“The Potawatomi Zoo has taken an active role in the preservation of some of the world’s most endangered species. The Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans coordinated through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums http://www.aza.org/. SSPs (click here to go to SSP page) carefully plan for the future of species living in the zoos. For an endangered species, a genetically sound population is critical to studying that species and increasing its numbers.”
Visit their website for more information: http://www.potawatomizoo.org/conservation.asp
You
may remember, I started a Facebook page: Family Fun in Southwest Michigan, and
so far, so good! Please be sure to tell
your friends to LIKE the new page!
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:
·
River Front Concert, South Haven,
Thu. Aug. 30
·
Greek Festival – Fri. Aug. 31 – Sun.
Sept. 2
·
Jollay Orchards Harvest Festival –
Sat. Sept. 1 and Sun. Sept. 2
·
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Powwow – Sat. Sept. 1 and Sun. Sept. 2
·
South Haven All Crafts Fair – Sat,
Sept. 1 and Sun. Sept. 2
·
Auto Interests Track Weekend – Sat.
Sept. 1 and Sun. Sept. 2
·
Antiques on the Bluff – Sun. Sept. 2
·
Tri-State Regatta and Craft Fair –
Sat. Sept. 1 – Mon. Sept. 3
Weekly Activities:
·
Sarett Nature Center
·
Friday Night Concerts
·
St. Joseph Farmer’s Market
·
Harbor Market in Benton Harbor
·
Power In Motion
·
YMCA
·
Curious Kids Museums
·
Movies and other Library Fun
For
Parents Only:
·
Check Please! Sold Out…
·
Smokey Robinson, Fri. Aug. 31
Upcoming Events
·
Check Please! Farm to Table Festival
– Sept. 2
·
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival –
Sept. 7 – 9
·
Michigan Irish Festival – Sept. 14 –
16
·
5th Annual Kilometers for
Cam – Sept. 15
·
Four Winds Casino Resorts Concerts
Riverfront Concert Series featuring Blue Water Ramblers
Thursday, August
30, 7:00 pm
The Riverfront Concert Series is held Thursday evenings throughout the summer at Riverfront Park by the south side marina, South Haven, MI.
For more information regarding the Riverfront Concert Series, including donations, schedule, location, and type of music, please visit www.south-haven.com.
The Riverfront Concert Series is held Thursday evenings throughout the summer at Riverfront Park by the south side marina, South Haven, MI.
For more information regarding the Riverfront Concert Series, including donations, schedule, location, and type of music, please visit www.south-haven.com.
Greek Festival
Friday, August 31 – Sunday, September 2
Friday, August 31 – Sunday, September 2
American Hellenic
Center, 17760 Behner Road, New Buffalor, 49117
Join us for a weekend of Greek
flavors and activities at the Greek Festival! Authentic Greek food and
pastries, folk dancing, church tours, the marketplace, and children's
entertainment. Enjoy live music and a full bar. Admission is free! Friday
5-11pm, Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-8pm.
Phone: 269-469-0081
Website: www.harborcountry.org/index.php?catid=11&month=8&year=2012&eventid=288
Phone: 269-469-0081
Website: www.harborcountry.org/index.php?catid=11&month=8&year=2012&eventid=288
JOLLAY
ORCHARDS 2012 HARVEST FESTIVAL
This
event begins September 1, and will run every weekend, through October 28,
2012.
1850
Friday Road in Coloma, MI. Open
Saturday's and Sunday's 10:30-6:30
Coloma,
MI: Southwest Michigan's Premier Fall Event is BACK! The 2012 Harvest Festival
at Jollay Orchards offers fun for the whole family. The all inclusive rate
includes your favorite activities which will be in full swing starting Labor
Day Weekend September 1, 2012- October 28, 2012, weekends only. Challenge your
family to the (New this season) second Bigger Corn Maze, included in the daily
admission. Run through the Haunted House, Relax on a Hayride, Enjoy the views
from high above the Orchard on the Tree Top Ferris Wheel; visit the pumpkin
patch spend a day and capture a memory.
