Holland Memorial Day parade canceled again due to coronavirus pandemic
HOLLAND The annual Memorial Day parade in the city of Holland will not take place for the second consecutive year, as organizers cite concerns about public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, the traditional ceremony will take place without a parade at Pilgrim Home Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Organizers said in a news release COVID-19 safety standards will be organized.
“We did not make the decision to cancel the parade lightly, said Ren Mireles, Holland Memorial Day Parade committee chair, in a statement. But with the uncertainty of the times, we are still not confident that it will be safe to promote a parade. The age of many of the veterans and others who participate in this annual parade puts them squarely in the higher risk category for COVID-19.”
By Peg McNichol
Apr 13, 2021 12:05 AM
HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) Park Township’s board of trustees voted unanimously to postpone the annual Blessing of the Bikes at Ottawa County Fairgrounds, which had been set for April 25, 2021.
The blessing is intended for those traveling the roads on motorcycles aimed at raising traffic-safety awareness for all ont the roads and has grown into a popular daylong gathering for hundreds of people.
Each trustee noted they like the event itself, but are concerned that the number of people who show up could create a super-spreader event.
Jeff Hoekstra was absent from the special meeting. Township Clerk Skip Keeter said he felt bad the board had to make the decision at this late date.
The Beacon
The Junior Fair will continue at the Ottawa County Fair on July 19-25, but Covid-19 state restrictions could again cancel nightly entertainment in 2021. Madelyn Lenke competed with Freckles the goat at the 2018 fair. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)
BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN
With the 57th annual Ottawa County Fair rolling into the Ottawa County Fairgrounds on July 19-25, board members and the many fans of the down-home fair were hoping to return to the good old days.
State restrictions due to Covid-19, however, may curtail the summer fun for a second straight year.
Last year, the Junior Fair ruled, as kids competed with horses, sheep, steers, poultry, goats and rabbits. Because of Covid-19 state rules on face coverings, distancing and large crowds, smaller crowds were deemed appropriate and the nightly entertainment had to be scrapped.
The Beacon
Members of the Ottawa County Barn Quilt Trail, and barn owner Norma Kihlken of Danbury Township, proudly display the latest of 27 barn quilts that now adorn rural barns all around Ottawa County. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)
BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN
With a great deal of volunteer help, barn quilts are popping up all around Ottawa County this winter. One of the latest to appear, thanks to prolific artist Rhonda Biedlingermaier of Oak Harbor, is her “Sunbonnet Sue” barn quilt which was attached to Norma Kihlken’s barn at 1450 S. Danbury Road in Danbury Township last weekend. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)