July 18 - July 25, 2012

Well, I don’t know about you, but, I’m hot.  And, I’m getting tired of being indoors and waiting, hoping, for rain and cooler weather.  Hopefully, we’ll get some rain soon, and we can see Southwest Michigan start to green up again!

In the meantime, while we’re waiting, I have found some really fun events to take your mind off of the heat.  Once you’re out having a great time, you will likely not notice how hot it is, or you will, but, you will not care about it as much. By the way, I heard that Lake Michigan is up to 79 degrees! That is cool enough to cool off in this heat, but, warm enough to stay in it for a while!  Have fun, and splash away!

Last weekend, we braved the heat and went to the Krasl Art Fair in St. Joseph.  As usual, this fair offered many different artists’ works with such diversity! A fun fact about the fair, this year (and perhaps in the past?) many of the artists offered artwork priced for $10 and under.  This was to encourage children to admire artwork and to perhaps purchase a piece that they could choose and enjoy (without denting their parents’ wallets too much).  My daughters each chose a flower on what appeared to be a former license plate.  These are so cool!  The new artwork is now proudly displayed in their bedrooms.  They also loved looking at all of the different tents (some more than others) and were happy to participate on the Krasl Art Wall with their drawings and names.  We had a lot of fun, and drank a lot of water! My girls were inspired after the art fair.  When we came home, they painted up a storm and drew many pictures.  It was really great.

As you know, I am always looking for more family friendly events to add. Please send any that you know about my way! Thank you! I just found out that you may have to log into Google to leave a message below.  Please note, you can also send me an email at: familyfuninSWMI@gmail.com.

List of Events:

·         Van Buren County Youth Fair – Through Sat. July 21

·         Thoroughly Modern Millie – Fri. July 20

·         Legally Blonde, the Musical – Fri. July 20 through Sun. July 22

·         Summer Jam – Sat. July 21

• Black Rock Medievil Summerfest - Sat. July 21 and Sun. July 22

·         Music in the Park – Sun. July 22

Weekly Activities:

·         Sarett Nature Center

·         St. Joseph Farmer’s Market

·         Harbor Market in Benton Harbor

·         Power In Motion

·         YMCA

·         Curious Kids Museums

·         Movies and other Library Fun

Upcoming Events

·         Saugatuck Venetian Festival

·         Berrien County Youth Fair – Aug. 13 – 18

 Parents Only:

·         Fernwood Friday – Fri. July 20

·         The Buckinghams - Sun. July 22

 Van Buren County Youth Fair

Monday, July 16 through Saturday, July 21, 2012

Tractor Pulls, Motorcross, Demolition Derby, Fireworks and a Rodeo are all featured events at this annual fair! Wednesday is Kids Day, and all day ride passes are available for purchase now, for only $15.  Other days the all-day ride passes are $20.  For a schedule of events and activities, please check out their website!

http://www.vanburenyouthfair.com/

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
Friday, Jul 20 2012 - 6:30pm

The Orchards Mall, 1800 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Please call for more information: 269-313-2795

Doug Fordyce’s Kids on Stage presents the story “Thoroughly Modern Millie”,  which takes place in New York City in 1922. Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever.

Tickets are $5 each!
Website: www.kostickets.com/index.php?event_id=50

 Legally Blonde the Musical
Friday and Saturday, July 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 22, at 4:00 pm

Tickets: $12 for adults; $11 for seniors and students

The Hanson Theatre, Lake Michigan College,

2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Children’s Music Workshop, TeenStock is proud to present Legally Blonde the Musical.

Legally Blonde is a fresh and effervescent evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow! Elle Woods is the college sweetheart and homecoming queen who doesn't take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone ‘serious', Elle puts down the credit cards, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style!
For more information, please call 269-422-2930 or visit the website:  www.cmwonline.org

Y 97.5 Summer Jam

Family Fun Zone:

The all new Y-Country Family Summer Event.  The 7-5 Y-Country Family Fun Zone!

