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Message August 30-September 2, 2024
2‘Always willing to help’Longtime library employee Betty Jenkins named grand marshal of 119th annual Belding Labor Day CelebrationCory Smith - csmith@thedailynews.ccBELDING ------ For nearly a half century, there has been one constant in the Belding community, sitting behind the service desk of the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library, always with a smile on her face and a helping hand at the ready.That pillar of support comes not in the form of one of the historic library’s two grand exterior columns, but from its kind and helpful employee, always at the ready to assist any child or adult, Betty Jenkins.Jenkins, 63, began her career at the library at age 15, still a high school student, after her dedication as a patron of the library was noticed by the assistant library director at the time, Marge McQueen.Library Director Jackie Badersnider concurred and hired Jenkins to work in the children’s room during after-school hours.While Jenkins, a 1978 graduate of Belding High School, never envisioned spending the remainder of her working days in the place she secured her rst job, she has embraced every minute in which she has set foot in the historic library.‘‘It’s the people, just all of the lovely patrons,’’ she said. ‘‘That’s what makes it fun. I would see all these little children come here years and years ago. Then they would go off to school, off to college, get married and a lot of them have come back here. They have families of their own and I love seeing that. That they come back to Belding and the library, it just means so much to all of us that we have this gorgeous library and the community continues to support it.’’The library itself, however, isn’t the only part of the institution the community supports.During the upcoming 119th annual Belding Labor Day Celebration, the community will cheer as Jenkins is honored as the grand marshal.‘‘Betty cares about this community, its history and loves to share it,’’ Labor Day Celebration Committee Co-Chair Shelley Gladding said. ‘‘We all know if you need to know something in this town’s history, you call Betty and she’ll have the answer or will get you the answer. You can call Betty and ask her anything about Belding and she will know the answer. She is an amazing person who is always willing to help.’’For Jenkins, the honor of being named grand marshal comes as a surprising and humbling experience.‘‘I was very honored, very shocked,’’ she said. ‘‘I never thought that I would be the grand marshal and I just feel honored to be chosen.’’However, that surprise feeling may be limited toJenkins alone, as her dedication to the library, its patrons and the city is no secret.‘‘I love Belding. I’ve lived here since I was 2 years old, in the same house and I just love small towns and I’d never want to live in a big city,’’ she said. ‘‘I think we have a lot to offer here and we are lucky.’’While Jenkins is viewed as a wealth of knowledge in the community, in remaining humble, she credits the library and its resources ."What Jackie always told me was, 'you don’t know everything, but you know where to nd it,' and that's what I do for people," she said. "It's all about helping each other out."Jenkins said she’s also a longtime attendee of the annual celebration, recalling days in her youth attending its events with friends and riding rides together.