By Gari Voss & Parker Johnson
The approaching New Year reminds an organization that another year has passed. Where did it go? What was accomplished? By answering some of the questions on what made a difference in the community, an organization can take time to celebrate, which is extremely important in any improvement process. This assist in developing a better understand of what steps to take during the coming year.
The City of Allegan will have sessions during which they will set goals for 2025. During 2024, the City Council wrestled with finding more housing, coordinating refuse pick up, enforcing ordinances that would keep the city safe and healthy, working around street improvement projects that made accessing Downtown difficult, and improving public parks and spaces. There is more to do, but in the meanwhile, a look back may bring some smiles.
JANUARY:
Thousands gathered on the Riverfront to welcome 2024! Who can forget the snowstorm that dumped over 24” of snow on the City of Allegan between January 12 and January 18, and this was followed by another week of more snow, ice, rain, and fog. Parker Johnson, Downtown & Community Services Manager, was in awe how “the City Department of Public Works not only kept 29 miles of road, parks, and the Padgham Field Airport cleared, but also kept Downtown Allegan clear and open for business.”
FEBRUARY:
In February, “The Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) partnered with the City of Allegan to fund the cost to have all traditional awnings in the Downtown Allegan professionally cleaned after a year of construction,” remembered Johnson.
MARCH:
The Roundabout Project began in earnest at the intersection of Cedar, Ely, Hubbard, Jenner and Marshall Streets along the M89 corridor and completely shut down the vehicular traffic beginning in March. The total project stretched from 29th Street in Allegan Township to Delano and Monroe Streets in the city
APRIL:
The Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Spirit of Allegan Awards were given during a gathering at the Griswold Auditorium and recognized contributions made by area businesses and individuals. The ceremony on April 13, 2024, at the Griswold Auditorium found KJ Kelly accepting the Community Service Award for Camp Kidwell; Tim and Paulette Carr receiving the Business of the Year Award in Retail/Service for Brave Art Studios & Gallery; Paul & Vicki Hodge receiving the 1st Jana Tibbitts Legacy Award; Parker Johnson receiving the 1st Rising Star Award; Saree Miller accepting the Agriculture Award for the Allegan Agricultural Society; Lori Ott receiving the Educator of the Year Award; and Bridgett Waanders accepting the Business of the Year: The Manufacturing/Industrial Award was awarded to Waanders Concrete.
The Allegan Rotary Club celebrated its 100th year with a gathering at The Silo.
MAY:
Johnson remembered when the Northern Lights were visible over Downtown Allegan in May. “The Aurora Borealis made for a spectacular display over the downtown for the first time this year in May.”
In addition, the Allegan Arts Festival at Allegan High School highlighted the visual and performing arts which featured bands from the Allegan Chapter of Kazoo Folklife, other area ensembles, plus Denise Davis and the Motown Sensations along with arts & crafts.
JUNE:
June began with the 3rd Annual ALEgan Craft Beer Fest of local breweries and food trucks setting up at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. Bridgefest brought residents and visitors to enjoy not only the Second Street Bridge, but the new Streetscape and festivities along the Riverfront. The Bear & Fox Yard Den opened at 141 Brady Street while The Allegan County Historical Society held a gathering to celebrate 70 years.
JULY:
In July, though the roundabout construction continued to require visitors to find alternative routes into the city, the July 3rd Jubilee brought thousands to the streets and Riverfront to enjoy the food, fun, and fireworks. By the end of the month, the Mahan Park Improvement Project Fundraiser raised $69,000 from the public to meet the $50,000 goal to meet the $50,000 match from Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Johnson explained, “The Project will begin in 2025.”
AUGUST:
During August 2024, the Sassy Olive turned 10 and offered workshops plus specials. “The business started in 2014 and opened its first brick and mortar store in Downtown Allegan in 2017, then moved to its current location in 2018. Fiber Fest at the Allegan County Fairgrounds brought thousands to the Allegan area. In time for the Allegan County Fair, the roundabout was completed as promised.
SEPTEMBER:
While the Allegan County Fair drew crowds in September, the Cottage Arts & Eats which featured art kits, workshops, and eats in a jar opened at 245 Hubbard Street Suite 2. Padgham Field hosted the Prepare Fair that brought First Responders who assisted individuals and families plan for emergencies.
OCTOBER:
In October, the city held its 2nd Annual Harvest Ale Competition. Heronmark, Tantrick Brewing Co., and Schaendorf Brewing Co. went head to head for the best harvest ale in a neighborly competition that has become a tradition. While the public was voting on their favorite brews, Paul Hodge was given the Ferris State University Distinguished Alumni Award, and at the Junior Chamber International USA Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, Landria Johnson was named the recipient of a Ten Outstanding Young Americans Awards. Then the City welcomed Halloween events such as the Spooky Tea at the Allegan District Library.
NOVEMBER:
November officially completed the M89 Roundabout Project with the resurfacing of parts of Monroe, Cedar and Monroe Streets. The roundabout opened in late August in time for the Allegan County Fair, but the final portion was not finished until early in November. The Allegan Jaycees celebrated 85 years of service to Allegan. Business, organizations, and individuals around Allegan held a variety of fundraisers for Wings of Hope Hospice and Wings Home. The City’s Griswold Auditorium opened its doors for events such as the fundraiser of It’s a Wonderful Life, a new celebration of Art Reach, and the partnered event of the Allegan Area ESA and Big Read Lakeshore who teamed up for the second year to bring the Little Read Art Experience to life, welcoming 400 enthusiastic 3rdgrade students from across Allegan County to downtown Allegan.
DECEMBER:
While the City supported Festive Fridays that featured the Downtown businesses and the holidays, the Eccentric Garden Store doubled its floor space at 136 Brady Street. The Downtown leaders gave a sad farewell to Hathaway Cottage & Gifts that closed its doors on Small Business Saturday.
What 2025 will bring to the City of Allegan is yet to be determined. The summer Rollin’ on the River and Good Times at the Gazebos will fill summer weekends. The Allegan Community Players will brings more productions to the Griswold Auditorium, and have thoughts of doing another Play in the Park. Bridgefest will return as will the 3rd of July Jubilee, but what will be the extras? Some of the events that draw residents and visitors to Downtown and the Riverfront will depend upon the businesses, organizations and individuals who allow themselves to be creative then implement those dreams. Let 2025 Roll!!!
