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.

A summer tradition for visitors and affectionately known as “the Shed” by the locals, the Cabbage Shed in Elberta has hosted some of the best in Northern Michigan entertainment during its 26-year history. Over the years, owner Jim Clapp has offered just about every kind of live music, from rock & roll to blues and country to swing and Cajun. This summer the tradition will continue with their acoustic style “Back Room Concert Series,” featuring a variety of folk, blues and bluegrass in a concert-like setting.
The Shed has also become a family tradition with daughter Becky Clapp taking on the day-to-day management of the bar and restaurant. “I grew up here, washing dishes at first and now it feels good to be working with Dad and giving him the chance to spend time doing other things he wants to do. And I love keeping the spirit that he started here alive, cause it’s such a cool place.”

Originally built in 1867, it was the area’s first general store; and until the turn of the century, sailing schooners shipped in its supplies. It became a Farmer’s Cooperative in the 1920’s and at one time was stacked with cabbages bound for shipment by rail. Tradition prevailed when Clapp resurrected the Cabbage Shed on August 31, 1985.

With its collage of deserted road signs, plank floors, steaks, ribs, white fish and Fuller’s Ale on tap, it’s a popular meeting place for the locals and a favorite vacation spot for visitors.

The Shed is also rolling out a new menu this summer that will change weekly as they focus on more local, seasonal fare. They have increased their seafood offerings with all new fresh fish including grilled Wahoo with pineapple salsas, poached Halibut in a shrimp and scallops bouillabaisse and grilled tuna Nori rolls. Old favorites like the Shed Sirloin, baby back ribs, sesame crusted whitefish. Shed burgers and their ever-popular homemade borscht and all homemade desserts are also available.

The Shed pours nine draft beers, ales and stouts and scores of bottled brews from around the world. They also stock eleven single malt scotches with handpicked Scottish selections. Other specialties include the world’s best martini (they keep the gin in the freezer) the original Shed Sangria, a super Bloody Mary and a well-balanced wine list.
Check out one of these upcoming performances while enjoying a dinner before or during the show, and a cocktail or two along with great views of Betsie Bay. For more information, call the Shed at 231-352-0843 or check out their website at www.cabbageshed.com.

July 17 – Legacy is an award-winning Irish folk band featuring traditional Irish music out of Mississippi. Tickets are $10 at the door.

July 24 – Josh White Jr., son of legendary blues man Josh White. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

July 28 – The Tannahill Weavers bring traditional music from Scotland’s premiere band. “An especially eloquent mixture of the old and new.” New York Times. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.

August 7 – The Laws are a country/folk duo from Canada, $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

August 9 – Mike and Brooks Lindner, these blues men are from Austin, Texas, there is no cover charge.

Aug 12 – Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt, a magical collaboration of two of Michigan’s top folk artists. Tickets are
$15 in advance or $18 the night of the show.

August 21 – The Ragbirds, an exciting roots/world music band, tickets are $10 at the door.

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.

“I would have to say between the racers and their support people and all the people in the street I would have to say well over a thousand or more people,” says Frankfort-Elberta area chamber of commerce executive director, Joanne Bartley.

With everything from snowmobiling races at the Open Space Park to winter carriage rides along Main Street, locals and out of towners alike are taking advantage of the snowy weather.

“We have tons of people in the parade, we have snow world with activities, frozen bowling, frozen golf, sledding hills, we have warming stations throughout town with games and crafts and free hot chocolate,” says Bartley.

February 20-22, 2009 Frankfort & Elberta host a new winter celebration “Shiver by the River”. On Friday (Feb 20) beginning at 2 PM there will be burgers & adult beverages (root beer – no straw?) at the American Legion Hall and from 7-9 PM there will be a snowmobile Cruise-in at the  Frankfort A&W (M -22 & 115).

The Snocross gets rolling early on Saturday at Open Space Park with practice at 8 AM followed immediately by qualifying. At 11 AM the Winter Parade takes place and other activities to enjoy on Saturday include the Frankfort Farmer’s Market at Lion’s Club, winter water rescue demos, a decorated shanty town, horse drawn carriage rides, an antique snowmobile display and all kinds of kids games & activities including a Kid’s Snow World featuring sledding, castles, tunnels, putt-putt golf, snowman building and Polar Express Train Rides!

The Snocross race happens Sunday beginning just after 9 AM and all weekend long there will be food, hot chocolate, music and more at warming zones throughout both towns.

Click to download the schedule of events and for more details, contact the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-7251.