Wednesday, January 23, 2013

January 23 – January 30, 2013

Happy New Year!  After a long break, I’m back.  I do not know about you, but, my holiday season was jam-packed.  My husband and I traveled to Boston, MA, the entire family traveled to Phoenix, AZ for Christmas and then to Chicago for New Years.  And, during all of that, we spent most of the time sick.  It was great! 

So, it’s time to get back to business and let you know about the really fun activities available in the winter for you and your families. Well, it must be winter, because there are lots of “Ice” festivals and outdoor activities.  The winter is a perfect time to bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors. 

If you like the blog and the information, please check out the Facebook page. I’m posting pictures, as well as updating more events that are posted on Facebook. Be sure to LIKE the new page and tell your friends! 

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.  You can also send me an email at: familyfuninSWMI@gmail.com. Thank you! 

List of Events:

·         Chili Tour in Downtown St. Joseph, Jan. 25th

·         Buchanan's Second Annual Thrill On The Hill, Jan. 25 & 26

·         New Buffalo Winter Fest, Jan. 25

·         The Jungle Book, Jan. 25 – 27

·         Autism Night, Jan. 27

·         MOMS® Club Preschool Fair, Feb. 5th 

Weekly Activities:

·         Sledding/Tubing

·         Ice Skating

·         Skiing

·         Sarett Nature Center

·         Power In Motion

·         YMCA

·         Curious Kids Museums

·         Library Fun 

For Parents Only:

·         Mad Men Cocktail Dinner Party, Jan. 24
 

Weekly Events: 


Chili Tour in Downtown St. Joe - Finally Fridays!

Friday, January 25 2013 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Downtown St. Joseph, MI 49085
Warm up with us on the last Friday of January as the downtown hosts a Chili Tour!

Participating locations or "Chili Stops" will play host as you have the opportunity to try their best recipes.  Chili Tour maps will be available at all locations. Guests are encouraged to visit all stops and then turn in the map - a winner will be drawn win a downtown St. Joseph Prize Pack!  In addition, several locations will be playing host with later hours, incentives and more.
G&M Variety - Enjoy 10% savings on all store items, stock up on that winter weather gear!
Kilwins - Enjoy a "chilly" dessert or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Schu's Grill and Bar - Join in the Schulebration as celebrity waiters and waitresses work to raise funds for Healing Paws. For more information visit schus.com.

For more information, please visit the website: http://stjoetoday.com/events/30-member-events/573-final-fridays

Chili Stops:
The Buck
The Candlestick Maker
Eve
FuzzyButz Pet Bakery
Harbor Town Interiors
Lighthouse Fibers
Perennial Accents
Purely Michigan
Schaller Gallery
Sweet Seasons Orchard
St. Joseph Today - Welcome Center
State Street Antiques
Third Coast Surf Shop
Waterfront Framing

Buchanan's Second Annual Thrill On The Hill
Friday, January 25 and 26th

Downtown Buchanan, Buchanan, MI 49107

“Front Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from the top of the hill to Red Bud Trail.  Snow will be stockpiled and packed down to create sort of a toboggan run and hay bales along with more snow will be used to prevent tubers from entering the intersection.  The westbound lane will be used by children and be shorter than the 850 foot run planned in the westbound lane for adults.”

Friday night 5 pm to 9 pm - $5. Adult Midnight Run 11 pm to 1 am - $5.

Saturday 11 am to 9 pm - $3.00 with free games and contests. All events include unlimited rides with fun surprises in store for everyone. T-Shirts, Sweatshirts & Souvenirs with our new logo will be available for purchase.
For more information, please call: 269-695-3844 or visit the Website:
www.fourflagsarea.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=7848&month=01&year=2013

 

The Jungle Book


Friday, January 25 – Sunday, January 27

Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm
Listiak Auditorium-600 Elkenburg Street, South Haven, MI

Our Town Players presents their annual children's production. This delightful play is based on the stories of Rudyard Kipling. Tickets are available at Wolverine Hardware & 30 minutes prior to the performance at the door.

Adults $12, Seniors 65+ & Students 12+ $10, Children (under $12) $6.

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.ourtownplayers.org/

 
AUTISM NIGHT

Sunday, January 27, 5-8pm.

