A holiday break...

Things have slowed down quite a bit here in Southwest Michigan, so I'll be taking a little break from the weekly blog posting.  I will post anything I find on Facebook that may be fun for you and your family to enjoy, including links to the information.  Don't worry, parents, I'll also continue looking for fun things for you to do without the kids!  Please like this blog there:  Family Fun in Southwest Michigan.

As for now, I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays!  I know our first snow can't be far off...  I hope you are looking forward to it!

As always, if you know of any fun activities, please let me know!  I'll be sure to add it to the Facebook page.  You can comment below, or send me an email at: familyfuninswmi@gmail.com.

November 15 – November 22

The holiday season is fast approaching, and so are the fun family activities that will accompany that.  This weekend, many of our towns are hosting previews of the holiday shopping, with extended hours, and refreshments! Take a look below to see if any appeal to you.  My family and I have been taking it easy lately, and not getting out too much as everyone has been taking turns getting sick.  This is the first time, in a while, that everyone is healthy.  Please keep your fingers crossed that it stays that way for a while!

 

To help get us in the mood, please feel free to share with us some of your favorite family holiday traditions.  You can post below or leave a messge on the Facebook Page. 

As you know, I am always looking for more family friendly events to add. Please send any that you know about my way! If I missed anything, I can add it immediately to the Facebook page, as well.  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:

·         Luminary Festival – Fri. Nov. 16

·         Dowagiac Christmas Open House Weekend – Fri. Nov. 16 – Sun. Nov. 18

·         16th Annual Arts and Craft Show in Dowagiac – Sat. Nov. 17

·         Music, Song and Dance for the Whole Family – Sat. Nov. 17

·         Mistletoe Market, Fri. Nov. 16 – Dec. 9

·         Saugatuck and Douglas Holiday Preview – Sat. Nov. 17

 

Weekly Activities:

·         Sarett Nature Center

·         Power In Motion

·         YMCA

·         Curious Kids Museums

·         Library Fun

 

For Parents Only:

·         An Intimate Evening with Lindsay Buckingham, Fri. Nov. 16

·         The Crossing, Sat. Nov. 17

·         THE IDES OF MARCH featuring Jim Peterik, Sat. Nov. 17

 

Weekly Events:

Luminary Festival
Friday, November 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Downtown St. Joseph, MI 49085

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season strolling through the beautiful candle-lit streets as over 800 luminaries light your way in downtown St. Joseph. The Luminary Festival is sponsored by AEP/ Indiana Michigan Power Shops will be open late to entice you with wonderful gift ideas and festive holiday decor - many merchants will provide refreshments. Don't forget to stop by the Bistro for a free dessert with entree purchase. Shopping, dining and friends!

ADDITIONAL LUMINARY ACTIVITIES: FREE Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides (weather permitting) from 5 - 8 pm, sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. Downtown merchants will transform their store windows into festive delights, light poles decked out in pine garlands, wreaths and twinkling lights.

For more information, please call: 269-985-1111 or visit the website: www.sjtoday.org/events/luminary-festival.html

 

Dowagiac Christmas Open House Weekend
Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18, beginning at 10 am, Friday and Saturday, and Noon on Sunday.

Festive lighted garlands with giant red bows adorn downtown Dowagiac, as the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration, which opens Friday, November 16, is proudly presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. As Yuletide classics trumpet the crisp air, you're sure to enjoy the relaxed pace of holiday shopping the way it used to be. Our shopkeepers offer warm surroundings, refreshments and cheer, as they present their finest in holiday merchandise during the three-day Christmas Open House Weekend, November 16-18.  

