Calendar of Events
February & March 2012
February 2012 1-4 Snowfest 2012, downtown Muskegon. Come join the fun as the Greater Muskegon Jaycees host a number of activities including a snow volleyball tournament, team trivia night, snow cornhole tournament, kidsfest, and battle of the bowls. For more details, visit www.muskegonsnowfest.org. 2 Night for the Museums Dinner, Amicarelli Vineyards Restaurant, 259 Broadway, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-8pm. Call 269-637-1041 for details. 3-4 West Michigan Symphony, ‘Carnival of the Animals’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Renowned Swedish pianist Per Tengstrand returns with his wife and partner Shan Shan Sun to perform Saint Saen’s classic favorite. The concert also includes Tchaikovsky’s ‘Serenade’ and a tone poem by Respighi. Scott Speck, conductor. For more details, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org. 3-5 Ice Breaker Festival, downtown South Haven. Ice carving competition, curling and skating lessons, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, chili cook-off, wagon rides, sidewalk sale, kids’ arts and crafts, Texas Hold’Em, Mardi Gras Dinner, pancake breakfast and more. Call 269-637-5171 for info. 4 Saturday Cross-Country Ski Clinics, Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive. Participants learn about clothing, equipment and ski techniques. Beginner Ski Clinic: 9:30am, Intermediate Ski Clinic: Noon. Classes are limited to 12 skiers. These 90-minute sessions are held on groomed ski trails. Advance registration required. Call 616-738-4810 to register. 
4 Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. 4 Girls Afternoon Out, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. The winery presents a delicious lunch menu that will be paired with a Valentine dinner wine. 11am-2pm. $30 per person, includes tax and tip. Reservations required. 269-561-2396. 4 Ed Subler Fishing Derby, Lakeside Eagles, 2355 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon. The Michigan Anglers Association’s Fishing Derby kicks off with an $8 dinner. Fishing begins at midnight, with a 3pm final weigh-in at the Lakeside Eagles. Prizes awarded. For details, visit www.michigananglersassociation.org. 4 14th Annual SuperBowl Spectacular Sportscard & Collectible Show, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 9am-3pm. Free admission. Call 616-772-1292 for info. 4 Muskegon Lake Polar Bear Plunge, Fricano’s Muskegon Lake, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Participants who raise $75 for the Special Olympics will plunge into the freezing lake. Prizes and free t-shirts. 3:30pm. Those who do not want to plunge can instead collect money to attend the after-party at Fricano’s. Call 800-644-6404 to register. 4 Snowshoe Hike, VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Guided by a naturalist, look for signs of wildlife as you explore Historic VanRaalte farm on snowshoes. 2-3pm. Call 616-355-1057 to register. 
4 Winter Evening Snowshoe Walk, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. Explore the lighted trails under a nearly full moon. Snowshoes and skis will be available for rental. 6:30-8:30pm. Call 269-927-4832 to register. $5.00 per person. 4-5 Winter Fest followed by Bev’s Second Season Ball, New Buffalo. Visit downtown New Buffalo from 11am-6pm for shopping, ice-skating, free sleigh rides, ice sculpting. Saturday night ball held at the Heston Hills Banquet Center. Charity auction, dinner, dancing. Open bar 6:30-7:30pm. 888-660-6222. 5 Michigan Winter Triathlon, Muskegon State Park, 462 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. 10am-4pm. Learn speedskating, luge and cross-country skiing. Following 20-minute clinics at each venue, participants compete outdoors on the snow covered dunes along Lake Michigan. Designed for beginners. Great family fun. Prizes awarded. Visit www.msports.org to register.
6 Advanced Culinary Boot Camp – Flavors of France, Real Cool Cooking School, 735 Washington, Grand Haven. 6pm-9pm. Learn how to cook dishes that represent the excellence of French cuisine. $50 per person. Advanced registration required. 616-842-2743. 9 Wine Dinner with White Pine Winery, Tello Italian Bistro, 524 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Join winemaker Dave Miller for a delectable Italian meal with a different wine served at each course. 6:30-9:30pm. 269-639-9898. 10-12 West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest, Muskegon State Park, 462 Scenic Drive, North Muskegon. Join the fun on the snowy dunes along Lake Michigan as hundreds of young athletes compete in 23 winter sports events. Novice and expert divisions. For more details, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE. 10-12 8th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival, downtown St. Joseph. Professional Ice carving and team competition, Friday night Opening Ceremony, ice skating, Southwestern Michigan Symphony Orchestra performance, wine tasting, magic shows for the kids. 11 24th Annual Choco-mania 2012, First Congregational Church, 651 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Get ready for Valentines Day by filling up a plate of fudge, candies, cupcakes and more. 9am-3pm. $5 donation. 269-767-2900 for details. 