The
Farm Market offers a taste of the season with bagged apples (no u-pick apples
this season), baked goods and our extensive line of jams and jellies.
Jollay
Orchards
will feature the opportunity to enjoy the ferris wheel, hay rides, the fishing
pond, the petting zoo, and caterpillar crawl. Taste the fruit and baked items;
explore the orchards at the farm, 1850 Friday Road in Coloma. Grandpa's
Cider Mill, 2941 Friday Road will tempt you to enjoy the country charm of
the old time cider mill; taste the 25 apple cider flavors; explore the Dinosaur
Farm. The Jollay Market will tantalize you with LavAzza Coffee and an
amazing array of fruits and veggies, you will be implored to enjoy a step back
to the time of a Mom and Pop shop. Taste some of the hand-dipped Sherman's Ice
Cream; and explore the onsite farmers market, enjoy a snack at the market, grab
some apple cider. Watch for a great summer of fun activities!
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Powwow
Saturday, September 1 – Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday, September 1 – Sunday, September 2, 2012
Roger’s Lake, 58620 Sink Road,
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Located on tribal land of the Band
of the Potawatomi Indians in neighboring Pokagon Township, more than 100 Native
American dancers from throughout the Great Lakes will compete at
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Powwow. As they compete for cash prizes, the Potawatomi Indians
celebrate the end of the huckleberry harvest. Families will enjoy the music of
drum groups, as they visit a marketplace that showcases black ash baskets,
traditional beadwork, sweet grass braids, jewelry, crafts and native foods.
For more information, please call: 269-782-8998 or visit the website: www.fourflagsarea.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=7386&month=08&year=2012
For more information, please call: 269-782-8998 or visit the website: www.fourflagsarea.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=7386&month=08&year=2012
36th Annual All Crafts Fair
Saturday,
September 1, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, September 2, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Stanley Johnston Park-Dyckman Avenue, South Haven,
MI
South Haven's scenic Stanley
Johnston Park hosts hundreds of exhibitors of fine arts & crafts this
weekend! Interspersed are food booths with gourmet selections & other more
casual fare. The event is hosted by the Greater South Haven Area Chamber of
Commerce.
Auto Interests Track Weekend
Saturday,
September 1, and Sunday, September 2, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Gingerman
Raceway, 61414 County Road 388, South Haven, MI
For more
information, please call Jason Kennedy: 330/806-5832
$5 admission,
children free.
Track weekend
open to all cars and drivers. The paddock will be parked with cars from every
corner of the globe.
Antiques on the Bluff, St. Joseph
Sunday, September 2, 10:00
am – 5:00 pm
Antiques on the Bluff is
held along tree lined Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan. This antique
show is a premier event for St. Joseph and antiquers around Southwest Michigan
Tri-State Regatta and Craft Fair
Craft Fair: Saturday, September 1, 10:00 – 5:00 pm
Regatta,
Friday through Sunday. You can view the race from Lake Bluff Park in St.
Joseph, MI, or from the St. Joseph Yacht Club. 128 North Pier Street, St.
Joseph, MI 49085
Every Labor
Day weekend The St. Joseph River Yacht Club plays host to this annual event
that includes well over 140 boats racing for bragging rights amongst numerous
awards.
The Yacht
Club, hosts the annual Party at their facility which is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC all
day. This party includes a buffet breakfast from 7A-11A, Bloody Mary and
Screwdriver bar from 7A - noon, Cheeseburger in Paradise lunch from 11A-4p,
music from Steve Foresman, 5-8pm, Libido Funk Circus 8pm - midnight, a grilled
steak and chicken dinner from 6-10p and drinks from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission is
free and open to the public...food and beverage available for purchase.
Please call
the Yacht Club for more info at 269-983-6393 or visit their website: http://www.sjryc.com/
Weekly Events:
Sarett Nature Center
2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(1st Exit off of 196)
Phone:
269-927-4832
Website: www.sarett.com/summer.htm
Friday Night Concerts
Concerts each Friday night June 15th
through August 31st. Admission: Free.
