Category: historic preservation

25th anniversary of Fallasburg CBBT

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Covered Bridge Bike Tour, a success in Fallasburg pioneer village & Coldwater Rest Stop

By Emma Palova

Fallasburg- A total of 120 riders participated in the 25th annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour on Sunday, July 7 under the clear blue skies as the humid air chilled down  at the one-room schoolhouse registration.

“Thanks to everyone!  The 25TH Bike Tour was truly a great day.  We couldn’t have done it without you,” said Ken Tamke, president of the Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS).

  • 86 Total Registrations (48 Advance, 38 Walkups)
  • 120 Total Riders (67 Riders Registered in Advance, 53 Riders Walked Up)

Among the favorite routes through the Kent County countryside was the 28-mile route from Fallasburg to Lowell past the Grand River, and along the Grand River Drive to Ada Covered Bridge.

Most of the participants found out about the bike tour from the Michigan League of Bicyclists.

Members of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Paul Guthrie picked the 100-mile route, while Gordy Vader rode the 62-mile route. They loved the homemade food at the Misner House Museum.

“The food is great,” Guthrie said. “We would appreciate re-assurance arrows and GPS map. It’s a great ride.

For Nancy Short who rode the 78-mile route, it was the first time on the CBBT.

“I ditched my friends behind,” she laughed. “I’ve never done a ride that has a homemade spaghetti dinner with tablecloths on the picnic tables.”

Coldwater Rest Stop

Coldwater rest stop

Fallasburg Village Bazaar

The Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) next event will take place on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find your next treasure at the Fallasburg Village Bazaar.

 

Copyright (c) 2019. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

 

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Collective Access to Fallasburg artifacts

On By emmapalovaIn Collective Access, Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, Uncategorized1 Comment

The Fallasburg Historical Society is pleased to announce and showcase a sparkling new website where you can explore online our collection of images and artifacts.

FHS President’s message

fallas ken headshot
FHS president Ken Tamke

Our collaboration with Calvin College’s History Department began the project three years ago. Under the mentorship of Lowell Area Historical Museum’s Executive Director, Lisa Plank, Calvin student interns have been digitally cataloging our archived material; pictures, documents, and assorted pieces of memorabilia that tell the story of people and places in Historic Fallasburg Village and Vergennes Township.

Please visit: https://collection.fallasburg.org and see for yourself.

This “spring cleaning” process has led to the rediscovery of many forgotten treasures tucked away in files.  We’re still a work in progress, but will continue over the coming months to add to, and refine the site.

WWI support cards
FHS president Ken Tamke holds a box with Women’s Cooperative yearbooks.
The treasure hunters: Lisa Plank, Ken Tamke and Calvin intern Grace Bolt.

Now begins the arduous task of properly storing and preserving our collection.  What a nice convenience for students, scholars, and history buffs to be able to view it online, quite another thing to hold in your hand the actual essays and poetry John Wesley Fallas and his wife, Phebe Brown Fallas penned 170 years ago.  Now both are possible!

The Fallasburg Historical Society will hold its Annual General Meeting, Monday June 17TH.

The meeting will be held at the Lowell Chamber of Commerce and will start at 7:00PM.

The purpose of our Annual General Meeting is a forum for our members, friends, and volunteers to lend their voice to our organization.  We’re always looking for new ideas and fresh faces.  Please consider getting involved. FHS needs you!

The 25TH Annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour.

Sunday, July 7TH, 2019.

Fallasburg bike tour 2016 registration with Tina Siciliano Cadwallader & Devon Siciliano.
Bikers register at the schoolhouse.

 Our ride at your own pace, select your distance (12 – 100-miles) bike tour, takes you through some of West Michigan’s most beautiful countryside along marked and mapped routes with SAG (support and guidance) if you need it. Enjoy wonderful refreshments along the way, and a great homemade country Italian meal with all the trimmings at the end of your trip. Starting from our one room schoolhouse, you exit historic Fallasburg Village over the Fallasburg Covered Bridge, one of two you’ll encounter on your 28- or 50-mile cycling adventure.  You may also select to tour around the Flat River Watershed, a 12- mile journey that circles the Village. For the hale and hearty 100-milers, we’ll send you South in the morning and North in the afternoon with Fallasburg as a mid-way point allowing you to eat in the middle of your ride or at the end. All roads begin and end in Historic Fallasburg Village!

Visit www.fallasburg.org  to pre-register and save some $$$. Walk up registration opens at 7:00AM on the day of the ride. Fallasburg Village, 13944 Covered Bridge Road, Lowell.

