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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Spend Independence Day in West Michigan!


Celebrate our nation's birthday this Independence Day with family, food, fun and fireworks. These West Michigan events are sure to bring the patriot out in everyone.


Find more events at www.wmta.org as well as a Parade & Fireworks Line - Up!


Ludington 4th of July Shoreline Cruise Lake Michigan Carferry Service
Ludington
800-841-4243
www.SSBadger.com
Spend your 4th of July this year watching the Ludington fireworks from on board the S.S. Badger. Enjoy the all you can eat party buffet, drink specials, and musical entertainment for only $49 per person. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to reserve your spot today by calling.


July 3 • 3 pm 4th of July Festival at Shanty Creek Resorts
Bellaire
800-678-4111
www.ShantyCreek.com
On Saturday, July 3rd, 2010, Shanty Creek Resorts will be hosting their annual 4th of July Festival located at Schuss Village. The festival is open to the public and starts at 3pm outside of Ivan’s.

Live entertainment will be provided by The Andy Six Duo and children’s entertainment will be available. Inflatable games will include a waterslide, obstacle course and bounce house, and adult games will be sponsored by Miller Lite. Chairlift rides will be available for $4 per person and the firework display over Schuss Mountain will begin at dusk.


July "Firecracker" Package
July 1 - 4
McGuire's Resort & Golf Club
Cadillac
800-632-7302
www.mcguiresresort.com
Grab the kids, the clubs, the trunks and point the family vehicle toward McGuire's Resort for the Fourth of July weekend! We've got a firecracker of a golf deal to help you celebrate the 4th of July at McGuire's! From July 1st - July 4th, 1 nights lodging, 18 holes of golf and continental buffet breakfast starting at just $69.00 per person. You can also upgrade to unlimited golf for only $20.00 more per person.* Plus we've got the room for you - from fully-appointed rooms to luxury suites. All with McGuire's "3 C's" - That's clean, cozy and comfortable! You'll be red, white and feelin blue if you miss out on all the grand old-fashioned family fun this Fourth of July at McGuire's! *All prices plus tax. Based on double occupancy. 2 night minimum stay required.


Allegan July 3 Jubilee
July 3
Allegan County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Council
888-4-ALLEGAN
www.VisitAlleganCounty.com
Celebrate America’s Independence with a bang along the riverfront in Downtown Allegan on July 3rd. “July 3 Jubilee” consists of activities and entertainment for all ages and is a great way to show your patriotism for America. Festivities for July 3 Jubilee begin at 5:00 pm with a parade through Downtown Allegan, and conclude with a fireworks show at dusk. The activities and events will be all along Riverfront Plaza, Mahan Park, Hanson Park and Brady Street in Downtown Allegan.

Entertainment for the event includes musical performances, a petting zoo and more. July 3 Jubilee also has activities and games for your enjoyment including inflatable activities, a craft show, a business expo and more.

Lineup of Scheduled Events: 2:00 & 4:00 pm – Free Matinee at The Regent Theatre “Veggie Tales: The Pirates That Don’t Do Anything”5:00 – Dusk – Activity booths and games, street performers, vendors, music, costumed characters5:00 pm – Jubilee Parade through Downtown Allegan5:00 pm – Bridgetown at Boardwalk Center Stage5:00 pm – Craft Show on Brady Street5:00 pm – Inflatable Activities in Hanson Park5:00 pm – Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce Business Exstravaganza in the Griswold basement5:30 pm – Petting Zoo and Pony Rides in Hanson Park6:15 pm – Nine Mile Smile at Boardwalk Center Stage8:15 pm – Tricks at Boardwalk Center Stage10:15 pm – National Anthem at Boardwalk Center StageDusk – Fireworks Show


July 4 • 12 pm
Fourth of July on Beaver Island
231-448-2505
www.beaverisland.org
Events start with live music downtown starting at noon followed by the 4th of July Parade down Main Street. Then the kids can have a ball at the annual carnival. The Clyde Fogg Memorial Boat Parade begins at dusk on the harbor. Fireworks over the harbor will follow the boat parade.



