Elberta

Lakeside Shakespeare
When: August 7th, at 7:30 pm
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Professional Actors from Chicago travel to Benzie County to perform Love’s Labours Lost.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
When August 8th and 9th, from 10 am Saturday to 10 am Sunday
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Benzie County Relay for Life teams participate in a yearly walkathon to raise money for the American Cancer society. Food, games, live entertainment and prizes. Come to participate or just to see what the relay is all about.

Onekama

Onekama Days
When: August 6th through the 9th.
Where: Onekama
What: Annual community gathering, featuring a car show, live music, steak fry, fireworks, parade and much more.

Thompsonville

Summer Sounds 2009 at Michigan Legacy Art Park featuring Laith,
When: August 7th, at 7 pm.
Where: Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Spa and Resort
What: Detroit musician Laith Al-Saadi performs at Jessie Frohlich Amphitheatere. Tickets are sold only on the day of the concert. Sales start at 6:30 pm. For more information, call 231-378-4963 or visit www.michlegacyartpark.org.

Frankfort

Crystal Lake Art Center’s Preserve the Arts!
When: August 7th, from 6 to 7:30 pm.
Where: Former U.S. Coast Guard Station
What: Silent and live Auction. Dinner packages at Arcadia Bluffs, private cooking classes, golf outings and original artwork will be auctioned off for the benefit of the CLAC. Drinks and hors d’oeuvers will be provided, along with live music by classical guitarist Carol McAnulty. Tickets are available in advance at the CLAC as well as on the night of the event. For more information, call 231-352-4151.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: August 8th, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Where: Open Space Park
What: A traditional famers market where local growers bring fresh produce, hand-crafted foods and locally raised meats for the public to purchase.

Benzonia

Benzie Bass Kids Challenge Fishing Event
When: August 8th, from 9 am to noon.
Where: Vacation Trailer Park
What: Children 16 and under can learn how to fish and may take part in a fishing competition. Parents or guardian must accompany and care for children during the entire event. Any species of fish are allowed. Prizes and hot dogs provide for children. Contact Ray Stark at 231-882-4291 or visit the website at www.starkswater-woods.com for more information.

Weekend Round-Up
By Colin Merry

Frankfort

Medallion Hunt
When: July 1st through the 4th. Clues revealed at 9am
Where: Clues revealed at Chamber of Commerce, Walentas and State Savings Bank
What: Treasure seekers must decipher clues in order to find the location of the Frankfort Medallion, worth $150 to whoever finds it.

Carnival
When: July 2nd through the 5th.
Thursday at 5 pm
Friday at 12 pm
Saturday at 10 am
Sunday 12-6 pm
Where: Frankfort Jr./Sr. High School
What: Schmidt Amusements Carnival, with midway games, rides and food vendors.

July 4th festivities
When: July 4th all throughout the day
Where: Throughout Frankfort
What: A full day of activities are scheduled for the 4th of July celebration in the port town of Frankfort on Lake Michigan. Festivities kick off with St. Anne’s pancake breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by a bicycle decorating contest at Graceland Fruit at 9:30. The annual 4th of July parade is at 10:00 am, with floats representing local businesses traveling down Forest and Main Street. Also starting at 10 am, Art in the Park, with arts and crafts vendors congregating in Mineral Springs Park until 4pm. The Lion’s Club Chicken Barbecue will also take place in Mineral Springs Park, starting at 12 pm. On the beach, a sand sculpture contest will be held between 12pm and 3pm. Participants are asked to sign up at the chamber office or at the entrance to the beach. Fireworks will be held at dusk at the Frankfort Beach. This year, one lucky raffle winner will be able to push the button to start the show. Visit http://www.frankfort-elberta.com/ for a full schedule and information.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: July 4th from 8 am to 1 pm
Where: Open Space Park
What: Locally produced greens, meats and other food products will be available to purchase in a traditional farmers market setting. Come taste the difference small farming operations and hand-crafting can make.

