Calendar of Events
APRIL 2011
2 16th Annual Lubbars Cup Regatta, Spring Lake Yacht Club, 17500 West Spring Lake Road, Spring Lake. Competitors from around the country and the world will participate in the second largest regatta in the U.S. 8am-2pm. Hosted by GVSU Rowing. Call 616-847-8322 or visit www.grandvalleyrowing.com for more info.
3 Black’s Woods Early Wildflower Walk, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. Sarett Center naturalists will lead visitors along the Paw Paw River in search of early spring wildflowers. 3pm. 269-927-4832.
6 West Michigan’s Energy Future, Muskegon Community College Community Center, Room 1100, 221 South Quarterline Road, Muskegon. 6:30pm. The West Michigan Environmental Action Council explains how alternative energy developments will impact our region. Call Daniel Schoonmaker at 616-451-3051, ext.28 for more information.
9 Spring Stampede 5K Run/Walk, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 9am. Under the leadership of runner/coach Mike Mahler, get ready to run or walk Sarett’s nature trails for fun and prizes. Proceeds benefit Sarett’s educational program for children. Entry fee $20. Registration and packet pick-up starts at 7:30am. All participants receive a t-shirt. Childrens’ 1K Fun Run begins at 8:30am. Birders should arrive early in order to join fellow enthusiasts who will ‘bird’ the race course at 7:30am. 269-927-4832.
9 Free Wine Tasting, Clay Avenue Cellars, 611 Clay Avenue, Muskegon. Noon-6pm. Sample the Cellar’s distinctive Michigan fruit wines. Call 231-722-3108 for information.
10 Muskegon Railroad Historical Society Train Show, 955 4th Street, Muskegon. The Society hosts its annual Train Show with over 50 vendors selling trains, books, photos, videos, and more at the Walker Arena Annex from 10am-3pm. Adults-$4.00, children under 13 free. Visitors can tour the Society’s club at 561 W. Western Ave. from 11am-4pm. The Historic Muskegon Depot and Pere Marquette caboose can also be visited from noon-4pm. For more info, call Tom at 231-744-9782, or Jim at 231-744-1979.
10 Antiques BELOW the Bluff, Shadowland on Silver Beach, 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph. The early spring version of the antiques market held in summer. 11am-4pm. Food available. For more info, call Kay at 269-985-1111.
15 “Cruisin Down the River” Exhibit, Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven. A photographic exhibit celebrating the history and future of the Black River opens today. Call 269-637-8078 for info or visit www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org.
15 Earth Rock Concert, Local musical groups perform environmentally themed music. 7-10pm. Grand Haven, Call 616-844-4497 for info or to volunteer.
15-16 “Mark Twain and the Laughing River” Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Jim Post plays Mark Twain and presents nearly two hours of Twain’s wit and wisdom in this enjoyable family show. 7:30pm. $15/$13 members, $7 children. Buy tickets online at www.foundryhall.com or at the door. 800-838-3006.
16 5K and 10K Town Crier Run-Walk, historic Saugatuck. A Kids’ Fun Run will also be held. Contact Caribbean Colors & Nostalgia at 269-857-1116 for information.
16 Michigan March For Babies, 240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland. Join the March of Dimes Walk for stronger, healthier babies. 8:30am. Contact Ginger at 800-968-3463 for more information. Join an existing team or start your own. Sign up at marchforbabies.org.
16 Earth Day Green March begins at Franklin Street parking lot south of the courthouse, and will proceed to the Earth Day Fair at Grand Haven Community Center. Noon-1pm. No transportation that uses fossil fuels will be allowed in the march. Call 616-842-7448 for more information.
16 Earth Day Fair, Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven. Booths of environmental businesses and organization, food, games. 1-4pm. Call 616-842-7448 or 616-842-6321 for info.
19 “Mammoths and Mastodons in the Great Lakes Region”, a lecture by University of Michigan’s Dr. Adam Rountrey at the Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 West Clay, Muskegon. 6-7:30pm. Free, but space is limited. Call 231-722-0278 to RSVP.
23 Easter Egg Hunt, Central Park in downtown Grand Haven. 11am. More than 5000 candy and prize filled Easter eggs. Free. For children 10 and younger. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt and Independent Bank. Call Paula DeYoung for more info at 616-850-8465.
23 Easter Egg Hunt, Lake Bluff Park, downtown St. Joseph. Meet at the corner of Park & Lake Blvd. across from the Krasl Art Center. Ages 2-10 years old. Over 5000 hidden eggs. 11:30am. For more information, call 269-985-1111.