At The Children’s Museum of Fennville, 202 East Main Street, Fennville, MI

The Children’s Museum of Fennville will open its doors to families of children with autism. This evening will offer a quieter, more understanding environment, to play and enjoy the museum. Admission is free, thanks to a generous gift from Liberty Plastics. A basic map of the museum will be provided to help families locate favorite exhibits, rest rooms, and quiet area. We will be closed to the general public on this evening. For further information, contact (269) 561-8494.
 

MOMS® Club Preschool Fair

Tuesday, February 5, 9:00 – 11:00 am

The members of the Saint Joseph MOMS® Club are hosting our annual Preschool Fair on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013.  The event will take place at First Congregational Church (2001 Niles Avenue, Saint Joseph) from 9-11 in the morning.  Our Preschool Fair acts a one stop shop for parents, providing in-depth access to the wonderful selection of Saint Joseph and Stevensville area schools.  Eleven of our areas Public, Parochial, and Independent Schools will be represented as well as information regarding parent resource programs that are available in the community.  Our fair is generously sponsored by Panera, Martins Supermarkets, Biggby Coffee, United Way of SW Michigan and The Vikki Wade Team/Colwell Banker Advantage.

The Preschool Fair is open to our club members and to the general public.  It is free for schools to participate and there is no cost for parents to attend.   The event is held in a convention format- each school is given a station to interact with prospective families and provide information about their respective intuitions.  Questions can be directed to Carolyn Zmrhal at carolynzmrhalsjmc@gmail.com .

Participating Schools

·         St. Paul Lutheran (Stevensville)

·         First Church of God

·         Lake Michigan Catholic

·         Brookview School (Benton Harbor)

·         Grace Lutheran (St. Joseph)

·         Christ Lutheran (Stevensville)

·         Trinity Lutheran

·         YMCA

·         Saint Joseph Public Schools

·         Great Lakes Montessori

 

Sledding

Warren Dunes State Park (15 minutes)
12032 Red Arrow Hwy
Sawyer, Michigan 49125
269-426-4013

Five Pines (40 minutes)
Sat 11-5 Sun 1-5:30
Tube Rentals:adult $8, children 6-11 $7, under 5 free
(Combo packages with cross-country skiing, adults $13,kids $10)
6597 Smith Road
Berrien Center, MI 49202
269-471-1396
 

http://www.visitharborcountry.org/attractions-winter-where-to-go-sledding-tubing.php

 Ice Skating 

Howard Ice Rink: 2414 Willa Drive, St Joseph, MI 269-983-8795, Daily admission $5, skate rental $3

Washington Park: Parker Parkway, Michigan City, IN 219-873-1506

Soldiers Memorial Park: 250 Pine Lake Ave, La Porte, IN 219-326-9600

 

SKIING

GROOMED SKI TRAILS

Madeline Bertrand County Park 3038 Adams Road, Niles, MI 269-683-8280. 3 miles of level to gently rolling trails through pine and oak forests along the St. Joseph River. www.berriencounty.org/parks for trail conditions. Hours: 10 am to sunset, Wed-Sun (Nov-March). Ski Rental Hours: Available during regular park hours and during scheduled night ski events.  

Love Creek County Park 9228 Huckleberry Road, Berrien Center 269-471-2617. 5 miles of open trails and challenging wooded slopes and turns. Many trails also feature lanes for ski skating. Trail Fees Adults: $4 per day or $15 season pass. Children (15 & under): $3 per day or $10 season pass. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Tues-Sun. Ski Rental Hours: Available during regular park hours and during scheduled night ski events.  

Lighted Night Skiing -- Regular fees apply. Fri/Sat at Madeline Bertrand until 9:30pm.

Conditions permitting, call to confirm. Trail permit is $3 and rental equipment is $5 from 5pm to closing.