July 2 Independence Day Celebration in New Buffalo
New Buffalo
269-469-2400
www.VisitHarborCountry.org
Begin your 4th of July holiday festivities with a day at the beach and a stroll through downtown New Buffalo then join the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of our nation's birth with an unforgettable performance set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Michigan – Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Fireworks. Concert @ 7:30pm, Fireworks @ Dusk. Admission is free to the public.|


Front Row for the Fireworks Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids
616-456-3977
www.grmuseum.org
The Public Museum’s annual July 4th fundraiser offers a great evening’s worth of entertainment for the ticket price. Guests can enjoy the wonder of the Museum for a few hours while awaiting the night’s big attraction, the city’s annual patriotic, pyrotechnic tribute.

Front Row for the Fireworks begins at 7 pm on July 4th at the Museum on the southeast corner of Front and Pearl Streets downtown, and runs through the fireworks finale around 11 pm. Inside, Museum guests can enjoy pre-dusk carousel rides, planetarium shows and organ concerts. The Café will serve $5 pulled pork, pizza and hot dog meal specials, drinks and ice cream novelties. A cash bar will be open as well as the Curiosity Shop. As darkness falls, visitors can stay inside in air-conditioned comfort or head outside to the carousel walkway or the enclosed lawn seating area. Either option provides an amazing view of the fireworks as they explode over the Grand River.

Members may purchase tickets ($10/adults and $5/children) beginning June 1st. Ticket sales open to the general public ($15/ adults and $7.50/children) on June 7th. Limited guaranteed Museum ramp parking passes are available in conjunction with ticket purchases for $10. Proceeds from this event support programs of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.


28th Annual 4th of July BBQ Historic Charlton Park
269-945-3775
Hastings
www.charltonpark.org
Annual 4TH of July & Veterans Bar-B-Que is July 4, 2010 from 11:30am - 5pm. The Veterans Association Complete Pork & Chicken Bar-B-Que Buffet will run from 12:30pm - 4:30pm in the Walnut Grove. Cost $8.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children age 6 - 12, Children age 5 & under free. Games begin at 1:30pm on the village green. Everyone is encouraged to bring a home-made pie to be judged by our expert panel. There will also be a pie auction. Free Admission.


Red, White & Boyne Your Fourth Plays FREE on July 4th!
Boyne Resorts
Harbor Springs, Boyne Falls & Bay Harbor
800-462-6963 for tee times
www.Boyne.com
Celebrate America's independence with a complimentary round of golf for every fourth player in your group on Sunday, July 4! Bring 4, pay for 3 – or – bring 8 and pay for 6… it's that simple. However you slice it (or hook it), the real value will unveil itself when you experience our exceptionally manicured fairways, tees and greens. As an added bonus, twilight rates start at sunrise on this special Sunday! Offers apply at the Alpine, Crooked Tree Golf Club, Donald Ross Memorial, Monument and Moor courses only.


Frankfort-Elberta Independence Day Weekend Celebration!
July 1 - 4
Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce
Frankfort
231-352-7251
www.frankfort-elberta.com
Frankfort’s Annual Independence Day celebration will begin on Thursday, July 1st at 9:00 am with the posting of the first clue for the Annual Medallion Hunt. A new clue will be posted each morning until the Medallion is found. The clues can be obtained at the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce, Walenta’s Variety Store and State Savings Bank. The winner will receive a check for $150.

New date for Pancake Breakfast, Parade and Chicken BBQ this year!!! - On the 3rd of July, the day’s activities will begin with St. Ann's Pancake Breakfast at 8 am and then the Decorated Bike judging at 9:30 am in the Graceland Fruit parking lot leading into the Parade at 10:00 am. Back by Popular demand we have the good old-fashioned Schmidt Amusements CARNIVAL with rides and games! The carnival will be open July 1st through July 4th in Frankfort's Open Space Park - on Main St.! Contact the Chamber for carnival hours. Discounted advance carnival ride tickets can be purchased at the Chamber Office. A portion of the ticket sales benefit the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce FIREWORKS DISPLAY! Also on Saturday, the 3rd, the Frankfort Lion’s Club will be holding their annual Chicken BBQ at noon in Mineral Springs Park.

On the 4th of July, the Chamber’s Art in the Park will be held in Mineral Springs Park from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. To participate in the Sand Sculpture Contest on Lake Michigan Beach at noon, you only need to bring your tools, sunscreen, and your imagination. The contest is held north of the Frankfort pier. Judging at 3:30 pm and Awards at 4 pm.

