Within only a couple of months of an announcement that long distance bus service would be available from Grand Rapids, offerings have expanded.
FlixBus just added routes for Muskegon and Chicago. (Courtesy, FlixBus)
FlixBus, which was the first to announce it would be expanding its long distance service to Grand Rapids. Since that expansion in March, which was a route to and from Detroit with a stop in East Lansing, FlixBus has added routes for Muskegon and Chicago.
The Muskegon route will run five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Morning trips will depart from Detroit at 10 a.m. and afternoon trips will depart from Grand Rapids at 3:20 p.m. The Muskegon stop is at the Muskegon Laundromat, 1490 E. Apple Ave.
The Muskegon route will include stops in Grand Rapids (downtown), at the downtown Burger King, 410 Pearl St. NW, near the downtown YMCA; Grand Rapids (East) at the Cascade Meijer, 5531 28th St. Ct. SE; East Lansing, near the Frandor Shopping Centers; and the final stop is Detroit at Grand Circus Park, 501 Park Ave.
This month, FlixBus also including a Chicago Route that will start and stop in East Lansing and stoping at both the Grand Rapids downtown and Grand Rapids east locations. The northbound scheduled will leave from Chicago at 9:30 a.m. from the Chicago Bus Station, 630 West Harrison St., Chicago. It will stop at 1:45 p.m. at Grand Rapids downtown and 2:10 p.m. at Grand Rapids east. IT will conclude in East Lansing at 3:25 p.m.
The southbound trip will leave from East Grand Rapids at 4:30 p.m., stopping at Grand Raids east at 5:40 p.m., Grand Rapids downtown at 6:05 p.m., and arriving in Chicago at 8:25 p.m.
Tickets for the routes range from $29.99 to $13.99 depending on departure and length. For more about the new FlixBus line and tickets, visit FlixBus.com or the FlixBus app
Megabus
In April, Megabus, an intercity bus service of Coach USA/Coach Canada, and Indian Trails, a family owned transportation company based in Michigan, announced a partnership to offer daily trips to 26 locations from the City of Grand Rapids.
In April. Megabus announced it would be connecting Grand Rapids to 26 Michigan cities. (Courtesy, Megabus)
Operating from the Grand Rapids Rail Station at 440 Centre Ave., Megabus will be stopping at cities such as Benton Harbor, Big Rapids, Cedar Springs, Detroit, East Lansing, Flint, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, Reed City, Rockford, South Haven and Traverse City.
Tickets range from $14 to $53 depending on destination. A complete list of cities and schedules are available at us.megabus.com.
Come catch a wave next Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Great Lakes Surf Festival, taking place on Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon.
The event weather forecast is sunny and warm and Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids will be making artificial waves ensuring that surfers and paddle boarders will have plenty of waves to enjoy.
Fourteen surfboards and paddleboards will be given away to event goers, including a surf trip to Cost Rica. Enjoy yoga, music, food, and the best of the Great Lakes surf culture has to offer.
“We encourage anyone interested in a fun and family friendly beach day to come out and join us. Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion. That is our goal,” said Event Co-Founder Tammy Bidawid.
“Please keep an open mind about things that you might not easily believe, as we explore the mysterious.” The Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast opens each show with this same declaration.
On episodes 26 and 41, we featured Marie Cisneros with an impressive resume of spookiness. Astrologist, numerologist, and ufologist tops her list of accolades. Cisneros was also an investigative reporter and journalist for Paranormal Muskegon on the Muskegon channel.
So what is next for a highly intelligent person who blends two science degrees, more than 10 years as a Michigan MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) field investigator, Tarot reader, wedding officiant, and CEO of Cygnus Research? She is getting ready to add published author to her resume. “Haunted Muskegon” by Marie Cisneros is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2022, to be followed by her first sci-fi novel, “Sequence 17.”
Marie Cisneros
What might be included as some of the chapters of a book entitled, “Haunted Muskegon?” No spoiler alert here, but as Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters we did investigate a brewery in Muskegon with ghostly activity. Out of respect for the people involved and in consideration of the emotions that can live forever in our hearts and homes, those names shall remain anonymous. Brandon Hoezee and Kent County Paranormal did investigate the Torrent House and we also interviewed at the Hackley Public Library.
On January 10, 2020, Cisneros interviewed Mallory Metzger, the Hackley library program and marketing coordinator. Often general managers and people in charge are more concerned with doing their jobs and it’s just easier to deny any paranormal activity. Metzger on that day offered straight forward answers to what must have been difficult questions. These reports are difficult to substantiate; unexplained sounds and voices, and multiple incidences of books flying off shelves. More sensational accounts describe an apparition of an elderly man dressed in Victorian style clothing, appearing and disappearing. The reflection of a face seen in the bathroom was later identified as the man who donated the library to the city, Charles Hackley, one of the founders of Muskegon.
