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Hi Holland, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: An iconic lighthouse, candles that light up your photos, a 30s and 40s swing show, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Michigan’s iconic lakeside beacon: Big Red in Holland keeps drawing visitors, offering views from Holland State Park’s north pier, though the interior is generally closed, and the lighthouse remains a landmark by the channel — get viewing tips and history.
New markets on the horizon: Michigan retailer Gardner White has announced plans to open nine new stores, including one in Holland and its first Ohio location near Toledo, expanding reach across West and North Michigan — see all planned locations.
A shared past, newly told: We the People, an America250MI funded exhibit with oral histories on immigration, identity, and belonging from the Zeeland Historical Society and Holland Museum, will be presented at both museums — learn more about the exhibit.
Resilience sparks luminous keepsakes: Holland couple Danny and Maria Larsen turned a 2024 GM layoff into Afterglohe, launched last November, crafting candles that light up customers’ photos, inspired by lakeshore sunsets and memories — see how it all works.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
From heartbreak to healing: Team Be Better, started by Steve and Jill Miskelley after their son Ian died in 2021, offers free help to student athletes and families navigating mental health care and has supported nearly 400 families. Its annual gala will be March 6 in Holland featuring former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer. Read the full story.
A playful seasonal escape: Winterfest is underway at Critter Barn in Zeeland throughout February, bringing animal themed fun and hands on learning. Expect live animal interactions and family activities. Admission is $10 for ages three and up. With February ending soon, Winterfest is winding down. Get all the details.
Treat yourself to local: When you want dinner that feels thoughtful yet easy, Butch’s Dry Dock delivers a seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients, and a deep wine list to match. Settle in, linger, share bites, and remember why dining out is fun…without the fuss.
Spice up your kitchen: From fresh-ground spices and loose-leaf teas to gadgets you’ll actually use, The Seasoned Home is Holland’s go-to when your drawers need fewer unitaskers and meals crave more wow. Small upgrades here make dinner easier, tastier, and a lot more fun.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍽 2026 Zeeland Fishhawx Fundraiser Banquet @ Holland Fish and Game Club | Friday (2/27) at 5:30 PM – This annual banquet reels you into the Holland Fish & Game Club for the Zeeland Fishhawx fundraiser, hearty dinner, and a raffle that actually pays off sometimes. Twenty-five bucks gets you in, dinner and a ticket included, and it’s BYOB, so dust off the cooler.
💃 Daddy Daughter Dance @ Holland Civic Center | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Dust off your dad moves and escort your K-6 kiddo to Holland Civic Center for a sweet, no-pressure night of dancing, games, and light treats. Live DJ, big smiles, plenty of photo ops, and yes, your corny twirl absolutely counts as choreography.
🎼 Concerto & Aria Competition Winners’ Concert @ Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats hearing the next generation steal the show as the Concerto and Aria Competition winners solo with the Hope College orchestra. Expect big moments, beautiful noise, and bragging rights you can dine out on. Trade your evening scroll for standing ovations.
⛳ Indoor Mini Golf @ First Church | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Play 18 creative indoor holes weaving through the church, free, all ages, and surprisingly fun, even without windmills. Park at 125 E. Lincoln Ave, enter through the sanctuary doors where it starts and ends, bring friends, and parents, please supervise the kiddos.
🐾 Monthly Meet & Greet @ Chow Hound Pet Supplies | Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 AM – Chow Hound is turning the kibble run into a cuddle run as Al-Van Humane Society brings adoptable pups for a monthly meet and greet. Swing by, swap belly rubs for backstory, and find a four-legged co-pilot for your Holland errands, walks, and couch naps.
🌶 Annual Auction & Chili Dinner @ Community Reformed Church | Saturday (2/28) at 4:30 PM – Nothing beats hearty chili and a good-natured bidding war. Support Barnabas Ministries’ outreach with a by-donation chili dinner, plus silent and live auctions that will test your restraint, your paddle arm, and your poker face. Bring cash, antacids, and that neighbor who always overbids.
🍽 Hamilton Athletic Booster Banquet @ Baker Lofts Events | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Dust off the nicer jeans, the Hawkeyes Booster Banquet is our excuse to eat well and outbid each other for glory. Expect pride, a little friendly fundraising, and real support for uniforms, gear, and those long bus rides. Go Hawkeyes, obviously.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Holland report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 35°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 19%
A slight chance of snow showers between 1pm and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 35. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. South southwest wind around 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. South southwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.
This house is wild
Set in Silverwater in West Ottawa schools, this RESNET energy-smart two-story offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and over 2,000 square feet, with $1,046 annual savings. A bonus room handles office or study. The kitchen shines with 48-inch island and nook. A tucked away mud room bundles laundry, powder, and storage. Walkout with slider and daylight basement, plus 10-year structural warranty.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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