23 Easter Egg Hunt, downtown Holland. 11am.
23 Easter Egg Hunt, Fennville Elementary School, 8 North Street, Fennville. 2pm. For children ages 1-8. Four age groups will hunt for 2000 eggs and meet the Easter Bunny! 269-686-6854.
28 Amy Zane Jewelry Trunk Show, www.muskegonartmuseum.org, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Amy returns to the museum gift store with a new gemstone collection for sale. Call 231-720-2570 for more information.
29-30 Arts & Craft Spring Fling, Holland Town Center, 12330 James Street, Holland. Over 60 vendors. Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 9am-4pm. Free admission. Call 616-786-3272 for more information.
29 Fresh Art Live! Contemporary Art Auction, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Come bid on original artwork of Michigan artists as well as several glass artists from around the country. Live auction begins at 7pm. Refreshments and cash bar. Proceeds benefit the museum. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org to view the pieces up for auction. Absentee bid forms are available.
29-1 17th Annual Art Attack, New Buffalo and the seven other communities of Harbor Country. Art gallery receptions & exhibitions, wine tasting, live music, artists’ demonstrations, theatre, open houses. Over 30 venues in Harbor Country.
30 Kayak the Paw Paw River, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 1pm. Participants will travel from County Line Road to Watervliet. $20 per person, $15 for members. Fee includes transportation, kayak and equipment. Call 269-927-4832 to register.
30-1 Allegan Antiques Market, Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan. 400 exhibitors. The season kicks off with a 2-day show. April 30: 10am-5pm. May 1: 8am-3pm. Call 616-735-3333 for information.
MAY 2011
1 Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes, Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 1286 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland. Motorcyclists and other cyclists gather to start a responsible riding season and promote a safe rider community. Gates open at 10am, blessing at 2pm. $5 donation per bike. Contact John at 616-283-0591 for info.
1 Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises opens for the season. 716 Water Street, Saugatuck. Call 269-857-4261 for departure times and days.
1 Antiques on the Bluff, Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph. 10am-3pm. This antique show is held on the first Sunday of the month from May through October. Free parking. No admission fee. Call 269-985-1111 for information.
6 Blue Coast Artists Opening Weekend. Fennville, Glenn, South Haven. Get a behind the scenes look at a diverse group of local artists as they open their studios and galleries along the lakeshore. Call 269-236-9260 or visit www.bluecoastartists.com for more information.
6-7 Fiesta!, Holland Civic Center & Eight Street Marketplace, Holland. The Latin American United for Progress Fiesta draws over 20,000 people ach year. Join the fun this year for Latino entertainment, lowrider car show, Fiesta King & Queen, live music, food. Call 616-392-5058 for information, or visit www.laup.org.
7 Grand Floral Parade, downtown St. Joseph & Benton Harbor. 1pm. The 106th celebration of the Blossomtime Festival. The parade kicks off a week of family fun.
7-14 TULIP TIME FESTIVAL, Holland! See schedule of events on Lake Effect Living’s Tulip Festival page.
8 Bat Presentation, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 3pm. Rob Mies of OBC. 269-927-4832.
14 Annual Birdathon, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 269-927-4832.
14 Annual Steelheaders Tournament, Riverfront Park, South Pier, South Haven. Call 269-637-2859 for information,
14 Saugatuck-Douglas Spring Preview, downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Galleries and stores will host open receptions to kick off the summer season. 5-9pm. Refreshments.
14 Free Wine Tasting, Clay Avenue Cellars, 611 Clay Avenue, Muskegon. Noon-6pm. Sample the Cellar’s distinctive Michigan fruit wines. Call 231-722-3108 for information.
17-19 Crane Creek Birding Trip, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 269-927-4832.
18 Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Marketplace, 150 West 8th Street, Holland. 8am-4pm. The Market opens officially for the season. Flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, street performers, cooking demonstrations, contests, food court and more. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from May 18th through November 26th. Admission free. NO pets allowed. Call 616-355-1138 for more information.
20-22 Arts & Craft Fair, Hackley Park, next to the Hackley Library in downtown Muskegon. Vendors from areas as far as Charlevoix, Lansing, and St. Joseph. Silversmiths, woodworkers, jewelers, soap makers, native American crafts, etc. Numerous food vendors as well. Proceeds benefit the federal recognition efforts of the Muskegon River Ottawa Indians. Call Jerry at 231-744-4011.
