Wednesday, August 8, 2012

August 8 – August 15, 2012

This week, I thought it might be fun to post the blog to you on Facebook.  Please check out and “LIKE” the new Facebook page: Family Fun in Southwest Michigan, or by the username: familyfuninswmi. I’m going to include pictures on this page of the fun things my family and I do in Michigan’s Great Southwest… so keep your eyes open for some fun pics! 

I’m also trying out figure out how to let you sign up to automatically receive notification when the blog is updated.  I think I have figured it out.  So, we’ll see! Wish me luck! 

UPDATED: Check out the link at the top-right corner to subscribe.  You will enter your email address, then click a link in the email you receive back.  Once this is completed, you should receive any updates to this blog! I hope this works!!!

Did anyone get to “Chalk the Block” this weekend? At least before it rained… We were able to attend, for a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon.  What great talent we have in our area! I was truly amazed at some of the art work displayed.  One of my favorites was by my neighbor! She attends Power In Motion Gymnastics and she and a friend drew a picture of Gabby Douglas on the balance beam, with the Gold Medal near-by. It was beautiful. I really wish I had taken some pictures while we were downtown this weekend, but, unfortunately, I left my camera at home! 

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:

·         Back to School Fair – Aug. 9
·         New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival – Aug. 10 – 12
·         Harbor Vision Festival – Aug. 11 – 12
·         “Follow Me” The Story of John Denver – Aug. 11
·         Feats of Magic and Puppetry – Aug. 11
·         National Blueberry Festival – Aug. 9 – Aug. 12
·         Berrien County Youth Fair – Aug. 13 – 18 

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:
·         The Art of Beer Festival – Aug. 11 

Upcoming Events

·         Check Please! Farm to Table Festival – Sept. 2
·         Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival – Sept. 7 – 9  



Back to School Fair
Thursday, August, 9, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Berrien RESA, 711 St. Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, MI
Available: Vision and Hearing screenings for children entering pre-school or kindergarten.  Also, Child ID kits, healthy lunch ideas, and immunization information. 

New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival
Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12
Downtown New Buffalo, New Buffalo, MI 49117
New Buffalo is home to the largest street fest in Southwest Michigan. Enjoy three days packed with great live music, food, kids’ activities and more! The highlight of the event is watching the floating parade through the harbor when yachts, sailboats and more are transformed into floating pieces of art. All decorated with lights, dancing on the water through the harbor followed by a huge fireworks display over Lake Michigan!!

Harbor Vision Festival
Saturday, Aug 11 2012 - 10:00am and Sunday, August 12, 2012

City Center Park (Dwight P. Mitchell Park)
Corner of Wall Street and Pipestone Road
200 Wall Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
For more information, please Email: harborvision@yahoo.com
Located in downtown Benton Harbor at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center, Harbor Vision Festival is a FREE two day celebration that focuses on Education, Entertainment and Empowerment. Hosted by the Harbor Vision Committee, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, all day fun in the park includes bouncers for the kids and encore activities such as: Zumba Dance Party; Harbor Vision Kidz Talent Showcase, Curious Kids, BrunsonHill Arthouse and Citadel Instrument Petting Zoo. Young Eagles Aviation, Sarrett Nature Center and Squiggles and Smaxy the Clowns will also be on hand. Lakeland HealthCare will be onsite to provide blood pressure screenings and offer literature on knowing the signs of Stroke.  

For a more detailed list of activities and events, please take a look at the listing on Blue Star Highway: http://www.bluestarhighway.com/evt/2012/08/harbor-vision-festival.html

"Follow Me" The Story Of John Denver

August 11th
Master Storyteller, Mike Talbot, will perform "Follow Me" The Story Of John Denver, at Jollay Orchards' Great Lawn, August 11, 2012. Talbot, having studied music and storytelling for over 20 years, has produced countless pieces for the stage which have delighted viewers of all ages. Now, The Storyteller, Mike Talbot, takes the stage in a solo work created to commemorate the musical and humanitarian legacy of RCA's best-selling artist of all time, John Denver.


FEATS OF MAGIC AND AMAZING PUPPETRY


Saturday, August 11, 11 am & 2pm performances.
Saugatuck Lodge
3150 Blue Star Highway
Saugatuck, MI
The Village Puppeteers return for their 5th season in Saugatuck. Today's performance includes classic feats of legerdemain by the troupes resident magician and culminates in a performance of the puppet comedy Lost in Storyland.

General Admission: $10. After the performance there will be a puppet making workshop. For an additional $10 the puppeteers will provide all the materials needed to create your very own puppet! Workshop space is limited, so arrive early to claim your seat at the table. At the Saugatuck Lodge located at 3150 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, just north of the bridge.

