Fall in Love with Autumn Camping in Michigan

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at one of Michigan’s privately owned campgrounds. Here, campers seek out area farm markets, u-pick orchards and other agricultural destinations that dot the landscape.

Whether they’re looking for pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks to decorate their campsite, apples for baking aromatic and mouth-watering treats, or that perfect bottle of Michigan wine or beer to pair with a harvest meal, campers will find the area farms and agricultural destinations have just what they’re looking for.

Activities, such as wagon rides, haunted houses and corn mazes are popular for families this time of year. What better way to spend a fall day than walking over crackling leaves through an apple orchard or pumpkin patch in search of harvest goodies. Why not make a visit to one of the historic lighthouses that grace a Great Lake shoreline – especially one that is rumored to be haunted such as White River Light Station, Grand Traverse Lighthouse or Saginaw River Lighthouse.

Autumn activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and golf, are also of interest as campers look for exciting ways to take in the full spectrum of the fall season. Colors can also be viewed from the sky, with a ride in a hot air balloon, glider or airplane at various locations around the state. Even the state’s ski resorts are getting into the action, offering chair lift rides throughout the color tour season.

Campers are encouraged to take a fall color tour, traveling along the scenic byways (and off the major highways), with camera in hand. West Michigan Tourist Association has outlined more than two dozen color tour routes on its website.

In the Kent County area, online brochures are available for the Kent Harvest Trails and Fruit Ridge Farm Markets. The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council has online versions of both their fall color tour map and U-Pick/Farm Market Brochure. The “Taste the Local Difference – Select Northwest Michigan” directory is also available for online viewing. The Michigan Department of Agriculture also publishes an online PDF directory to the state’s Farm Markets, U-Picks & Agricultural Tourism destinations. There’s even a website that directs you to the finest apple farms throughout the state, as well as tours of the state’s finest wineries and breweries.

West Michigan Tourist Association: www.wmta.org

ARVC represents 225+ member campgrounds with nearly 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2009 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified.

Fall Colors in Northern Michigan

HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL FALL FAMILY FUNDAY

Pumpkins are ripening and Holland is ready to celebrate fall. In honor of the autumn season the Holland Farmers Market is hosting its second annual Fall Family Funday on Saturday, October 3. From 10am until 2pm, the Market will host a variety of kids activities, a pumpkin pie eating contest, sponsored by Russ’ Restaurant, and pumpkin carving demonstrations from master carver, Derek Maxfield. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the changing of seasons!

Kids activities include pumpkin painting, bean bag toss, needle in a haystack candy hunt, fall crafts, candy pumpkin guessing game and more. Pumpkin painting is $1 and all activities are free of charge. Vander Mill Cider Mill and Winery will be bringing an antique cider mill for display and Grand Daddy Kettle Corn will be popping fresh popcorn.

The pumpkin pie eating contest will begin at noon. Contestants must be eighteen or older to participate, but spectators of all ages will enjoy cheering on the contestants as they race to finish pie crust, whipped cream, and all. Contestants are challenged to finish their pie in a 5-minute time frame and are unable to use their hands or drink any sort of beverage. The winner will receive a $50 cash prize! In the case of a tie, the winner will be chosen by the volume of their fans’ cheers, so be sure to come and support your hungry participant!

Master carver, Derek Maxfield, has been entertaining folks with pumpkin carving exhibitions for many years. He shows the audience how to create fun and unusual carvings using a variety of techniques. Derek will be using everything from spoons to power tools to create intricate and interesting pumpkin designs. His exhibitions will be at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:00pm. Only the first fifteen applicants can participate in the pie eating contest, so the pressure is on to turn in your registration forms. Registration forms and the $3 entry fees will be accepted at the Principal Shopping District prior to the day of the event (44 W. 9th St., Holland). If spaces are still available the day of the event, you can enter up to one hour before the start of the contest. Cash or checks are accepted but please no credit cards. You can find the registration form at www.hollandfarmersmarket.com/fallfamilyfunday.

In case of rain, activities will be canceled.

The Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm from mid-May to mid-December rain or shine. The City of Holland’s Department of Leisure and Cultural Services hosts the Market at the Eighth Street Marketplace in Downtown Holland. Visit www.hollandfarmersmarket.com or contact Market Master Candy Todd at 616-355-1130 for more information about the Market. No pets of any kind are allowed at the Market.

Halloween at Black Star Farms! There will be Haunted Hayrides offered at Black Star Farms all during the month of October. Hayrides will take place every Friday & Saturday night in October from 6 - 10 p.m.

The ride will leave from the Fire and Vine Cafe at Black Star Farms. The price is $10/per person with hot cider available to survivors. They will also have wine, mulled wine and pizzas available for purchase. Haunted Hayrides are recommend for children 12 year and older.

The local band Soul Patch will also be playing at the Inn on October 20, 2009, from 6-9pm. The price is $15/per person which includes "soul food" prepared by our Chef Corey Wentworth.

For more information on these fun October Harvest events, contact the Inn at 231-944-1251 or innkeeper@blackstarfarms.com

Harvest Festivus at Left Foot Charley

Harvest Festivus takes place on Sunday - October 4, 2009, from 12-6pm. Left Foot Charley loves the fall and will celebrate it left footed style at the old Asylum once again. A new cider will be released, possibly a new wine, they will feature two new cheeses and a new salami on our Ploughman's lunch, and they have a cool new kegerator fridge for cider. Early October is a beautiful time to enjoy Northern Michigan so help Left Foot Charley bring in the new harvest season on Sunday. They will again offer free carriage rides, live music, and free brats with the purchase of wine or cider. The carriage will run from 12 noon till 2pm - then the horses will go home to rest. The music will start at 3pm and go till 5pm. Brats will be served while supplies last, so come early. Kids are always welcome at LFC - with their parents of course! The sandbox will be open, apples plentiful, games and crafts available(also while supplies last...so come early), and tasty apple juice for the little ones to sip on. Bring on the grapes!

on Sunday.

Last Chance for a Trip to Binder Park Zoo This Season!

If you haven’t made it out to the Zoo this season, or just want to get in one last giraffe feeding adventure before the snow hits, this weekend is the time to do it! Binder Park Zoo will be closing for the season on Sunday October 4th. Hours are Saturday from 9:00am until 6:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am until 6:00pm. Don’t miss your last chance to see Gesi, the baby giraffe born at the Zoo this summer, before the zoo gates close.