Different reports have Hackley’s ghost haunting several locations in and around Muskegon. Why not? Hackley practiced a philosophy proposed by Andrew Carnergie, “Die rich…die disgraced.” In that respect, Hackley felt obligated to give back to the community “to improve the quality of life.” Hackley gave his heart and soul to the city, donating towards schools, hospitals, parks, museums, and the Hackley public Library. It is estimated he gave back more than one third of his acquired wealth. Not sure Cisneros included Hackley’s haunted adventures in her new book, but I am sure her attention to detail will define “Haunted Muskegon.”
After great success during the first two events in 2018 and 2019, the Great Lakes Surf Festival is back and will be holding their third annual event on Aug. 14 at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon Michigan. For 2021, event goers will be able to learn how to surf and paddleboard, along with practicing in yoga directly on the beach. Music, food, and a raffle will also take place. Several surfboards and paddleboards will be given away along with a trip to Costa Rica.
No waves? No problem! The Great Lakes Surf Festival in conjunction with Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids Michigan will be making artificial waves. Tommy’s Boats will be able to generate waist high waves to simulate ocean waves. These conditions will be ideal for those seeking a gentle way to learn a variety of boardsports.
“We are excited to see the Great Lakes Surf Festival grow and to have the support from our sponsors and from the surf and paddleboard industry,” said Event Co-Founder Joe Bidawid. “We have one of the most beautiful venue locations on the Great Lakes, in Pere Marquette Beach, and we encourage anyone interested in a fun and family friendly beach day to come out and join us.
“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion. That is our goal.”
This summer, the Lakeshore Museum Center will be hosting walking tours of downtown that will explore Muskegon’s rich history as well as its exciting present.
Tours are broken down into two categories – Historic Tour and the Art and Architecture Tour. On the Historic Walking Tour, participants will learn about the past and current uses and occupants of many of Muskegon’s historic businesses and residences. Learn about the McCraken house, Charles Hackley’s father, what life was like for the Spaniola family as they operated the market on Western Ave., and other interesting stories about historic downtown Muskegon.
The Art and Architecture Tour will focus on the public art installations, murals, and architectural styles of downtown Muskegon. Stops on the tour will include the statues in Hackley Park, Richardsonian Romanesque buildings, and the recent summer art additions to downtown.
The 90-minute walking tours are scheduled for alternating Mondays and Thursdays through September 2, 2021, with historic tours at 10 am and Art & Architecture Tours at 2 pm. Tours begin and end at the Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay Ave. Tours are scheduled for July 8, 12, 22, and 26; Aug. 5, 9, 19, and 23; and Sept. 2.
Tickets for all tours are $13 for Lakeshore Museum Center members and $15 for non-members. A two-ticket minimum purchase is required. Register for the Historic Walking Tour at historicdowntownmuskegontour.eventbrite.com/, and register for the Art and Architecture Tour at historyandarttour.eventbrite.com/, or register by visiting the Museum Store. Once at least two tickets have been purchased, single tickets can be purchased through the Museum Store or by calling 231-722-0278. Groups of six or more can contact the Lakeshore Museum Center at 231-724-5543 to schedule an alternate tour date or time.
For more information and to view the weather policy for these events, visit the Lakeshore Museum Center online at lakeshoremuseum.org/
You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.
Author C.S. Lewis
The Lakeshore Art Festival will be June 26 and 27. (Supplied)
Calling all artists
Several local and regional art organizations are preparing for summer exhibits and now is the time to apply to be in them. Some of the organizations are Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Lakeshore Art Festival, and Ramsdell Center for the Arts. For more, click here.
Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984), “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter from The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” (Silverprint photograph, 1938. Gift of the Friends of Art, 1989)
Marking a 100 years
The Muskegon Museum of Art is celebrating 100th anniversary of the Friends of Art, an independent non-profit organization established in 1921 that promotes the study of art and supports the museum. The museum, located in downtown Muskegon, is featuring two exhibits “Friends of Art: 100 Years” features almost 30 artworks donated by the “Friends” to the museum and “Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” which features 24 iconic images taken in the 1940s of Yosemite National Park. Both exhibits run through the beginning of May.
(Photo from Pxhere.com)
Plan your summer
The West Michigan Tourist Association announced it will be hosting a series of virtual travel expos for area residents to explore different travel options. The series starts March 8 with a golf expo, followed by a March 22 women and family expo, and wraps up April 5 with a travel expo. Or residents can just snag one of the WMTA’s tour guides to get an early start on planning their summer adventures. Visit wmta.org.