‘‘My brother and I, we’d come and watch the parade,’’ she said. ‘‘And the reworks, they are always spectacular. Living up on ‘Peck’s Hill,’ we could see them right from our house. We have a great view, down over the Flat River and our families would get together back then, too, have a potluck and eventually make our way downtown. It was just very special.’’In adulthood, Jenkins participated as a vendor, selling cross-stitch sweatshirts she would craft herself.‘‘I just think we’re really lucky in Belding that westill have this celebration ------ most small towns don’t,’’ she said. ‘‘I love that a lot of people still come back for the Labor Day festival, to be with one another. There’s just not many small towns that still have something like this anymore.’’Going forward as the circulation manager and head of memorials at the library, Jenkins doesn’t anticipate her passion for working at the museum to subside anytime soon.‘‘It’s because of the patrons, but it’s also the staff, too,’’ she said. ‘‘We have a wonderful staff. And I just love my job. I’ve always thought, 'OK, when it is time to retire, maybe I could be semi-retired and still keep my foot in the door.'’’Labor Day 2024: Grand MarshalBetty JenkinsBetty Jenkins, 63, standing in the children’s room of the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library in Belding, the very section of the library where she rst began her career 49 years ago, has been named the grand marshal of this year’s 119th annual Belding Labor Day Celebration. — DN Photo | Cory Smith
3P G M1958 Buck Barry1977 John Cooper1978 Bill & Margie Crystler1980 Don & Virginia Cornell1981 Ken & Kathleen Maloney1982 Arlene Harris1983 Norb Schrauben1984 Willard & Joan Youngs1985 Dave & Verna Wilson1986 Chuck Barker & Bob Stiles1987 Ron & Blanche Mahar1988 L.D. & Helen Towne1989 John & Carmen Geisen1990 Leo Mcpherson & Caddie Vie1991 Harriet Rose1992 Jim & Maxine Thomas1993 Fain & Marguerite Nickel1994 Janet Hoskins1995 Hal & Mary Kreeger1996 Dr. A.J. & Jan Andenno1997 Irv & Carol Sigler1998 Al & Jan Johnson1999 Roger & Katie Mason2000 Dr. John & Helen Conroy2001 John & Valerie Rayborn2002 Roger & Dayla Granzo2003 Bub & Lucky Mahar2004 Gayla Robinson2005 Ted & Carol Vanloo2006 George & Dorothy Babcock2007 Helen Salzman2008 Tom & Barb Fagerlin2009 Ken & Bev Harger2010 Bob & Jan Mehney2011 Denny Craycraft2012 Art Mahar2013 Leppinks Family2014 Byron & Deb Davey2015 Milt & Carol Rackham2016 Dan & Debbie Blunt2017 Jackie Badersnider2018 Scott McNeal2019 Jim & Jill Mason2020 James Miller (In Memory)2021 Dr. Charles & Carmin Barker2022 Scott Gladding (In Memory)2023 George & Shannon RousseauP M B'1972 Carol Wright Carpenter1973 Peggy Moore Mahar1974 Linda Dines Winter1975 Carol Johnson Brickner1976 Betsy Nason Russell1977 Mary Leppink Warner1978 Leanne Corey Mceachran1979 Diane Albert Deboer1980 Vicki Mcmillian Bramer1981 Pam Norman Nichoson1982 Jodi Hamblin Camp1983 Dawn Stout Ketchum1984 Jean Marhoer Hofschulte1985 Mary Ann Moll Rittersdorf1986 Julie Geisen Stout1987 Tina Hile Schwinkendorf1988 Jody Rayborn Goodsell1989 Patty Gabrick Shoen1990 Jennifer Harrison Graber1991 Kristen Partridge Wheeler1992 Angela Cooper Wood1993 Heather Coon Kramer1994 April Drye Hertis1995 Amy Schenden Zwartz (Cox)1996 Jamie Marckini Horton1997 Gwendolyn Johnson Napieralski1998 Jamie Gasper Petersen1999 Rebecca Brown Rockburn2000 Jeanne Hulliberger Brown2001 Stephanie Wallace 2002 Amy O'neill Foster2003 Hillary Jackson Devries2004 Ashley Boelens 2005 Lindsey Kern Kuhnle2006 Carly Mills O'neill2007 Tiany Gibbs Bozzo2008 Katherine Mckenna Ziyad2009 Tabitha Gibbs 2010 Rikki Valentine 2011 Arianna Leppink Meinke2012 Kendra Wekenman 2013 Sarah Thompson Cooley2014 Allison Harrison 2015 Alexis Cahill Bepler2016 Lauren Thompson 2017 Laura Tuttle 2018 Anastasia Hintz 2019 Makenna Church Bannister 2020 Makenna Church Bannister 2021 Hannah Hummel 2022 Eliot Ross 2023 Isabella Wood