Schoolhouse Open Sundays

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Don’t forget, our “Schoolhouse Open Sundays” season begins in June – September. We’ll be open as many Sunday afternoons as we can from 2 – 4PM.  Village walking tours and open houses are available year-round by appointment.

Come to Historic Fallasburg Village and take a step back in time!

Copyright (c) 2019 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

FHS Events in 2019

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, history, Uncategorized1 Comment

Fallasburg bridges the past with the new

By Emma Palova

Mark your calendars for the upcoming events of the Fallasburg Historical Society. (FHS)

FHS will be at the Lowell Expo on March 23 at the Lowell High School from 9 am to 3 pm inside the cafeteria right next to the Lowell Area Historical Museum booth.

Hop on the Spring into the Past tour on May 4th & 5th. Visit the Fallasburg one-room schoolhouse along with 30 other museums.

You don’t want to miss our 25th annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour on July 7th. Follow us for event updates.

Become a part of the movement to preserve history as we integrate technology into our work.

Soon, you will be able to access our collections such as the WWI Women’s Cards via a brand new platform.

Sign up for Fallasburg Today E-newsletter to stay in the loop.

Poster artwork by FHS vice-president Tina Siciliano Cadwallader.

 

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Fallasburg Today E- Newsletter sign-up

Copyright (c) 2019 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Christmas wishes

On By emmapalovaIn Christmas in Fallasburg, Covered Bridges, events, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, Michigan historic sites, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thanks to everyone who attended the Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) Christmas Party. It was the most well attended and festive gathering in our Christmas party throwing history; the bonfire was magnificent.

To all who have renewed memberships, made donations, or volunteered their time to FHS and our cause for preservation of Fallasburg Village in 2018, thank you. We simply can’t do it without your support! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ken Tamke
FHS president

Copyright (c) 2018. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Christmas in Fallasburg 2018

On By emmapalovaIn Christmas in Fallasburg, events, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, UncategorizedLeave a comment

An old-fashioned Christmas party in Fallasburg rings in the season

By Emma Palova

It was a night to remember: good food, great friends and live music by band Hawks & Owls. After months of preparations for the annual signature event and fundraiser of the Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS), the party was a smash hit.


People streamed in from all over West Michigan, a sign of changing times; most of them found out about the party from Facebook and Twitter. The great coverage from the Lowell Ledger helped immensely.
For those who came late, there was no food left or libations. The Christmas buffet consisted of turkey and all the trimmings, two types of meatballs, pasta and stuffing, plus different salads and deviled eggs.
A lot of credit for the food goes to Patty Brechbiel, as well as other ladies of the FHS. The epic dessert buffet was partially created by Joann Childs.
The elaborate dessert selection featured nutty bars and devil’s cake, among others. But mostly it was the camaraderie of the event that brought it home.
The one-room schoolhouse was beautifully decorated with electric candles, and the drive across the lit Covered Bridge at the speed of walking enhanced the historic atmosphere of the pioneer 1840s village founded by John W. Fallas.
The party was capped off by a huge bonfire at the Fallasburg Base Ball Field.
“We never know how many people will come out,” said FHS president Ken Tamke. “This was a huge turnout.”
“Villager Craig Wood spent the whole year building the bonfire,” said Tamke.
The party started in 2006 and it is Tamke’s brainchild. Previously the FHS hosted a “wild game” dinner at the Fallas House. The Fallas House is small and not too many people could attend.
“We never made any money on it,” Tamke said. “The caterer did.”
Tamke lobbied to use the one-room schoolhouse instead, get a band, serve beer and wine, and to have a potluck.
“There was a brush pile in the field that first year, so we lit it,” Tamke said. “Craig Wood took over the fire. We’ve been going with the same formula ever since.”
The FHS volunteers put a lot of work into getting the old one-room schoolhouse ready for the annual event. This includes decorations, large round tables with red tablecloths and a buffet style dinner, while making sure everything works including the heater and electricity.
It is also the favorite FHS event considering the atmosphere in the historic pioneer village of Fallasburg all decorated for Christmas.
Everybody enjoyed the music by live band Hawks & Owls that has been playing at the party since its beginning. They played non-stop.
The huge bonfire warmed up the night in a large radius around it. People gathered in a circle around the bonfire for great conversation and to enjoy the warmth of the fire.
The bell in the belfry at the schoolhouse announced the end of the party.
Happy holidays.
More holiday festivities coming to Lowell:
Visit Santa on the Riverwalk with photos by Bruce Doll:
Saturdays Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Copyright (c) 2018. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Join the FHS on Google +

On By emmapalovaIn Christmas in Fallasburg, Covered Bridges, events, historic preservation, Michigan historic sites, UncategorizedLeave a comment

To follow  the Fallasburg Historical Society progress join us also on Google+

Just click the link below.

https://plus.google.com/communities/103626474079704714374?sqinv=ZjRMY2pIbm4zU0xOMHBVTWhTaTFvZFFHUFlxajJB

Mark your calendars for the annual Christmas in Fallasburg party on Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A $20 donation is requested to benefit the Fallasburg Historical Society.

