Wednesday, May 23, 2012

May 23 - May 30, 2012

Memorial Day weekend! Senior PGA Golf Tournament! Pirates – Aaarrrggg! Parades! There is so much fun happening this weekend, I can’t list it all!  Also, you know, The Weather Channel promises beautiful weather. Be sure and let me know how you celebrated this long weekend… don’t forget – take a moment to say, “Thank you” to a current or veteran soldier.

I’d like some tips on great places to take the kids for a family-friendly meal in Michigan’s GREAT Southwest.  Any recommendations? Please leave information below in the comments or send me an email at: familyfuninswmi@gmail.com

I am trying to make this blog a bit more user-friendly.  The activities I found this week are listed below in a short list, and then have greater detail following.  I also have, as usual, some upcoming events, as well as the Summer Camps I have found.  If you have any suggestions to make this blog easier to use, please let me know.  I appreciate any feedback and am always looking for more events to add. Please send me an email or leave a message at the end of the blog. Thank you!

List of Events:

·         Senior PGA – Thurs. May 24 – Sun. May 27

·         Stroll Along the Bluff – Thurs. May 24

·         St. Mary of the Lake – Thurs. May 24 – Mon. May 28

·         Teddy Bear Picnic – Thurs. May 24

·         Mario Kart Wii Tournament – Wed. May 23

·         Saugatuck Chain Ferry Opens – Fri. May 25

·         Power In Motion – Open Gym, Fri. and Sat.

·         YMCA – Family Float – Fri. and Sat.

·         Bridgman Concert Series – Fri. May 25 and Sat. May 26

·         Fashion on the Shore – Sat. May 26

·         Harbor Country Arts and Crafts Show – Sat. May 26

·         “Maid to Order” – Sat. May 26 and Sun. May 27

·         Fly a Kite with the Dinosaurs – Sat. May 26

·         List of Memorial Day Parades

·         Fernwood, Nature Saplings – Tues. May 29

For Parents:

·         Spring Fling Wine and Arts Festival – Sat. May 26

Senior PGA – it’s here!
Tuesday, May 22 – Practice rounds begin
Thursday, May 24 – First Round
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course located in Benton Harbor, Mich., has been named the site of the 73nd Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid in 2012 as well as the 75th Senior PGA Championship in May 2014. Benton Harbor is the home of KitchenAid, part of Whirlpool Corporation's unmatched portfolio of leading consumer appliance brands.

For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit their website:


704 W. Merchant Street
New Buffalo, MI 49117
May 24 - May 28, 2012
This Festival is the official start to summer activities in New Buffalo and annual fundraiser for St Mary of the Lake School. Food, rides, games, silent auction, and live music -- fun for the entire family. 

Teddy Bear Picnic
Lincoln Township Public Library

2099 W. John Beers Road
Stevensville, MI
269/429-9575
Thursday, May 24, 11:30
Bring a sack lunch and a stuffed friend.  Enjoy stories and songs plus some special treats.

 Mario Kart Wii Tournament
Lincoln Township Public Library
Wednesday, May 23, 3:30 pm
Ages 10 – 18, no registration required
Challenge your friends to a race!
The Library will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday from Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28.

Stroll Along the Bluff Open House
May 24, 2012 from 5-8 pm
Welcome to our Stroll along the Bluff Open House, casual style and Free for all guests of the Senior PGA Championship-presented by KitchenAid. at 4 sites - delicious treats too.

Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, Saint Joseph MI: Stop by this nationally accredited art museum with Exhibition Galleries, popular artlab, outdoor sculpture collection that extends from South Haven to New Buffalo, MI. At 7:30 pm, enjoy the free George Krasl Memorial Concert - seating is first come first served. Phone: 269-983-0271.

Maud Preston Palenske St. Joseph Public Library, 500 Market St., between Krasl Art Center and Curious Kids' Museum on the bluff. The library features thousands of book, video, and DVD titles, St. Joseph Local History and Genealogy Collection, computer lab and Children's Library. Phone: 269-983-7167.

Curious Kids' Museum on the bluff at 415 Lake Blvd, plus Discovery Zone below the bluff at 333 Broad St in St. Joseph. Over 100 hands-on exhibits in Science, History, Culture and Technology in 2 museums. Play Snag Golf, Big Birdie Golf, and Disc Golf in Discovery Zone's "Grow the Game-Kids Golf Exhibit", in partnership with the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. Phone: 269-983-2543. Admission: Free.
When: May 24 2012
Where: Curious Kids' Museum, 415 Lake Blvd., Saint Joseph, MI, 49085
Phone: 269-983-2543
Website: www.swmichigan.org/events-may-2012.html

Chain Ferry opens in Saugatuck!
Friday, May 26, at noon for Memorial Day weekend. Open weekends only Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm until June 18.