21 Lake Michigan Third Street Art Walk, downtown Muskegon along Third Street. 2-7pm. www.frauenthal.org.
21 Hands-On Pit & Smoke Firing Workshop Weekend, Khnemu Studio, 6322 113th Street, Fennville. Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-completion of project. Learn first-hand the techniques of pit and smoke firing. Participants may bring up to 10 bisque fired pieces to fire. Reservations required. $100 workshop fee. Call Dawn at 269-236-9260.
21 “Unsolved Mysteries: The Shipwreck Thomas Hume Exhibit, Lakeshore Museum Center’s Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 West Webster Avenue, Muskegon. The exhibit of the wrecked 1870 lumber schooner Thomas Hume opens today. Exhibit opening will be held at the Hackley & Hume Historic site from 3-4:30pm, followed by a concert by Great Lakes folksinger Lee Murdock at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Film showing follows. Free, but call to reserve a seat. 231-722-0278.
21-22 Great Lakes Kite Festival, Grand Haven State Park. 11am-5pm. Bring your kite to the beach and watch the sky fill with kites. Stunt kite fliers will perform to music, and kites bigger than a bus will be flown by the pier. Call Steve at 616-846-7501 x1 for more info.
21-22 Pow Wow in the Park, downtown Muskegon. Native arts and crafts, as well as instructions in intertribal dancing, Pow Wow dancing, Jingle Dress and much more. Grand Entry at 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, noon on Sunday. No admission. Bring a lawn chair to watch the festivities. The Lions Club hosts a Pancake Breakfast both days. Proceeds benefit the federal recognition efforts of the Muskegon River Ottawa Indians. Call 231-744-4011 for more information.
21-22 Annual Wildflower Sale, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. 269-927-4832.
23 Wine Maker’s Ethnic Dinner, Fenn Valley Winery, 122nd Avenue, Fennville. Reserve your seat now for Chef Christine Ferris’ presentation of Vietnamese cuisine. Four courses, plus dessert. Cellar tour at 6pm, followed by wine and cheeses at 6:30. Dinner begins at 6:50pm. $75 per person, which includes champagne, wine, meal, tax & tip. Reservations required. Call 1-800-432-6265 or visit www.fennvalley.com.
24-30 Fruitport Old Fashioned Days, downtown Fruitport. Annual family festival featuring fireworks, ox roast, community picnic, carnival midway rides, riverboat cruises, live bands, garage sale, Old Fashioned Days Parade and Run. Call Mike at 231-557-3262 for more information.
26-30 St. Mary of the Lake Festival, 704 W. Merchant Street, New Buffalo. The town’s official start to summer. Rides, silent auction, food, games, live music. Proceeds benefit St. Mary of the Lake School. 269-469-1515.
27 Memorial Day Parade, Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph. Noon. Veterans who would like to participate should call 269-985-1111.
27-29 6th Annual Memorial Day Rib Fest, 20 North First Street, Grand Haven. Kick-off Party on Friday, May 28, ribs served 5-9pm. On Saturday, May 29, the entertainment tent opens at noon; rib fest 11am-7pm. Live music 2-11pm. Contact the VFW at 616-842-6210.
29 Blessing of the Boats, Muskegon Channel. The Port City Princess hosts a brunch while sailing Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Afterward, she will float in the Muskegon Channel while a priest on board blesses the boats that float alongside. Call 231-728-8387 for more info. www.portcityprincess.com.
29 Lost Boat Ceremony, Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, Muskegon Channel. A ceremony will be held honoring the 3000 men and 53 submarines that were lost in WWII. 231-755-1230.
29 Tree Climbing Class, Sarett Nature Center, 2700 Benton Center Drive, Benton Harbor. Come learn the fun – and right – way to climb trees with Dick Flowers. 269-927-4832.
30 Memorial Day Parade, Franklin Street to Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. 9:30am. 616-846-3575.
30 Memorial Day Parade, Center Street, downtown Douglas. 10am.
30 Memorial Day Parade, downtown Holland. Parade route travels from 8th Street and River to Columbia Avenue, south to 16th Street and east to the Pilgrim Home Cemetery. American Legion Band provides pre-parade music. 9:30am-10:30am.
30 Memorial Day Parade, downtown New Buffalo then along US-12 to the Cemetery. A memorial service will be conducted immediately after.
30 Memorial Day Parade, Butler Street, downtown Saugatuck. 9am.
Apr - May '11