Vassar

Location: Vassar, Michigan
Population: 2,697

The community of Vassar, the Cork Pine City, became a city on September 28, 1944, and has a rich history of logging on the Cass River, which flows through the city’s historic downtown. When traveling through Vassar along the M-15 Heritage Route, the hill, which is lined with petunias in the spring and summer, has become an identifiable landmark for the community. In October of 1994, the M-15 hill gave way for the first Pumpkin Roll. Thousands of people, both young and old, continue to come to Vassar each year in October to roll pumpkins down the hill for a chance at winning a prize.

In 2011, another community event vision became a reality— incorporating the use of the hill into a new winter event. Chill on the Hill was born, allowing community members and visitors a great day of sledding on M-15. Community organizations, volunteers, and businesses came together to solidify plans to engineer one great snow hill for a fun-filled, memorable day of sledding for kids of all ages. Snow was collected from city streets, then stored and piled for use in creating a grand snow hill. Our very first Chill on the Hill was a success, with thousands of individuals sliding down the hill!

The 2nd Annual Chill on the Hill was scheduled for February 4. Due to the fickleness of Mother Nature, the event had to be canceled. The city had planned to improve the snow hill (making it faster), use commercial grade tubes, and erect a larger warming tent. The one-time charge for sliding down the hill was to be only $1.00, the same as last year, allowing everyone to join in the fun. Plans also included accommodations for our younger participants with the creation of a bunny hill and activities for the little ones, such as a snowman building contest. Next year’s event will be bigger and better.

The use of the hill on M-15 Heritage Route in Vassar for these public events has enabled the community to turn the highway that runs through its downtown into an asset.

Come visit Vassar and enjoy its family-oriented atmosphere, friendly people, and community pride. Check them out at www.cityofvassar.org/.