Saturday, July 21, From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Shadwoland Pavillion on Silver beach.

Admission is $5 per person (kids/adults)

There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, a giant slide, a bungee run, a pirate ship bounce house, and a real trout fishing pond! 

Half off coupons are available at: Four Seasons Pond and Pool in South Haven, KOA Campground in South Haven, Texas Corral in Benton Harbor, Medic One Ambulance in Benton Harbor and Stull Chiropractic in St. Joseph. For more information, please see the website: http://summerjam.com/familyfun.html

Lee Brice is performing at this year’s Summer Jam!  Summer Jam 2012 is Saturday, July 21, 2012.

This is a change from the previous concert dates that formerly occurred on Sundays.

GATES OPEN:3:00pm Eastern Time
SHOW: 3:30pm (Opener) / 6:00pm (Headliner) Eastern Time
Shadowland Pavilion at Silver Beach County Park (Outdoor Venue - Please Come Prepared), St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

2012 Ticket Prices and Information:
- Advance: $30.00 "Gold Circle" Reserved Seating / $20.00 Lawn General Admission
- Day-of-Show: Prices will be slightly higher.

Tickets by Phone:
Call 269-925-1111 Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm Eastern Time

For more information, please visit the website: http://www.summerjam.com/index.html

Black Rock Medieval Summerfest
Located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, 13215 M-96 (Augusta Drive),

Augusta, MI 49012

Saturday, July 21, 2012 - 10:00am and Sunday, July 22, 10:00. The festival will continue on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, rain or shine!  Step back in time and enjoy local and national non-stop entertainment on five stages and over 50 artisans, and vendors for your shopping pleasure. Cheer on Shane Adams and the Knights of Valour, as they present full contact, heavy jousting as seen on TV! Have your picture taken with a baby lion and other exotic animals from Premiere Animal Attractions. Eat, drink, and be merry as you stroll through our beautifully wooded village in Augusta, MI. It's a feast for the senses!
Website: www.BlackRockFest.com

This week’s theme is “Romance Abounds”

King Merek and Queen Arabella renew their wedding vows.

Next week’s theme is “Buccaneer Beer”

The celebration will end with “Pirates and Beer!”

The cost is $10 per adult, and children 10 and under are free! 

Music in the Park
Baroda Village Park, 8938 Fourth Street, Baroda, MI 49101

Sunday, July 22, 4:00 pm

Free concert series at the Baroda Village Park.

This month features The Broadway Divas. Join local recording artist, Teri Sue Wines and her friend and professional vocalist, Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman with their accompanist, Jim Mollin, for a wonderful afternoon of Broadway duets and hits that will delight the young and old alike. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase concessions at the park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit and relax by the quiet waters of Hickory Creek as you listen to the music.

The park has two entrances: 8938 Fourth Street and 1500 Lemon Creek Road.
Please see the website for more information:  www.barodavillage.org/music_in_the_park.htm

 Sarett Nature Center

2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

(1^st Exit off of 196)

Phone: 269-927-4832
Website: www.sarett.com/summer.htm

Littlest Naturalists

Friday, July 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am

Become acquainted with the animals of Sarett and a walk on the tree top walkway. Fee $5, members $2.

Beech to Beach

Wednesday, July 25, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

Explore the beaches, dunes & water of Van Buren St. Park--we will get wet! Fee $10, members $6 (Sponsored by Preserves the Dunes) Ages 8 & up.

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 Sts."

Harbor Market in Benton Harbor
An All-Local Farmer's and Craft Market For The Community Of Benton Harbor Michigan!