The party features a fancy buffet, beverages and music by Hawks & Owls. It is topped off by a bonfire.

It is a once in a lifetime experience as you cross the Covered Bridge into the 1850s pioneer village.

Copyright (c) 2018. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg bazaar vendor line-up & app, set-up info

On By emmapalovaIn Covered Bridges, events, fall color tours, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized1 Comment

Arts/Crafts/Bazaar in the Village of Fallasburg Park

2018

Saturday September 15th and Sunday September 16th

10:00am-5:00pm (both days)

New this year are 30 more signs directing traffic into the village from both west and north entrances  and throughout the park. Once you enter the park, hang a slight right onto the Covered Bridge Road.

These are our vendors who will be located under the tents along the Covered Bridge Rd.  once you cross the Covered Bridge into the historic village.

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Anna Marie-Fairy Houses

Karen Weller-Jewelry

Karen Roden- Chimes

Sandy- Sandy’s Fudge

Kelli Miller- Kelli’s Bags

Larry Rosland- Bird Houses

Marsha Plummer- Soap

Marsha/Doug – Stone Art

Michelle-Antiques/Gifts

Melinda Vandenberg-Clothing

Kayla Shaw-Clothing

Whites Bridge Group- informational

Local author Emma Palova

Local author Emma Palova will have a book  signing of Shifting Sands Short Stories in the one-room schoolhouse from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on  both days. For more info go to EW Emma’s Writings on http://emmapalova.com

Fallassburgh Flats Vintage Base Ball team

Fallassburgh Flats vintage baseball team
The first Fallasburg Today newsletter is out
Nancy Price Stroosnyder with Whites Bridge Historical Society

On Saturday, September 15 only, the Fallassburgh Flats, the 1860’s Vintage Base Ball Club will culminate their season by hosting their annual Fall Finale, The John Wesley Fallass Invitational Vintage Base Ball Tournament in Fallas Field across from the Fallasburg Schoolhouse.  Admission is free.  Preliminary games begin at 10:00AM with semi-final and final games in the afternoon followed by an awards ceremony around 5:00PM.  For more information on the Fallassburgh Flats, and their regular season schedule go to:  fallassburghflats@gmail.com

 

Fallasburg Village Bazaar

 

Vendor app

The Fallasburg Historical Society invites you to join our 2-day Arts/Crafts/Bazaar in the Village of Fallasburg Park, located east of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event will be host to unique crafts and food booths and is also home to a museum, village and vintage baseball tournaments! We are located in Fallasburg Park, one of Kent County’s most beautiful public parks – the 76-acre park is located on the inspiring Flat River. When you cross the Historic Covered Bridge, into our charming village, you will be taking a step back in time.

We plan to capture some of the annual attendees to the Fallasburg Festival of the Arts, which will be held in the park during the same dates, with estimated traffic of 20,000-30,000! The Fallasburg Fall Festival for the Arts has been voted #39 of the festivals, nationwide, by 2012 readers of Sunshine Artists Magazine, and has been called “a unique event that develops the potential of its extraordinary historical setting”, by http://www.artfaircalendar.com.

Admission AND Parking for the Arts/Crafts/Bazaar is FREE.

Important Dates:

Show Dates: September 15th & 16th, 2018

(One day participation is an option – no discount to booth fees)

Selection Procedure:

A group, comprised of Fallasburg Historical Society board members, will serve as the selection committee to ensure a diverse range of crafters whose work is of original quality and that represents a variety of creative styles for the Village Bazaar. NOTE – if you are in receipt of this application, you are already (pre)qualified by a board member to join us!

Fallasburg Historical Society has a policy to provide equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all programs, activities and services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or handicap.

Company/

Artist Name: _____________________________________________________

Contact Phone: _________________ Alternate Phone: _______________________ email address: ___________________________________________________________

Desired Booth Size: Single: __________ Double: __________

Description of items to be offered (check all that apply):

__________ Antiques __________ Shabby Chic

__________ Flea Market __________ Arts and Crafts

__________ Arts and Crafts __________ Clothing

__________ Leather __________ Wood/Woodworking

__________ Glass __________ Metal

__________ Ceramics __________ Toys

__________ Furniture __________ Jewelry

__________ Floral __________ Soaps

__________ Pottery __________ Candles

__________ Other

Please provide a description of merchandise to be sold:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

The sale of real weapons, play weapons, drug paraphernalia or alcohol related items is prohibited and the Committee has the right to accept or reject any vendor, articles or display.