The Eben Ice Caves in Hiawatha National Forest
The Frozen Caves of Michigan
Kentucky may have the Mammoth Caves, but Michigan has ice caves — specifically the Eben Ice Caves, also known as the River Rock Canyon Ice Caves. About 20 miles south of Munsing, Michigan, in the upper peninsula, the ice caves form every winter. Basically, it is the water seeping from the rock above that freezes into sheets of ice, forming the “cave” between them and the cliff. The entire area is less than 50 yards long but it brings visitors all over to see this marvelous miracle in nature that is only found in Michigan.
The Lakeshore Museum Center located in Muskegon has added Saturday hours for the winter months. (Supplied)
Lakeshore Museum Center to introduce Second Saturdays, additional open hours at the main museum at 430 W. Clay Ave starting in January 2021. These open hours have free admission for Muskegon County residents and take place on the second Saturday of each month. Second Saturdays showcase museum exhibits including the new Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins: Piecing Together Her History exhibit, the STEM Center, and Science Center with scavenger hunts for kids.
“It’s a new year and we’re trying something new,” said Museum Experiences Director, Jacquelyn Huss. “These Saturday hours offer families a chance to visit us during the weekend.”
Second Saturdays take place from noon-4 pm on the following dates: ● January 9, 2021 ● February 13, 2021 ● March 13, 2021 ● April 10, 2021
Each Second Saturday includes an exhibit-related take-and-make activity for kids to complete at home. Adults can also take a look at how the Rosie Lee Wilkins exhibit was constructed and the research process that pieced together her history.
The new hours kick off in January 2021 and will continue through April. No reservation is needed to attend, but be sure to check in with the LMC website for any additional updates.
Call 231-722-0278 for more information. Masks are required to enter the museum.
The Muskegon Museum of Art’s annual holiday event, the Festival of Trees is making some adjustments. This year, in consideration of community health, the MMA staff and FOT volunteer committee decided to spread the holiday spirit into downtown. The MMA, collaborating with downtown businesses and organizations, is organizing a new version of the annual holiday event – Festival of Wreaths – a wreath walk event that people can enjoy from the sidewalk or street from Nov. 24 through Dec. 6.
About Festival of Wreaths
According to MMA Assistant Director Catherine Mott, “The Festival of Wreaths will work two-fold, inspiring the holiday spirit and encouraging people to walk and explore downtown Muskegon.” Each participating downtown business or organization will host a designer wreath provided by the MMA in a window facing the street or sidewalk from November 24-December 6. The MMA will also have a small gallery display of decor during the run of the Festival. The MMA will provide a walking map with the location of all the wreaths in both a printed and digital version, accessible via a QR code. The QR code will be printed on signage and available at www.muskegonartmuseum.org. Printed maps will be available at the MMA store and at participating businesses starting November 24.
Hot Cocoa Hop Special Event
On Saturday, Nov. 28. (Small Business Saturday), the MMA will host a Hot Cocoa Hop, serving free hot cocoa in the MMA parking lot from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will encourage participants to check out all the wreaths and to shop at and visit local downtown Muskegon businesses and attractions. Wreath Walk maps will be available at the event. The MMA galleries and store will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 28. The MMA is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., in downtown Muskegon. Visit muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.
The restoration of Muskegon Lake has lead to increase home values by $7.9 million with and additional recreation benefits total nearly $28 million annually. (Supplied)
A study by a GVSU economics professor reexamined the economic impact that coastal restoration to Muskegon Lake is having on area property values and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.
Paul Isely, associate dean of the GVUS Seidman College of Business and professor of economics. (Supplied)
Paul Isely, associate dean of the Seidman College of Business and professor of economics, first analyzed the housing market surrounding restoration sites along the southern shoreline of Muskegon Lake in 2011. His original study predicted $11.9 million in additional housing value and an additional $2.8 million annually in recreation value.
Using data from 2018 and 2019, Isely’s team found the total value of shoreline improvements based on home sale prices to be estimated at $7.9 million, and the value of additional recreational benefits estimated at $27.9 million annually.
Isely said the increase in recreation value between the two studies is due to additional restoration activity across the lake and a larger increase in the numbers of visitors than what was forecast in 2011.
“There have been major improvements to Muskegon Lake and the downtown Muskegon area,” said Isely. “However, the additional visits to the area in this study can be attributed to the lake. Cruise ships are coming to Muskegon Lake, more people are purchasing homes, launching boats and going sailing. The improvements are drawing people to Muskegon Lake even more than we thought.”
Isely said the removal of the Sappi Paper Mill, replacement of hardened shoreline with a softer shoreline and the removal of fill from sawmills has helped home values increase.
“This is exciting. It shows really powerful value,” he said. “In 2011, the housing value and additional recreational opportunities represented a 6-to-1 return on investment. This study validates that is true, if not bigger.”
