Maranda’s Family Fun Update
The holiday season is upon us and there are tons of fun parades and family events going on this weekend. Here are some of my recommendations.
GRAM Tree Lighting
Friday, December 4 at 5:30pm
Rosa Park’s Circle – Grand Rapids
www.artmuseumgr.org
Join in this yearly tradition, as the Grand Rapids Art Museum lights their 40 foot Christmas tree and the ice rink at Rosa Park’s Circle opens for the season.
Sinterklass Eve Parade
Friday, December 4 at 7pm
Downtown Holland
www.downtownholland.com
In true Dutch folk tradition, Sinterklass will arrive on his great white horse and greet families downtown Holland.
Annual Coopersville Santa Claus Parade
Friday, December 4 at 7pm
Main Street – Downtown Coopersville
www.coopersville.com
Professional and amateur floats will travel the streets of downtown Coopersville. Afterwards kids can visit with Santa and enjoy free refreshments.
Christmas for the Animals
Saturday, December 5 from 10am-2pm
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
www.johnballzoosociety.org
Each person who brings a gift for the animals will get in free! Ideas include BBQ sauce, peanut butter, blankets, dried fruit and more. Visit the zoo’s website for a complete wish list.
Rockford Santa Parade
Saturday, December 5 at 11am
Squires Street – Downtown Rockford
www.rockfordchamber.com
Enjoy the parade and lots of fun surprises!
Live Nativity Scene
Saturday, December 5 from Noon-8pm
The Critter Barn – Zeeland
www.critterbarn.org
Imagine what the first Christmas was like with the help of live animals, costumed characters, music and story-telling. Plus, stay warm in their heated barn.
Jingle Bell Parade
Saturday, December 5 at 6pm
Downtown Grand Haven
www.grandhavenchamber.org
This popular parade ends at Central Park for a Christmas tree lighting and hot cocoa.
This week on Where You Live we’re showing you ways that kids, families and companies around West Michigan are giving back! Watch Where You Live, Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am and 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.
I’ve been a part of the WOOD TV8 team since 2005. As Special Projects Producer, I work side by side with Maranda making things happen behind the scenes. I coordinate Maranda’s Park Parties each summer and produce a variety of station broadcasts and events through out the year. I also serve as the producer of Maranda’s weekly half-hour show, Where You Live. I love the variety of my job and getting to be a part of the impact Maranda is making on kids in our community!
Outside of work, I've been married for seven years to my husband John and we have two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Stella. When I'm not busy trying to keep up with the kids, I spend "me time" reading fashion or celebrity magazines, sneaking in some good reality television, walking around Reeds Lake with girlfriends and exploring new restaurants with my hubby.
Inspirations for my blog come from my daily life as a busy working mom -- trying to juggle a full time job and be a full time mom to a spitfire five year old and a new baby.