Bridgman Concert Series at Weko Beach
http://www.bridgman.org/documents/2012Concerts.pdf

5239 Lake St.
Bridgman, Michigan, 49106
Exit 16, off of I94
Friday, May 25, 7:00 pm
·         Don Savoie, Blue Eyed Soul
Saturday, May 26, 7:00 pm
·         Top Secret
Free Admission to park and concert

Power In Motion
3889 S. M-139
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/429-5100
The Summer Session I starts June 4.  Take a look at the website for details on classes, dates and times.
Open Gym: Friday 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Saturday 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Admission: $5
A signed waiver must be completed prior to children participating.  

YMCA – Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
3665 Hollywood Road
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/428-YMCA

Family Float – Weekly, Fridays and Saturdays
Swimming pool open to families- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

Friday, 6:30 to 8:00
Saturday, 4:00 to 5:45 pm
Free for YMCA members, $14 for families
Summer Session I begins June 11.  Check out the website for details on classes offered.

Curious Kids Museum
415 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/983-CKID
May 26, 12 – 4 pm
“Water Drop Road Race”
You have seen cars race before, but, have you ever raced a water drop?  Join us as we build our own race track and race water drops! 

Curious Kids – Discovery Zone
333 E. Broad Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
"Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action" Exhibit is open!
The new traveling exhibit features action and adventures popular in children's books, movies and television, inspires young people to get physically active. 
May 26, 12 – 4 pm
“Kainish Game”
The Maricopa people of Arizona used 4 pieces of cane that represented the earth, moon, sky and sun.  Join us as we make this game and learn how to play it! 

Family Fun Night  at the Silver Beach Carousel
333 E. Broad Street – Weekly, Thursdays
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Want to create more good times with your kids? Have we got the place for you! Come to Silver Beach Carousel every Thursday from 4-8:30 p.m, admission is half price! You’ll build happy memories.
Fashion on the Shore
Saturday, May 26, 2012, 2:00 pm
Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
St. Joseph, MI
Featuring the best of the top student designers in the Chicago, SW Michigan and NW Indiana areas.
Admission: $50
Please call: 1 (800)  837-9541 for more information.

Harbor Country Arts & Crafts Show
May 26, 2012
St. John United Church of Christ
200 W. Buffalo, New Buffalo, MI
This 3rd annual Arts and Crafts Show promises something for everyone! Come and enjoy a variety of quality art of all kinds, and unique handcrafted items on Saturday, May 26th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, EDT, at St. John United Church of Christ, 200 W. Buffalo, corner of Buffalo (U.S. 12) & Barker, in New Buffalo. The very best of arts and fine crafts by over 50 artists from Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan will be featured. There is no charge for admission, and raffle tickets can be purchased for over 35 items donated by the artists and crafters. Snacks and lunch items will be available for purchase. Free admission. For more info call (269) 469-2884 or (734) 277-3180.


Telephone: 269/695-6491
13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120
Nature Saplings
Children ages 2½-3½ with an adult enjoy an introduction to nature. Please dress for walking the trails.
Tuesday, May 29—Shapes in Nature 1:30–2:30pm
Fee $5 per child/adult pair (Members $4 per pair)
Advance regisration is required.
 

Maid to Order

Saturday, May 26
Sunday, May 27
Friday, June 1
Saturday, June 2
Sunday, June 3
Shows are at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm, and ticket prices are only $5!  Fun for everyone!

New Performance location: The Orchards Mall, 1800 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (across from Payless Shoes, next door to GNC, use entry door #3 or #4).
“Maid To Order” is a funny and frenetic farce! A wealthy widow, Marcy Mallinger, is expecting her beau for dinner, which means she expects nothing less than perfection from her household staff. Mistaken identities galore, a fast paced plot that picks up more speed as it goes and an extended chase scene involving well... just about everyone, will instantly make this fresh farce a favorite the entire family will enjoy! 

Fly a Kite with the Dinosaurs
Saturday, May 26, 10:00 am through Sunday, May 27, 3:00 pm
Grandpa's Cider Mill Dinosaur Farm:
2941Friday Road, Coloma, MI, 49038
Phone: 269-468-3700

Admission is free, just bring your own kite! 

For Parents only…

Spring Fling Wine & Art Festival
Wine and Art Come Together for Festival at Silver Beach Hotel Come enjoy the wines of what many call the 'Napa of the Midwest' at the Silver Beach Hotel 'Spring Fling Wine and Art Festival', May 26, 2012 from 2pm to 10 pm.