4Dear cherished community members,Thank you for allowing me to represent Belding as your 2023 Miss Belding. It has been an honor to connect with so many humble and great community members who supported my girls, me, and this amazing program. If it weren’t for the support from you, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to help further my education and for that, I can’t thank you enough. I would also like to thank the businesses and organizations who let us help at their events. I was able to share laughs while also having the privilege to hear stories about our community and those within which gave me an even deeper understanding and respect for my community. Although I am passing over my reign, the experience, lessons, and growth I’ve gained from this opportunity will always stick with me and have allowed me to walk away with a new outlook on what this community means to me. This has been a year that I will cherish forever with my court and hope to continue to see you around town.2023-2024 Miss Belding Isabella WoodPlatinum Sponsorship Level$5,000 - $10,000Yours Sincerely,Isabella "Izzy" Wood2023-2024 Miss BeldingBelding Downtown Development Authority
5ON THE MAIN STAGEON THE MAIN STAGEHosted by the Belding Labor Day CelebrationBEER TENT 6-11PMBEER TENT 6-11PMUNDER THE ENTERTAINMENT TENTFREE ADMISSIONMUST BE 21 & OLDERAll attendees must have valid ID, no exceptionshttp://project90rocks.com/project90musicFENCE SPONSOR: GH IMPROVEMENT LLCTICKET BOOTH SPONSOR: JUNIOR’S MOBILE HOME & CONSTRUCTION LLC50/50 Cash Raes
6TWILIGHT PARADETWILIGHT PARADEREGISTRATIONREGISTRATION: beldinglaborday.org/twilight: beldinglaborday.org/twilight9PM FRIDAY8PM LINEUP BRIDGE AND HIGH ST.8:30PM FLOAT JUDGINGExtruded Aluminum and Jordan Manufacturing11AM-2PM Bratwurst Cookout Leppinks Food Center301 W Main St11AM-6PM Ribfest at Leppinks Food Center301 W Main St.12-3PM Belding Area Chamber of Commerce - Free Water and PopsiclesHome for the Holidays vendor registration and event information. Come and tour the new oce!330 Covered Village Mall12-8PM VFW - Serving Food5PM Midway Opens - Sponsored by Fleis&Vanderbrink Foundation5-8PM American Legion Post Steak FryPublic Welcome6-11PM Belding Labor Day Celebration Beer Tent featuring Project 90All 90’s All Night! On the Main Stage Under the Entertainment tent FREE Admis-sion | FREE Admission (Must be 21 or older to enter - ALL entrants MUST have valid ID - no exceptions); 50/50 Cash Raes7-11PM VFW - Music by Twister8-11PM American Legion - Music by Drew and the iTones 9PM Extruded Aluminum and Jordan Manufacturing Twilight Parade8PM Line up at Bridge St. & High St. | 8:30PM Judging2024 Belding Labor Day Committeebeldinglaborday.org | facebook.com/Belding-Labor-Day-Celebration-CommitteeShelley Gladding, Co-Chair - 616.430.4547 | Amber Rood, Co-Chair - 616.232.5964Jerey Puehler, Secretary | Sydney Gladding, Treasurer | Ryan Rood | George Rousseau | Bonita SteeleExtruded Aluminum CorporationMIDWAY MIDWAY FUNFUNFAMILY FUN TYME AMUSEMENTSTwilight Parade
7Gold Sponsorship Level$2,500 - $4,999MIDWAYMIDWAYFUNFUNFAMILY FUN TYME AMUSEMENTSSPONSORED BY FLEIS&VANDERBRINK FOUNDATION5PM FRIDAY • 12PM SATURDAY • SUNDAY & MONDAYWRISTBANDS FOR UNLIMITED RIDESAll day Saturday and Sunday $30All day Friday and Monday $25
8Silver Sponsorship Level$1,500 - $2,499BELDING, POST 203