Also, to enhance the BEST FIREWORKS Display in Northern Michigan at dusk ON THE 4TH (approximately 10:15 pm), 3-D glasses will be available for purchase at the Chamber office and on the beach for only $1 a pair. Remember there are no glass bottles, fireworks, or pets allowed on the beach on July 4th.


Michigan Camping is An Independence Day Tradition
Campsites still available at private facilities throughout Michigan
As one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, families are invited to get back to nature and enjoy camping at one of the privately owned campgrounds around the State of Michigan. Nearly three dozen campgrounds are reporting availability to accommodate those looking for affordable outdoor vacation options to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) – Michigan has compiled a list of those campgrounds with availability, find the list through the ARVC website which is accessible by clicking here wmta.org

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Fenn Valley Wine Festival 2010

Join in the fun at Fenn Valley Vineyards annual Wine Festival on June 26th from 1-5 pm, when they bring you wine tasting in the vineyards, great live music, specialty foods and a super afternoon. Outdoor wine tasting, a barrel aging demonstration, ethnic foods and great music. A fun time for young and old.

There will be tasting locations outside in the vineyards (weather permitting), providing you with an opportunity to visit the most picturesque spots on the farm while you taste a selection of our wines in the vineyard where they originated. The People Hauler (Wagon) will be continuously transporting participants from the winery to the vineyard tasting sites, or you can enjoy a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the winery to the vineyard.

With your entry you'll receive a souvenir Fenn Valley logo wineglass for tasting specially selected wines, tasting tickets or a ticket for a glass of wine of your choice. Tables will be available should you wish to linger over a glass of wine and visit with family and friends. Or bring your own lawn chairs or blanket.

Besides all of the fun, this is your chance to replenish your wine supplies at substantial savings. All of the released wines tasted at this event will be specially priced at 25% OFF the regular price. This special pricing applies to STRAIGHT CASES ONLY (12 of a kind). Purchases of 4 or more cases (mix & match whole cases) will receive a 30% discount, so you may want to pool your orders with your family and friends. Although all cases must be straight cases, not all cases in an order need to be the same wine.

Finally, reservations speed the entry process but are not necessary and only costs $8.00 per person!

Find more information on Fenn Valley Vineyards at: www.wmta.org

Red River Hogs Coming to Binder Park Zoo!


Binder Park Zoo is going Hog Wild! The Extreme Makeover: Hog Edition team has completed the brand new red river hog exhibit, and Harley and Squeaky, the Zoo’s resident hogs, will make their debut on Saturday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. Binder Park Zoo is the only zoo in Michigan where you can find red river hogs thanks to the Extreme Makeover: Hog Edition campaign and Zoo supporters. It’s time to celebrate!

Join Binder Park Zoo staff and the new residents of the exhibit, on Saturday, July 3rd. To kick things off, the grand opening ceremony of the exhibit itself will take place at 10:00am in Wild Africa where the hogs will now be calling home. Sty Piggington, the “captain” of the Extreme Makeover: Hog Edition team will be making a guest appearance to help in the festivities! After the opening ceremony, continue the celebration by checking many of the hog-themed specials being offered throughout the Zoo. On your way back from Wild Africa, stop by one of the face painting stations for $1 off the Red River Hog face design. Feeling a little hungry? Head on over to the Zoo’s restaurants and grab the “Pig-Out” Special which includes a regular all-beef hot dog, chips and a small drink for only $2. In addition, any person that rides their “hog” to the zoo will receive $1 off admission with a coupon that can be picked up at the local Harley Davidson Store on Beckley Road. Find more information at: www.wmta.org


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

MIDWEST LIVING VOTES LUDINGTON STATE PARK #1 IN THE MIDWEST

The Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce that the Ludington State Park was named the number one State Park throughout the Midwest by Midwest Living in the 2010 May/June issue. Over the past year, travel writers from Midwest Living visited a total of 100 state parks throughout the Midwest to determine which Park was the number place they would tell friends and family to check out. Ludington was voted number one out of all that were visited including the Porcupine Mountains Park (MI), Wilderness Park (MI), Door County (WI), and many more.

