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History of the Red Flannel Festival
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It all began in 1936 in the midst of "the worst winter in years." The
whole country suffered in the grip of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. A New
York feature writer bemoaned the "fact" that, "Here we are in the
midst of an old- fashioned winter and there are no red flannels in the USA to go
with it."
The local newspaper, The Cedar Springs Clipper, owned and edited by "The Clipper
Gals" Nina Babcock and Grace Hamilton answered the writer with a RED HOT editorial
stating: "Just because Sak's Fifth Avenue does not carry red flannels, it doesn't
follow that no one in the country does. CEDAR SPRINGS' merchants have red flannels!"
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Grace Hamilton
Cpr Editor
1932-1955
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Nina Babcock
Cpr Editor
1932-1955
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The story was picked up by The Associated Press and orders began pouring in from
all over the USA.
Seeing the possibility of at least a few years of publicity because of our famous
“drop seaters" and lumbering history, a "RED FLANNEL DAY" was
planned for the fall of 1939. After the closure of the Red Flannel Factory in 1994,
the citizens became concerned as to the fate of their beloved Red Flannels and of
the Red Flannel Festival. However, due to the love of their community legacy, volunteers
rallied to keep the Red Flannel Festival tradition alive. It has continued to be
an annual event, held the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October.
The production of Red Flannel garments was reestablished and they are available
to purchase in Cedar Springs.
Red Flannel Day - Lots to Do!
But you'd better wear red…our Keystone Kops are everywhere…..."arresting"
offenders!
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Cedar Springs, Michigan
Located just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan...Cedar Springs is a city with small-town
charm and home-grown characteristics.
Named for its fine springs bordered by a cedar grove, Cedar Springs is a great place
to live, work and visit. Lined with shops, restaurants and other area commerce,
we are sure that you will find something, if not many, things of interest.
One of
its greatest attractions:
The Red Flannel Festival!
Why is Cedar Springs known as Red Flannel Town?
Well, we knew you were going to ask. Check out the
History page
to learn why.
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Call: 616.696.2662
21 E Maple St • P.O. Box 43 • Cedar
Springs, MI 49319
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