The births of the two baby giraffe, Gesi and Dhoruba, made the 10th season of Wild Africa extra special for the Zoo. The two boys were the first giraffe born at Binder Park Zoo and the first giraffe born in Michigan in over 16 years. Gesi and his mother Jasiri have been on exhibit and will be for the remainder of the season as long as weather conditions allow the giraffes to be out.

“Even after 10 years of Wild Africa, you’re still in awe watching the animals walk out onto exhibit,” says Eric Reinsch, Binder Park Zoo Collections Supervisor. “Binder Park Zoo, and especially Wild Africa, is really a hidden gem right in Battle Creek’s backyard.”



The Zoo will be closing on the 4th, but there will still be a lot of exciting things happening during the off-season. The 23rd annual Great Zoo Boo will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from October 9th – 31st. Holiday Nights will light up the Zoo December 18th through 23rd. Zoomobiles, birthday parties, and overnights will still be going on while the Zoo is closed to the public, and year round staff will be working to make 2010 another great season.



However, the Zoo hasn’t closed yet! There are still a few days left to enjoy the 2009 season and to catch a glimpse of Gesi while he’s still tiny (compared to his 16 foot tall mother!). “He gains about three pounds a day,” says Andi Kornak, Curator of Collections. “He will still look young next spring, but he will be considerably taller.”



Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of nature’s miracles. For more information, call the Zoo office at 269-979-1351 or visit us online at www.binderparkzoo.org.

Downtown Traverse City’s Fall Festive Sale Returns, 10/3 Store Specials & Family Fun

Downtown Fall Festivities

Autumn has arrived in Downtown Traverse City and the annual Fall Festive Sale is slated for Saturday, October 3, 2009. Participating shops will be featuring store sales and specials.

Happy Apple Days will take place from Saturday, October 3 to Saturday, October 10, 2009. Customers of Downtown will be greeted with bushels of fresh local apples at participating stores. Take in Downtown Traverse City and enjoy an apple.

October closes with a party of costume clad children at Downtown hosts the annual Halloween Walk on Friday, October 30, from 3:30 – 5 pm. Children have the opportunity to trick or treat Downtown at participating storefronts. Orange pumpkin signs will designate participants.

Don’t forget to Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market will continue on Saturdays through October in Lot B across from Clinch Park.

The Fall Festive Sale, Happy Apple Days and Halloween Walk are sponsored by the over 175 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. For more information call (231) 922-2050.

Fall Color Show just starting in Lower Peninsula

Wednesday, September 23

Throughout the Northwest and Northeast Lower Peninsula, prime viewing is still approximately 2 – 3 weeks away. Color development in the region ranges between 5 and 10 percent.

In Petoskey, which is bordered by Little Traverse Bay, temperatures typically hold more constant this time of year, making tree colors appear slower. Some of the softer trees, such as Poplar, are moving ahead of the hard woods with brilliant yellows starting to mix in with the greens.

Traveling to Leelanau County, color watchers can expect to see Maples just starting to turn into their brilliant hues of red, oranges and yellows.
Wildlife observations to note include a few Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures kettling; the last of the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Gray Catbirds feeding on ripened native black cherries can also be seen. Scores of sparrows will be noticed throughout the grasslands with the occasional meadowlark being spotted.

In Gaylord, and northern Otsego County color has appeared about 2% in forested zones, the solitary mast trees, as well as those that are semi-solitary and dominant along country roads are "peaking" in a piecemeal fashion against their verdant backdrop. Some of these "loner trees” are vibrant in hues of amber-tinged radiant orange, with a few regally purple in the lower elevations. Currently it seems to be primarily the maples being touched by autumn's brush, but some of the oaks with "wet feet" are getting in on the act. Some yellow is showing in the poplars.

Near Pigeon River Forest, many more deer are being seen-- no doubt scrounging the remaining succulents, as well as the tops of white cedars. The elk will be slowly making their way to their winter grounds soon enough.

In the central and southwest part of the Lower Peninsula color is developed about 3 – 5%, with prime color approximately 4 weeks away. Trees just starting to show color include elms, a few young maples, and poplar trees. Wildlife observations to take note of include Sandhill cranes which have lost their brown breeding color and have turned mostly gray in time for migration.

Fall color watchers looking for the best viewing opportunities can call the West Michigan Tourist Association at 800-442-2084 x 304 for color updates provided by Apple Tree Inn of Petoskey and the Michigan Audubon Society each Wednesday through October. Check www.wmta.org before heading to your fall color destination.

Harvest Festival in Historic Lowell on October 10

The Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce presents a Harvest Celebration on October 10, 2009 from 9 AM into the night! What could be more fun than Lowell in October! We have a host of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the autumn air while visiting all the events throughout Historic Lowell!

Start your morning off with the Family Fun Harvest Hustle Costume 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Lowell Community Wellness. The race will start at 8:30 AM sharp on Avery Street just north of the Lowell City Hall/Police Station. Run, walk or jog - have fun and get moving. Prizes will be awarded to race winners as well as best costume.

The Kent County Youth Fair and Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce together are sponsoring the Harvest Arts and Crafts, and the Flat River Antiques Show at the Lowell fairgrounds in the Foreman Building. Over 70 booths will be on display! The booths will open at 9 AM and remain open until 4 PM.

Concessions provided by Carolyn's Popcorn and Great Lakes BBQ will be available starting at 10 am and well into the night at the Lowell Fairgrounds. A variety of foods include hot dogs, carmel corn, ice cones, pulled pork sandwiches, bbq beef and ribs!

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides by Common Gentry Carriage Company will begin at 9 AM and run until 2 PM at the Lowell Fairground by the Farmer's Market Area. Take the kids for a ride, $5 per person.

Join us at the Lowell Area Farmers' Market and the Scarecrow Building Hoedown at the fairgrounds. We supply all the stuff to make a scarecrow for Main Street from 10 AM to 1 PM. We just need you and your creative juices! The scarecrows will be displayed in our Festival of Scarecrows in Historic Downtown Lowell through October 28th. At the Farmers' Market 10 AM to 2 PM you will find freshly picked foods from the garden along with all fall produce, apples, squash and decorations! The Lowell Wrestling team will kick off their pre-order Baked Apple Pie Sale and the featured entertainment will be Easy Idle Band from 10 am to noon.