Dan Flaherty, Ludington State Park Supervisor, said of the honor, “I feel it exemplifies the Michigan State Parks' mission and the hard work of our dedicated staff. They take great pride in providing quality facilities and services, and caring for the extraordinary natural resources that attract so many visitors to this outdoor recreational experience. We were very pleased to be recognized in such a way.” The Ludington State Park offers daily activities and events throughout the year including guided hikes, tours, snow-shoe making classes, and other programs. It is home to Big Sable lighthouse, a guided kayak course on Hamlin Lake, and over 350 campsites. For additional information on Ludington visit: www.wmta.org

Photo credit: David F Wisse, Big Sable Lighthouse


Thursday, June 10, 2010

Party in the Street with Cascade Winery and Founders Brewing Co.


Join Cascade Winery & Founders Brewing Co. on Saturday night in Downtown Grand Rapids for Local First's Seventh Annual Street Party! The place to be from 4 PM until midnight June 12 is the street outside Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Avenue SW, Grand Rapids. Cascade will sell wine, Founders Brewing will sell beer, and local restaurants will offer food for sale - everything from ribs and burgers to cake and donuts. Eat, drink and socialize with your friends or dance to the sounds of five bands, including Grand Rapids favorite,The Verve Pipe, who will rock the stage from 10:30 until midnight

LARGEST STREET PERFORMER SERIES YET BEGINS JUNE 10 IN DOWNTOWN HOLLAND


The 2010 Downtown Holland Street Performer Series will be the largest Series yet! This popular summer event begins on Thursday, June 10 and takes place every Thursday evening this summer until August 26. The Series features close to 70 artists of all varieties who perform on a rotating basis throughout Downtown Holland each Thursday from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Organizers have increased the number of performance locations from just 20 last summer to 29 this year to accommodate the record number of performers in the Series. Performance locations now stretch almost the entire three blocks from River Avenue to Columbia Avenue on 8th Street. The increase in both performers and performance locations makes the 2010 Series the largest one to date. Other changes this year include a new start time. The Series now begins at 6:30 pm, instead of 6:00 pm, and runs two hours each Thursday until 8:30 pm.

This summer's exciting line-up of performers includes musicians, caricature artists, theatrical troupes, aerial acrobats, dancers, henna tattoo artists, sideshow acts, and much, much more. The line-up of performers for this summer will be announced the week of the event. Young and old alike are invited to delight in the sights and sounds of the Street Performers each Thursday this summer. And while the Series is free to attend, tipping performers is highly encouraged.

For the first time ever, the Street Performer Series will feature two special theme nights. On June 24, the Series will partner with the Holland Museum for a Civil War-themed evening in conjunction with the Museum's Civil War Muster at Van Raalte Farm June 26 and 27. Civil War re-enactors will educate and engage the crowds in half of the locations on June 24, while the other locations will feature Civil War-era entertainment by Street Performers. On July 15, the Series will host a Kid's Day, featuring a variety of fun performers just for kids. The performing artists scheduled to appear include storytellers, jugglers, magicians, balloon twisters, and more.

In addition to the 29 artists and groups performing each week, the Holland Area Arts Council will also be hosting an interactive drum circle each Thursday as part of the Series. The drum circle will take place by the fountain in front of Macatawa Bank on the corner of 8th Street and Columbia Avenue. The Arts Council will also be organizing hands-on arts and crafts projects for kids each Thursday in conjunction with the Series. The children's activities will be located in the grassy area just west of Macatawa Bank on 8th Street.

For more information: www.wmta.org

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Discover the Natural Side of Beaver Island This Summer

Kick off the summer of 2010 with a trip to Beaver Island – the most remote inhabited island the Great Lakes. Visitors can expect to discover a wealth of ecological resources, including nature preserves and state land available for walking and exploring. Approximately 35% of the Island – located about 30 miles north of Charlevoix in Northern Lake Michigan – is state forest land.

Most people come to Beaver Island for its abundant nature and solitude and much of what the island offers is free. With over 100 miles of scenic roads, old two-track trails and beaches, it is ideal for hiking and biking. Pristine woods welcome nature lovers for bird watching and photography, as well as sportsmen looking or hunting and fishing opportunities.