11 Saturday Cross-Country Ski Clinics, Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive. Participants learn about clothing, equipment and ski techniques. Beginner Ski Clinic: 9:30am, Intermediate Ski Clinic: Noon. Classes are limited to 12 skiers. These 90-minute sessions are held on groomed ski trails. Advance registration required. Call 616-738-4810 to register. 11 Rotary Winter Walk & Fun Run – 5K and 1 Mile, Kirby House, 2 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven. Run or walk along downtown Grand Haven’s new snowmelt sidewalks. 9am. Prizes awarded in all thirteen age group categories. Post-Run brunch held at the Kirby House. Contact Chad at 616-402-6362 for registration info. 11 Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register.
15-19 67th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Michigan’s longest running boat show. Pontoons, deck boats, the latest power boats, ski boats, canoes, kayaks, runabouts and more. Adults: $9, Children 6-14: $4, Children: 5 & Under: Free. 616-742-6500. 
16 1934: A New Deal for Artists, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Opening night of the national touring exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first New Deal arts program. This will be the only appearance of this exhibition in Michigan. Runs through May 6. Opening night reception at 5:30pm. 231-720-2570. 18 Torch Lit Trails on Snowshoes, DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Get your snowshoes on and start hiking along trails lit by tiki torches. Trails open from 6-8pm. A guided walk with a naturalist is available at 7pm. $3 fee. Free to members of DeGraaf. No registration necessary. 616-355-1057. 18 Winter Walk at Pine Bend, Pine Bend Park, West Olive. 10am. Hike the winter trails of Pine Bend’s forest. Meet in the parking lot. 616-738-4810. 18 Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. 18-19 Winterfest Gallery Stroll, downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Call 269-857-1626 for more information. 
19 Spencers Theater of Illusion, Saugatuck Center of the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. Two of the world’s greatest magicians will astound you with their innovative magical creations and illusions. 4pm. Tickets: $25, Children under 18: $10. Call 269-857-2399.
21 Mardi Gras Parade, downtown Douglas. 7pm. Post parade party follows at the Dunes Resort. Call 269-857-1438 or 269-857-1401 for more information. 23 FDR Live! Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Although John Hamant first portrayed FDR for a special Colonial Willimasburg event, he has performed as FDR around the country for nine years. Opening reception: 5:30pm. Performance begins at 7pm. 231-720-2570. 24 Winter Writing Intensive Weekend, Lakeside Inn, 15251 Lakeshore Road, Lakeside (5 miles north of New Buffalo). A rustic inn overlooking Lake Michigan in Harbor Country is the beautiful setting for a three-day writing retreat. Chicago author and editor Laura Mazzuca Toops hosts the weekend activities, which include group readings, evening writing assignments, manuscript exchange and individual critiques by Laura. Cost: $120, Hotel: $75-$175/2nights. For information regarding the weekend schedule, visit www.lauratoops.com/workshop.htm. 
25 Snowmelt Shuffle 5K Run/1 Mile Walk, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 8:30am. Run or walk along downtown Holland’s snow-free sidewalks. Race begins and ends at the Civic Center. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Call 616-494-0393 for details. 25 Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. 26 Lost on the Lady Elgin, Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven. As part of the museum’s Sunday lecture series, Valarie Van Heest will give a presentation on this famous shipwreck. 2-4pm. 269-637-8078. 26 Building for Birds, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. Get ready for nesting season by building a birdhouse for either a wren or bluebird family. Bring a hammer. Call 269-927-4832 to register. $8.00 per house. 28 Calefax Reed Quintet, Dimnent Memorial Chapel, 277 College Avenue, Holland. This prize-winning ensemble based in Amsterdam performs music spanning eight centuries. Part of Hope College Great Performance Series. The New York Times praised their “unadulterated virtuosity”. 7:30pm. Adults: $18, College Students: $13, 18 and under: $6. Call 616-395-7890 for more details.