Study highlights:
• An estimated 485,000 additional annual visits to the lake following restoration, an 11 percent increase
• People who visited the lake before restoration now visit two to four times more per season
• The total value of increased home values due to shoreline restoration was estimated at $7.9 million
• The total value of additional recreation following restoration was estimated at $27.9 million annually
• The additional recreational spending represents an estimated 4 percent increase annually for Muskegon County
James Clift, Great Lakes commissioner and deputy director at Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said: “This study provides further evidence that restoring the Great Lakes benefits both our environment and economy. The Great Lakes Commission is proud to work with local partners like GVSU, as well as state and national partners, to create jobs, provide new tourism and recreation opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities across the Basin.”
Approximately $35,000 was made available for this project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Grand Valley also received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce, through a Regional Partnership with the Great Lakes Commission.
The Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show is back for 2020 at the Fricano Place Event Center, 1050 W Western Ave, on Friday, March 13 from 11 a.m. – 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY show will feature over 50 exhibitors including everything from windows, siding, gutters, and painting to home décor, furniture, landscaping, and much more!
New this year is a Kid’s Zone on Saturday. Bring the kids to enjoy games, balloon animals, and much more! “We are excited to add the Kid’s Zone on Saturday this year. This addition only enforces the great family feel of the show,” commented Kristin Knop, Show Director.
Back by popular demand, the Do-It-Yourself and Demonstration seminars will highlight floral design, cooking, gardening and more!
Seminars by local businesses are one of the most popular features of the show. This year’s seminars include floral arranging by Skeeter Parkhouse of Wasserman’s, Whole – Home Wi-Fi Coverage, and cooking demonstrations featuring Chef Char and Sofia Occhialini from Kitchen 242. Event highlights include; Home Pro of West Michigan a full service contractor, garage door solutions by Shepherd Shoreline, building ideas from Keene Lumber, décor space by Blended Furniture and lending options by Family Financial Credit Union. Also included this year are beer & wine tasting as well as a Bloody Mary Bar.
In addition to exhibitors and seminars, the home show will have free flowers (while supplies last), thousands of dollars in prizes, and discounted Fricano’s Pizza with the purchase of $5 home show admission ticket. Kids 12 and under are free!. Tickets are available online at muskegonhgs.org. Advance tickets are recommended, but tickets will be sold at the door.
The Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show is a production of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce with support from the Lakeshore Home Builders Association, Fricano Place, Home Pro of West Michigan, Shepherd Shoreline Gutters & Garage Doors, Keene Lumber Company, and Family Financial Credit Union. Other home show supporters are listed online at muskegonHGS.org.
The Michigan Irish Music Festival observes its 20th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting more bands than ever in the history of the event?
The festival returns to Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon Sept. 12-15 and features Irish and Celtic music on seven covered stages. The festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 12 with its Pub Preview Party featuring food, beverages, and three bands in the pub tent only. The full festival begins Friday.
In addition to live music, the Celtic Kitchen and beverage stations serve authentic Irish food and drinks. The Tea Room has non-alcoholic choices and treats in a relaxed atmosphere. Other activities include the Irish Market and Irish Store, children’s activities, a cultural center, and a session tent. FEIS, an Irish dance competition, and the Highland Games are held on Saturday. Sunday, Catholic mass at 9am will be followed by a traditional Irish breakfast.
This year’s festival, expected to draw 40,000 patrons, will host a record 26 bands. Here’s a sneak peek at 10 of the bands on tap:
GAELIC STORM
After two decades and more than 2,000 live shows, this multinational Celtic band returns to the festival for the first time in five years. Gaelic Storm attributes their continued success to a diversified fan base from several musical genres: country, bluegrass, Celtic, and rock. Gaelic Storm, which has gained a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band, has topped the Billboard World Chart six times, appearing at mainstream music festivals and headlining the largest Irish festivals across the country.
THE HIGH KINGS
The band’s most recent release, Decade-Best of The High Kings, garnered rave reviews, and their recently completed U.S. tour sold out many of its venues. The High Kings’ unique contemporary style and arrangement to songs of yesteryear are sure to delight.
AOIFE SCOTT
The singer and songwriter from Dublin was named the 2018 winner of the Best Irish Folk Act at the Irish Post Music Awards. Her music has a broad creative scope but is largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music.
ONE FOR THE FOXES
This exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music. They offer both traditional and newly composed music, presented in an energetic and engaging manner.
JIGJAM
The award-winning quartet from Ireland blends the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre, which has been branded as “I-Grass” — Irish-influenced bluegrass.
DOOLIN’
Doolin’ is one of the most innovative bands of the Irish music scene. Formed in Toulouse in 2005, the band comprises six accomplished and eclectic musicians. French in origin, this sextet brings a fresh approach to Irish music. Doolin’ combines instrumentals, vocals, and original compositions in a resolutely modern style. The arrangements at times taking their inspiration from pop-rock, folk, jazz, funk, and even rap.