Among the extensive natural activities on Beaver Island, one can find:
  • Beaver Island Ecotours: Offering a wide variety of tours for outdoor enthusiasts, such as driving and walking tours, inland lake tours, biking tours and hiking and camping trips. Visit sandy beaches, bogs and inland lakes, marshes, cedar swamps and hardwood forests in search of loons, osprey, turtles, salamanders, deer and a variety of flora and fauna for family enjoyment.
  • Bonadeo’s Beaver Island Boat Charters: Explore the outer islands of the archipelago such as High Island, Hog Island and Squaw Island, on half-day or full-day excursions ideal for singles, couples, families and groups. Learn the history of the island lighthouses and former residents as you play a modern day explorer in Northern Lake Michigan.
  • Indigo Guide Service: Guided fly fishing and casting trips for smallmouth bass, carp and other species on Beaver Island and its surround islands make for some of the best flats-style fishing in the Midwes.
  • Inland Seas School of Kayaking: Paddle the clear-blue waters of the Beaver Island archipelago where a variety of outdoor experiences are offered for all ages, including sea kayak trips in the St. James Harbor and on Lake Michigan or naturalist-led kayak eco-tours on the inland lakes. Be on the lookout for loons, eagles, osprey and beaver lodges during the morning or afternoon excursions or take part in a full-moon paddle and learn lunar lore while listening to the nighttime sounds of Northern Michigan.
  • Lakesports & Paradise Bay Gifts: This is the place to pick up a fishing pole, bait or tackle as well as rent canoes, kayaks, boats with motors, pedal boats, bikes and camp gear. Also offering hourly moped rentals.
  • Paradise Bay Dive Shop: Located on Beaver Island’s Paradise Bay – one of the finest harbors in the Great Lakes. The water surrounding the island contains shipwrecks and other underwater scenery just waiting to be explored. Sign up for Scuba instruction, snorkeling, diving classes, cruises aboard The Resolute or out-island adventures.
  • Beaver Island Boat Company Tours: Beaver Island Boat Company’s knowledgeable and well seasoned tour drivers will guide you through Beaver Island's beautiful scenery and intriguing history, while giving you an idea of why island life is so unique. Your journey in one of our fifteen passenger vans to the southern tip of Beaver Island will take you through its beautiful dunes and forests and alongside several of the island's pristine inland lakes, bays and beaches. Ultimately, the tour will pause to visit and climb one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, Beaver Head Lighthouse. This is a great way to see the island for eco-adventurers who may not be able to walk or bike the many trails but still want to be surrounded by nature.
Visitors will find two established campgrounds on Beaver Island, both owned and operated by the Island Townships and open from April 1 to the end of November. There are no reservations at either campground and the primitive sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Both campgrounds provide pit toilets and hand pumps, there are no showers at either facility.
  • Saint James Township Campground is located on the north end of the Island, off Donegal Bay Road one mile outside the St. James Harbor. The campground and its 12 sites overlook Lake Michigan and Garden Island, with views of Squaw and Whiskey Islands. ($5 per night, per campsite).
  • Bill Wagner Peaine Township Campground is located on the east side of the Island, seven miles south of the harbor and accessible via the East Side Road. This 22-site campground is on the shore of Lake Michigan with a view of the west coast of mainland Michigan. ($10 per night, per campsite)
Beaver Island is also home to the Central Michigan University biological field station, offering academic classes in biology, other sciences, and the arts. Faculty and students utilize the woods and waters surround the Beaver Archipelago as their outdoor classroom for field trips and lectures.

After a day, or more, of exploring the rustic nooks and crannies of Beaver Island, visitors can find luxurious packages at the East Wind Day Spa & Hair Salon, where facials, massages, manicures and pedicures are offered to help relax both the mind and body. A variety of dining options can be found on the island, with Nina’s Restaurant at the Beaver Island Lodge offering a fine dining menu and extensive wine list.

Situated adjacent to Lake Michigan, Beaver Island Lodge has been a host to visitors since the 1950s and is one of many lodging properties on the island. Other noteworthy accommodations include The Brothers Place a rustic Northwoods lodge originally built on a 20-acre parcel in 1928 as a retreat house by the Christian Brothers religious order and Shanoule B&B – a rustic three-suite bed-and-breakfast tucked away on a 40 acre secluded wooded lot.