Rules:

• Only one crafter (or crafter collaboration) per booth.

• Committee reserves the right to request removal of sale items that are inconsistent with

submitted craft/implied merchandise.

• Booth must be staffed for duration of Arts/Crafts/Bazaar.

• Crafter is required to donate an item valued at $10 or more in addition to booth fee. Such

donation will be used as a fund-raiser for the historical society at a later date- so having your crafter information on item is key for future sales from winner and family of winner.

Village Event is a “rain or shine” event. Crafters should be prepared for inclement weather.

Booth Information:

• Single booth – 12′ x 12′ (physical space of set-up) $50

• Double booth – 12′ x 24′ (physical space of set-up) $100

(limited number of double booths available and will be assigned in the order of receipt of deposits/requests)

• Set-up is Friday, September 14th, 2018, 12:00pm – 8:00pm (if you prefer to set-up on Saturday morning, set-up MUST be complete prior to 10am, when the event opens)

• Securing your booth “after hours” is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. The Fallasburg Historical

Society is not responsible for any loss or damages.

(we will have personnel on- site overnight, but we cannot be held responsible for

securing vendor merchandise)

• Take down is 5pm Sunday, September 16th, 2018 (right after the event)

• Electricity and running water are NOT available

• Generators are NOT allowed

• For crafters only: we have a Historic home designated for your use. It has a bathroom and

limited kitchen to take a break and enjoy your lunch. Again- this is not for public use- we have a bathroom at the one room school-house for your customers.

Parking:

• Vendor parking will be directly behind your booth – to ensure convenient access to your merchandise.

• Guests/Customers will have designated parking areas through the Village.

Waiver/Acceptance:

I/We agree to assume all risk associated with participating in this Bazaar; including, but not limited to, falls, accidents, effects of weather and/or any other loss, cost or damage. By signing this document and/or submitting the entry fee, I/We, agree to waive, release and hold harmless, the Fallasburg Historical Society, sponsors and volunteers from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, loss, cost and expense, of any kind, arising out of my participation in this event. I/We have read and agree to this waiver and will abide by the rules and regulations for the Village Bazaar.

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

Any questions can be emailed to: michelle_emaus@yahoo.com or call 616-648-0048.

Please submit your application/deposit to:

Arts/Crafts/Bazaar -2018

725 Lafayette St

Lowell, MI 49331

All checks should be made payable to: Fallasburg Historical Society.

September message from FHS president

On By emmapalovaIn events, fall color tours, Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, Michigan historic sites, travel Michigan, Uncategorized1 Comment

Get ready for fall events @Fallasburg

Thank you to all the volunteers and organizers who made the 24TH Annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour a smashing success. For doing your part to help preserve Historic Fallasburg Village with your registrations, thanks to all our riders, the largest turnout in several years.  And, thanks to Mother Nature, you gave us the perfect day for everyone to explore some of West Michigan’s most beautiful scenery.

fallas ken headshot
FHS president Ken Tamke

As we closed up shop at the end of the event we had much to celebrate.  Again, our gastronomical goodies from volunteers; the “cookie baker network” cookies and the culinary Italian Country-Style meal served al fresco from our Tuscan kitchens, set our bike tour apart.  Not possible to walk away from us hungry!

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There were sore muscles that night amongst the tourers I’m sure, but no injuries-0.  Two blown tires and a broken chain resulted in rides from our SAG Driver (Support and Guidance) back to Fallasburg Village mid-route for a handful.  That was the worst of it.  An earlier meal at the Fallasburg Village Cyclist’s Café the consequence.

The Fallasburg Historical Society was pleased to contribute to the League of Michigan Bicyclists, “$1 Per Rider” program helping promote cycling in our State and make Michigan a safer place to cycle as we have since 2010.

Plan for the 25th Annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour

Next years event, the 25TH Annual Covered Bridge Bike Tour on Sunday, July 7, 2019 will be a milestone.  Planning has already begun after catching our breath from the 24TH.  We always welcome ideas, feedback, and participation as we prepare.  Contact us through our website at www.fallasburg.org

Fall for Fallasburg

September and October are visitor favorites for fall color viewing in Fallasburg Village, and of special note are: Saturday & Sunday, September 15 & 16, and Saturday, October 27.