99AM Corewell Health Labor Day Weekend 5K & 1 Mile Fun RunPre Register online for 5K $25 - 1 Mile Fun Run $10Same Day Registration $30 - $10 One Mile Fun Run(pg. 10) Belding High School - Packet Pickup 8-8:45amHosted by Belding Labor Day CommitteeRegister online at runsignup.com/Race/MI/Belding/BeldingLaborDay5k10:30AM Dr. Charles R. Barker Kiddie & Pet Parade LINEUP Line up at the Depot11AM Dr. Charles R. Barker Kiddie & Pet Parade & Verdun Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services Ice Cream Social(pg. 11) Ice cream to follow the parade and provided by Verdun Family Funeral Home in parking lot.12PM Tinney Automotive Labor Day Celebration Car Show(pg. 12) on Main Street | Hosted by Belding High School Drum LineRegistration for Car Show starts at 9AM.12PM Midway Opens - Sponsored by Fleis&Vanderbrink Foundation12PM Belding Area Schools Be Well Bake Walk - Verdun Information Stage12-8PM VFW - Serving Food1PM Cornhole TournamentAmerican Legion - Registration at 11PM - $20/team; 18 years or older1PM Pet Show - Sponsored by Bonita Steele(pg. 10) on the Main Stage under the Entertainment Tent Hosted by the Montcalm County 4-H Future LeadersSupplies will be donated to the Ionia County Animal ShelterRegistration cost $5 per pet OR Donation of equal or higher value in pet supplies.1-4PM Belding Museum & BEL OpenAdmission is free | Children must be accompanied by an adult2PM Fireman's Waterball Tournament(pg. 12) on Congress St.Sponsored by American Legion Post #203, SAL & Axillary3-7PM American Legion S.A.L. BBQ Rib DinnerPublic Welcome | Ribs, beans, coleslaw or Hot Dog & chips5-11PM American Legion - Free Outdoor Games7-11PM Belding Labor Day Celebration Beer Tent featuring War Machine - Detroit Kiss Tribute Band!On the Main Stage Under the Entertainment tent$5 Cover Charge (Must be 21 or older to enter - ALL entrants MUST have valid ID - no exceptions)Each $5 wristband includes a rae ticket for a guitar rae; 50/50 Cash Raes7-11PM VFW - Music by Skybourne
10COREWELL HEALTH9AM SATURDAY8-8:45AM PACKET PICK UP$25 REGISTRATION FEESAME DAY REGISTRATION $301 MILE FUN RUN $10RACE BEGINS AT BELDING HIGH SCHOOLPROFESSIONALLY TIMED BY Michigan Running Foundation5K &5K & 1 MILE 1 MILEFUN RUNFUN RUNREGISTER ONLINE AT:https://www.beldinglaborday.org/5k-fun-runBONITA STEELEPET SHOWPET SHOW1PM SATURDAY1PM SATURDAYUNDER THE ENTERTAINMENT TENT ON THE MAIN STAGEHOSTED BY MONTCALM COUNTY 4-H FUTURE LEADERSAWARDS GIVEN FOR 1ST 2ND & 3RD PLACESLARGE & SMALL ANIMAL, TOP UNUSUAL ANIMALRegistration cost $5 per pet OR Donation of equal or higher value in pet supplies.Supplies will be donated to the Ionia County Animal ShelterWe welcome DONATIONS of canned dog and cat food, bleach, laundry soap, collars, leashes, cat litter, cleaning supplies, dog treats and toys. Your donations are greatly appreciated! Right now, we are especially in NEED of cat litter or canned cat and dog food.
11Decorate your bikes or walk with your dog (pets must be leashed)10:30AM SATURDAY · CORNER OF BRIDGE & DEPOT ST.HOSTED BY THE BELDING EDUCATION ASSOCIATION11AM SATURDAYKIDDIE KIDDIE AND PETAND PETPARADEPARADEDR. CHARLES R. BARKER, JR.Family Practice, PCICE CREAM SOCIAL AFTER THE PARADE AT
12Tinney Automotive Labor Day CelebrationCAR SHOWCAR SHOW12PM SATURDAYMAIN STREGISTRATION STARTS AT 9AM - ENTRY FEE $10HOSTED BY BELDING HIGH SCHOOL DRUMLINE2PM SATURDAYCONGRESS STREETFIREMAN'SFIREMAN'SWATERBALLWATERBALLFIGHTFIGHTPhotos provided by Daily NewsSPONSORED BY BELDING POST #203
13NOON-6PM BRIDGE STREETSaturdaySundayOpen Noon - 6pm, Saturday & SundayOpen Noon - 6pm, Saturday & Sunday3D PRINTED PRODUCTSMAPLE SYRUP JEWELRY APPAREL CUSTOM TUMBLERS SUBLIMATED PRODUCTS HANDSEWN AND CROCHET ITEMSFREEZE DRIED CANDY GEM MINING AND THE LIST KEEPS GROWING!VENDORS:Kona Ice Little Red Barn Grumpy's Potatoes Gazella's GyrosLos Mariscos De PonchoTo register go tohttps://www.beldinglaborday.org/vendor-marketplaceTHETHEMARKETPLACEMARKETPLACEMARKETPLACEMARKETPLACE
