Free Fishing Weekend 6/12 - 6/13

June 11, 2010

Salmon fishing in Lake Michigan photo Get Your ‘Fish On’ this Weekend

 

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beautiful lakes and rivers up North. And this weekend, June 12-13,  there’s no fee to fish. Michigan residents and out-of-town visitors can enjoy 2 days of fee-free fishing for all species. Fishing regulations still apply, but there is no license required thanks to the Department of Natural Resources Free Fishing Weekend. Twice a year the DNR offers free fishing weekends to encourage everyone to pick up a rod and cast for the "big one".

 

So whether you’re camping and want to cast a line with the kids, or you prefer to hop aboard a charter for some big lake action, this is the perfect weekend to get the fishing bug. I say, "Fish On!"

 

 

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Benzie, Events, Leelanau, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Colanta Walker Dairy Festival at The Village

June 11, 2010

Colantha Walker Dairy Festival logoA Day of Celebration for one Fabulous, Famous Cow

 

In the 1920s the star resident of the State Hospital in Traverse City was none other than a prize heifer named Colantha. At the time, the average milk production for a dairy cow was just under 4,000 lbs. And then along came a cow named Colantha whose record production in 1926 was 22,918 lbs in one year!

She was so revered by the residents and staff that upon her death a huge party was held in her honor and a special headstone carved in her memory. Now, with a new community developing at the Village, they want to bring that celebratory spirit back in her honor.

 

The first annual Colatha Walker Dairy Festival will take place on Sunday, June 13th in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Celebrate the famous cow with fun, food and special events in her honor.

 

Festival Schedule
10am-Noon Pancake Breakfast
10am-3pm Farmers Market
10am-7pm Food, Art & Merch Vendors
Noon-1pm Public Parade to Colantha’s Headstone @ Barns
1pm-7pm Live Music (Sister Wilene et al)
2pm-3:30pm Great Grilled Cheese Grill-off
5pm-7pm Street Dance

There will also be Food Demonstrations, Wagon Rides, Kid’s Activities, Wine & Cheese Pairings along with Milk & Cookie Pairings for the kids, thoughout the day!

 

For more details, check out www.thevillagetc.com.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Attractions, Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Fee-Free Dates at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

June 2, 2010

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park climbEnjoy the Dunes Fee-Free on National Trails Day

 

Did you know there are several fee-free dates each year at over 100 National Parks? It just so happens this weekend is one of them. So there’s no better time to get out and explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

2010 Fee Free Days

  • April 17-25, 2010 (National Park Week)
  • June 5 & 6, 2010 (National Trails Day)
  • August 14 & 15, 2010 
  • September 25, 2010 (National Public Lands Day) 
  • November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day) 

Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tour, concession, and fees collected by thrid parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

 

My son’s class took a field trip last week to see a beaver lodge located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Otter Creek. We first stopped at the visitor’s center to learn about the Park and explore the exhibits. If you haven’t been to the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor’s center in Empire I’d highly recommend it, whether you’re a first time park visitor or a regular. They have wonderful books for sale about northern Michigan wildlife, wildflowers and even tips on hunting morels. And their exhibits include examples of the trees, flowers and animals that call Sleeping Bear home. Take the time to watch their movie presentation if you have a chance. It’s full of stunning photography of this beautiful landscape in every season.

 

I hope you’ll take advantage of a fee-free day this year and explore the beauty in our backyard.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Day Trips, Events, Leelanau | Leave a Comment 

Community Open House at the Opera House 6-6

June 2, 2010

Open House graphic for Opera HouseCity Opera House Introduces the 2010-2011 Performing Arts Series

 

The historic City Opera House is celebrating a new season of performing arts entertainment with a FREE community open house on Sunday, June 6th from 11am to 3pm.

The 2010-2011 Auto-Owners Insurance Performing Arts Series will be highlighted during the event. There will be ticket giveaways, family fun activities including face painting, balloon animals and even a caricaturist.

Meet the staff and board of directors, pick up a copy of the new performing arts series brochure, take a tour and "test drive" seats - all while enjoying light refreshments generously donated by Morsels Bite-Sized Bakery + Gourmet Coffee, Trattoria Stella and Elk Rapids Sweet Shop.

For more information please visit cityoperahouse.org or call 231.941.8082 for more details.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Pirate’s Cove Raises Money for Wounded Soldiers

May 20, 2010

Putting For Patriots graphic“Putting for Patriots” Event at Pirates Cove

 

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, in Traverse City, Michigan will host the Fourth Annual “Putting for Patriots” fundraiser from Saturday, May 15 through Monday, May 31.  This national event will occur simultaneously at 36 Pirate’s Cove, Pirate’s Island and Jungle Golf miniature golf courses throughout the United States. 

 

This May event will culminate on Memorial Day weekend and support three charities, which serve our wounded, their families and survivors of the fallen.  These organizations include: “Hope For The Warriors”, “Homes for Our Troops” and “TAPS—Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.”  Pirate’s Cove, Jungle Golf and Pirate’s Island will donate a percentage of their total sales on Sunday, May 30.  In addition, from May 14 through May 31, each golf course will accept donations to be turned over to the three charities.  Since its inception, this event has raised over $57,000.

“Memorial Day was specifically founded to remember those who died serving our nation,” notes Brad Graft, Pirate’s Cove Partner and Regional Director.  “The Pirate’s Cove / Pirate’s Island family thought it appropriate to establish an annual event to serve charities that assist our living veterans and the survivors of fallen military members.  These are men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

Pirate’s Cove and Pirate’s Island operate 36 miniature golf courses throughout the United States.  For more information, visit their Web sites at www.piratescove.com, www.piratesislandgolf.com, and www.junglegolfminigolf.com . Additional information on the above charities can be found by accessing their Web sites:  www.hopeforthewarriors.org, www.homesforourtroops.org and www.taps.org.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Attractions, Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

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