Getting to Beaver Island is easy. The Beaver Island Boat Company runs from early April through December, with limited runs in the early and late season. The 32-mile ride takes approximately two hours. Fresh Air Aviation and Island Airways both provide plane service to the island. All three services operate out of Charlevoix. Those searching for a truly removed up-north destination will find it on Beaver Island, one of the purist four-season vacation destinations in Michigan. When it comes to natural escapes, nothing compares to America’s Emerald Isle – Beaver Island. For more information: www.wmta.org

Thursday, June 3, 2010

SIMPLE, FRESH, AND FAST SUMMER DISHES TO BE DEMONSTRATED AT HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET


Pereddies Restaurant Catering Manager Lauri Sisson will be at the Holland Farmers Market Chef Series this Saturday, June 5 demonstrating two recipes for fast, fresh, and fabulous summer dishes! Watch her prepare Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Poached Eggs, a quick and easy appetizer that will impress any guest this summer. Then, lean how to complete a perfect summer evening with a delicious Strawberry Tiramisu for dessert. Sisson’s demonstration begins at 10:00 am.

Sisson grew up in the West Michigan area and has always had a love for food. She took a job in a deli in Downtown Holland during her high school years and has never looked back. She accepted a position at Pereddies Restaurant in Washington Square nearly 20 years ago and has been there ever since. Sisson manages every aspect of the restaurant, including both catering and wine service. Pereddies enjoys a loyal customer-base because of Sisson’s attention to detail and great service.

The Chef Series is held every Saturday morning from May 15 to September 11 and is free to attend.

The Holland Farmers Market, located in Downtown Holland, features over fifty local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to plants, baked goods, floral arrangements, dairy products, and much, much more. The Market also features a food court with dining options for breakfast and lunch, as well street performers who entertain the crowds with music, magic, and more. In addition, the Market is home to special events, such as the weekly kids activities, a salsa-making and jalapeno-eating contest, and a national collegiate fruit and vegetable carving competition.

The Holland Farmers Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from mid-May through mid-December, rain or shine. The City of Holland’s Department of Leisure and Cultural Services hosts the Market at 150 West Eighth Street.

For more information on Farms & Marketing in West Michigan visit: http://www.wmta.org/agri-tourism-579/

Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend on Tap June 12-13


The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone
that the summer Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for June 12-13. On
Saturday and Sunday, everyone - residents or non-residents - can fish
without a fishing license in Michigan. All other fishing regulations
apply.

Michigan has celebrated Free Fishing Weekend every year since 1986 to
promote awareness of the state’s natural resources. With more than
3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and more than
36,000 miles or rivers, fishing and Michigan go hand in hand.

“Fishing is a great interactive opportunity to connect children with
the out-of-doors,” said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. “Not only
is it an affordable recreational activity, fishing provides children
with excitement and a sense of adventure when they land their first
fish. Free Fishing Weekend provides lots of wonderful opportunities for
families to connect, enjoy nature and spend time together celebrating
Michigan’s rich outdoor heritage.”

Numerous Free Fishing weekend activities are scheduled at state parks
and fish hatcheries to coincide with the weekend, while sporting clubs
and conservation groups state events as well. Free Fishing Weekend
activities offer novices the opportunity to learn from experienced
anglers and learn about the joys of fishing.

For a list of Free Fishing Weekend activities across the West Michigan, visit
http://www.wmta.org/events-5/

5 Ways to Enjoy West Michigan this Summer!

5 Ways to Enjoy West Michigan this Summer!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

WORLD-RENOWNED SCULPTORS UNITE TO HONOR FRED AND LENA MEIJER


WORLD-RENOWNED SCULPTORS UNITE TO HONOR FRED AND LENA MEIJER

Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy and Fred and Lena Meijer
June 4, 2010 – January 2, 2011


In just 15 years, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has established a permanent sculpture collection of international acclaim built by two philanthropists who collected solely for public enrichment and enjoyment. The world’s most renowned sculptors working today have united to present an exclusive group exhibition honoring the organization’s namesakes. “Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer” will be on display June 4 – January 2, 2011.

The exhibition features works by 26 of the most important artists working today including iconic masters Magdalena Abakanowicz , Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero and Claes Oldenburg; internationally heralded sculptors Jonathan Borofsky, Deborah Butterfield, Antony Gormley, David Nash and Jaume Plensa; as well as emerging talents like Laura Ford and Sophie Ryder.