Admission is $10 for those 21 and up in advance and $12 on the day of. There will be live entertainment by Venitia Symka & Danny Dine, Michel Monte Bleu, The Idyllmen and Michigan City Vandals.

Area artists and jewelry designers will have tables set up to peruse local art while you sip. Appetizer bar of Cheese, Fruit, Breads & Pastries, two tasting tickets and a souvenir wine tasting glass are included in admission. Extra taste tickets will be available for $1 each; on site bottle sales are also available.

Confirmed participating wineries include: Contessa, Domaine Berrien, Free Run, Karma Vista, Lemon Creek, Round Barn, St. Julian, White Pine, Founders and Gravity Cellars; as well as art by Chartreuse Art Co-Op, Smykan Primitives, M'S Jems, Jamie Johnson, David Wilkinson, Brunson Hill Art House (Laura Sandmann & Tad Eastman) and many more.

For advance tickets or more information email stjoesilverbeachhotel@gmail.com or call 269-983-7341. Tickets will be available at the hotel’s front desk April 1. All ticket holders will be able to register to win two available Wine Trail Getaways for the Fall season. We hope you will come enjoy some of the amazing wines, art & music that our area has to offer.
When: May 26 2012 - 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Where:
Silver Beach Hotel, 100 Main Street, Saint Joseph, MI, 49085
Phone: 2699837341

www.stjoesilverbeachhotel.com/events.html


Memorial Day Parades
St. Joseph

Friday May 25, 2012 12:00 pm

Lake Blvd., Downtown St. Joseph

http://www.sjtoday.org/events/memorial-day-parade.html
A parade to honor those veterans who have served this great country of ours and sacrificed their lives to keep our freedom. Parade takes place on Lake Boulevard at noon. Sponsored by Frank and Shar Walsh. 

Baroda
Memorial Day Parade & Service
What: Admission: FREE. Event sponsored by: Baroda American Legion Post 345, Baroda,MI.
When: May 27 2012 - 1:30pm
Where:
Ruggles Cemetery, First Street / Stev-Baroda Rd., Baroda, MI, 49101
Phone: 269-422-1779
Website: www.barodavillage.org/community_calendar.htm
 

New Buffalo
May 28, 2012: Annual tribute to Veterans. Parade leaves downtown New Buffalo and proceeds along US-12 to the Cemetery where a memorial service is conducted.

Harbor Country
May 28, 2012
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Lakeside Park, Red Arrow Hwy



Phone: 269-469-4859
Dedicate your time to honor those who have dedicated their lives. Local band, American Legion Color Guard, and a patriotic speaker. Gather at Lakeside Park.

Saugatuck/Douglas
Monday, May 28
9 am at Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck.
10 am at Center Street in downtown Douglas


South Haven
Monday, May 28, 9:00 am
Downtown South Haven
For more information, please call: 269/637-5171


Some upcoming events:

Regatta Craft Fair
Saturday June 2 & September 1, 2012
10am-5pm
Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph
Craft show on the bluff during the Rhumbline (June) and Tri-State Regattas (September.) Watch the boats, shop and don't forget the Farmers' Market will be going on as well as the Antiques Market on Sunday!

http://www.sjtoday.org/events/regatta-craft-fair.html



St. Joseph Farmer's Market

Every Saturday, beginning June 2 through October 6, 2012, from 9 am to 2 pm.
Every Wednesday, beginning June 27 through August 29, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Lake Bluff Park, between Broad and Pleasent Streets.
"Going to the downtown Farmer's Market used to be limited to the treat of selecting your own ripe, succulent fruits and vegetables. Things have changed! Saturday morning at the Market now includes jams, honey, hearth-baked breads and fine pastries, perennials, cut flowers, organic vegetables and so much more!

Take the time to chat with vendors who will share recipes, planting recommendations and cooking tips. Also, plan to visit with several friends since the number of people attending this weekly event has continued to grow over the last few years. It's a Saturday tradition! The Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday June - Oct and Wednesday's during peak summer months - June, July, August. The Market is located in Lake Bluff Park on Lake Blvd. between Broad and Pleasant Streets."