Family events are held on Open House Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a true-to-life Old-World Santa greets children within the elegant, indoor setting of Wood Fire Italian Trattoria. Santa's reindeer, Holly, awaits families outside, as carolers stroll the downtown and holiday dance performances are presented on Beeson Street. Be sure to tour the Grand City by horse-drawn carriage and visit the Theta Mu Sorority Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dowagiac Union High School. Children who visit Kris Kringle will receive a gift and also enjoy attending the interactive holiday activities at Dowagiac District Library. While visiting the Christmas Open Houses of our specialty shops on Sunday, November 18, from noon to 4 p.m., be sure to register for the many in-house drawings.
For more information, please call: 269-782-8212, or visit the website: www.swmichigan.org/events-november-2012.html

 

16th Annual Arts and Craft Show in Dowagiac
Saturday, November 17, 2012, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Dowagiac Union High School, 701 W. Prairie Ronde, Dowagiac, MI 49047

16th Annual Arts and Craft Show at Dowagiac Union High School to be held in conjunction with Dowagiac's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Weekend. Sponsored by Theta Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Lots of unique arts and crafts and homemade baked goods from many area craftsmen. Many festivities going on in Dowagiac with it Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Weekend. Free admission. Doughnuts and lunch menu available for purchase. Booth space available by contacting Sherrie at 1-269-580-2331.
For More information, please call: 269-580-2331, or visit the website: www.fourflagsarea.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=7577&month=11&year=2012

 

Music, Song and Dance for the Whole Family
Saturday, November 17, 2012, 3:30 pm

New Buffalo High School Performing Arts Center, 1112 East Clay Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117

Saline Fiddlers, High School Students from Saline, Michigan performing song and dance for the whole family. www.salinefiddlers.com.
For more information, please call: 269-409-1533, or visit the website:  www.salinefiddlers.com/sfp/schedule

 

2012 Mistletoe Market

Preview, Friday, November 16, regular hours begin Saturday, November 17 – Sunday, December 9. Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI

The Mistletoe Market Christmas Boutique is an annual fundraiser held by the South Haven Center For the Arts. Local artists display their jewelry, paintings, photography an more. This is an excellent way to begin your holiday shopping! A portion will benefit the Art Center. An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, November 16^th, admission $20 per person.

For more information, please call, 269/637-1041, or visit the website: http://www.southhavenarts.org/

 

Saugatuck and Douglas Holiday Preview

Saturday, November 17, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

12-9pm Welcoming the Christmas Season in downtown Saugatuck & Douglas. Trolley service runs between the two communities. Sponsored by Saugatuck-Douglas Area Business Association. For more info call (269) 857-1626

 

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

 

Junior Naturalist Club

A special club for kids ages 7-12 who are really interested in nature. Find out what it means to be a Sarett naturalist. We'll learn about the animals of Sarett, do projects, and have lots of fun as we learn about nature. We will meet today, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, and May 18.

Fee: $35 per student. Call to register or if you have questions.

Lincoln Township Public Library

www.lincolntownshiplibrary.org

2099 W. John Beers Road

Stevensville, MI

269/429-9575

The Library will close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 21st and will be closed all day Thursday, November 22nd. Happy Holidays. 

Story Times:

Bedtime Story Time: Mondays, 7:00 am – 7:30 pm

Walk-in Story Time: Thursdays, 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Fun Fridays Story Time: Fridays, 10:30 am – 11:00 am 

Freaky Friday After Thanksgiving
Friday, November 23rd at 2:00 pm

Looking for a little family fun? Please join us for a special movie viewing. Kids are encouraged to dress as adults and adults...as kids, of course. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.  

Maude Preston Palenske Memorial Library

500 Market Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-7167 

Fall 2012 Story Times

Beginning September 18th & 19^th, 10:30 am

Join us for fall 2012 story times for toddlers and preschoolers. This season we focus on all things pirate!
Questions? Call the Children's Department @ 983-7167

Kids Saturday Movies:
Saturday, November 24, 2012, 2:00

“The Lorax” (new version) “In the town of Thneedville, there are no real trees, or grass, or nature to speak of -- everything is plastic and fake. When young Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) discovers that what his crush, Audrey (Taylor Swift), wants more than anything is to see a real tree, he sets out to find one for her. Advised by his grandmother (Betty White), Ted leaves Thneedville in search of the reclusive Once-ler (Ed Helms), who tells him the story of The Lorax (Danny DeVito). As Ted learns more about the history of the Truffula Trees that the Once-ler chopped down, his life is Thneedville is challenged by the town's bigwig, Mr. O'Hare (Rob Riggle), who profits from the manufactured air that the citizens have been taught to buy and breathe. But if Ted exposes the truth to the people of Thneedville, they'll realize nature isn't the dirty inconvenience they've been taught to believe.”