March 2012 
1 Night for the Museums Dinner, Lakeside Entertainment & Bowling, 09921 Blue Star Highway, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-8pm. Call 269-906-9545 for details. 1-3 Shrine Circus, L C Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. Call 231-726-2400 for ticket prices and times. 1-31 1934: A New Deal for Artists, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. This nationally touring exhibition celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first New Deal arts program. This will be the only appearance of this exhibition in Michigan. Runs through May 6th. 231-720-2570. 2-4 Girlfriends Weekend, downtown Holland. A weekend for you and your best girlfriends. Shopping, makeovers, dining. Advance registration required. Visit girlfriendsweekends.org to register and view a complete schedule of events. 
3 Winter Birding Trip, selected Ottawa County Parks & State Parks. 9am-3pm. Led by naturalist Chip Francke, this all-day birding expedition will give beginners and advanced birders the opportunity to watch the wintering birds of West Michigan in the wild. No fee, but advanced registration is required. After registration, a letter will be sent with itinerary details. Call 616-738-4810. 6-7 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, 8th Street, downtown Holland. This Collegiate Ice Sculpture Invitational draws students from around the country. Marvel at the elaborate ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown. 4 ‘Castalia’ Chamber Ensemble, Sundays @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission. 6 Annual Dutch Costume Resale, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 5-8pm. New and used Dutch costumes for both adults and children. This popular annual event is organized by the Holland Newcomers Club. 
9 Celtic Flavor, The Livery, 190 5th Street, Benton Harbor. The lively musical trio Cairn To Cairn perform Celtic, folk and rock. Original and traditional music. 7:30pm. Tickets: $5-$20. Call 269-982-4030 for more info. 10 Indoor Garage Sale, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 9am-2pm. Event organized by the Holland Sentinel. 616-355-3278. 10 Annual Soup & Slider Festival, 20 North First Street, Grand Haven. Noon-7pm. Local area restaurants compete for Best Burger and Best Soup. Festival visitors can purchase tastes of these dishes from noon-7pm. Judging: 7:30pm. No cover charge. Proceeds benefit families that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Live music: 7:30-12am. Call the VFW for more info at 616-842-6210. 10 Michigan Speedskating State Championship, L C Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. 8am-4pm. Free. Age brackets for skaters range from 5 years old to seniors. 10-11 Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. 11am-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required. 13 Antiques below the Bluff @ Shadowland on Silver Beach, Shadowland, 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph. Indoor winter antiques market. 11am-4pm. Call 269-985-1111 for more info. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Festival, downtown Saugatuck. 2pm parade along Butler Street. The 9th Annual Pub Party follows at Coral Gables at 220 Water Street; silent auction, Irish food, live music. 269-857-2194. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Salt of the Earth, 114 East Main Street, Fennville. Enjoy live music and special St. Paddy’s Day dishes. 4pm-10pm. Call 269-857-2300 for details. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown Holland. Noon. Parade begins at the Civic Center and marches up 8th Street to College Avenue. 17 Celtic Celebration, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Deborah Henson-Conant, “America’s only bad-girl harpist”, brings her electric harp to the LMC Mendel Mainstage. Concert: 7:30pm. Pre-concert Conversation: 6:30pm. Visit www.smso.org for ticket info.
17-18 Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. 11am-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required. 24 Pre-Release Winemaker’s Dinner, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. The winery pairs wines not yet released to the public with complimentary food samples. Free, but reservations are required. 269-561-2396. 25 Paul Austin, horn. Gregory Crowell, organ. Sundays @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission. 30 Cashore Marionettes, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. After their sold-out performances in 2010, Joseph Cashore returns with his puppets as part of the Hope College Great Performances Series.7:30pm. Adults: $18, College Students: $13, 18 and under: $6. 616-395-7890. 