Free bowling for kids 15 and under this summer!
AMF Blossom Lanes
2305 South M-139
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269/927-3174
Register your children at:
www.summerpass.amf.com

Celebrate Bridgman
Thursday, July 12 – Sunday July 15, 2012
Celebrate Bridgman is a fun filled family festival hosted by the City of Bridgman the second weekend in July. Highlighted by a Firemen's Dance Under the big top sponsored by the Bridgman Volunteer Fire Department, the event also includes a 5K run/walk, craft show, sand sculpting contest at Weko Beach, sidewalk sales, children's programs, Farmer's Market, the Red Arrow Run Car Show, lots of food and of course, a parade! Our free "Celebration Shuttle" will be available. This year the City of Bridgman and Bridgman Public School District have teamed up to sponsor a Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. This tournament is a national event and is open to all ages. Information is available at www.macker.com. On Sunday evening you can relax before the work week starts at a free concert at Weko Beach. Be sure to bring your camera our sunsets are always complimentary! A complete list of events can be found at www.bridgman.org.

http://www.bridgman.org/documents/CelebrateBridgman2012.pdf

For Parents Only:
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival

Weko Beach, Bridgman, MI

Saturday, June 16, 2012

1 pm – 10 pm

$10 admission

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival continues to attract wine and sun lovers each year. This showcase event has guests sampling (tastes or by the glass) the wonderful Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail locally-gown-and-produced varietals. Live music acts play throughout the afternoon and evening and the fest also features cuisine from local restaurants. So, designate your driver and plan to head out to the Wine Festival on the Beach!

For more information, check them on on Facebook:


"Summer in Paradise" Beach Party!
June 23, 2012, 6:30 pm
Shadowland Pavillion, Silver Beach, St. Joseph, MI
Tickets will be: $25 in advance, and $30 at the door.
Featuring, Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, "The Last Mangos"
There will be refreshing summer drinks, island food, dancing and fun for all! Tropical attire is optional!
For more information:
www.smso.org, or call: 269/982-4030

Sign up now for Summer Camps:  

City of St. Joseph Summer Recreation Program

June 18 – July 27
John & Dede Howard Ice Arena at Whittlesly Park
Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm
Once again, the City of St. Joseph extends a warm invitation to all youngsters to take part in our 2012 Summer Recreation Program beginning June 18.

The program provides structured and well-supervised activities that allow children to enhance their teamwork and leadership skills in a relaxed and fun atmosphere by using their leisure time constructively.

The program organizers are planning seven weeks of summer fun for children ages 5 – 11 years old (as of June 1st, 2012).  Activities will include outdoor sports and games, arts and crafts as well as character building projects.  We hope you plan to have your children attend this year’s programs.

Please call 269/983-4731 with any questions.
Fee Schedule:
City Residents – Free
Non-City Residents - $200 per child/$400 per family for the 7 weeks duration
Register early at: 700 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 

2012 St. Joseph Summer Tennis Camp

Pat Hoffman will be running the City of St. Joseph Tennis Camp at the High School.  Pat has been coaching tennis for 21 years.  He is currently the Men’s Tennis Coach at St. Joseph High School. 

Monday through Thursday, June 4 – July 27 (there will be no classes July 2nd through July 5th.)

9:00 am – 10:00 am, High School age
10:00 am – 11:00 am, Middle School age
11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Elementary School age
Register at City Hall, 700 Broad Street, St. Jopseh, MI 49085
Please call 269/983-4731 for more information and to register.
Fee Schedule:
City Residents - $45 per child
Non-City Residents - $90 per child 

2012 St. Joseph HS Summer Volleyball Camp

Kindergarten through 12th grade Camp
June 4, 2012 through June 7, 2012
Kindergarten - 4th grade: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
5th - 8th grades: 4:45 - 6:45 pm
9th - 12th grades: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Please contact Robert Elliott for more information: robert3447@msn.com



Kids on Stage

Summer Theatre Boot Camp

Camps take place at The Kids On Stage Theater at the Orchards Mall, 1800 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, MI Door Entrance #3.
Please see the website for more details, including audition dates and details.

·         MADD (Music, Arts, Dance and Drama) Camp: June 11 - 15, Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Fee is $185, with a discount for early registration!

·         Future Stars Camp: June 18 - 22, Grades 4 - 12. Fee is $185, with a discount for early registration!

·         Glee Club: June 25 - 29, Grades 7 - 12 (audition required, May 12) Fee is $250.

·         Super Trooper Music Theatre Camp: July 16 - 20, Grades 4 through 12. Fee is $220, with a discount for early registration!

·         Junior Trooper Music Theatre Camp: July 23 - August 3, Grades 1 - 9. Fee is $320 with a discount for early registration!


Sarrett offers a wide variety of classes for your kids - for all ages! From beginning Kayak classes to nature drawing, there is something for everyone.

Take a look at the website for classes, dates, times and fees per class. Classes begin June 12 and run through the summer.