For more information call (312) PUPPETS 

National Blueberry Festival, South Haven

Thursday, August 9 – Sunday, August 12

The 49th Annual National Blueberry Festival is located in South Haven, Michigan. Every year from Thursday through Sunday, you and your family can enjoy lots and lots of blueberries: blueberry pancake breakfasts, a parade, a fish boil dinner, an art & craft show, the pageant, a 5k run, blueberry bake off competition, and free concerts to enjoy!

Check out the website for the complete schedule of events:




Berrien County Youth Fair

Monday, August 13 – Saturday, August 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.

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

For more information, please check out their website:


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




Beautiful Butterflies
Friday, August 10, 2012 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Learn the native butterflies of our area, visit the butterfly house & investigate the gardens, Ages 8 & up--Fee $12, members $8.

Mighty Monarch
Friday, August 10, 2012 – 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn about the Monarch butterfly & visit the milkweed field to look for eggs, caterpillars & butterflies. Ages 4-7, Fee $10, members $7.

Fossil Finding
August 14, 2012, 9:30 – 1:00 pm

Try your hand at finding fossils along the Grand Mere beach. Ages 8 & up--Fee $10, members $7.


Butterfly Bonanza
August 15, 2012, 3:00 pm

Enjoy a special tour of the butterfly house and gardens at a special price. $4 per adult, $1 per kid, members and their children $1 each.


Friday Night Concerts

Concerts each Friday night June 15th through August 31st. Admission: Free.
Friday, August 3, 2012
John E.N. Howard Bandshell
500 Port Street, ST. Joseph, MI 49085
Lana Hawkins Jazz Trio will be performing!
Please see the St. Joseph Today website for more details:

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!


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


2099 W. John Beers Road
Stevensville, MI
269/429-9575
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.

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.
Did you know, the Lincoln Township Library is currently in 43rd place? Let’s keep the nominations coming!

 Maude Preston Palenske Memorial Library

500 Market Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-7167 


Coming up: Books to Movies!
“The Bourne Legacy”
Saturday, Aug. 11, 4:00 pm
Save money and help the library! You'll get to see The Bourne Legacy opening weekend at a special showing at Celebration Cinema in Benton Harbor, MI. Purchase a voucher at the library before August 4th to see this movie at a discounted price. Up to $4.00 for each ticket sold goes to the library. Questions? ask at the front desk or call 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.
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
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



Curious Kids Museum


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 

August 11, 12 – 4 pm, free with admission
“The Arctic and Antarctic”

 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

August 4, 12 – 4 pm, free with admission
Come “OUTTA” that shell” 

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!):

The Art of Beer Festival
Saturday, August 11, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Mendel Center
2755 East Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Celebrate great American craft beers during the 2nd Annual Art of Beer Festival at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. Craft brewers from Michigan and the Midwest region will have a wide range of fresh and unique beers of all colors, styles and tastes for you to sample. The afternoon will also include live music from Midwest Hype, food, and the camaraderie of other craft beer enthusiasts. This year’s event will have a special focus on home brewing. You can visit with home brew stores, talk with experts about the growing home brew hobby, and even meet with home brew clubs on hand to share ideas and enjoy great beer. Tickets go on sale June 1st and are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Each festival entry includes 12 beer tastes and a Festival Pint Glass. Designated drivers tickets are $10. Home brew and beer tasting classes will be available for a fee. You are welcome to book your class now or at the festival- seats are limited and may be sold out before the start of the Festival. A detailed description of the classes being offered will be posted soon. After that time, tickets will be available for $30 at the door, if available. There are a limited number of tickets available, so pre-purchasing your tickets is highly encouraged.
When: Aug 11 2012 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm
For more information, please call: 269-985-1111
Or, check out their website: www.sjtoday.org/events/art-of-beer-festival.html



Some Upcoming Events:

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

Tasting Ticket $75*:
Chef and Restaurant Tastings, Farm Samples, Local Boutique Wine, Beer & Spirits Sampling, Cooking, Mixology & other Demonstrations (info and schedule TBD).

Tasting Ticket $150*:
Chef and Restaurant Tastings, Farm Samples, Local Boutique Wine, Beer & Spirits Sampling, Cooking, Mixology & other Demonstrations (info and schedule TBD).
PLUS: Private Hospitality Tent access, Check, Please! TV show auditions (VIPs only), Private Winery Tours (schedule TBD), Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks inside Hospitality Tent.

Plus everyone can enjoy Live Music on Round Barn’s “Jammin In The Vineyard” Stage 1-6 p.m. featuring Top Secret Band. At Round Barn, but outside the festival boundary (must present your wristband for re-entry into fest).

*Ticket Prices increase August 15 and at the door.



The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival

Friday, Sept. 7 – Sunday, Sept. 9

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




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