A long-standing relationship and a community landmark will both be highlighted during the annual Hope-Holland Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The event will feature a picnic on Windmill Island, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The day, also marking its 40th year, is scheduled in celebration of the long-standing relationship between Holland residents and the faculty, students and staff of Hope College.
The picnic will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the island. Persons purchasing tickets in advance will also receive a free ticket for admission to the island from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day, as well as a ticket for the Hope College football game with De Pauw University of Greencastle, Ind., at 1:30 p.m. at Holland Municipal Stadium, located on Fairbanks Avenue at 13th Street.
The picnic will consist of bratwurst, hamburger, sliced turkey breast, vegetarian croissants, salads, chips, cookies, beverages and other picnic fare. Live music will be provided throughout the picnic by the Holland American Legion Band.
The West Ottawa High School marching band will be playing at the game.
Community Day debuted in October of 1966 as a Community Ox Roast, held in conjunction with the Hope College centennial celebration. Like the first event, which was the idea of former mayor Nelson Bosman, subsequent Community Days have provided an opportunity for Holland and Hope to come together.
In addition, the gallery of the De Pree Art Center is hosting the exhibition "Through a Glass Clearly: The Art of John Vander Burgh" through Sunday, Sept. 18. The gallery is open Sundays and Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. There will be an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The De Pree Art Center is located on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street. Admission to the gallery is free.
Tickets for Community Day, which include the picnic, football game and admission to Windmill Island, cost $7 for regular admission, and $4 for children age five to 11. Admission is free for children under five.
Advance tickets for Community Day may be purchased at the college's Dow Center, located on 13th Street at Columbia Avenue, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling the college's Office of Public Relations at (616) 395-7860.
In the event of rain, the picnic will be moved to the dining room of Phelps Hall, located on the Hope College campus on Columbia Avenue at 10th Street. If the picnic is moved inside, announcements will be made on the college's automated audio information system, which can be called at (616) 395-7888, as well as on area radio stations.