Ski Rental Fees -- Rentals must be made 2 hours before the park closes. A deposit is required. Adults: $10, Children under 15: $5

 

UNGROOMED SKI TRAILS

Chikaming Township Park & Preserve, Warren Woods Road East of I-94

Warren Dunes State Park 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer 269-426-4013. Vehicle Permit Required. Michigan residents $6. Non Resident $8. Trail Length: 6 miles

Warren Woods Nature Area Entrances on Elm Valley Rd and Warren Woods Rd in Union Pier/Three Oaks 269-426-4013 Marked trails

Robinson Nature Preserve Harbert, East Rd (about 1 mile east of Red Arrow Hwy) Marked trails through 89 acres of woods and ravines

Grand Mere State Park Thornton Drive, Stevensville, MI 269-426-4013. Vehicle Permit Required. Michigan resident $6 Non Resident $8 Trail Length: .50 miles

Sarett Nature Center 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor,MI 269-927-4832 Ski rentals available $7 Trails open dawn to dusk every day.  

DOWNHILL SKIING

Swiss Valley Ski Area, 13421 Mann St., Jones, MI Phone: 269-244-5635 Reservations: 269-244-8016. www.skiswissvalley.com Family friendly downhill intermediate and beginner runs. 11 runs, two quads, one triple & four rope tows. Longest run 0.1 mile. Snowmaking for 60 total acres. Night skiing, terrain park for snowboarding, full service ski shop and rentals, and children’s programs. Chalet lounge with fireplace; day lodge with cafeteria.
 

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, January 25, 6:30 until 8:30 pm. SKI or SNOWSHOE WHEN THE MOON IS FULL. We’ll take advantage of the nearly full Owl Moon to explore the trails at night. Bring a head lamp (if you have one) and follow the lighted trail. Fee $5/person, $2/member. Snowshoe and ski rental available. Trails will be lit between 6:30 and 8:30 pm.


Lincoln Township Public Library


2099 W. John Beers Road

Stevensville, MI

269/429-9575 

“Cabin Fever” Adult Reading Program

January 2 – February 28, read books and get great prizes. 

School Age Story and Craft Time

Wednesday, January 23, 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
Ages 5 and up
School age kids enjoy older stories and then have time for a fun craft! 

Walk in 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

 

Maude Preston Palenske Memorial Library

500 Market Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-7167

Tween Winter Luau

Wednesday, Jan. 23rd

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.


Don't let the cold weather get you down! We're heating if up with Lisa Micunek from Martin's School of Cooking in Stevensville as she helps us bring a luau to you! Tweens (ages 7-12) are invited to join us for this tropical break from winter.

Teen Lock-In Party

Friday, Jan. 25th


7:30 p.m. - Midnight


We're having a party just for teens! Pizza, games, and a scavenger hunts. Open to teens in grades 7-12. Advanced registration is required, so please call the library at (269) 983-7167 to reserve a spot.
LEGO Donations Needed!
Please consider bringing in and/or donating your loose LEGOs and DUPLOs to the library for an upcoming month-long LEGO event this spring! This event is a collaborative event between many nonprofit organizations all around St. Joseph.
 

Power In Motion


3889 S. M-139

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/429-5100

Register now for Winter 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


 
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!

Kids Night Out – Ages 4 – 12

Saturday, Jan. 26 is Kids Night Out from 5:30-10:00 pm. Featuring crafts, gym time, climbing wall, sportwall, snacks, swimming and a movie, your kids will have a great time! Only $22 for Y members and $32 for the community, additional family members are only $10 per child.

Why miss a night out this month? Treat your kids to a wonderful time at the Y!  

Family Movie Night

6:30 – 8:30 pm

FRIDAY, JAN. 25th

TREAT YOUR FAMILY TO SOME COOL CUSTOMERS!

Join us on Family Movie Night for the classic animated comedy “Ice Age” starring Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo and Scrat - as himself! Bring your pillows, blankets or bean-bag chairs, and we'll provide the popcorn.

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.

YMCA Members: $2/person

Community: $4/person.

Registration is required. 

ICE AGE is a clever, funny, and touching story of an unlikely trio of animals who band together to return a human baby to his family. The story is set when glaciers covered much of the earth, 20,000 years ago. As all of the other animals migrate south in search of food, three characters are moving in the opposite direction. They are a wooly mammoth named Manny (voice of Ray Romano), a sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo), and a saber tooth tiger named Diego (Denis Leary). In classic road movie fashion, they don't like or trust each other very much at the beginning and the journey becomes a psychological one as they share experiences and confidences that make them see each other and themselves very differently.”