Get a tour of Lowell Light & Power; meet the staff and board and enjoy free hotdogs, chips and beverages at their open house from 11 AM to 2 PM. Bucket rides for kids and Lowell Light and Power will help you and the family to learn about electrical safety on Broadway St.

The ladies of the Lowell Area Historical museum will serve home-baked, mouth-watering pies for their second annual pie fundraiser from 12 PM - 3 PM. Stop by and enjoy a slice of scrumptious pie ($2.50) and cider or coffee ($1), to be served in the full-color decorated Victorian garden for the harvest season. Don't be tardy or you'll miss out on a real treat...The pies go fast! The Museum will also be open for viewing all of our exhibits.

Last year the Great Mini Pumpkin Chuckin' Contest ($20), presented by the Kent County Youth Fair was a huge hit; they are back again this year at 2 pm. They added Apple Chuckin' Contest ($5) for the kids at 12 pm. Both event contestants use a trebuchet designed to toss an apple or a 6" pumpkin. Don't miss the fun on these two family events!

Larkin's restaurant is hosting the 8th Annual Chili Madness Chili Cook-off. Several teams have put their cooking skills to the test! The cooking begins at 11 AM at Larkin's on Broadway Street. The tasting and judging will commence at 3 PM. Taste the chili for just 50¢ a cup and enjoy live music with "Homebrewed" while you flavor the taste of the chili! All funds raised will benefit LARA Lowell Trailway.

The Lowell Area Arts Council presents Ghost Stories along with LAS High School Orchestra presenting Creepy Classics! Come and hear open mic readings of original ghost stories written by members of the community along with "Creepy Classics" by members of the Lowell Area School's orchestra program lead by Wendy Tenney. This spooky fun will begin at 2 PM in the Reath Barn at the Lowell Fairgrounds.

Selected downtown merchants will have a harvest of sales and open houses. Jump start your Christmas shopping 10 am to 5 pm on Lowell's Historic Main Street.

Lastly Gilda's Club of Lowell will end our day with an Old Fashion Barn Dance Fundraiser in the Reath Barn at the Lowell Fairgrounds. Don't miss out on fun, dancing, entertainment provided by "Hawks and Owls string band" and food catered by Keiser's Kitchen. Tickets are priced at: Family - $25; Single adult - $10; Kids -$5.

Bring the family and spend the day with us in Historic Lowell the Next Place to Be!

FIBER ARTS & ANIMALS FESTIVAL IS EXPANDING

Queso Cabeza Farm and Turkeyville USA joining up to bring new festival venue!

After running a single-day event for five years, the Fiber Arts & Animals Festival is joining the Turkeyville USA Folk Art Faire on October 3rd and 4th, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM on the grounds of Turkeyville USA, just ½ mile west of Exit 42 (N Drive North) off I-69. Admission and parking are free. Over the last several years, there has been a renewed interest in natural fibers and working with the land to create useful products. This second venue for the festival will allow for more demonstrations and artists. This year there will be an Art Quilt exhibit, sheep-to-shawl event and sheep shearing demonstration. There will also be several low-cost fiber art workshops for people to learn how to work with wool.

This is a juried event. Each exhibitor must apply to attend and bring a unique perspective on fiber art. Along with exhibiting fiber-producing animals such as sheep, llamas, rabbits and goats, some artists are providing short demonstrations at their booths about the fiber arts they practice. The fiber artistry represented this year includes loom weaving, harness weaving, wet felting, needle felting, spinning wool to yarn using several different methods and rug hooking. All artists attending are listed on http://www.FiberArtFest.com. Queso Cabeza Farm was founded in 2001 and started producing the Fiber Arts & Animals Festival in 2004. The Fiber Arts & Animals Festival was created to provide a low-cost, educational alternative to folks looking for opportunities to work with wool and related products.

Bring Your Pack to Howl-a-Palooza at Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo is hosting Howl-a-Palooza this weekend, September 26th and 27th to celebrate National Wolf Awareness Week. Come visit the Zoo’s four Mexican wolf brothers and listen to Keeper Chats at their exhibit. Special enrichment activities for the wolves and Keeper Chats will take place at 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Saturday and 2:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday. Guests will also receive a free wolf poster while supplies last.

“This weekend is a great time to learn about these fascinating animals,” remarks Jenny Barnett, Director of Conservation and Wildlife at Binder Park Zoo. “The enrichment times are especially interesting as it gives everyone a chance to see the wolves display some of the natural behaviors that they would in the wild.”

Since 1991, Binder Park Zoo has been home to one of the most endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf. Once common in the southwest United States and northern Mexico, they were nearly eliminated in the first half of this century by ranchers who feared that the wolves were a threat to cattle. The extermination effort nearly succeeded, but a few Mexican wolves survived in captivity and in remote areas of Mexico. From these few survivors, a captive breeding program began in 1979 with the eventual goal of reestablishing Mexican wolves in the wild. The first releases in this effort occurred on March 29, 1998, and included a female Mexican wolf born at Binder Park Zoo. Howl-a-Palooza offers the perfect opportunity to learn about wolves, their conservation status and to have a unique opportunity to ask questions about wolves from the Zoo’s very own Mexican wolf Zookeepers.

• What: Wolf Awareness Weekend “Howl-a-Palooza”
• Where: Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek MI 49014
• When: September 26 - 1:00pm and 3:00pm – Mexican wolf exhibit
• September 27 - 2:00pm and 4:00pm – Mexican wolf exhibit

Chocolate, Cheese, & Wine Extravaganza - September 26

On Saturday, September 26, from 5 - 8 p.m. join Cascade Winery for another relaxing and enjoyable evening of wine tasting and food pairing. They will be featuring a number of different varieties of chocolates, cheeses, and their very own fine wines!

Due to the popularity of this event, seating fills up very quickly. If you are planning to join Cascade Winery they ask that you reserve a seat up to 24 hours in advance of the event by clicking the link below, contacting them by phone, or stopping by to visit them at the winery. Reserve Your Spot

Please feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have at
(616) 656-4665.