Where: Parking Lot Near Mosaic Resale Store and Cafe Mosaic, 510 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI, 49022
Phone: (224)209-9968
Website: www.Harbor-Market.com

The mission of Harbor Market is to support, promote and grow micro-businesses in the Benton Harbor area.
Through a no-fee outdoor market, farmers, individuals, organizations, and small businesses will have the opportunity to:
- Earn more income
- Test new-product/new business viability
- View similar business models and make beneficial adjustments
- Engage and develop partnerships with other micro-business owners
- Access sales, marketing, financial, technical and product development advisors
- Test personal commitment

Our community will benefit from a new spirit of entrepreneurship; a new venue for tourism; and a new pride in what is grown, made and sold in our area...Local is better!

Lincoln Township Public Library

www.lincolntownshiplibrary.org

2099 W. John Beers Road

Stevensville, MI

269/429-9575

School Age Stories and Crafts – “Making Dreams Come True”

Thursday, July 19, 2:00 pm

 Monday Movie Matinee 2:00 pm – “Enchanted” PG*

Monday, July 23

“Narrated by the inimitable Julie Andrews, ENCHANTED starts out as a formulaic animated flick about Giselle (Amy Adams), a damsel in fair Andalasia who's waiting for her one and only to sweep her off her feet. But it quickly turns into an unconventional fish-out-of-water romantic comedy with infectious musical numbers. Giselle's true love, Prince Edward (James Marsden), has a stereotypical witch of a stepmother (Susan Sarandon) who'd rather dispatch Giselle to a land where no one is happy for too long (aka New York City) than deal with her usurping the throne. But what Giselle discovers in Manhattan is that there's a little magic everywhere, mostly in the form of Robert (Patrick Dempsey), the single-father divorce attorney who takes Giselle in to please his 6-year-old daughter (Rachel Covey). Naturally, Edward finds his way to Giselle -- partially thanks to the "magic mirror" of a motel television -- but by that point no one in the audience will be rooting for them to hook up back in Andalasia.”

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/enchanted

Tuesday, July 24

Tuesday Movie Matinee 2:00 pm – “Sleeping Beauty” G*

“The King and Queen happily celebrate the birth of their daughter, Princess Aurora. The young Prince, who is betrothed to the baby, and three good fairies join the celebration. But wicked fairy Maleficent isn't included, so she angrily casts a spell on the baby Princess -- when she turns 16, she'll prick her finger and die. The good fairies can't remove the spell, but they change it from death to a deep sleep from which Aurora can be awakened only by love's first kiss. For her protection, Aurora is sent to live with the good fairies in a woodsy cottage until her sixteenth birthday is over. The fairies can't use magic because it would lead Maleficent to the princess. Aurora (called Briar Rose) grows up, meets the Prince, and they fall in love. But Aurora can't escape the spell -- she pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep. Maleficent captures the prince, but the fairies help him escape. In a last ditch effort, Maleficent turns herself into a terrifying dragon and sets out to stop the Prince for good.”

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/sleeping-beauty

*For more information on these movies, including reviews by parents, please see: www.commonsensemedia.org.

Game Fest with Joel Tracey

Wednesday, July 25, 1:30 pm

Joel Tacey is back with the latest and greatest games for Wii, Xbox 360, and the Playstation 3. Grades 5-12. Registration is required for this event. 

Joel Tracey’s Pajama Jam

Located in the Community Park Picnic Shelter (behind the library).

Featuring dazzling tricks and big surprises, the audience will become part of Joel's NEW show as he brings eight classic and creative children's bedtime books to life. While optional, everyone is encouraged to wear pajamas or bring pillows to the show. Joel's interactive NEW show will have kids and parents crazy about reading and laughing out loud!
More Info: http://www.choosetiptop.com

Maude Preston Palenske Memorial Library

500 Market Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-7167

Music in the Garden
Featuring: Deep Fried Pickle Project!

Thursday, July 19th
7:00pm

Join us for our annual music series in the library garden. Each month we will feature a different local musical group. Come and listen to them—FREE. We’ll have some chairs, but feel free to bring a blanket and a picnic if you like.