Friday, August 31, 2012, 7:30 pm
Friday, August 31, 2012, 7:30 pm
John E.N. Howard
Bandshell
500 Port Street, ST.
Joseph, MI 49085
6th Generation...Michigan Rock and Roll
Legends, will be featured in the final concert of the season. 60's Music and
originals for your enjoyment. Kids from 6 to 60 will enjoy this high energy
music and fabulous harmonies.
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.
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!
An All-Local Farmer's and Craft Market For The Community Of Benton Harbor Michigan!
Parking lot near Mosaic Resale Store and Café Mosaic
510 W. Main Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
For more information, please call: (224)209-9968
or visit the 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
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
2099 W. John Beers Road
Stevensville,
MI
269/429-9575
The
Library will be closed Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3, and
re-open, Tuesday, September 4.
Things
are slowing down for the library, now that the summer reading program has
concluded. There are still plenty of
story times and two group book discussions.
Take a look at the website for dates and times.
Teen Iron Chef
Wednesday, August 29th at 1:00 pm
Wednesday, August 29th at 1:00 pm
Battle: Sandwich
Create a sandwich with the secret ingredient in this exciting competition. Registration begins August 13th. Grades 6-12.
Create a sandwich with the secret ingredient in this exciting competition. Registration begins August 13th. Grades 6-12.
Read! Build! Play!
Nominate Your Library…
…and support those
unsung heroes of story time!
The winning library receives $5,000. The top 200 get innovative early literacy toolkits. Nominations accepted through October 1, 2012.
The winning library receives $5,000. The top 200 get innovative early literacy toolkits. Nominations accepted through October 1, 2012.
Did you know, the
Lincoln Township Library is currently in 36th place? Let’s keep the
nominations coming!
Maude
Preston Palenske Memorial Library
500
Market Street
St.
Joseph, MI 49085
269/983-7167
Read! Build! Play!
Nominate Your Library…
…and support those
unsung heroes of story time!
The winning library receives $5,000. The top 200 get innovative early literacy toolkits. Nominations accepted through October 1, 2012.
The winning library receives $5,000. The top 200 get innovative early literacy toolkits. Nominations accepted through October 1, 2012.
I did not see the St.
Joseph Library on the top 200 list… so you need to vote !
Power In Motion
3889 S. M-139
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269/429-5100
Register now for
Fall Classes! New to their website, you can register for classes online, as well
as pay for the classes online.
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
The
Fall Schedule is now available for classes for all ages. Check out the website for the latest
schedules! Also, there are plenty of
“family” activities, and a few Kids Nights scheduled. I’ll post about those as they get a little
closer.
The YMCA will be closed, Saturday, September 1 - Monday, September 3 for the Labor Day Holiday and Maintenance.
Curious Kids Museum
415 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI
49085
269/983-CKID
Curious Kids – Discovery Zone
333 E.
Broad Street
St.
Joseph, MI 49085
Monday,
September 3- Tuesday, September 18, Curious Kids' Museum will CLOSE for our annual shutdown and cleaning.
We will reopen on Wednesday, September 19 and resume our
Fall/Winter/Spring hours of Wednesday-Saturday, 10-5 and Sunday, 12-5pm.
Admission will be $5 per person 1 and older (11 mos. and younger is free) or $9
per person for the Joint Admission to also visit Discovery Zone the same day.
In addition to regular summer hours, Discovery Zone will be open Monday, September 3 from 10-5 (Labor Day). Discovery Zone will then close until Thursday, September 6, when we reopen with our Fall/Winter/Spring hours of Thursday, 4-8:30pm, (half-price night!), Friday and Saturday, 10-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Admission will then be $5 per person, 3 and older (2 and under is free) and Joint Admission will be $9 per person. Thursday nights are All the Fun for Half the Price...only $2.50 per person!