Beulah

Celebration 2009
When: July 4th, all throughout the day
Where: Throughout Beulah
What: On Crystal Lake, Beulah will be holding a myriad of 4th of July activities. The 5k Firecracker Run starts at 8 am in Beulah Park, followed by the family walk and fun run at 8:30 am. For those who feel less like running and more like breakfast, the Hungry Tummy in the downtown area will be having a pancake breakfast buffet from 8am t o 11am. Kids games start in Beulah Park at 10:30am until noon, with face painting at 11am to 3pm. Scheduled children’s games begin at 2:30 pm with the “greased pole climb”, followed by a coin hunt on the beach at 3:30pm and a rubber duck race at 4:30pm. The annual Independence Day parade will be held in downtown Beulah at 1:30 pm. Snacks and picnic foods will be available in the park from 12 pm to whenever people stop eating. The fireworks show, which will be fired from a moving barge along the east shore of Crystal Lake, will be ignited around 10:30 pm.

Lake Ann

16th annual Lake Ann Homecoming
When: July 4th, with activities throughout the day
Where: Lake Ann
What: Lake Ann is hosting its own celebration on the 4th to honor the villages’ history.

The homecoming starts at 9 p.m. with an opening ceremony introducing the village’s officials and senior citizens. After the ceremony, things get kicked off with a vintage tractor and classic car parade through downtown Lake Ann at 11:00 a.m. Also, throughout the day, activities will be taking place such as an auction, a crafts and flea market, live music and children’s games. A barbecue lunch will be served at the Almira Township Hall from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., featuring BBQ pork, baked beans and other picnic favorites. Snack foods will also be available at vendors.

Manistee

National Forest Festival
When: July 1st-5th
Where: Manistee
What: Manistee’s popular National Forest Festival also takes place on the 4th of July weekend, bringing with it a host of events to keep visitors busy. The festival starts on the 1st of July, with a woodworking workshop and the official opening of the festival market place and food vendors starting at 10 a.m. Historical trolley tours start at 11 a.m. and the T.J. Schmidt & Company Carnival will be ready to go at 2 p.m. The festival market, food vendors and the carnival will continue every day during the festival. A variety of festivities continue over the next few days, with Texas hold em’ tournaments, art exhibits, bed races, live music, guided tours, animal exhibits, auctions, kids events and much, much more. The Scottville Clown Band will make several appearances, once during the parade at 10 am on the 4th and once on the 5th at 4pm at the beach. Fireworks will be held on the 3rd instead of the 4th.
There are many events spanning this multi-day festival, so visit the official website at http://www.manisteechamber.com/commitees/festival.htm for a full schedule and locations.

By Colin Merry

 
Frankfort

Take a Kid Fishing
When: June 26th and 27th. Nightcrawler hunt starts at dusk, fishing starts around 8a.m.
Where: Mineral Springs and Open Space parks.
What: The 6th annual Take a Kid Fishing event gives children the opportunity to learn fishing doesn’t have to be hard or about competition. Kids don’t even need their own equipment! Volunteers teach aspiring anglers the basics of fishing and set them up with a rod, reel and some bait. The kids do the rest. Coffee and doughnuts will be available in the morning and a picnic lunch with hot dogs, chips and pop will be provided in the afternoon. Everything is free of charge. Event organizer Bob McNabb said no child will be turned away, though it is preferred they come accompanied by an adult. Call Bob McNabb at 231-352-4440 or 231-352-7251 for more information.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: June 27th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Open Space Park
What: Local growers and food producers offer a variety of organically grown produce, baked goods, fresh eggs and free range meats in a traditional farmers market setting. This week is the Lavender Festival. Learn about the properties of lavender and experience crafts, beverages, baked goods, soaps and skin care products created using lavender. Actual lavender plants will also be available for purchase.

Honor

Strawberry Social
When: June 27th, from 1-3 p.m
Where: Benzie County Road Commission in Honor
What: Strawberry shortcake, ice cream, lemonade, and ice tea are served for a $5 donation to support the programs of the Benzie Area Historical Society. Social butterflies can also take a look at the equipment used to maintain Benzie County roads. Visit the Benzie Historical Societies Website or the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Benzonia/Beulah

Big Band Concert Fundraiser for the Benzie Area Zonta Club
When: June 27th at 7 pm
Where: Benzie Central High School Auditoruim
What: The Couriers from Ann Arbor will perform music in the “Big Band” style, with guest performers from the high school. True North will open the concert. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Call Kath at 231-383-2434 for more information.