1-4 | Snowfest 2012, downtown Muskegon. Come join the fun as the Greater Muskegon Jaycees host a number of activities including a snow volleyball tournament, team trivia night, snow cornhole tournament, kidsfest, and battle of the bowls. For more details, visit www.muskegonsnowfest.org. |
2 | Night for the Museums Dinner, Amicarelli Vineyards Restaurant, 259 Broadway, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-8pm. Call 269-637-1041 for details. |
3-4 | West Michigan Symphony, ‘Carnival of the Animals’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Renowned Swedish pianist Per Tengstrand returns with his wife and partner Shan Shan Sun to perform Saint Saen’s classic favorite. The concert also includes Tchaikovsky’s ‘Serenade’ and a tone poem by Respighi. Scott Speck, conductor. For more details, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org. |
3-5 | Ice Breaker Festival, downtown South Haven. Ice carving competition, curling and skating lessons, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, chili cook-off, wagon rides, sidewalk sale, kids’ arts and crafts, Texas Hold’Em, Mardi Gras Dinner, pancake breakfast and more. Call 269-637-5171 for info. |
4 | Saturday Cross-Country Ski Clinics, Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive. Participants learn about clothing, equipment and ski techniques. Beginner Ski Clinic: 9:30am, Intermediate Ski Clinic: Noon. Classes are limited to 12 skiers. These 90-minute sessions are held on groomed ski trails. Advance registration required. Call 616-738-4810 to register. |
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4 | Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. |
4 | Girls Afternoon Out, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. The winery presents a delicious lunch menu that will be paired with a Valentine dinner wine. 11am-2pm. $30 per person, includes tax and tip. Reservations required. 269-561-2396. |
4 | Ed Subler Fishing Derby, Lakeside Eagles, 2355 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon. The Michigan Anglers Association’s Fishing Derby kicks off with an $8 dinner. Fishing begins at midnight, with a 3pm final weigh-in at the Lakeside Eagles. Prizes awarded. For details, visit www.michigananglersassociation.org. |
4 | 14th Annual SuperBowl Spectacular Sportscard & Collectible Show, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 9am-3pm. Free admission. Call 616-772-1292 for info. |
4 | Muskegon Lake Polar Bear Plunge, Fricano’s Muskegon Lake, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Participants who raise $75 for the Special Olympics will plunge into the freezing lake. Prizes and free t-shirts. 3:30pm. Those who do not want to plunge can instead collect money to attend the after-party at Fricano’s. Call 800-644-6404 to register. |
4 | Snowshoe Hike, VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Guided by a naturalist, look for signs of wildlife as you explore Historic VanRaalte farm on snowshoes. 2-3pm. Call 616-355-1057 to register. |
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4 | Winter Evening Snowshoe Walk, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. Explore the lighted trails under a nearly full moon. Snowshoes and skis will be available for rental. 6:30-8:30pm. Call 269-927-4832 to register. $5.00 per person. |
4-5 | Winter Fest followed by Bev’s Second Season Ball, New Buffalo. Visit downtown New Buffalo from 11am-6pm for shopping, ice-skating, free sleigh rides, ice sculpting. Saturday night ball held at the Heston Hills Banquet Center. Charity auction, dinner, dancing. Open bar 6:30-7:30pm. 888-660-6222. |
5 | Michigan Winter Triathlon, Muskegon State Park, 462 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. 10am-4pm. Learn speedskating, luge and cross-country skiing. Following 20-minute clinics at each venue, participants compete outdoors on the snow covered dunes along Lake Michigan. Designed for beginners. Great family fun. Prizes awarded. Visit www.msports.org to register. |
6 | Advanced Culinary Boot Camp – Flavors of France, Real Cool Cooking School, 735 Washington, Grand Haven. 6pm-9pm. Learn how to cook dishes that represent the excellence of French cuisine. $50 per person. Advanced registration required. 616-842-2743. |
9 | Wine Dinner with White Pine Winery, Tello Italian Bistro, 524 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Join winemaker Dave Miller for a delectable Italian meal with a different wine served at each course. 6:30-9:30pm. 269-639-9898. |
10-12 | West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest, Muskegon State Park, 462 Scenic Drive, North Muskegon. Join the fun on the snowy dunes along Lake Michigan as hundreds of young athletes compete in 23 winter sports events. Novice and expert divisions. For more details, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE. |
10-12 | 8th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival, downtown St. Joseph. Professional Ice carving and team competition, Friday night Opening Ceremony, ice skating, Southwestern Michigan Symphony Orchestra performance, wine tasting, magic shows for the kids. |