For a review of the movie, a section called, “What Parents Need to Know”, as well as real parent reviews, please visit the Common Sense Media webpage: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-lorax

 

See the movie “Hobbit: the Unexpected Journey” on opening weekend and help the library!

Saturday, Dec 15th at 4:00 p.m.
Celebration Cinema, Benton Harbor

Purchase a voucher through the library today!  Ticket prices:

$11.00 if purchased before November 30.

$13.00 is purchased after November 30.

Price includes, ticket, small soda and popcorn, and a chance to win a movie poster.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets will benefit the library!

Power In Motion

www.pimgymnastics.com

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, ages 11 and older

Saturday 12:00 – 1:30 pm – ages 10 and younger.  4 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

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 (Family float! Bring inflatable floating toys to play with!)

Saturday, 4:00 to 5:45 pm

Sunday, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Family float! Bring inflatable floating toys to play with!)

Free for YMCA members, $14 for families 

Your night out while the kids are at the Y!

Fun Friday! Ages 4 – 12

November 30

December 21

“Come to the YMCA and get excited for the start of the weekend! Children can enjoy games, swimming, snacks and more fun activities at the Y!  Sign up early to reserve your spot.  Minimum of 6 children required to run the event.”

$15/YMCA Members

$20/Community 

Kids Night Out – Ages 4 – 12

5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

December 8

“Have a Saturday Night Out while the kids have a great time at the YMCA.  We offer crafts, climbing wall, Sportwall, gym time, snack, swimming and an age appropriate movie.  Children should bring a swimsuit and towel for the pool.  A $5.00 late fee will be charged per child for registration after Friday at 5:00 pm.  Minimum of 10 children required for this event.”

$22/YMCA Members

$32/Community

Only $10 for each additional child from the same family!

 

Family Movie Nights

6:30 – 8:30 pm

November 16

December 14

“Bringing families together for a fun family movie is what movie night is all about!  Popcorn provided.  Bring your pillows and blankets and join us for this fun event!  Family swim is 4:00 – 5:45 pm.”

YMCA Members: $2/person

Community: $4/person.

Registration is required.

 

COME TO THE Y AND LISTEN TO THE LORAX ON FRIDAY, NOV. 16th!

Family Movie Night raises the curtain on an animated favorite: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. Please join us in visiting the walled city of ThneedVille, and bring your pillows, blankets or bean-bag chairs! We'll provide popcorn for everyone.

The big show starts at 6:30 pm. Don't miss it! Movie Night is only $2 a ticket for Y members and $4 for the general community. 

Curious Kids Museum

www.curiouskidsmuseum.org

415 Lake Blvd.

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-CKID

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.

 

Curious Kids – Discovery Zone

333 E. Broad Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

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!):

 

An Intimate Evening with Lindsay Buckingham

Friday, November 16, 8:00 pm

Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Founding member of Fleetwood Mac and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lindsey Buckingham takes the stage on November 16, 2012 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts! In his one-man acoustic concert, Lindsey showcases his distinctive guitar picking style and instantly recognizable voice, debuting songs from his newest album, Seeds We Sow, along with Fleetwood Mac classics and hits from previous solo albums. Regarding the new tour, Buckingham shares, "As I've grown as an artist, I've gotten more and more in touch with my center, and that center is voice and guitar. Over time it has become increasingly vital to express more with less; that is my touchstone now, and the embodiment of that philosophy is what will be largely represented in the new show. I've been thinking of doing this kind of tour for a while, and am quite excited to be doing something new, something outside my comfort zone." A man of many talents, Buckingham was the guitarist and male lead singer for the rock super group Fleetwood Mac from 1975 to 1987, and again 1997 to present day. He wrote Fleetwood Mac hits like “Go Your Own Way”, “Never Going Back Again“, “Tusk” that were featured on on Number 1 albums “Fleetwood Mac”, “Rumours” and “Mirage”. He and fellow Fleetwood Mac members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Buckingham parlayed his Fleetwood Mac fame into a highly successful solo career, releasing 6 albums and two live albums that included the hits “Trouble” and “Go Insane”. In 2011, Buckingham was ranked 100th in Rolling Stone magazine's 2011 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
For more information, please call: 269-857-2399 or visit the website:

www.sc4a.org/On-Stage/An-Intimate-Evening-with-Lindsay-Buckingham.aspx

 

