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Benzie Information on: Frankfort

EVENT LISTING

Betsiebay.net features Frankfort Artists this Friday at American Legion Hall

Art Show

Mythic Michigan Studio and BetsieBay.net present the work of three Frankfort artists, 2-9 p.m., Friday, June 26 at the American Legion Hall, 206 Main St., downtown Frankfort. The event also will feature a free wine tasting by Krolczyk Cellars of Freesoil, 6-8 p.m.

Ken Lake operates Mythic Michigan Studio and Custom Framing. He began creating detailed pen and ink drawings at an early age and received a B.A. in studio art with a concentration in ceramics from Michigan State University. At Lansing Community College, he learned to airbrush in the graphic arts program, but immediately applied this new tool to his paintings.

Lake also worked in the jewelry field in Boise, Idaho, crafting hundreds of originals waxes. He still works in a variety of media, and this show will feature new airbrush paintings, pen and inks and pastels, as well as cards, magnets, and prints of some of his most popular work.

One of Lake’s favorite mottos, “more art for more people,” is reflected in his volunteerism and his work as an instructor at the Crystal Lake Art Center, including in their Mosaic Dance and Art Residency, which serves every third grader in Benzie County. His enthusiasm for encouraging other artists led to this show.

Eliza Forrest also is a multi-talented artist. She graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and studied art at Kalamazoo College and in Greece and Italy. She is an essential member of the staff at the Crystal Lake Art Center and also is a member of the Mosaic team, working primarily in the dance portion of the residency, but able to help out with art when needed and organizing much of the administrative portion of the project.

Forrest also organizes the plein air group at the Art Center. She will be showing oils and pastels, focusing on northern Michigan Landscapes.

Jack Muehlmann is an accomplished artist working primarily in watercolor, pen and ink and pencil. He studied art at the Meinzinger Art School. After many years with art on the back burner, he retired from the conventional working world. “My artistic spirit was released much like the genie from the lamp, and I have avoided any prolonged serious thought since then,” he stated.

He has been a board member of the Crystal Lake Art Center for many years, having served as treasurer in the past. Muehlmann is organizer of and a regular participant in Open Studio at the Art Center. This vibrant group of artists working in a variety of media has been getting together every Wednesday for many years. Open Studio is open to any artist interested in bringing their own supplies to work in the Art Center’s space, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesdays year-round.

Be sure to stop by Friday Night Burgers downstairs at the Legion Hall. A burger and chips are available for just $4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The show also will feature a wine tasting by Krolczyk Cellars, which is located in Freesoil between Manistee and Ludington. Owner and winemaker Dan Krolczyk and Joni Smoker launched the winery in 2005. In addition to Mythic Michigan Studio, this event is sponsored by BetsieBay.net, our own outdoor recreation and area information Website for Michigan’s northwest shore.


EVENT LISTING

Weekend Event Calendar

Photo by JBnuthatch

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.


EVENT LISTING

Stand-Up Paddling Demo Weekend

This weekend head to the beach to experience thstand-up-paddleboardinge very popular and fast growing sport of Stand-Up Paddling for yourself.

Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak in Empire invites you to celebrate International Surfing Day this Saturday (Jun 20). The day begins with a cleanup of Empire Beach at 10 AM. At noon, the C4 Waterman manufactures rep will share his boards and knowledge from 12-4 PM with anyone wanting to try the very popular and fast growing sport of Stand-Up Paddling. There will be Current Designs kayaks to demo as well! At the end of the day, enjoy some free cake & ice cream for all participants to celebrate International Surfing Day & itty’s 10th birthday. Meet at the beautiful Empire Public Beach at 10 in the morning to commence the clean-up and for more info call Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak at (231) 326-WAVE (9283). Learn more about standup paddle surfing via Michigan in Pictures.

Sunday June 21st from 12pm-4pm Crystal Lake Adventure Sports will host a Stand-Up Paddle and Surf Demo plus a Pulled Pork BBQ! The Surftech reps will be on hand with dozens of the hottest boards to try from Standup Paddleboards to Surfboards. Come experience them for yourself. For more information please contact Crystal Lake Adventure Sports, Main St. Frankfort 231 352 4574


EVENT LISTING

June Festivals and Events

festivals

By Danielle Horvath

If it’s summer – it must be festival time in northern Michigan. There’s something for everyone at these family friendly-events, from down-home parades on Main St., to fireworks over the water, to old fashioned BBQ’s in the park, to classic car shows and live entertainment. Here’s a snapshot of some up-coming summer fun.

- June –

Leland Wine & Food Festival – June 13, noon – 6 pm
They call it “lake effect,” the weather over Lake Michigan creates a unique climate and ideal region for wine production, and this annual event, now in it’s 24th year, celebrates the wines of the Grand Traverse area. Admission includes a souvenir glass and two tastes of wine. Additional wine and a variety of food is available from popular area restaurants. Bring your dancing shoes for live music with the Fabulous Horndogs.

Elberta Solstice Festival - June 20 – Elberta Waterfront Park
Celebrate the coming of summer at this popular community event, with live music from noon – 1 am, food and drink including beer tent, great activities for the kids including pony rides, fishing on Betsie Bay, alternative energy presentations, arts & crafts, dancing and fireworks at dark – it doesn’t get any better than this!


Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival – June 20 – Brethren

The event is in its 36th year and features folk, bluegrass, eclectic and old-time music from all over the Midwest. A free family festival and a day full of music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, great food and a closing square dance. Music runs from noon to 9 pm. Check out more at spiritofthewoods.org

13th Annual Frankfort Spring Craft Fair – Market Square Park, Frankfort June 20th, 10 am – 5 pm
With over 100 booths of quality crafters & artists you are sure to find that perfect gift or item for your home or garden.  The fair is held in beautiful Market Square Park, just a few blocks from the downtown and Betsie Bay.  There is a variety of food on site and parking nearby.

Antique Vehicle and Muscle Car Show– downtown Frankfort June 20, begins 8 am
Over 75 classic and antique vehicles from the 1920’s to the 1960’s will be gathering on the shores of the Betsie Bay at this popular car lover’s event. Top it off with a trip to a real old fashioned A&W Drive In for a frosty root beer where Elvis has been known to make an appearance!


Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise

sleeping-bear-dunes-frankfort-boat-cruiseCruisin’ the Dunes
By Danielle Horvath
Beginning this summer, a new boat cruise will offer ‘up close” views of the expansive coastline along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from Frankfort to Empire. Aboard the “Miner’s Castle,” a twin-diesel passenger vessel, capable of carrying over 100 people, the 17-mile round trip will last almost 3 hours and will include a historical narrative of the lakeshore, from it’s Maritime roots to local lighthouses to several well-known shipwrecks. The twice-daily cruises – afternoon and sunset – will run June 1st through Oct. 18. With a heated, enclosed upper cabin, cruises will run rain or shine, lake conditions permitting.

Prices are reasonable for this unique family outing with adult fare runs $33.00, children 6-12 are $10 and under 5 are free. Group rates are also available; contact them for more detailed information. The ticket office is located at 827 Main St. just east of the Frankfort downtown district.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Cruise can take reservations weeks or months in advance, or 5 minutes before the boat leaves the dock, depending on space available. Refreshments are available for purchase or passengers can bring their own. Alcohol is not allowed unless a large group has reserved the boat and has hired a caterer with a liquor license.

For more information visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise website, or call them for reservations toll-free (888) 469-4696 or locally at (231) 352-8102.

Here's a video from the ribbon cutting ceremony:


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    Explore photos of Frankfort, Manistee, The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and along the Lake Michigan shore in the BetsieBay.net group on Flickr (view full screen!)