Lil' Bear Cheer Camp at St. Joe High School

Monday through Thursday, June 11 - 14th
9:00 - 11:00 am or 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This is your chance to learn jumps, stunts, tumbling, games and cheers/chants that the Varsity Girls perform! The camps will conclude with a camp-wide parent show on Thursday, June 14!
$35/student with a $5 discount for siblings.
Contact: Jenna Ruddell for more information (408-1360) 

Children's Music Workshop

2012 Summer Music Theatre Camps
www.cmwonline.org

Lake Michigan College (LMC), Benton Harbor
Twin City Players (TCP), St. Joseph

"On The Radio" A Musical for kids of all Ages
"Disney: Winnie the Pooh"
Weeks Available:
July 9: LMC Grades 1-12 (On The Radio)
July 23: TCP Grades 1 - 6 (Winnie the Pooh)
July 30: TCP Grades 1 - 6 (Winnie the Pooh)
August 6: TCP Grades 1 - 6 (Winnie the Pooh)

South Shore Health and Raquet Club
South Shore Health & Racquet Club
3630 Tennis Court
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/429-2101

www.sshrc.biz
There are 6 weekly camp sessions where the children will "participate in: tennis, swimming, basketball, soccer, dodgeball, volleyball, while enjoying planned activities in games, arts and crafts and possibly specials such as dance, drama and aerobics."
Camp hours are 9 am to 3 pm, with extended hours available.

·          June 11 - 15
·         June 25 – 29
·         July 16 – 20
·         July 30 - August 3
·         August 13 – 17
·         August 27 - 31
Ages: 5 - 12
Cost
Members: $130/$160 for extended hours
Non-Members: $160/$190 for extended hours
There is a sibling discount of $20 per camp/week

Curious Kids Museum
www.curiouskidsmuseum.org
415 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/983-CKID

SUMMER DAY CAMP ADVENTURES
FOR AGES 7-12
FISHING CAMP, AGES 8 AND UP
9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Hooked On Fishing—June 25-28, Ages: 8 and Up, Cost: $145.00 members, $165.00 non-members.
Dig It!—July 9-13, Ages: 6-12, Cost: $145.00 members, $165.00 non-members.
Girls of America—July 16- 19, A ges: 6 -12, C ost: $ 150.00 members, $170.00 non-members (Overnight on July 19).
Intro To Cooking—July 23-27, Ages: 7-12, Cost: $145.00 members, $165.00 non-members.
Destination…Water—July 30-Aug. 3, Ages: 7-12, Cost: $145.00 members, $165.00 non-members.

CURIOSITY CAMPS FOR AGES 4-6
MONDAY-THURSDAY, 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.

A Curiously Creative Camp!—June 25-28, Ages: 4-6, Cost: $75.00 members, $95.00 non-members.
Pirates, Pirates, PIRATES!—July 9-12, Ages: 4-6, Cost: $75.00 members, $95.00 non-members.
Dino-riffic Dinosaurs—July 16-19, Ages: 4-6, Cost: $75.00 members, $95.00 non-members.
Around The World In The Magic Tree House—July 23-26, Ages: 4-6, Cost: $75.00 members, $95.00 non-members.
All Aboard—July 30-Aug. 2, Ages: 4-6, Cost: $75.00 members, $95.00 non-members.

YMCA Benton Harbor/St. Joseph

W
e are the masters of kid stuff during Spring Break! From April 2-6, the Y has it all.

·         Spring Break Holiday Camp is a great way to keep your K-5th grade kids active all day! Held from 7 am to 6 pm, drop-off and pick-up is at your convenience. Camp runs April 2-6 and is only $36 per day or $150 for five days.

·         Gymnastics Camp will keep 4-12 year olds moving using the balance beam, uneven bars, vault, floor routines and more! Held April 2-6 from 9 am to noon, camp is $55 for Y members and $75 for the community.

·         SuperSitters Clinic is a terrific way for 11-15 years olds to learn responsible babysitting! Includes emergency care and first aid, child development stages, games to play with children, parent relations and water safety training! Held April 3-5 from 10 am to 2 pm, the clinic is only $48 for Y members and $60 for the community; fees include a first aid kit and Y sport sack.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

1800 Pipestone Road
Suite 120
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269/925-6081
Jo-Ann Fabric offers many different classes for you and your young ones. A full list of classes and times is available in the store, but, here are a couple you might find fun:

·         Kids Sewing 101: Headtime Story (8+ years old)

·         Kids Sewing 102: Sew Sweet Pillow (5+ years old)

·         Wilton Kids Cake Decorating 101: Cup O' Cake (8+ years old)

·         Kids Papercrafting 101: Envelope Mini Album (5+ years old)