Cascade Winery, 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

Fennville Goose Festival Celebrates Silver Anniversary: October 9-11, 2009

COPYRIGHTED GREATER FENNVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Fennville Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 484 Fennville, MI 49408

The community of Fennville, in Allegan County – Southwest Michigan, is ramping up to celebrate its Silver Anniversary Goose Festival, October 9-11, 2009.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Fennville’ s historic ties to the thriving geese population at the 25th Annual Goose Festival. Attendees are treated to a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a craft show, parades, carnival, Loose Goose Trolley, Wild Goose Chase 5k Run & Gosling Run, live entertainment, pet show, dog show, car show, and much more.

Highlights for the Silver Anniversary include:

• The first ever Goose Festival Queen & Gosling Princess (Announced on Friday, October 9)
• Diego Soulz & Rhythm (7pm on Friday, October 9)
• The Scottville Clown Band (Marching in the parade and then two 45-minute stage performances on Saturday, October 10).
• Funktion (6-9pm on Saturday, October 10)
• John Dudley - Magician & Balloon Animal Artist Extraordinaire (Noon on Sunday, October 11)
• Goose Calling Demonstration with 5-year-old Tyler Schut (3:30pm on Sunday, October 11)
• Los Bandits (5:15pm on Sunday, October 11)
A complete schedule of events is now available online at www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com.

While the first Goose Festival wasn’t held until 1984, Fennville – affectionately referred to as “Goosetown” – has been a haven for the migratory Canada geese as far back as the 1930s. During that time, the geese would stop to feed and rest at what was then the A.M. Todd Farm. Albert May Todd was the world-leader in the production of mint and other oils; the property just south of Fennville was one of his multi-acre mint plantations.

In 1949, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources purchased the Todd Farm, acquiring additional farms in the area up through 1970. Their intent was to establish The Farm Unit, which included a hunting area and a wildlife refuge, serving as a waterfowl management area.

In the 1930s, the estimated number of Canada geese to congregate at The Farm was around 1000. In recent years, fall counts have exceeded 25,000 birds at one time. Through the course of a single season, the refuge serves more than 100,000 geese. These migrating geese usually begin their occupation of the refuge in early September, with the greatest visitation occurring from October to
early November. Some, however, have found The Farm Unit a suitable setting to spend the winter.
Between 10,000 and 20,000 geese have been known to winter here, in central Allegan County.

The Farm, located at 6013 118th Avenue in Fennville, today boasts a total 3650 acres – of which 1300 acres are maintained as a refuge. The Farm Unit provides a unique opportunity view large numbers of geese flying, feeding and resting in a natural setting. Few places allow people to mingle so closely with wildlife such as th

BLUE COAST ARTISTS ANNOUNCE 20th ANNUAL STUDIO TOUR OCTOBER 3rd & 4th

COPYRIGHTED GREATER FENNVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Fennville Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 484 Fennville, MI 49408

For twenty years the Blue Coast Artists have been delighting and educating the public with their annual Fall Tour of Studios. Viewers are invited once again to experience the creative process in action on Sat. & Sun. Oct. 3rd and 4th.

See a piece of pottery form, watch glass beads take shape in the torch, a tree come alive through brushstrokes or a bird emerge from a piece of wood. These are just a few of the demonstrations that art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy during the 20th Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour of Studios. This annual West Michigan autumn event runs from 10AM-6PM both days and is free of charge.

The Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour began in 1989 when glassblowers Jerry & Kathy Catania, weaver and furniture maker Barb & Al Bare and potter Mark Williams held their open houses on the same weekend. Over the past twenty years the group has included many artists working in many media and their Fall Tour continues to be an educational and interesting experience for all.

The 2009 tour includes six working artists' studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck. Each site features demonstrations, original artwork, refreshments and more. Hands-on art making projects, unique art abodes, a haunted garden and fall color makes this creative experience fun for the whole family. The tour can be completed in one day and a tour map is available at each site or on the web at: www.bluecoastartists.com

The 2009 Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour includes:

1) Lattner Studio (319 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) The studio of Suzi Lattner Zwissler features her original paintings and drawings in a variety of media. The gardens and woodland that surround her home inspire Suzi. She will be on hand demonstrating pastel drawing
techniques.

2) Blue Star Pottery (337 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) Mark Williams uses a variety of textures to decorate his functional stoneware pieces. Watch demonstrations of hand building and wheel throwing. Also featured are his highly textured slab work pitchers, casseroles and
teapots. Come see his new expanded and improved studio. Mark will open a new kiln load of his work daily on tour weekend.

3) Khnemu Studio LLC (6322 113th Ave., Fennville) Enjoy the fall harvest at this restored 1890's farm estate, complete with a post-n-beam barn which houses a unique contemporary fine art and craft gallery featuring over 20 local artists, and the working studio of ceramic artist Dawn Soltysiak. Dawn will have wheel throwing, Raku pottery firing and also a "make & take" art opportunity for kids of all ages.

4) Blue Roan Studio (6301 122nd Ave., Fennville) This stop features the flame worked glass bead and wire sculptures of artist Jessica Bohus and an exhibition entitled "Line". " In these sculptures I have been using less and less to suggest form. I think of them as carving air with a line " said Bohus. The studio is in an1890’s schoolhouse with many original features including a swing set and blackboards.

5) Lake Effect Pottery (2139 66th St., Fennville) Surrounded by vegetable and herb gardens, with her horses and chickens nearby, an antique turkey barn is the workplace for potter Lee Mckee. Lee makes oil lamps, French butter keepers and other affordable functional pottery.

6) Blue Star Studio of Wood & Glass LLC (1684 Blue Star Hwy., Fennville) Enjoy two mediums at one stop at the studio of glass and wood artist Barb Hogarth, who will be demonstrating fan bird carving. Barb is a master craftsman who has turned her hand to nested Shaker boxes, blown glass vessels, stained glass boxes and panels, turned wood bowls, and much more. Don't miss her marquetry pet portraits in wood veneer.

BOYNE Offers Fall Color Horseback Trail Rides and Nature Adventure

Michigan is well known for vibrant fall foliage and BOYNE has two great ways to take in the sights of Mother Nature’s glory as she prepares for her winter rest. New this fall at Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs is one-hour guided horseback trail rides and a two-hour mountain top scenic tour available from September 24 through October 18. Boyne Mountain located in Boyne Falls, has added a second date to the popular Solace Spa Fall Color Nature Adventure, which bundles a day of hiking and rafting with a spa service to create a memory making day on October 3 and October 10.