Beulah Boosters’ Family Bike and Picnic Day
When: June 28th, from 9:30 am to 11am Lunch and activities from 11am to noon.
Where: Beulah Downtown Park
What: Bike the trail with family, then enjoy children’s activities and the “Taste of Beulah” lunch afterwards. Musical entertainment will be on hand. This event is sponsored by the Village of Beulah Boosters Club. Call 231-882-4457 for more information.

Wheels 4 Wellness Bike Ride
When: June 27th, starting at 9:30 am.
Where: The Beulah Village Park
What: A scenic and leisurely bike ride around Crystal Lake with the intention of helping programs and organizations such as the Benzie Human Services Collaborative provide food, clothing and emergency services like heating and transportation. Registration is $40 per pair of riders, $25 for a single rider and $50 for a family. Visit www.endomanpromotions.com/events/wheels4wellness.php for more information.

Onekema

Michigan Energy Fair
When: June 26th, 27th, and 28th. Events start at 12 pm Friday and 8-9 Saturday & Sunday
Where: Manistee County Fairgrounds
What: Created by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, the Michigan Energy Fair brings together exhibitors and keynote speakers to educate people about renewable energy technologies. Keynote speakers this year include Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, State Representative Dan Scripps and Scott T. Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. The 3-day fair also includes live music, barbecues, banquets, workshops, children’s games and much more. Visit the Michigan Energy Fair website for more information and a full schedule.

Empire

Free programs offered by the Park Service

  When: Saturday, June 27th, at 1 p.m.
Where: Heart Visitor Center in Empire
What: Each Saturday afternoon in June, the National Park Service offers free programs to help park visitors explore the area. This Saturday, the NPS has scheduled a walking tour of the lakeshore. Learn about the workings of a beach ecosystem as you explore the Lake Michigan’s sand and surf. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s official website for more information.

Picture by Jimflix

and the life giving fuel the sun bestows upon us

Picture by LuckyGus

Photo by JBnuthatch

Northwest Michigan comes alive this weekend with a host of activities celebrating the start of the long awaited summer season.
By Colin Merry

Frankfort

Spring into Summer Sale
When: Friday, June 19th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Frankfort
What: The Spring into Summer Sale is an annual pre-weekend sale in which participating downtown area businesses offer special sales and stay open a bit later.

Frankfort Craft Fair
When: Saturday, June 20th
Where: Market Spare Park
What: The Frankfort Craft Fair features artists and craftspeople from across Michigan and neighboring states, who gather in Markets Square Park to offer visitors unique gifts not readily available elsewhere.
“The art fair is a very popular event to open the summer season with,” said Joanne Bartley, executive director of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce “We usually have around 100 different artists setting up for the fair, but sometimes we have more.”
This year’s artists will bring with them craft fair favorites such as jewelry, clothing, pottery, wooden items, paintings, photography and unique yard art. According to Bartley, she is still in the process of registering artists and more are always welcome.
Refreshments will also be available on site though the Frankfort Lions Club. Other vendors may be offering treats as well.

Antique Vehicle and Muscle Car Show
When: Saturday, June 20th. Vehicle registration begins at 8a.m., judging begins at 11a.m.
Where: Mineral Springs Park
What: Classic and contemporary car buffs gather to show off their cherished vehicles to spectators and other car aficionados. Participants can simply display their car or enter to have their contribution judged by other participants.
Plaques will be awarded for the best vehicles in 14 different categories as well as for best in show, best interior and Mason’s choice. The first 100 registered vehicles will also receive dash plaques and children can enter into a special Kid’s Special category for powered, pushed pulled and pedaled vehicles.
Local band Reunion will be performing during the car show and the lodge will be serving hot dogs and snack foods. The car show is free, but to show a vehicle and enter to win prizes, a registration fee of $10 will be collected.