11 | 24th Annual Choco-mania 2012, First Congregational Church, 651 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Get ready for Valentines Day by filling up a plate of fudge, candies, cupcakes and more. 9am-3pm. $5 donation. 269-767-2900 for details. |
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11 | Saturday Cross-Country Ski Clinics, Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive. Participants learn about clothing, equipment and ski techniques. Beginner Ski Clinic: 9:30am, Intermediate Ski Clinic: Noon. Classes are limited to 12 skiers. These 90-minute sessions are held on groomed ski trails. Advance registration required. Call 616-738-4810 to register. |
11 | Rotary Winter Walk & Fun Run – 5K and 1 Mile, Kirby House, 2 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven. Run or walk along downtown Grand Haven’s new snowmelt sidewalks. 9am. Prizes awarded in all thirteen age group categories. Post-Run brunch held at the Kirby House. Contact Chad at 616-402-6362 for registration info. |
11 | Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. |
15-19 | 67th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Michigan’s longest running boat show. Pontoons, deck boats, the latest power boats, ski boats, canoes, kayaks, runabouts and more. Adults: $9, Children 6-14: $4, Children: 5 & Under: Free. 616-742-6500. |
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16 | 1934: A New Deal for Artists, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Opening night of the national touring exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first New Deal arts program. This will be the only appearance of this exhibition in Michigan. Runs through May 6. Opening night reception at 5:30pm. 231-720-2570. |
18 | Torch Lit Trails on Snowshoes, DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Get your snowshoes on and start hiking along trails lit by tiki torches. Trails open from 6-8pm. A guided walk with a naturalist is available at 7pm. $3 fee. Free to members of DeGraaf. No registration necessary. 616-355-1057. |
18 | Winter Walk at Pine Bend, Pine Bend Park, West Olive. 10am. Hike the winter trails of Pine Bend’s forest. Meet in the parking lot. 616-738-4810. |
18 | Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. |
18-19 | Winterfest Gallery Stroll, downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Call 269-857-1626 for more information. |
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19 | Spencers Theater of Illusion, Saugatuck Center of the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. Two of the world’s greatest magicians will astound you with their innovative magical creations and illusions. 4pm. Tickets: $25, Children under 18: $10. Call 269-857-2399. |
21 | Mardi Gras Parade, downtown Douglas. 7pm. Post parade party follows at the Dunes Resort. Call 269-857-1438 or 269-857-1401 for more information. |
23 | FDR Live! Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Although John Hamant first portrayed FDR for a special Colonial Willimasburg event, he has performed as FDR around the country for nine years. Opening reception: 5:30pm. Performance begins at 7pm. 231-720-2570. |
24 | Winter Writing Intensive Weekend, Lakeside Inn, 15251 Lakeshore Road, Lakeside (5 miles north of New Buffalo). A rustic inn overlooking Lake Michigan in Harbor Country is the beautiful setting for a three-day writing retreat. Chicago author and editor Laura Mazzuca Toops hosts the weekend activities, which include group readings, evening writing assignments, manuscript exchange and individual critiques by Laura. Cost: $120, Hotel: $75-$175/2nights. For information regarding the weekend schedule, visit www.lauratoops.com/workshop.htm. |
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25 | Snowmelt Shuffle 5K Run/1 Mile Walk, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 8:30am. Run or walk along downtown Holland’s snow-free sidewalks. Race begins and ends at the Civic Center. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Call 616-494-0393 for details. |
25 | Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 11am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. |
26 | Lost on the Lady Elgin, Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven. As part of the museum’s Sunday lecture series, Valarie Van Heest will give a presentation on this famous shipwreck. 2-4pm. 269-637-8078. |
26 | Building for Birds, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. Get ready for nesting season by building a birdhouse for either a wren or bluebird family. Bring a hammer. Call 269-927-4832 to register. $8.00 per house. |
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28 | Calefax Reed Quintet, Dimnent Memorial Chapel, 277 College Avenue, Holland. This prize-winning ensemble based in Amsterdam performs music spanning eight centuries. Part of Hope College Great Performance Series. The New York Times praised their “unadulterated virtuosity”. 7:30pm. Adults: $18, College Students: $13, 18 and under: $6. Call 616-395-7890 for more details. |