PIGEON KINGS
Pigeon Kings draws from Celtic and rock influences, but they’re not Celtic Rock. There are traditional elements, but they’re not a traditional band. With elements of Americana and Bluegrass, they have a sound and persona all their own. Pigeon Kings offers a high energy stage show backed by unique compositions, honest lyrics, and experienced showmanship.
THE DROWSY LADS
Jack Baker of the Irish American News named The Drowsy Lads the “Best Irish American Band of 2018.” The Lads, out of Columbus, Ohio, have won over both casual music lovers and those steeped in hardcore traditional Irish music. They’re fond of creating their own spirited arrangements and offer occasional original compositions (even mixing in bluegrass and classical), but that never gets in the way of their obsession with the pure old Irish tunes, songs, wit, and friendship that has defined Irish music for centuries.
CONNLA
After winning New Group of the Year (Chicago Irish American News) and Best New Group (Live Ireland Music Awards) in 2016, Connla has been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. More recently, Connla won Album of the Year for 2019 at both the ALSR Celtic Music Awards and the Livvies Awards. Songlines magazine named Connla their “must-see act” for their UK tour and proclaimed, “A band this young shouldn’t be this good.”
THE CONIFERS
The five young musicians that make up The Conifers met while studying traditional music at the University of Limerick. They have since developed a lasting friendship, which is evident in their music. In 2018, The Conifers, whose music is energetic and lively with a wholesome sound, won first place in the prestigious Michigan Irish Music Initiative competition in Dundalk.
Advance tickets and passes for this year’s Michigan Irish Music Festival are available online (patrons save $5 per ticket online vs. the gate price). The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday only from 5 to 6pm, sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union. Other major sponsors of the festival include G&L, Van’s Car Wash and Budweiser. The Delta Hotels by Marriott and Shoreline Inn are host hotels for the festival. For complete festival information, and the announcement of additional bands, visit www.michiganirish.org. Find ticket into here.
July 4th celebrations will be taking place throughout West Michigan. (Supplied)
By West Michigan Tourist Association
From parades to parties, festivals to fireworks, there are so many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July around West Michigan.
Celebrations in the Upper Peninsula and North Region Watch fireworks soar over the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette on July 4. Before the evening’s finale, visitors are encouraged to take in the International Food Fest, Fourth of July Parade, and Boat Parade, all taking place in Lower Mattson Park or downtown, making for a great way to enjoy Independence Day. For a full schedule please visit the Travel Marquette website.
Head to Drummond Island for the annual town parade and amazing fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Pins Restaurant at Drummond Island Resort & Convention Center will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner making it a fun place to gather with family and friends before and after the festivities.
Celebrate the Fourth of July all week long with events and activities galore at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. There’s something for everyone to enjoy with golf scrambles, family carnival, fireworks, 4Ks, live music, chairlift rides, and more.
So many exciting things are planned for the “Best Fourth in the North” in Lake City, July 3-7, including a parade, fireworks, a boat parade, live entertainment, vendors, crafters, dinners, and much more. Visit the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau for a schedule of events.
The Cadillac Freedom Festival is held annually the first weekend in July to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence. This year’s event takes place July 5-7 and includes a carnival, 5K run, free kids activities, fishing tournament, watermelon eating contest, live music, and more, culminating in fireworks over Lake Cadillac at 10:00 pm Sunday evening.
Head to Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire to get a jump start on celebrating Independence Day! Shanty Creek Resort kicks off the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 3 with the Freedom Festival. Enjoy kids’ games and activities, bounce houses, live music, food and drinks, lawn games, disc golf, swimming, face painting, and more. The evening welcomes a bonfire with s’more kits and a fireworks show at dusk.
Come to the Village at Bay Harbor in Petoskey on July 3rd and enjoy an always amazing show by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band with an unparalleled fireworks display over Bay Harbor Lake starting at dusk. Get your seat on the lawn early, as it’s always a spectacular show in Bay Harbor for fireworks night. Enjoy the most unique parade on the Fourth of July, including gem cars, specialty and vintage vehicles, the Michigan Stiltwalker, decorated bikes, costumes, candy for the kids, and so much more starting at 11 a.m. on Main Street.
Celebrate America at Cheboygan’sannual Independence Day Parade 10 a.m. on July 4 along Main Street in downtown Cheboygan.
Fourth of July fireworks begin at dusk on Thursday, July 4, in downtown Grayling.
The July 4th Independence Day Celebration in Central Lake features a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts bazaar, parade at noon, strawberry social, library book fair, children’s events, Lions Club chicken BBQ dinner, and fireworks show at dusk. Visit the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce for full schedule of events.
There are a number of events in honor of the Fourth of July throughout Mecosta County:
The Village of Mecosta will be hosting a day-long celebration of Fourth of July activities including a parade at 11 a.m., a free ice cream social, scavenger and geocache hunt, and a picnic dinner from 5:00 pm to 7 p.m. with a $5 donation. The celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display around 10:15 p.m.