Frankfort Farmer’s Market
When: Saturday, June 20th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bread demonstrations start at 10 a.m.
Where: Open Space Park
What: Local growers and food producers offer a variety of vegetables, meats and natural food products in a traditional farmers market setting. This week, the market features a special “Bring on the Bread” theme, and talented bread makers will offer a selection of whole grain, whole wheat, white, sourdough, sweet and naturally leaven breads to sample and purchase. Starting at 10 a.m. in the Frankfort Recreation Center, Crescent Bakery will offer bread classes on topics such as bread starters and sweet dough.

Stand-up Paddle and Surf Demo, with Pulled Pork BBQ
When: Sunday, June 21st ,from 12p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Crystal Lake Adventure Sports in downtown Frankfort, Frankfort Beach
What: Surftech representatives will be demonstrating a number of surf boards and techniques, as well as the new up-and coming sport, stand-up paddling, at the beach in Frankfort. Stand-up paddling has been growing in popularity over the past several years, and has been feature in such magazines as TIME and People. Curious spectators are encouraged to try either sport. Stop by Crystal Lake Adventure Sports and sign up to try your hand at surfing/paddling, or simply brows the stores selection of sports equipment and enjoy the free BBQ

Elberta

Summer Solstice Festival 2009
When: Saturday, June 20th, Events begin at 10 a.m. with new activities taking place all day
Where: Waterfront Park
What: A popular festival celebrating the start of summer returns again for another year, bringing with it a variety of activities for all ages and tastes. Activities range from live music, special presentations, tons of children’s games, and fireworks. Restaurants from all over Benzie will be on hand to provide a variety of local delicacies and a beer garden will offer refreshing mico and macro brews, as well as several wine selections. Musical guests include Ann Arbor sensation Rootstand, as well as local favorites such as Clearwater, Rusted, Jake Frysinger and many, many more.
The event list for this festival is huge, so be sure to visit the Summer Solstice Festival’s website for a complete listing of events.

Empire

International Surfing Day Celebration and Beach Cleanup
When: Saturday, June 20th. Cleanup is at 10 a.m., Demonstrations being at 12 p.m.
Where: Empire Public Beach
What: To celebrate International Surfing Day, Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak invites environmentally conscious individuals to participate in a beach clean-up starting at 10 a.m. on Empire Public Beach. Surf and paddle-board demonstrations start at 12 p.m., with a C4 Waterman representative showing off the latest boards and sharing surfing knowledge. Current Designs will be showcasing kayaks as well. Ice cream and cake will be available for all participants. Visit Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak’s website for more information.

“Saturdays At The Lakeshore” Free programs offered by the Park Service
When: Saturday, June 20th, at 1 p.m.
Where: Heart Visitor Center in Empire
What: Each Saturday afternoon in June, the National Park Service offers free programs to help park visitors explore the area. This Saturday, a walking-tour of the historic village of Glen Haven will tell the story of a historic steamboat stop that operated from 1865 to 1931. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s website for more information.

Brethren

Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival
When: Saturday, June 20th. Music starts at 12 p.m.
Where: Dickson Township Park
What: A festival featuring a gathering of folk artists for a full day of music on two stages. Bands appearing this year include Bill Bynum and Company, Jo Serrapere and the Willie Dunns, The Motor City Sidestrokers, Sister Wilene and The Nephews. Children’s games will take place all day and vendors will be on hand to supply food. This year’s event-closing square dance will feature a Cajun theme. For more information, visit the Spirit of The Woods website.

Leelanau County

The M-22 Challenge
When: Saturday, Registration on June 18/19thth, event on June 20th.
Where: Leelanau County. Registration is at the M22 store in downtown Traverse City
What: A multi-discipline event featuring a 17 mile bike race, dune climb, and kayak race. Inspired by the beautiful landscape of Leelanau County and the breathtaking route, M-22, local entrepreneurs Keegan and Matt Meyers created a triathlon event to share the area with others. The event will begin with a 17 mile bike race, followed by a running course taking participants up the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. The event is concluded with athletes paddling a preset course through Glen Lake. For information on registration and the event itself, please visit the M-22 Challenge website.