Singing holiday favorites at Ferrysburg park

Mon, Dec 14, 2009    to del.icio.us

FERRYSBURG — Following a week of freezing temperatures, snow and wind, it was a night of peace and holiday spirits at William Ferry Park on Saturday night during the annual Community Carol Sing.

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The event was sponsored by the city of Ferrysburg and the Ferrysburg Fire Department. It drew a crowd of young and old; and featured a large bonfire, plenty of Christmas caroling led by Spring Lake resident Jean Groenendyk, hot chocolate and doughnuts, and the arrival of Santa Claus to Ferrysburg on the back of a fire engine.

Groenendyk said the event was well-attended; adding there was no rain, snow or wind to put a damper on the festivities.

"It was very nice, and they did a great job on the fire," she said of the Ferrysburg Fire Department.

Groenendyk said this was both the first time she has attended and led the Carol Sing at Ferry Park, and event organizers asked her to take part in it.

Although new to the Ferrysburg caroling, Groenendyk is no stranger to showcase her singing abilities to the Tri-Cities community.

"I do the Spring Lake Heritage Festival one — the Hymn Sing — and it's very fun," she said.

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For some, the Ferrysburg event has become an annual tradition — a way to ring in the holiday season with neighbors in the Tri-Cities.

"We have been coming for the last three years," said Spring Lake resident Candace Hespen, who was there with her grandchildren.

She said for her and the grandchildren, the highlight of the event is getting to see Santa's official arrival.

For others, such as Ferrysburg resident Christy Williams, this year's Christmas caroling event was a first time.

"It is very heartwarming and community-oriented," Williams said. "It is awesome."

For those who didn't attend the annual Jingle Bell Parade in Grand Haven, held Dec. 5, Saturday's caroling in the park was also their first major community holiday event of the season.

"This was the first major holiday thing that we have done," Groenendyk said, "other than set our tree up."

To see the video, click here: http://www.grandhaventribune.com/liveique/b_vid_front.bsp