The Announcer is delivered to you as a free monthly publication serving Allendale Township. It is brought to you by the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce.
WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org
OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment
ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com
If you were lucky enough to experience Allendale’s M45 Celebration in 2024, then you already know it was no ordinary event—it was Allendale’s Best Day Ever! But for those who missed it, or those who just can’t get enough of the magic, let’s take a thrilling trip down memory lane as we launch the countdown to this year’s highly anticipated date announcement. Get ready—the excitement is building, and we can’t wait to give you another unforgettable day to remember!
The M45 Celebration wasn’t just an event—it was the heartbeat of Allendale, Michigan. This long-awaited festival was created with one goal in mind: to bring every corner of our community together. Whether you were a local business owner, a parent, a college student, or an elementary school kid, there was something for everyone. It wasn’t just a day to celebrate—it was a true collective effort, brought to life by our incredible local businesses, volunteers, and community organizations. The M45 Celebration was all about creating a welcoming, fun, and accessible experience for everyone, and the energy was contagious.
But where did it all begin? The story starts with Leprino Foods, a global powerhouse in mozzarella and dairy production, who approached the Chamber of Commerce with an exciting idea: open their annual employee 5K to the whole community. As the brainstorming kicked into high gear, it quickly became clear that this was the perfect moment to launch something bigger—and thus, the Leprino M45 Run was born! But the fun didn’t stop there. A dynamic planning committee was formed to craft not just a run, but a full-fledged “Day of Fun in Allendale.” Local leaders, business owners, and passionate community members came together to create the festival, and after plenty of discussions, the name “M45 Celebration” was chosen. This name perfectly captured Allendale’s essence: a celebration of everything that makes our town unique, where everyone—from every business to every neighborhood—plays a crucial part in our success.
After months of careful planning, collaboration with the Allendale Township Downtown Development Authority, and support from local leaders, the stage was set. Saturday, September 14th, 2024, would go down as the day Allendale made history with its Best Day Ever!
As festival-goers arrived at the park on that unforgettable day, the energy was electric. The Leprino M45 Run kicked off with excitement, while the M45 Market came alive with local vendors and crafters showcasing their wares. Lively music filled the air, setting the tone for a day of pure enjoyment. The vendors were ready, the food trucks were firing up, and the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation. In the distance, the carnival rides were being tested, and the scent of delicious food tempted everyone who passed by.
And then there was the Beer and Cider tent—tucked at the park’s opposite end—a much-needed spot for parents to unwind while the kids enjoyed the carnival. But the real excitement was still to come.
The day was building toward its crowning moment: The Drone Show! As the sun began to set, the crowd eagerly awaited the spectacle of 100 drones lighting up the sky. Set to music, these drones created jaw-dropping formations that included the iconic “49041,” a tribute to our 175 years of history, and even an unforgettable display of the Allendale Township logo. It was a first for Allendale, and people are still buzzing about it today. The biggest question we get asked is: “Will the drone show return?” And we’re thrilled to say: YES! With the continued support of our local businesses, the drone show will light up the sky every year to come.
As we look ahead to this year’s celebration, one thing is certain: it’s going to be even bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever before. Stay tuned as we prepare to make this year’s M45 Celebration another Best Day Ever—and we can’t wait to see you there!
