It is true that we on the West side of the state share a reputation for being a bit conservative. That said, one needn't look much further than the recent referendum in Zeeland (arguably the seat of the entire area's conservative reputation) to realize that this is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

The recent vote, that allows the sale of alchohol there, is indicative of a trend towards a more tolerant mindset here. Indeed, it could be argued that conservatism is on the wane across the entirety of West Michigan. It is almost certain that as the demographics continue to change in Holland, that city will undoubtdely have to allow the sale of beer in it's eateries on Sundays.

Yes, the latter will happen in very short order. And it will actually be a relief to note the disappearance of the hypocrisy that is seeing the city's 'moral' majority trek south on a Sunday to Sodom err... Saugatuck - for a drink in a restaurant; for a cold twelve pack of beer to take home for the football game.

In short, we are not truly as conservative as some would have you believe (and a small minority would like us to be), nor are we as stodggy as first impressions would suggest. We are simply a microcosm of the melting pot, but one that has managed to hold on to the ability to feel nostalgia for our place. Let's party!