14Page 14 - PENDINGRae PageRAFFLES GALORE! Belding Labor Day Celebration will be doing several raes throughout the weekend, with all proceeds to benefit the Belding Labor Day Celebration festivities. 50/50 - Friday Evening During the Beer Tent50/50 - Saturday Evening During the Beet TentGRAND PRIZE RAFFLETicket sales throughout the weekend. WInner to be drawn at 2pm, under the Entertainment Tent on the Main Stage. MORE INFO TO COME FOR THIS PAGERAFFLESGALORE!Belding Labor Day Celebration will be doing several 50/50 - Friday Evening GRANDPRIZERAFFLE
15Bronze Sponsorship Level$750-$1499DR. CHARLES R. BARKER, JR., D.O.DETROIT KISS TRIBUTE BAND7-11PM SATURDAYON THE MAIN STAGEUNDER THE ENTERTAINMENT TENT FENCE SPONSOR: GH IMPROVEMENT LLCTICKET BOOTH SPONSOR: JUNIOR'S MOBILE HOME & CONSTRUCTION LLCWA R MACHINE50/50 Cash Raffles$5 Admission | Must be 21 or older to enterALL entrants MUST have valid ID - no exceptionsEach $5 wristband includes a rae ticket for a guitar rae!facebook.com/kisstribute1/Antcliff Towing
168-11AM American Legion Auxiliary BreakfastPublic Welcome; Oering scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, toast, french toast, biscuits & gravy, fruit bowl10:30-11:30AM Community Church ServiceWith The First Congregational Church of BeldingUnder the Entertainment Tent | Open Service | All Welcome11:30AM 2nd Annual 29" pizza eating contest at Your House of PizzaCome watch four teams try to eat their way to a delicious victory. Pizza by the slice and cold water or pop will be available to purchase while watching your favorite team stu themselves. 1437 W State St.12PM Midway Open - Sponsored by Fleis&Vanderbrink Foundation12PM Cornhole Tournament (pg. 17) The Gathering Place, North Lawn11am Registration | Belding Labor Day Celebration FundraiserContact Jordan Brygal at 989-289-5749 for questionsPre Register online at https://scoreholio.com/cornhole/tournaments/$20 per player/$40 per team; 2 Rounds, Round Robin, Set Teams12-4PM Robroy Kids Day(pg. 18) The Gathering Place, East LawnPopcorn | Cotton Candy | Games | Prizes | And more!12-8PM VFW - Serving Food12-6PM Carnival Bingo - VFW1-4PM Belding Museum & BEL OpenAdmission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.1-4PM Art in the Park hosted by BHS Be Well GroupThe Gathering Place, East Lawn. Participation is free. Supplies provided.1-4PM Stu the Bus With Us! School supply driveThe Gathering Place, East Lawn. To benefit the Belding Area School District.3-7PM American Legion SAL BBQ RibsPublic Welcome | Ribs, beans & coleslaw or Hot Dog & chips4-7PM Live Entertainment - Matt Welch MusicOn the Main Stage Under the Entertainment tent FREE AdmissionFamily Friendly5-11PM American Legion - Free Outdoor Games & Karaoke Inside7-9PM Family Bingo - Hosted by the Belding Labor Day CommitteeFREE to play. Fun prizes awarded. (No cash prizes) Under the entertainment tent.7-11PM VFW - Music by Flashback9:30PM City of Belding Fireworks Spectacular(pg. 19)
17BELDING LABOR DAY FUNDRAISER12PM SUNDAY11AM REGISTRATION BEGINSGATHERING PLACE - NORTH LAWNPAYOUTS GIVEN FOR 1ST 2ND & 3RD PLACESYOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN BAGS2 Rounds, Round Robin, Set Teams$20 per player / $40 per teamPlease preregister athttps://share.scoreholio com/3sVel0eL0LbFor questions, contact Jordan at 989-289-5749CORNHOLECORNHOLETOURNAMENTTOURNAMENT50/50 CASH RAFFLES
18ROBROY KIDS DAYROBROY KIDS DAY12-4PM SUNDAYGATHERING PLACE EAST LAWNFREE EVENTS: Cotton candy, popcorn, inatables, yard games, kids activites, prizes & more!ART IN THE PARK - Hosted by Belding High School Be Well, supplies provided by The Right Door and the Ionia County Health DepartmentFREE TRACKLESS TRAIN RIDES!