All artists represented in the gallery exhibition have works permanently displayed in the 30-acre Sculpture Park, set amidst woodlands, waterfalls and wildflowers, The exhibition links the artists’ loaned works with their respective pieces in the permanent collection, offering further appreciation and understanding of the significance of the Meijer’s legacy.

Plans for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park were initially laid in the 1980s, with a strong emphasis on horticulture. As the Meijers became involved, Lena’s love of flowers and gardens, infused with Fred’s growing interest in sculpture, helped create a truly unique institution.

“Through the Meijers’ generosity, a collection of international stature has developed while creating an organization whose very character advances well beyond either a horticultural or arts organization,” said Joseph Becherer, Vice President and Chief Curator. “In fifteen short years, we have become a respected cultural organization that welcomes and informs a vast and diverse audience.”

Since the organization’s opening on April 20, 1995, the collection grew rapidly. Fred Meijer had a growing desire to build a ‘world-class sculpture collection.’ Within five years, critically acclaimed works such as Alexander Liberman’s “Aria” and Deborah Butterfield’s “Cabin Creek” were acquired and installed. In May of 2002, the 30-acre Sculpture Park opened with more than 24 masterworks by renowned artists including Auguste Rodin, Jacques Lipchitz, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, Magdalena Abakanowicz and Antony Gormley. Today more than 50 works are displayed in the open-air Sculpture Park with more than 200 in the permanent collection, displayed both indoors and outdoors across the 132-acre campus.

“The opening of the Sculpture Park is arguably the watershed moment for the organization,” said Becherer. “The collection grew beyond the dimensions that anyone would have imagined in just a few short years – all through the generosity and acceptance of Fred and Lena Meijer.”

“Everyone needs beautiful art in beautiful green spaces,” said Fred and Lena Meijer. “We would like to feel that people who come here feel something special, something that truly enhances their lives. That somehow their senses are alive and their passion for art grows with every visit. And that they would have moments of joy.”

Many sculptors have developed a special affinity for the Meijers, marveling Fred and Lena’s openness to collect and their profound and selfless desire to give and share.

It’s been great working with Fred and Lena Meijer,” said American sculptor Jonathan Borofsky. “They have created one of the most unique atmospheres in the world in which everyone can experience art and where art and nature can intersect and become one. “

Meijer Gardens celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. A large-scale indoor and outdoor glass exhibition by Dale Chihuly titled “A New Eden” blends the horticulture and art missions of the institution. Across the 132-acre grounds, 15 monumental installations feature thousands of pieces of blown glass. This is Chihuly’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition to date.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was recently ranked one of the 100 most-visited art museums across the globe by “Art Newspaper.” In 2009, the organization was named one of the top 30 “Must-See Museums” in the world by Patricia Shultz, author of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

“Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer” is sponsored by BISSELL Inc., The Meijer Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, William Padnos, Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation, and the Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Additional Information on Frederik Meijer Gardens at www.wmta.org

Hummingbird Expert to Speak at Binder Park Zoo


Binder Park Zoo and Brigham Audubon are welcoming special guest speaker Brenda Keith, hummingbird expert, on June 9th at 7:00 p.m. for a presentation on hummingbird banding and research.

Brenda’s career with the Kalamazoo Nature Center began in the mid-80s when she helped in the bird banding program as a volunteer two days per week. This expanded into a hired position as a bird bander and the responsible person for banding records to the Bird Banding Laboratory.

In 1990, Brenda and her husband Rich began a summer banding project on their 43 acre property near Vicksburg. It soon became clear that this property was a good site for both summer and fall banding and the Pitsfield Bird Banding Station was established as an extension of the Kalamazoo Nature Center banding program.

Brenda has also worked on non-banding related research projects such as the Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas I and II, winter feeder surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, and several census projects.

A short Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, with the presentation beginning immediately afterwards at 7:15 pm. The program will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public. For more information, please contact Binder Park Zoo: 269-979-1351.

Binder Park Zoo…One of America’s Best Zoo’s Right in Your Own Backyard!

Additional information on Binder Park Zoo at www.wmta.org

Unique Getaways in West Michigan