Fallasburg Village Bazaar set for Sept. 15 & Sept. 16

On Saturday & Sunday, September 15 & 16, the 50TH Fallasburg Fall Festival of the Arts will unfold in adjacent Fallasburg Park. Venture just across the Fallasburg Covered Bridge from the park after art, get a little history, and take a step back in time.  From 10:00AM – 5:00PM both days, the Fallasburg Historical Society Bazaar offers self-guided walking tours of our historic village with free admission to all our museums; the Schoolhouse, the Fallas House, and the Misner House, then come browse our old- fashioned Bazaar of artisans and their crafts under tent.  Enjoy food and refreshments. For more information on the Fallasburg Historical Society, and the Bazaar:  www.fallasburg.org

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Fallasburgh Flats Vintage Base Ball Tournament

On Saturday, September 15 only, the Fallassburg Flats, our 1860’s Vintage Base Ball Club will culminate their season by hosting their annual Fall Finale, The John Wesley Fallass Invitational Vintage Base Ball Tournament in Fallas Field across from the Fallasburg Schoolhouse.  Admission is free.  Preliminary games begin at 10:00AM with semi-final and final games in the afternoon followed by an awards ceremony around 5:00PM.  For more information on the Fallassburgh Flats, and their regular season schedule:  fallassburghflats@gmail.com

Local author Emma Palova book-signing at one-room schoolhouse

Emma Palova will have a book signing of Shifting Sands Short Stories on Sept. 15 & Sept. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the one-room schoolhouse.  Come and chat with the Czech-born author about her book. You can buy your copy locally. Check EW Emma’s Writings at http://emmapalova.com for more info about the book signing.

Ghost Walk at the Fallasburg village

On Saturday, October 27th, “Boo”!  It’s a “Ghost Walk.”  The Fallasburg Historical Society will be hosting a paranormal investigation in collaboration with the Michigan Paranormal Alliance (MPA). Sign in begins at 6:30PM and runs to 7:00PM at the Fallasburg Schoolhouse.  You will accompany MPA on your “Ghost Walk” from 7:00PM – 9:00PM to investigate/research 3 historic buildings and the Fallasburg Village Cemetery. We have less than 10 tickets left @ $40 each that include your research w/MPA, beverages/snacks, and an event t-shirt. Call 616-560-9109 for tickets.

Christmas in Fallasburg set for Dec. 8

If you’re a “calendar marker, Saturday, December 8, 6:00PM-8:00PM, it’s “Christmas in Fallasburg”, A Community Celebration!  Come for music and merriment at the Fallasburg Schoolhouse, finish in Fallas Field at the Fire!

I share with you a communication we received that sums up the “Fallasburg Experience” whether serendipitous, or scheduled.  Come for a visit and see for yourself!

Sincerely,

Ken Tamke, President

Subject: just happened to be travelling through…

Message:
May 5, 2018

Dear FHS,

Thanks so much for all that you folks have done along the Flat River there in Fallasburg. My wife and I were trying to take a shortcut from I-96 to M91, and we found ourselves just north of Lowell, saw the signs, and thought, “Why not?” The park, bridge, historical community, and especially the road that lead us east out-of-town was the perfect unplanned way to slow down, enjoy, and spend a spring day in our area of Michigan. We eventually found our way to M91 and headed for home in Remus. But, whenever we have the chance, we’ll be sure to revisit Fallasburg again. Keep up the good work! BTW, I’m sending my $5 fine…I think I went faster than a walk! God bless.

 

Copyright (c) 2018. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

24th Covered Bridge Bike Tour

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, Uncategorized1 Comment

Cyclists head out on a perfect day

By Emma Palova

EW Emma’s Writings

Fallasburg, MI- On a perfect Sunday, more than 100 bicyclists headed out into the country side for their chosen tour route ranging from 12 to 100 miles.

“It’s been our best turnout yet,” said registrar Tracy Worthington

It was a mix of regulars and newcomers. They all had one thing in common; the love for the area and the charm of the Fallasburg pioneer village.

Also new to the bike tour was Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) board member Mark Kuzee

“I love this place,” he said.

Follow us through the day to the grand spaghetti dinner finale at the Misner House. The dinner will be served until 3 p.m.

Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Also for more info go to our blog Fallasburg Today @fallasburgtoday.com and our website http://www.fallasburg.com.

Also check out our brand new video “Guardians of Fallasburg History ” on YouTube at https://youtu.be/DKw3aEQrzS4

The next FHS event will be the Fallasburg Village Bazaar on Sept. 15 & 16.

We are looking for vendors. Don’t miss on this opportunity to shine. Contact Michelle Emaus.

Copyright (c) 2018. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.