someone, they have no idea where it's going to go," said Smith. "Once it leaves that bow, they have no idea where that's going to go."

Grand Rapids has been working on an urban hunting initiative with the Michigan Chapter of the National Deer Association. A bow-and-arrow only hunt is the only option being considered. Firearms are not being considered.

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, Public Services Director James Hurt addressed concerns of stray arrows hitting unintended targets.

"As I mentioned it has a real grade change in the middle," said Hurt. "It's a tall ridge, and if you think about where an arrow projection is going to go, if you get high enough elevation wise you're kind of shooting straight into the ground. So it really reduces the risk of leaving the property."

The property is surrounded by hills. According to the city, the land is a popular location for deer to bed down, increasing the risk for car vs. deer crashes.

If a plan is approved, the special permit-required hunt, which could be exclusive to Michigan Deer Association members, could take place as early as January of 2025.

According to Hurt, the partnership will work to make the hunt as safe as possible, with the president of the association's Michigan Chapter constantly involved.

"The President, would be at every single hunt, he would participate," said Hurt. "He would make sure that what was happening on site was managed property."

However, Smith still wishes the partnership would move the hunt somewhere else.

"I've had a lot of people on Facebook complain to me about, well, you know, the deer over populated," said Smith. "Well, then let them hunt in your backyard. You know, I don't need them in my backyard."

Gifford "Chip" Cummings Jr., 61, of Grand Rapids was sentenced to prison and ordered to repay millions to victims.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A former CEO of a Grand Rapids investment firm was sentenced to prison for fraud on Thursday.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced that 61-year-old Gifford "Chip" Cummings Jr. of Grand Rapids was sentenced.

Cummings will serve 66 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release. He will also have to pay $5,755,477 in restitution to investor clients at Red Oak Capital.

“Mr. Cummings deliberately cheated investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal gain,” said Totten. “Financial fraud is a serious problem, and my office will not hesitate to prosecute fraudsters whose schemes inflict devastating financial harm on legit businesses and honest investors.”

Cummings pleaded guilty to executing a scheme to defraud while he served as President and CEO of a Grand Rapids investment firm.

He put $5 million of client money in an unauthorized investment in December 2019.

The investment immediately lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in value.

When Cummings' business partners learned of the secret investment, they told him to get the money back and return it to the firm.

Instead of doing this, Cummings submitted altered account statements to make it look like his unauthorized investment was doing better than it was to hide the growing losses.

In addition to this, Cummings created a fake document to show that he had sought the return of the investors' money when he didn't.

The firm was only able to get back $761,522.90 of its initial investment.

When the firm investigated Cummings' scheme, it found he had also failed to repay a $1,350,000 debt. He'd made it appear that it was repaid when really he had deposited that money into a bank account he controlled.

"This case, involving wire fraud, unauthorized investments, and illegal access to computer networks, resulted in millions of dollars in losses," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Michigan.

Gibson said the investigation was spearheaded by the FBI's Detroit Field Office Cyber Task Force and the Grand Rapids Resident Agency.