19FIREWORKSFIREWORKSSPECSPECTTACULARACULAR9:30PM SUNDAYSPECIAL THANKS TOBelding Police DepartmentBelding Fire DepartmentDepartment of Public Works
20TRACTORTRACTORSHOWSHOW1-3PM MONDAY1-3PM MONDAYTHE GATHERING PLACE THE GATHERING PLACE NORTH LAWNNORTH LAWNALL TRACTORS WELCOME! ALL TRACTORS WELCOME! REGISTER AT BELDINGLABORDAY.ORG JOIN THE PARADE!REGISTER AT BELDINGLABORDAY.ORG JOIN THE PARADE!GREENVILLE TOOL & DIEGREENVILLE TOOL & DIE11AM Extruded Aluminum and Jordan Manufacturing Labor Day Parade(pg. 22) 9AM LINEUP | 10AM JudgingParade Route High St. to Bridge St. — Bridge St. to Ann St.12PM Midway Opens - Sponsored by Fleis&Vanderbrink Foundation12PM-3PM American Legion Hot Beef Sandwiches or Hot Dogs with ChipsPublic Welcome12PM Ice Cream Social and SandwichesFollowing the parade St. Joseph Catholic Church, 409 S Bridge St12PM-6PM Carnival Bingo - VFW - Serving Food1-3PM Greenville Tool & Die Tractor Showcase(pg. 20) The Gathering Place, North LawnRegister tractor at beldinglaborday.org/tractorHosted by Future Farmers of America of Belding1-4PM Belding Museum & BEL OpenAdmission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Tractor ShowHOSTED BY FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA OF BELDINGHOSTED BY FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA OF BELDING
21Sunday, 12-4PMCome Stuff the Bus With US!All supplies to be distributed throughout the Belding Area School system via BAS sta and administrators.Gathering Place, East LawnEach person that donates a bag full of school supplies will be entered to win an all day ride wristband for the carnival midway on Sunday or Monday. Up to four winners will receive a wristband. Drawing at 4pm under the main tent.LABOR DAYBELDINGLABOR DAYBELDING
22LABOR DAYLABOR DAYPARADEPARADE11AM MONDAY11AM MONDAY9AM LINEUP9AM LINEUP10AM JUDGING10AM JUDGINGPARADE ROUTE:PARADE ROUTE:STARTING AT THE CORNER OF HIGH ST./BRIDGE ST. THEN SOUTH TO CORNER OF BRIDGE ST./ANN ST. THEN EAST ON ANN ST. PARADE ENDS AT HALL ST. Extruded Aluminum and Jordan Manufacturing Extruded Aluminum and Jordan ManufacturingMain ParadeFREE TO FREE TO REGISTER!REGISTER!
23AXETHROWINGMONDAY, 1-5PMMain Street, Near Entertainment tent$5 to play• Must be 14 years old + to participate• Caution – axes are sharp!• You must wear flat, closed-toe shoes.• Do Not Throw Hard! Easy does it.• Throw only one axe at a time.• Stay in the safety area unless it’s your turn to throw.• Do not pull axes out of targets. Wiggle the axe handle up and down to release. You can always ask a throwing coach for help.• Never hand a weapon to the next thrower. Put axes in the box, stars on the shelf.• No axes or stars are allowed outside of lanes.
24Labor Day Champions$300 - $749Arrow Electrical Services LLCBC Pizza of BeldingBelding Area Chamber of Commerce Gerref IndustriesGH Improvement LLCJohnson Feuerstein Funeral HomeJunior's Mobile Home & Construction LLC Mercantile BankRiverside DumpstersVenneman FamilyVFW Aux 4406West Michigan Pallet Liquidation