Boyne Highlands’ equestrian program launched two summers ago and has been expanded to include fall color rides this season. With more than 4,000 acres, the one-hour trail rides take place on the ground level through pathways exclusive for riders on horseback. One-hour rides are available Thursdays through Sundays at 10 am and noon and are $45 per person. The new two-hour mountain top scenic tour offers brilliant fall color views as riders ascend to the top of Boyne Highlands. Once there, all will break for photos and enjoy a snack of apple cider and donuts. The mountain top scenic tour is $59 and offered Thursdays through Sundays at 2 p.m. Fall color rides are available September 24 through October 18. Riders must be at least nine years of age.

Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa Fall Color Nature Adventure takes place October 3 and October 10. The adventure includes a group trail hike at Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City to the mountain’s top for panoramic views of the areas fall colors. After taking in the sights and snapping plenty of photos, the group returns to the base and heads to the Sturgeon River, considered to be the fastest river in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, for a two and a half hour rafting trip and midway stop for lunch. The guides cover everything from sunscreen to snacks and the adventure also includes a 50-minute spa treatment at Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa. The tour is $175 per person and participants can take advantage of a special package that includes the tour plus lodging on either Friday or Saturday in the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa and breakfast the following morning for $233 per person.

Fremont Harvest Festival, October 1 - 4

Don’t miss the Fremont Harvest Festival, October 1 - 4, featuring the"Good Ole Days" Harvest Time parade and Antique Tractor Show. Scheduled events include:

Thursday, October 1:

• Harvest Time Parade, 6 pm with pumpkin bowling immediately following the parade
• Dogs on the Green, 5 – 7:30 pm, serving foot long hot dogs
• Pumpkin decorating contest
• Flea Market, 9 am - 5 pm
• Moonlight Madness Sales, 4 pm - 9 pm
• Sidewalk Star Party 7 pm - 9:30 pm
• Wagon Rides

Friday, October 2:

• Flea Market, 9 am - 5 pm
• Taste of Fremont, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Wagon Rides, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Pumpkin/Apple Recipe Contest, 6 pm

Saturday, October 3:

• Antique Tractor Show, 9 am - 3 pm
• Wagon Rides
• Farmers Market, 8 am - 12:30 pm
• Fall Harvest Hike & Bike, registration 8 am
• Seed Spitting Contest, 9 am - 12:30 pm
• Pumpkin Roll, 9 am - 12:30 pm
• Fremont Police Dept vs. Fremont Fire Dept Softball Game, 1pm
• Fall Photo Contest, 11 am
• Harvest Festival Beverage Tent at the Fremont Market Place, 5 pm - 11 pm
• Wessling Observatory Harvest Moon Star Party, 8 pm - 11 pm

Saugatuck to Play Host to First-Ever Blue Star Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26

West Michigan music and beer lovers will have a new way to celebrate the change of season this fall with the debut of the Blue Star Harvest Festival in Douglas, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The first-year festival, to be held at the Saugatuck Brewing Co., will feature seven live music acts, seasonal microbrews, food and other activities “There’s something magical about the harvest season along the lakefront,” says festival organizer Brad Raffenaud of Sprout Media Group. “As the tourist season winds down in Saugatuck, Holland and South Haven, we wanted to offer the locals a chance to celebrate with great live music, great beer, great food and a bit of eco-consciousness. We’ve put together a great bill of up-and-coming acts in the pub all day, along with some of the region’s best international touring acts in the Bier Hall in the evening along with a blues duo from France.”

The Blue Star Harvest festival opens at 3 pm with free music in the Saugatuck Brewing Co. pub, featuring Roosevelt Diggs, Spencer Mulder and Full Chord. At 7 pm, the music will move into the brewery’s Bier Hall with performances by Last Call Band, Mountain Men, The Ragbirds and headliner Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band.

Festival headliner Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is a country-blues trio and really is not that big at all, the band gets its big sound out of an acoustic guitar, washboard, snare drum and occasional harmonica blast, as well as the Reverend Peyton’s booming voice. The Ragbirds also on the bill are from Ann Arbor, Michigan and have been the #1 selling artists in Japan for the past few weeks with their new CD, Finally Almost Ready, out charting much larger well known artists like Black Eyed Peas and Madonna. One duo also on the mainstage are from the Rhone-Alpes in France, The Mountain Men. A traditional style blues duo shows how their American blues influences translates to them. The festival’s free music portion is from 3-7 pm and features a set by 19-year old Spencer Mulder, who will be releasing his sophomore CD, Rewind, in mid-September. Mulder’s new record is generating buzz among local music professionals for its blend of Ryan Adams-style alt.country and Matchbox 20/Counting Crows-type rock.

Think Red: Fall Color and Michigan Wine

In the most beautiful areas of the Great Lakes State, visitors can enjoy fall color and the bounty of vineyard harvests at more than 60 wineries. Whether the destination is Harbor Country, Irish Hills or the scenic peninsulas near Traverse City, visitors will find award-winning wines to sample in their autumn travels. Judges at the 2009 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition were especially impressed with the quality of red wines from 2007, and many of these limited-edition reds are available only at the wineries.

The opportunity to "try before you buy" is another good reason to make a trip to winery tasting rooms. For those who can't get away to tour during the autumn color season, there are year-round tasting opportunities. When the crowds clear between November and April, winemakers and tasting room staff are less busy and visitors are treated to extra attention. Many tasting rooms have a limited off-season schedule, so you'll want to check winery web sites or call before you travel to confirm hours of operation.

There are many events this fall that provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including the New Buffalo Wine & Harvest Festival, October 10 and Food, Wine and All That Jazz, October 30 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Wineries also host wine dinners, vineyard tours and trail events to celebrate the harvest.

To request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, with maps to the wineries, visit www.michiganwines.com.

Old School Hot Rods Featured at Gilmore Car Museum

On Sunday, September 27, 2009 the Gilmore Car Museum will hold the “Relix Riot” Traditional Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show. This all-new event will feature only 1964 and earlier hot rods, customs and motorcycles built in a “traditional” style of the ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s.

You may have heard of Street Rods, Hot Rods or even Rat Rods, but what exactly is a Traditional Hot Rod? Just think ‘old school’. In this case its pre-1965 cars and bikes that have been customized with nothing newer than 1964 parts.