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!):
Check
Please! Farm to Table Festival
Sunday, September 2, 2012, 12:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
Round Barn Winery Estate, Baroda
Michigan
Check,
Please!, Chicago's favorite restaurant television show, is turning the tables
on traditional food festivals by bringing an all-star lineup of award-winning
chefs to a working farm (Round Barn Estate & Tasting Room) for its first
annual Farm to Table Festival. The Check, Please! Farm to Table Fest, taking
place on Sunday, September 2, in the beautiful rolling countryside of Southwest
Michigan, will pair chefs with family-owned Michigan farmers and boutique food
artisans for an afternoon of sampling and sipping-in of the local bounty.
This
event is sold out… hopefully you purchased your tickets early! If you did, have fun, and let me know how it was!
Smokey Robinson in Concert
August 31, 2012: The Four Winds Casino Resort's Silver Creek Event Center will host a concert by Smokey Robinson on Friday, August 31 at 9 p.m. Eastern. Tickets can be purchased beginning on Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m. Eastern, exclusively through the Ticketmaster. Ticket prices start at $45.
Some
Upcoming Events:
Flick’s Family Film Fest
Starting
Friday, September 7
Kids under
12 are free and adults are only $4.00.
See some family friendly movies with your children. Check out the website for movie list, dates
and times.
The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest
Festival offers something for everyone. Including a Grape Stomping Contest.
That alone may be worth the price of admission!
Family Activities -
Carnival rides, free children's activities in Stompyland, Fireworks on Maple
Lake, Parade, and the Grape Stomp.
Music -
3 stages of entertainment for all musical tastes.
Sports -
Choose from our hole in one contest, 5k walk/run, the Grape Escape Motorcycle
Ride witht he Blue Knights of Southwest Michigan, our bicycle tour or now the
new Grape Escape Golf Tournament.
Wine Enthusiasts -
Winery tours and wine tasting tents abound throughout the festival area.
Other activities
include: Car show, Arts & Crafts Show, Turtle Derby, and
much more!!
New This Year:
Grape Escape Golf Tournament, Ultimate Air Dog, and Animal Oasis see the
Calendar of Events for more information.
For more information, and a
complete schedule of events, please check out their website: http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=42&Itemid=172
5th Annual Kilometers for Cam
Saturday, September 15, 8:30 am
Starting at the Silver Beach
Carousel, 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Family friendly fun for
participants and spectators include: free carousel rides, face painting, games,
food, music, silent auction and more!
Proceeds will benefit the
Pregeria Research Foundation.
There are three events:
10K Run - $25/Adults, $15/Kids
5K Run/Walk - $20/Adults,
$10/Kids
3K Fun Run/Walk - $20/Adults,
$10/Kids
For more information, or to
register, please visit the website: www.IAmCam.org.
Michigan Irish Fest
This
Midwest Irish Music Festival promotes Irish culture and heritage while
enhancing the community through entertainment, tourism, education and
philanthropy. MIMF is proud to embark on
our 13th annual festival. Our
festival is also proud to support Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry with gifts of
non-perishable food items and also annual donations. In 2011, the festival supplied over 800
pounds of food for the pantry and provided a cash donation of $10,000 which was
added to a donation of $5,000 from the annual St. Patrick’s Party held in
March. Join us for a great mix of Celtic
and Irish music including traditional, contemporary, folk and Celtic Rock on 3
stages. If you are a fan of great music
and talented musicians, you will love this festival. Several bands, direct from Ireland, will be a
part of the line-up along with a great group of local, regional and national
Celtic acts.
For
more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the website: http://www.michiganirish.org/
Upcoming Four Winds Casino Resort Concerts:
Sheryl Crow in Concert
September 7, 2012: Sheryl Crow will perform in the new Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino Resort at 9 p.m. (Eastern). Tickets can be purchased beginning on Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern, exclusively through the Ticketmaster Web site, ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Ticket prices start at $65.
KC and the Sunshine Band in Concert
September 22, 2012: KC and the Sunshine Band will perform at the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino on Saturday, September 22 at 9 p.m. Eastern. Tickets can be purchased beginning on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. Eastern, exclusively through the Ticketmaster Web site, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Ticket prices start at $29.