Deep Fried Pickle Project, one of the area’s favorite local bands, will be bringing their unique brand of inspired lunacy to the St. Joseph Public Library. Music for everyone singalongs, tap-your-foot-alongs, funny and old fashioned, family friendly.

Monday, July 23rd:
Bats of the World
5:30 pm

Learn the truth about bats and how they are a vital part of our ecosystem. Learn about how bats use sound waves to navigate in the dark and so much more! Meet bats from North America, South America and Africa--some with a 3-foot wingspan!

Tuesday, July 24:
Teen Iron Chef
7:00pm @ Shadowland Ballroom

Are you the most creative culinary wizard around? Come a prove it! Sign up in teams of 2-4 people and be prepared to create a dish from a secret ingredient.

Power In Motion

www.pimgymnastics.com

3889 S. M-139

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/429-5100

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

www.bhsjymca.org

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

www.curiouskidsmuseum.org

415 Lake Blvd.

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-CKID

Beginning Monday, June 25, Family Programming, Fun for the Whole Family! Free with your paid admission, every day has a different theme. From 1:30 to 3:00 pm each day. 

Mondays: Shiver Me Timbers, It’s a Pirates Life for Me

Tuesdays: What Do You Know About Dinosaurs?

Wednesdays: Animals ALIVE with Sarett Nature Center

Thursdays: Beach Party

Fridays: Finger Paint

July 21, 12 – 4 pm, free with admission

“Pockets and Pouches”

Curious Kids – Discovery Zone

333 E. Broad Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

Beginning Monday, June 25, Family Programming, Fun for the Whole Family! Free with your paid admission, every day has a different theme. From 1:30 to 3:00 pm each day.   

Mondays: Brown Bag Puppets

Tuesdays: Splatter, Splash, Squish

Wednesdays: Insects

Thursdays: Animals ALIVE with Love Creek Nature Center

Fridays: Awesome Ocean Animals 

July 21, 12 – 4 pm, free with admission

“Art Circus”

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.

For Parents Only (get a babysitter and have a fun night out!):

Fernwood Friday
July 20, 5:30 to 9:00 pm
Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
13988 Range Line Road
Niles, MI 49120
269.695.6491

Fernwood Friday is a "Friendraiser" with Fernwood and WVPE Public Radio. Join us for a lovely summer evening (rain or shine!) in the gardens on July 20 as WVPE and Fernwood present Fernwood Friday. The evening features jazz music by singer, composer, arranger, and producer, Grazyna Auguscik. Grarzyna has won the praise and admiration of music critics, jazz enthusiasts, and even non-jazz audiences with a singular voice that speaks a universal language. Food by Fernwood’s Executive Chef Tim Carrigan and beer and wine will be available for purchase. This event is free to members of WVPE and Fernwood, all others $5. Sponsored by Precept Partners

THE BUCKINGHAMS

Sunday, Jul 22 2012 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, MI 49128

Phone: 269-756-3879
www.acorntheater.com/content/?page_id=139&regevent_action=register&event_id=124

One of the most beloved and respected Chicago bands ever to explode onto the national scene, The Buckinghams' live concerts pack power into 60s pop rock. Bringing back great memories with chart-topping 60s hits, The Buckinghams also perform popular 70s favorites in their sets, electrifying audiences with high-energy fun. Since 1985, original Buckinghams Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna and their band have continued to deliver fast-paced, solid shows that get crowds up on their feet to enjoy. Their #1 song, "Kind of a Drag" is a standout favorite that first made them famous. Next came 7 national chart hits, 15 singles, and 8 acclaimed albums. When Billboard Magazine named them "The Most Listened to Band in America," The Buckinghams became national favorites on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Smothers Brothers' Comedy Hour, American Bandstand, and more. 
 
Thousands of loyal fans remain devoted today, as their hits continue to be heard on oldies radio, classic rock stations, Sirius/XM satellite and Internet channels. Ever as enthusiastic and effervescent as when their records began their ascents up national charts, The Buckinghams' Giammarese and Fortuna deliver nonstop, high-energy performances that audiences appreciate and request in shows filled with longtime fans, as well as new friends—teens and young adults. 
 