The Traditional Hot Rod is a faithful representation of the hot rod cars built during the post WWII period through the mid-1960s. Historical accuracy and detail is everything. The Traditional Hot Rod, whether a 50-year-old barn find or a new creation, won’t have electronic fuel injection, neon lights, Billet wheels or a modern megawatt stereo installed. (Much of the same way you wouldn’t expect to see a Civil War re-enactor carrying an Ipod or cell phone!)

The show and swap meet, sponsored by the Relix Car and Motor Cycle Club, is open to the public on Sunday the 27th from 9am – 6pm and is sure to draw “old school” Hot Rods from throughout the Midwest. The one-day event includes afternoon performances by the renowned rockabilly band The Wild Woodies, a touch of bluegrass music with Brother Bill and surf-rock with Los Cobras. There will even be a vintage Bettie Page style Pin-up Girl contest.

With the Gilmore Car Museum’s 1930 Shell station, its authentic 1941 diner and historic buildings guests on this particular Sunday may feel as though they’ve just stepped out of a scene from the movie American Graffiti.

Special discounted spectator admission is $8.00 for the day, with those under 11 admitted free. Guests will be able to tour the world-class Gilmore Car Museum collection of nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles at no extra charge. Through the remainder of the 2009 season, which ends on October 31, the Museum is also featuring the all-new exhibit, "History - 1/4 Mile at a Time," featuring vehicles from some of the most iconic names in drag racing history – “Big Daddy” Don Garltis, Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick, Kalamazoo’s Jerry Arnold, and E. J. Potter – aka “The Michigan Madman,” just to name a few.

The Gilmore Car Museum is located just 20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo on M-43 and Hickory Road.

Public Museum’s Voigt House German Fest Offers Authentic Autumn Celebration “Under the Tent”

The Grand Rapids Public Museum's Voigt House Victorian Museum will host their annual German Fest October 3-4 under the tent on the front lawn, one stop on the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes. Visitors will enjoy toe-tapping German music as well as a selection of authentic libations and food including wiener schnitzel, bratwurst and apfel strudel prepared by Austrian native and Museum Chef Hans Dokl.

The Oktoberfest celebration will take place noon - 8 pm Saturday and noon - 6 pm Sunday at the Museum located at 50 College St. SE. Admission to the tent is free. Heritage Hill Tour of Homes ticket holders and Museum members may tour the Voigt House free of charge and those without tour tickets may pay regular admission prices ($3 for adults, $2 for seniors and children) for a guided tour of the historic home. Built in 1895 by prominent businessman Carl Voigt and now a property of the Public Museum, the Voigt House offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life at the turn of the century. The home has been preserved with its original furnishings, carpets and silk wall-coverings, and is filled with personal possessions of the Voigt family. The opulent three-story home, its gardens and carriage house remain one of the more outstanding landmarks in the Heritage Hill district. The Voigt House Victorian Museum is open to the public on select days and times, for special events such as this.

Harvest Time in West Michigan Video

George Balanchine’s iconic ballet, Prodigal Son, opens next week for its only Grand Rapids appearance!

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company brings George Balanchine’s powerful ballet Prodigal Son to the stage for its only Grand Rapids appearance. The performances will be held at the intimate Peter Martin Wege Theater. George Balanchine was one of the 20th century’s foremost choreographers; a pioneer of ballet in the United States and co-founder and Ballet Master of the New York City Ballet. Inspired by the parable in the Gospel of Luke, Prodigal Son debuted May 21, 1929 and the Theatre Sarah Bernhardt in Paris and featured a score by Sergei Prokofiev. This provocative re-telling is more dramatic and emphasizes the theme of sin and redemption ending with the Prodigal Son’s return. This legendary work has been performed by such ballet luminaries as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Damian Woetzel.

To earn the rights to perform this prestigious ballet the George Balanchine Trust must deem a ballet company technically and professionally qualified to present Balanchine’s work. A repetiteur designated by the trust then visits to personally help stage the production. “It’s quite an involved process and as Michigan’s only professional ballet company, we are proud to bring Michigan this masterpiece.” Gordon Peirce Schmidt, Artistic Director.

Paul Boos is the repetiteur who staged the ballet for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Mr. Boos danced with Balanchine’s New York City Ballet for 13 years and has also staged Balanchine’s ballets throughout the world, most notably staging Prodigal Son for the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg and recently for the K-ballet in Japan. About the Grand Rapids Ballet Company Paul says, “Attila’s sensitive and pure acting skills were a daily revelation in rehearsals as the Son and Kateryna’s cool serpentine quality is perfectly suited to the Siren.”

Also on the program are two original creations, the joyous Holberg Suite and the passionate Vers La Flamme. These works, created for the Grand Rapids Ballet by Gordon Peirce Schmidt, celebrate the beauty of life and perfectly compliment the themes of the Prodigal Son. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see this amazing program in the intimate Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

GRCM Coming To the Rescue!

Opening today, the Grand Rapids Children's Museum is coming To the Rescue Sept. 16-Nov. 15 with heroes, helpers and tons of exciting ways to play it safe! To the Rescue is a GRCM original safety exhibit with special programming to help kids discover what it’s like to be a rescue worker. Lil’ Red Fire Truck #5 and the Rescue Helicopter are back and ready to save the day with costumes, sirens, lights and more! Join in all of the fun while the little ones dress up as firefighters and other heroes, slide down the escape slide and take a turn at the wheel. Children can pretend to fly at the helicopter control panel, and then use the life raft to rescue the dogs in the water below! Plus, visitors can play the Tic-Tac-Toe safety game, identifying fire hazards in the fire safety house. New this year, the To the Rescue Med Center is open for business! Children can dress up and role play as paramedics while they administer first aid to their puppet “patients.” Using play bandages, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and more, children can examine, diagnose and treat their puppet friends back to health.

Every Friday in September, children can participate in a bike safety course from 10 am - noon. Check out the “What’s Happening Calendar” available at www.grcm.org for more information on exciting To the Rescue programs that will help kids learn how to play it safe.

Tony Award Winner Opens at Civic Theatre this Friday, Sept. 18!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: September 18 - October 4

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is proud to be the first community theatre in the country to bring the orthographic musical musings of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to the community stage. Our audience will witness six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

But more than bearing witness, our audience will be asked to participate! During each Spelling Bee performance, four audience members are needed on stage to participate in the bee with the rest of the cast! If you think you have good spelling skills and want to test your vocabulary prowess, sign up in the Civic lobby prior to each performance. Selected audience members will compete with characters Olive Ostrovsky, Leaf Coneybear, Chip Tolentino, Marcy Park, William Barfee, and Logainne Schwarzandgrubenierre as Vice Principal Panch gives you words to spell and Rona Lisa Peretti, Realtor and former bee champion, serves as commentator. "it adds an element of surprise to the show. Every night is different," added Director Penelope Notter.