The Big Rapids Jaycees host the 4th of July Parade and Downtown Fireworks. The parade will begin Thursday at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds at dusk. Parking is available at the Fairgrounds and Roben-Hood Airport starting at 6:30 p.m. for $5. A stage will be set-up in the Side Lot by the Fair Office building for music, entertainment, games, and more! The rain date for the fireworks is Friday, July 5.
The Tri-Lakes Association invite you to join their annual Mecosta County Boat Parade! Participants will meet at the North end of Lake Mecosta around 3:30 p.m. for registration and pictures before proceeding across the lake at 4 p.m. for general viewing.
The Chippewa Lake-Mecosta Lions Club are hosting “Find the Flags on the Lake” Boat Poker Run on Saturday, July 6. Sign up for the event begins at 9 a.m. and participants need to be back at Millet Park by 4 p.m. to participate. Prizes will be given out but you must be 18 years of age to participate and be able to show ID to claim your prize. The Lions will also be hosting a Bake Sale throughout the day in Millet Park until supplies are gone or until the event concludes with fireworks in the evening at 10 p.m.
You can’t help but feel patriotic in Harbor Springs! The parade is top notch and the day includes the Paul Revere Fun Run, an art show, the Red, White and Brew beer tent with entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. Across the bay in Petoskey, catch the annual parade through downtown, evening music at Bayfront Park, and a sparkling display of pyrotechnics. Choose the right location to sit, and you can see Petoskey and Harbor Springs’ fireworks at the same time.
Fireworks, Boat Cruises, and More in the Central Region The Holland Independence Day Celebration Freedom & Fireworks starts at 12:30 pm July 4 in Kollen Park, with kids games, martial arts demonstrations, live music throughout the day, and fireworks at dusk over Lake Macatawa to the sounds of live, patriotic music (estimated start time 10:25 pm). There will also be food booths serving late lunch and dinner.
Muskegon Rockstock is back July 4-6 at Heritage Landing with great rock music, fireworks, raffles, face painting, food, beverages, and cold Budweiser. Tickets are available now. Active duty military and veterans get in free. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night, with an amazing fireworks finale at dusk on the 4th of July. A carnival midway has been added for this year, and takes place from July 3–7.
Friday and Saturday, July 5-6, the Lakeshore Art Festival will feature a unique blend of fine art, crafts, music, food, and fun in beautiful downtown Muskegon! Experience over 300 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, children’s activities, specialty food items, street performers, multiple interactive art stations, chalk the walk, The Door Project, kayak sculptures, and more.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the Independence Day fundraiser, Front Row for the Fireworks, held Saturday, July 6th to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids’ fireworks show. The night includes patriotic music playing on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, Chaffee Planetarium shows, and rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, as well as a unique Museum-wide scavenger hunt for the family. At dusk, visitors can head outside to the enclosed lawn seating areas or stay inside the Museum for air-conditioned comfort to have an amazing view of the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River. Tickets available here.
Celebrate all week at the Ludington Jaycees Freedom Festival, July 3-7, at Stearns Park Beach in downtown Ludington. Independence Day celebrations begin July 3 with a Children & Pet Parade, and ramp up on July 4th with the annual holiday Grand Parade and Freedom Festival Fireworks. The fun continues for the weekend with the West Shore Fine Art Fair in Rotary Park and the free concerts of Ludrock at Waterfront Park, July 6-7.
Spend some time out on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, enjoy a great sunset, and top it off with a great fireworks show with one of the best seats on the water aboard Aquastar Cruises. The Aquastar leaves the dock at 8:30 pm on the 4th and returns after the fireworks show. Appetizers will be served and beverages will be available for purchase.
Watch the fireworks from the water on the S.S. Badger Fourth of July Fireworks Shoreline Cruise. This special shoreline cruise aboard the S.S. Badger on Thursday, July 4th will be leaving the Ludington dock at 9:00 pm and returning after the fireworks. The ship will cruise along the Ludington shoreline until sunset and then get into position outside the breakwall to give guests a fabulous view of the waterfront fireworks display.
Enjoy the Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks in Silver Lake on the 4th of July to see this unique display from the Silver Lake Sand Dunesand around the lake. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the White Lake Area 4th of July Parade will travel from Whitehall City Hall to Downtown Montague. More than 100 entries are involved in this family fun and annual parade. Fireworks begin at dusk and are viewable from both Montague and Whitehall downtown areas.