Today's stage act is a crowd-pleasing favorite as they deliver a show packed with tremendous music and good humor. Audiences love The Buckinghams today as much as they first did in the 60s. Families book vacations around their regular appearances. With 3 songs on the Top 10 simultaneously, The Buckinghams enjoyed phenomenal success with hit singles including the powerful "Don't You Care", the soulful "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy", and the national anthem of teenage love, "Hey Baby, They're Playing Our Song", on the national charts simultaneously. In 1968, the Buckinghams debuted "Susan" on The Ed Sullivan Show. In concerts today, crowds still sing along, "I love you, yes I do", as audiences love knowing the words to all their songs.

Some Upcoming Events:

Saugatuck Venetian Festival

July 27 – 29^, 2012

Music, Kids fun area with activities, art fair, boat parade & fireworks at dusk. Sponsored by the Venetian Festival Committee. For more info call (616) 886-1162 or visit saugatuckvenetianfestival.com

Friday, July 27^th 2012 night event schedule Coghlin Park

(Located at corner of Culver & Griffith)

5:30PM - 12:00PM "Kickoff Celebration"

Under the tent...Spirits, Wine, Food, And Family Fun
Live entertainment by "StarFarm" -- 80's Music!
Band Sponsored by Chef Container

Saturday, July 28th 2012

10:00 AM Art Fair in Downtown Saugatuck
11:00 AM Chicken BBQ at the "Old Wilkins Hardware"
1:00 PM Dinghy Poker Run Starts at Coghlin Park
9:15 PM Boat Parade Theme "Aliens"
10:00 PM Festival Fireworks
Over Lake Kalamazoo

Sunday, July 29th at Coghlin Park

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Kids Fun Area, Food and Family Fun
Face Painting, Snow Cones, Moon Walk, Kiddie Striker, Arts & Crafts, Baloon Clown.
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Venetian Motorcycle Poker Run

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Festival and Boat Parade Awards Presentation - Coghlin Park - Gazebo
Tents & Kids Fun Area, Sponsored by Taylor Rental

Berrien County Youth Fair

August 13 – 18, 2012

Rides wristbands are on sale now! Rides Wristbands are on sale from July 6th to Aug. 3rd. $13 at all Honor Credit Union offices. Save big and buy early! Can use any one day Aug. 13 - 18th.

Please note: on Tuesday, August 14, High School children and younger are admitted for FREE to the Fair for Kid's Day!
http://www.bcyf.org/index.php

For over 66 years, families have made a tradition out of attending the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs Michigan. With its rich history, thousands continue to flock to one of the largest county fairs in the Midwest. The Berrien County Youth Fair has continuously ranked among the top fairs and festivals in Michigan.

Here are the highlights from the Grandstand Schedule:

Monday, August 13
Truck and Tractor Pull

Show time: 7:pm
Ticket Price: $10.00 Reserved Seating

Featuring four classes: Super Farm Tractor, 2 W/D Truck, 4 W/D Truck, and Modified Tractor Pull 

Tuesday, August 14
Circus Continental
Show time: 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Price: Free Admission
Grandstand Seating

 Wednesday, August 15
Justin Moore
Sponsored by Honor Credit Union
Show time: 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: $35 for Gold Seating, $25 for Silver Seating, $15 for Bronze Seating, $10 for Economy Seating

Thursday, August 16
Bret Michaels
Show time: 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: $40.00 for Gold Seating, $30 for Silver Seating, $20 for Bronze Seating, $10 for Economy Seating

Friday, August 17
Bullmania (Featuring Bull Riding)
Produced by: Super Kicker Rodeo Productions

Show time: 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: $8.00 reserved seating

Saturday, August 18
Motocross
Produced by SJO Productions

Warmup: 5:00pm
Show time: 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: $12.00 General Admission