Whether you play the role of audience member or choose to participate as a Spelling Bee contestant, you'll love this hilarious tale of overachievers' angst. The show's Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Join us for this musical comedy that chronicles experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

Michigan Irish Music Festival, September 18 - 20

Michigan Irish Music Festival Celebrates 10th Year The Michigan Irish Music Festival, presented by Mercy Health Partners, returns to Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon on September 18-20th. The festival features three days of non-stop traditional and contemporary Irish entertainment on three covered stages. The Michigan Irish Music Festival began with the goal of boosting the Muskegon economy while celebrating Irish culture. Over the past 10 years, that goal has been realized. The festival has experienced tremendous growth in size and popularity, and has had a major economic impact on the Muskegon area.

The Festival kicks off with a free Early-In offer on Friday, September 18th, sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union. All festival goers will get in free from 5-6pm. To get the party started, festival organizers are planning special events before the gates open. Family Financial Credit Union staff members will be on hand with free giveaways. Entertainment will be provided by Switchback, outside the main gate beginning at 4pm. A Festival favorite for many years, Switchback, was recently selected as the Duo of the Year by the Irish Music Association. Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald are known for their mix of traditional Irish music, but with a high-energy sound. McCormack described the appeal for Irish music stating, “whether you’re a Celt or not- Irish or not – you feel it. It’s a music and culture that appeals to everyone”.

A special presentation to celebrate the 10th annual Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19th at 6 pm. The presentation will include several special guests including, Mayor Steve Warmington, Ed Ward from the Milwaukee Irish Festival, Brian Doherty from Nova Scotia, and Jill Foreman from the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

General admission tickets for the festival are $8 on Friday (5-11 pm), $15 on Saturday (10 am – 11 pm) and $10 on Sunday (9 am – 6 pm). For additional information, tickets, and a complete entertainment schedule, call 231.739.2028

Michigan Lodging Guests Invited to Check In To Michigan Apples

Nearly 300 Michigan lodging facilities are urging their guests to taste Michigan Apples this fall, during the 4th annual “Check in to Michigan Apples” program sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) and organized by Promote Michigan.

The focus of the campaign is to increase visits to local farm markets and u-pick orchards throughout the state, as well as encourage hotels to provide Michigan-grown apples as a healthy front-desk snack for guests. “This campaign will not only benefit the Michigan Apple growers, but the lodging properties and community tourism organizations such as chambers and visitor bureaus,” said Denise Donohue, executive director of the MAC.

Each of the participating lodging properties received an initial supply of Michigan Apples and the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association’s new Farm Market, U-Pick & Agri-Tourism directory. Deliveries begin Sept. 15 and continue for two weeks. “Lodging facilities are encouraged to refill the baskets with Michigan Apples throughout the year – even after the promotion ends,” said Donohue. “Our hope is that they’re more aware of the quality and variety of Michigan Apples available to them for their day-to-day services such as their continental breakfast, conference services or on-site restaurants.”

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world.

$110 Fall Getaways to Mackinac Island!

Mackinac Island's Lake View Hotel has announced fall getaway savings through October 17! Enjoy all of these outstanding amenities:

• Deluxe Overnight Accommodations
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• 10% off Dinner Entrees at Goodfellow's Italian Chop House
• Round-trip Ferry Ride Discounts
• Preferred Guest ValueCard (good for discounts at 20 island establishments)
• Full Use of our Indoor Heated Pool, Whirlpool and Sauna

Boyne Mountain Hosts New Skitoberfest Event

Boyne Mountain’s newest event, Skitoberfest, is a weekend as unique as the name itself. Happening October 3 and 4, Skitoberfest celebrates the coming winter season with a Snowsports Summit hosted by Cary Adgate and the best of fall’s family offerings in an Oktoberfest style setting. Highlights include a meet and greet with Winter X-games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team Coach, Greg Needell; a brewfest featuring a dozen Michigan breweries; bratwurst of 30 varieties plus other gourmet food; live music and dancing; and kids’ art, bounce house and instrument making.

Staged in the Village, the event kicks off on Saturday at 2 pm. Michigan craft brewers including Short’s, Bell’s, Founders, Arbor, Mt. Pleasant, Tri-City, Atwater Block, Michigan, New Holland, Frankenmuth, and Wolverine Brewing, each will be serving up a variety of their best beers from 2 pm to 8 pm. Numerous Michigan wines are also available for tasting. To soak up the frothy brew, there will be 30 varieties of bratwursts homemade and grilled by Tannery Creek Meat Market of Petoskey as well as other food. Admission is $20 and includes 12 tickets for beer sampling and wine tasting. Additional tickets can be purchased.

Skitoberfest attendees can also enjoy local art, family hayrides, a pumpkin patch, fall color chairlift rides, a parade, and more. No need to worry about missing out on the biggest rivalry game in the state; the Michigan versus Michigan State game will be broadcast on a big screen. And the celebration doesn’t end there. A live band will play in the tent from 8 pm to midnight. The Snowsports Summit hosted by two-time Olympian and 2008 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, returns after a year off and is bigger than ever. Offered Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm and again Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, the Snowsports Summit includes informative sessions on gearing up for the winter season and guest speakers, Simon Dumont and Greg Needell. Dumont is a successful freestyle skier who has won two gold medals in the Winter X-games and holds the current world quarter pipe height record. Needell, a U.S. Ski Team coach from 2002-2008, helped lead the men's team to 43 wins, 105 podiums and 264 top ten finishes. Entry to the Snowsports Summit is $5 per person.

Public Museum Announces Evening Hours, Special Package Pricing During Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion brings to the Public Museum the largest exhibition of full-size machine replicas constructed according to da Vinci’s famous codices. On display September 5 – January 3, will be over 40 machines – 30 of them fully operational – including a revolving crane, an armored car, a robot, a bicycle, a printing press and a machine gun – built by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen in Florence after an in-depth study of the master’s manuscripts. Visitors will be encouraged to touch and set the machines into motion, combining a fascinating hands-on experience with an exploration of the principles da Vinci employed to create each machine.