THE CROSSING
Saturday, November 17, 7:30 pm

Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven, MI 49090

The Crossing have been performing a mix of traditional Irish and Scottish, as well as original songs and tunes, since 1984. Though all members but one are natives of the U.S. (Hilde the cellist is from Norway), the roots run deep to the celtic soul that allows their original songs to fit seamlessly with, and be infused by, the old tradition. The themes in their music vary from pure story-telling, accounts of hardship & victory, to setting celtic prayers and psalms to music, to jigs & reels. $10 / $8 members. Doors open at 7 pm. General admission seating - arrive early to reserve your spot. $8-$10. Get tickets at foundryhall.com, 800.838.3006 or at the door before the show. Suggested donation after show starts, until sold out.
For more information, please call: 269-206-3059, or visit the website: www.foundryhall.com/index.php/calendar/89-calendar/670-crossing

 

THE IDES OF MARCH featuring Jim Peterik
Saturday, November 17, 8:00 pm

The Acorn Theatre, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, MI 49128

Powerhouse rock and roll band the IDES OF MARCH live. Best remembered for their 1970 smash “Vehicle”, the IDES (or their lead singer and songwriter Jim Peterik) have had hit records in each of the decades since that humble beginning. On October 16th, 1964; a basement in Berwyn, Illinois played host to four schoolboys, guitars, drums, and their dreams. From that meeting sprang platinum hits, Grammy awards, and a common bond that has lasted ever since. The IDES OF MARCH mark a rare milestone in any partnership, let alone rock and roll; they have remained together, with all the original members intact for over forty years. Best remembered for their 1970 smash “Vehicle”, the IDES (or their lead singer and songwriter Jim Peterik) have had hit records in each of the decades since that humble beginning. From the Brit-meets-Chicago Soul of their 1966 debut “You Wouldn’t Listen” to the rousing sports anthem “Finally Next Year” that cheered the Cubs throughout their red-hot 2003 season, the IDES have combined shimmering vocal harmonies with their trademark driving brass section to forge a sound that is timeless and unforgettable. In concert, the IDES OF MARCH remain a powerhouse rock and roll band that defies the fact that all of the members (save one) are on the plus side of 50 years of age. Their typical 90-minute concert usually lasts two hours, and the encores are always the strongest songs of the night. The secret of the band’s longevity might rest in the fact that they all have remained best friends throughout the years, with not a hint of ego-trip to be found. This is especially unique because singer Jim Peterik rose to the top of the heap with his band Survivor (“Eye Of The Tiger”) during the 1980’s. Jim also co-wrote the multi-platinum hits for Southern favorites .38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”, et.al.). When Survivor ran its course, Jim returned “home” to the IDES, and the band never looked back. While many “vintage” groups supplement their sets playing “cover versions” of the hits of others, the IDES celebrate Jim’s “extracurricular” hits like they were “homegrown”, which they, in some respects, are. With the 2005 chart-topping success of “Vehicle” as recorded by American Idol’s Bo Bice, the Ides are once again in the national eye.
For more information, please call: 269-756-3879, or visit website: www.theidesofmarch.com/shows

 

Some upcoming events: 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town Parade

Friday, November 23, 6:30 pm
Free hot chocolate outside City Hall after the parade!

http://www.wecare-inc.org/festival-trees

2012 Festival of Trees Begins

Friday, November 23, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

City Hall, Phoenix Street, South Haven
The public will have the opportunity to bid on many beautiful trees & wreaths on display at City Hall. Gift Baskets filled with many different items & Christmas Centerpieces will also be available for purchase-- these would make for lovely gifts. The Festival of Trees is an annual event that is put together by We Care I.N.C. and many volunteers from our community. This is a fundraiser for We Care with all proceeds used to benefit families in need within our community. This event will fun thru December 1st.

Live trees will be for sale outside City Hall from 7-9pm.

Pictures with Santa Claus from 7-9pm! Open to the public, $5 per child.

For more information, please call: 269/637-4342.