Thursday, July 4, at dusk, enjoy “Fireworks on Deck” aboard the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum! It’s the “best seat in the house” for the awesome display over Muskegon Lake. The World War II landing ship is located at the Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon, just yards from the fireworks site.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids invites high rollers to prolong Independence Day celebrations with its star(s and stripes)-studded package, “Red, White and Exclusive,” July 6 to coincide with the Grand Rapids fireworks. For a cool $6,500, groups of eight or fewer will experience:
Overnight accommodations in Founder’s Suite
Private dining experience with personal chef
Private fireworks viewing party on helipad
Breakfast at six.one.six
Celebrate the 4th of July with live music, drink specials, delicious food, a great view of the river, and fireworks at six.one.six at the JW Marriott! First Tier tickets for $75 (per adult, child or military) include meal and an assigned table. Second tier tickets for $25 includes entrance only in the standing room only area.
July 6 WP Patio Fireworks Viewing Party at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck tickets are on sale now. $50+tax+22% gives you a guaranteed spot on the patio all night. $35 Veteran price. Party is from 6:00 pm-midnight. Food from 6-10 p.m.
River Country Chamber of Commerce invites you to Freedom Fest July 6 on the CauseWay in Croton Township. Freedom Fest features live music, food and a beer tent (including non-alcoholic beverages), and street vendors.
South Region Festivals, Fireworks, and Family Fun Enjoy carnival games, live music, family fun, and fireworks at Red White & Boom, July 6th, at the Inn at Harbor Shoresin St. Joseph.
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by a parade and then barbecue chicken to follow it up! Grab your lawn chairs and come to the historic and beautiful Brooks Fountain circle in Marshall for the Chicken Barbecue, Bike & Pet Parade and Rotary Band Concert. Parade begins at 10 am July 4, followed by lunch in the park, and performance from the Marshall Rotary Band.
Celebrate Independence Day in South Haven at the Light Up the Lake Fireworks & Fourth of July Parade! On the 3rd of July, gather around North and South Beaches for the ultimate fireworks show at dusk, then gather on Phoenix Street for the annual parade on the 4th of July. Not only is South Haven celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long series of events, the Fourth of July Parade will be celebrating its 170th anniversary. To honor these significant milestones, the Fourth of July committee has established the theme “South Haven: Honoring our Past, Focused on the Present, Imagining our Future.”
Enjoy South Haven’s Light Up the Lake fireworks display on July 3rd from the deck of Michigan Maritime Museum’s tall ship Friends Good Will! Light Up the Lake…while enjoying a sail on Lake Michigan for an evening you won’t soon forget! Ship sets sail at 9 p.m. Tickets are limited, so make your reservations today.
Watch the July 4th Vintage Baseball Tournament at Eden Springs Park in Benton Harbor in Southwest Michigan. Bring your chair and cheer on the teams, House of David Echoes, The Livery Brewers and the South Haven Bark Peelers, in tournament action. Only $3 admission for an afternoon of fun!
Fourth of July is a blast in Saugatuck/Douglas. The waterfront festival features live music, food, children’s activities, and more, not to mention fireworks over the Kalamazoo River!
Experience hometown festivals at their best in Coldwater Country. Kick off Independence Day in Quincy with the annual 4th of July Parade and Rotary BBQ at Quincy Park. Head back to Coldwater for fireworks over Heritage Park that evening. Make a long weekend of your getaway and stay for the Fireworks Spectacular over Coldwater Lake on July 6. There’s always something happening in south central Michigan.
The 4th of July is a great time to visit the Air Zoo in Portage! The recently opened D-Day Exhibit gives visitors an immersive view into the people, planes, and paratroopers that made the Allied invasion of Normandy a success. The Air Zoo is full of incredible American flying machines, including iconic D-Day planes like the C-47 Skytrain, CG-4A Glider, P-38 Lightning, and P-47 Thunderbolt. With rides, flight simulators, interactive exhibits, and over 100 rare and exciting aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts, the Air Zoo is always fun for the whole family.
Don’t miss Barry County’s 37th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July & Salute to Veterans in Historic Charlton Park, Hastings, Thursday July 4th noon-4 p.m. The event kicks off with a flag raising ceremony and salute to veterans followed by the Veterans Association Pork Bar-B-Que Buffet. The afternoon also includes games, races, a pie auction, and more.
Looking for more? Find out what other events are happening around West Michigan by checking out our events calendar!
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Muskegon City Commission voted unanimously to approve beach camping at Pere Marquette Park for the inaugural Great Lakes Surf Festival, to be held on Aug. 18. The City Commission also approved RV camping for a nearby site that is walking distance to the beach.
The Great Lakes Surf Festival is expected to draw a large crowd of boardheads and beach lovers, and will offer a family-friendly atmosphere. The event will include workshops, free lessons, product demos, stand up paddleboard and kayak races, and paddleboard yoga. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, as well as merchandise. A large number of retailers and industry brands are expected to host booths and sponsor raffles.
The event is the brainchild of Joe Bidawid, a West Michigan resident and a former professional boarder.
Hard to believe, but Memorial Day is fast approaching. Here are a few fun things the whole family can enjoy!
The Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park has extended hours over Memorial Day weekend. If you want to pick up discounted tickets for the holiday weekend, stop in on May 20th for their May Kick-Off Event where tickets for shortened climb times and zip rides will be discounted, along with other giveaways and special offers. Spend the long weekend with family and friends among the trees.
The Grand Haven Area kicks off summer and celebrates Memorial Day weekend with a big summer run! There is something for everyone from the avid racer to the occasional walker, with their certified 5K Run, the 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk, and the Tot Trot obstacle course for ages 3 to 6. All ages are welcome to participate, so bring your mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa. Join your community for this annual family event to promote healthy lifestyles in the Tri-Cities area.
Inside USS Silversides
The Muskegon area has events throughout Memorial Day weekend for everybody. The Fruitport Old Fashioned Days is May 24th to 29th, and features fireworks, a carnival, community picnic, parade, Lions Ox Roast, a 5K Run, and more. Celebrating 30 years, the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 28th at the USS Silversides Museum is both a solemn and joyful celebration designed to honor the loss of 52 U.S. submarines and 3600 submariners during World War II. The 12th Annual Blessing of the Boats is the same day, with boats of all types gathering on Muskegon Lake near the Milwaukee Clipper for a parade of boats. Also May 28th is the Final Approach Memorial Program located at Old Grand Haven Road and Seaway Drive. May 29th brings a parade and American Salute Concert. Spend the morning watching seven bands and over 40 marching units highlighting patriotism and citizenship. After the parade, head over to the Frauenthal Theater for additional musical selections at this free performance. Muskegon celebrates Memorial Day in style and great quantity, so make sure to carve some time out of your calendar to experience it!
Join the Muskegon KOA Campground for an enjoyable holiday camping weekend. They require a three-night minimum stay for Holidays/Special Events, but it’s well worth your time. Stay from May 26th to 29th and enjoy an immersive outdoor experience. They have tent sites, a limited number of cabins, and a few 30 amp full service sites still available, but they’re going fast. Give them a call to book your stay today!
In celebration of Memorial Day, Mecosta County is home to the 4th Annual Memorial Weekend “4 Veterans Car and Craft Show” on Saturday, May 27th. There will be 32 awards including best of show, best car, best truck, best muscle car, best motorcycle, and many more! Other activities will include a craft show, door prizes, 50/50 drawings, and plenty of music. All proceeds will benefit local Amvets post 1941.
Alma, Michigan, is better known as Scotland, USA, over Memorial Day weekend each year as thousands of people gather together to celebrate the Alma Highland Festival and Games. The event is celebrating 50 years this Memorial Day weekend when they take over Alma on May 27th and 28th. This event has grown to become one of the largest, most prestigious attractions of its kind in the Midwest!
Full disclosure: I did not come up with that cool title. You can thank the folks at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex & Luge for that wonderful burst of creativity.
If you’re like me, winter is not your favorite season. Believe it or not, though, there are millions of people out there who actually enjoy cold weather activities.
If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon State Park offers skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing–and luge. If you’re not familiar with the sport, go here for an interesting read on its history.
One of only four luge tracks in the United States, the 850-foot Muskegon Luge Track is shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks located in New York and Salt Lake City (3740+ feet) but provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. (There is also a naturbahn style track in Marquette, Michigan, by the way.)
What To Expect & What is Provided
Whom do we have to thank for the availability of this activity right here in west Michigan–and in Muskegon, to boot? None other than three-time Olympian Frank Masley.
The track consists of six curves and two starting areas. Public participants slide from the 3/4 mark at speeds up to 30 mph. The track is designed specifically for general public use and those who never have slid before.
Although Olympians do not generally train here, the sports complex serves as a public and youth development seeding program to the USA Luge program. Five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start here. While here sliding, participants may receive some instruction and tips from one of the youth program athletes, some of whom are team members on the USA National Teams.
The facility provides all the equipment needed, including the use of a finely tuned Austrian or Latvian luge sled. Participants are provided with sanitized helmets and forearm pads. Heads up: Participants are expected to carry their own sleds to the top, and those puppies weigh around 30-40 pounds each.
For the initiate, there are coaches on hand to teach steering and safety techniques. After that, participants are set free to slide as many times as they can during the session. Runs are timed at the end of the session and awards are given out at the podium to the top finishers.
Of course, what’s an activity opportunity without the fine print? Before you can participate in luge, you must show proof of health insurance.
Cost
$45.00 per person on Saturdays and Sundays All Luge Tickets must be purchased in advance through an online reservation system. Due to limited space and increased demand, tickets cannot be reserved nor can tentative reservations be made. Group discounts are not available on Saturday or Sundays.
$40.00 per person for Friday Night Under The Lights Special night rate for individuals and groups 6-8:30pm.Get your tickets here.