To make the exhibit more accessible, the Public Museum will extend its hours into the evening one week each month. Normally closed at 5 pm, the Museum will be open from 5 - 9 pm for da Vinci di Notte (Leonardo at Night) September 14-18; October 12-15; November 9-13 and December 28-31/January 2. The special evening ticket package includes Museum admission, special exhibit admission, a planetarium show, unlimited carousel rides and a pasta meal for just $12 per person. (Member price is $6.) A cash bar will also be available. The Public Museum is a collector of treasures, a motivator and resource for life-long learning, and a community partner in the pursuit of insight and understanding.

Baby Giraffe Now On Exhibit at Binder Park Zoo!

Gesi, one of the new additions to Binder Park Zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd, can now be seen on savannah in Wild Africa, the Zoo’s award winning African exhibit. The baby giraffe will share the savannah with his mother Jasiri and many other exotic animals that roam the 18 acre exhibit. Gesi is the first giraffe born at Binder Park Zoo and the first giraffe born in Michigan in over 16 years.

“Watching Gesi step out onto exhibit was the realization of a dream that started over 13 years ago,” says Greg Geise, Binder Park Zoo President and CEO. “What better way to celebrate 10 years of Wild Africa than with a pair of beautiful baby giraffe.”

The baby giraffe will be on exhibit for a few hours each day, which will allow the youngster to become acclimated to the exhibit and allow the community to get a good look at him. Viewing times will be posted at the Zoo daily, but will be subject to change based on the needs of the baby.

A video of Gesi’s birth and some other clips of the first few days of his and his half brother’s life is on display at a special exhibit in Wild Africa, courtesy of Best Buy.

Gesi weighed 137 lbs at birth and stood 6 feet tall. He was standing and nursing within an hour of his birth. Baby number two weighed 116 lbs at birth and stood a bit shorter than his half brother at 5 feet 6 inches.

"Get Lost at Robinettes" this Autumn as you explore their new Corn Maize!

With no UFO sightings reported in Michigan this year, the mystery remains as to how an extraterrestrial-like design has taken shape in a Grand Rapids cornfield, bringing the maze craze to the Peninsula State. The Robinette's Apple Haus family unraveled the mystery when they opened the area’s first MAiZE, an intricate network of twists and turns carved into 6½ acres of corn, on September 8.

The Robinettes and maze designer Brett Herbst – the world’s leading designer of 600+ corn mazes worldwide – hope to challenge the wits of those seeking to find the one exit from their mind-boggling puzzle – a unique source of good farmin’ fun for adults and children alike. Though the correct pathway can be walked in about 25 minutes, most wandering maze-goers will require about one hour to travel through more than three miles of twists, turns and decision points. As a tribute to its location, the maze is designed in the shape of and apple and says, “Get Lost at Robinettes”. The MAIZE will give Michigan residents the change to “get lost” now through Oct. 30. Hours of operation are Monday thru Thursday, starting at 11am with the last entry at 5pm; Friday, starting at 11am with the last entry 8pm; Saturday starting at 10am with the last entry 8pm, and Sunday starting at Noon with the last entry 5pm. Weekday field trip hours are available by reservation.

Ways to Enjoy the MAiZE In an effort to ensure that the MAiZE experience offers something for everyone, the public will find a variety of ways to experience the maze: Open both day and evening, The MAiZE caters to school field trips during the day and has created discounted field trip opportunities for groups of 15 or more and an agricultural “passport” that integrates education into the maze experience and helps guide students along the correct pathway. A series of “passports” are available for church groups, girl and boy scouts, corporate groups and the general public. Each containing ten questions that quiz the user on one of a variety of subjects, those who answer the questions correctly will receive clues that guide them along the correct path to the exit. The MAiZE is a great activity for birthday parties, corporate outings, and group rivalries.

Other things at Robinette’s are horse-drawn hayrides on the weekends, ice cream, fresh donuts, apples, Michigan-made food & gifts, local artwork, lunches, mountain bike trails, and wine tasting.

Equinox: An Adventure for All Ages in Newaygo County, September 19

Saturday, September 19 at the Newaygo Sports Park, M37

Adventure Opportunities to Expect:

• All Aboard: Kayaking/Canoeing on the Muskegon River and Chain of Lakes
• Into the Woods: Guided Hike on the North Country Trails Birch Grove Link including Loda Lake
• Get Spinning: Biking the Town and Country Path in Fremont and off-road including Disc Golf and intro to Geo-caching
• Off Road Biking on the North Country Trail
• Cross Country Bike Ride out of Grant
• Where Kids Meet Fun: Kids’ Camp at Camp Henry
• Are you Scared?: High Ropes Course at Camp Henry
• Pickin’ Great Tunes: Green Sky Bluegrass concert at the Dogwood in Fremont: 7:30 pm
• Star Light, Star Bright: Night Sky Stargazing at Stephen Wessling Observatory at dark

For more information visit www.newaygocountytourism.com or call the Newaygo County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 231.652.9298

Community Names Baby Giraffe Born at Binder Park Zoo “Dhoruba”

The results from Binder Park Zoo’s “Name the Baby Giraffe” contest are in! The community voted on four names for the youngster and the clear-cut winner was “Dhoruba” which means “Storm” in Swahili. Guests who visited Binder Park Zoo over the last few weeks could vote for their favorite name by dropping change, dollar bills, or Binder Park Zoo tokens into a tube corresponding with the name that they liked. All of the donations from the naming contest go toward the feeding and hand raising of the baby giraffe. Friends of the Zoo could also cast a vote online via Binder Park Zoo’s Facebook page through the Causes application. Four separate “Causes” were set up, one for each of the possible names. Voting was as simple as joining the Cause that corresponded with one of the names. After joining a Cause, members could invite their friends to join and had the option to make an additional donation, which would be added to the total for their favorite name.

Dhoruba has gained over 50 pounds since he was born and has grown to over 6 feet tall. He was 117 lbs at birth and was 5’6” tall. Gesi, the first baby giraffe born at Binder Park Zoo, can now be seen on exhibit with his mother, Jasiri. Since Dhoruba is being hand raised, he will be kept off exhibit where keepers can provide the best possible care for him.

For more information about Binder Park Zoo and the new giraffe go to www.binderparkzoo.org.