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1 | Night for the Museums Dinner, Lakeside Entertainment & Bowling, 09921 Blue Star Highway, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-8pm. Call 269-906-9545 for details. |
1-3 | Shrine Circus, L C Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. Call 231-726-2400 for ticket prices and times. |
1-31 | 1934: A New Deal for Artists, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. This nationally touring exhibition celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first New Deal arts program. This will be the only appearance of this exhibition in Michigan. Runs through May 6th. 231-720-2570. |
2-4 | Girlfriends Weekend, downtown Holland. A weekend for you and your best girlfriends. Shopping, makeovers, dining. Advance registration required. Visit girlfriendsweekends.org to register and view a complete schedule of events. |
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3 | Winter Birding Trip, selected Ottawa County Parks & State Parks. 9am-3pm. Led by naturalist Chip Francke, this all-day birding expedition will give beginners and advanced birders the opportunity to watch the wintering birds of West Michigan in the wild. No fee, but advanced registration is required. After registration, a letter will be sent with itinerary details. Call 616-738-4810. |
6-7 | 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, 8th Street, downtown Holland. This Collegiate Ice Sculpture Invitational draws students from around the country. Marvel at the elaborate ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown. |
4 | ‘Castalia’ Chamber Ensemble, Sundays @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission. |
6 | Annual Dutch Costume Resale, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 5-8pm. New and used Dutch costumes for both adults and children. This popular annual event is organized by the Holland Newcomers Club. |
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9 | Celtic Flavor, The Livery, 190 5th Street, Benton Harbor. The lively musical trio Cairn To Cairn perform Celtic, folk and rock. Original and traditional music. 7:30pm. Tickets: $5-$20. Call 269-982-4030 for more info. |
10 | Indoor Garage Sale, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 9am-2pm. Event organized by the Holland Sentinel. 616-355-3278. |
10 | Annual Soup & Slider Festival, 20 North First Street, Grand Haven. Noon-7pm. Local area restaurants compete for Best Burger and Best Soup. Festival visitors can purchase tastes of these dishes from noon-7pm. Judging: 7:30pm. No cover charge. Proceeds benefit families that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Live music: 7:30-12am. Call the VFW for more info at 616-842-6210. |
10 | Michigan Speedskating State Championship, L C Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. 8am-4pm. Free. Age brackets for skaters range from 5 years old to seniors. |
10-11 | Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. 11am-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required. |
13 | Antiques below the Bluff @ Shadowland on Silver Beach, Shadowland, 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph. Indoor winter antiques market. 11am-4pm. Call 269-985-1111 for more info. |
17 | St. Patrick’s Day Festival, downtown Saugatuck. 2pm parade along Butler Street. The 9th Annual Pub Party follows at Coral Gables at 220 Water Street; silent auction, Irish food, live music. 269-857-2194. |
17 | St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Salt of the Earth, 114 East Main Street, Fennville. Enjoy live music and special St. Paddy’s Day dishes. 4pm-10pm. Call 269-857-2300 for details. |
17 | St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown Holland. Noon. Parade begins at the Civic Center and marches up 8th Street to College Avenue. |
17 | Celtic Celebration, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Deborah Henson-Conant, “America’s only bad-girl harpist”, brings her electric harp to the LMC Mendel Mainstage. Concert: 7:30pm. Pre-concert Conversation: 6:30pm. Visit www.smso.org for ticket info. |
17-18 | Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. 11am-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required. |
24 | Pre-Release Winemaker’s Dinner, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. The winery pairs wines not yet released to the public with complimentary food samples. Free, but reservations are required. 269-561-2396. |
25 | Paul Austin, horn. Gregory Crowell, organ. Sundays @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission. |
30 | Cashore Marionettes, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. After their sold-out performances in 2010, Joseph Cashore returns with his puppets as part of the Hope College Great Performances Series.7:30pm. Adults: $18, College Students: $13, 18 and under: $6. 616-395-7890. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.