For more information on this movie and others, please check out:


Here you will find a review of the movie as well as parent reviews.

Curious Kids Museum


415 Lake Blvd.

St. Joseph, MI 49085

269/983-CKID 

Saturday Family Programs – January 26

“Animals Alive” Everyone loves animals.  Join us for a live animal program with “Wild Track/Tom Moore,” featuring many different kinds of species of reptiles and amphibians, get a close up view.” 

Wee Discover – Wednesday, January 30:

“Beep, Beep, Zoom Zoom”.  Red cars, yellow cars, blue cars – hey, that’s a pattern!

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

Curious Kids – Discovery Zone is closed until Thursday, January 31.  They are installing the new exhibit, “Turtle Travels”.

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 $3.00 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, rides are half price - $1.00! You’ll build happy memories. 

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

 

Madmen Cocktail Dinner Party @ Salt of The Earth
Thursday, January 24, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Salt of The Earth

114 E. Main Street

Fenville, MI 49408

Salt of the Earth is hosting a 'Michigan Madmen' Cocktail Party with Journeyman Distillery spirits. Travel back to the mid-century for 1960’s themed cocktails, appetizers, and multi-course dinner with SW Michigan spirit producer Journeyman Distillery.

Prizes for the best-dressed Madman & Madwoman! (Cost: $60 per person, plus tax & gratuity).

Reservations required, call Salt of the Earth 269.561.7258



Some upcoming events:

New Buffalo Winter Fest

Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 10:00 AM To 10:00 PM

Downtonw New Buffalo

Celebrate the season at New Buffalo Winter Fest with lots of winter fun activities like free sleigh rides through town on Saturday, ice-skating all weekend, ice carving demonstrations and more! Dress up grab your dancing shoes for the Second Season Ball Saturday night, a silent auction with vacations and cruises to bid on and two chocolate fountains! Find out all the details at www.newbuffalo.org The ice sculpting competition will be held on Sunday.

·         Ice skating and sledding at Oselka Park 10 am to 10 pm.

·         Free horse drawn sleigh rides through town from 12 - 5 pm on Saturday, Feb. 2

·         Ice Carving downtown at Noon on Saturday, Feb. 2

·         Bev's Second Season Ball on Saturday, Feb. 2 ~ Open Bar Hour, dinner, dancing, silent auction, chocolate fountain . 10th Anniversary celebration at Four Winds Casino Silver Creek Event Center - 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo

For more information, please call, 888-660-6222 or visit the website: www.newbuffalo.org

 


SOUTH HAVEN ICE BREAKER 2013
Now in its 20th year, Ice Breaker Festival (February 1, 2 & 3, 2013) will host winter fun for the whole family. West Michigan’s predominant and growing winter festival is showcasing dazzling ice sculptures, Chili Cook-off, Pub Slide, outdoor ice skating, curling, horse drawn wagon rides, kid crafts and many more exciting fundraising events for local communities.  http://www.southhavenmi.com/Mobile-News-Showcase/ice-breaker.html


 


Ice Breakers: Icicles & Snowflakes Children's Art Activity


Saturday, February 2, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

South Haven Center for the Arts

600 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI
This free drop-in children's activity is paired with the Ice Breaker weekend event and is a great way to come in out of the cold and warm you up with a cup of hot coco! This year's activity is snowflakes made from tubes and pipe cleaners and will be taught by Kristin Ayers. No registration required.

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

 

2013 Magical Ice Fest


Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 19


Join us in downtown St. Joseph February 8-10 for our 9th Annual Magical Ice Fest.

Fire & Ice Reception - Friday Night
Shadowland Ballroom kicks off the weekend with the Fire & Ice opening reception from 8 p.m.-Midnight. Come on down for live music by the Sprague Brothers, Fire Dancers and a Martini Ice Luge. Cover is just $10, ladies are free until 9 p.m. So arrive early!

Ice Competitions - All Weekend
Professional Ice Carving Competitions on Saturday from 10am - 3pm and again on Sunday from 10am- 2pm. Friday's "Street Competition" will begin at 4pm all along State St - watch the carvers magically turn frozen blocks into works of art!

New this year - ICE WARS! Watch pro carvers duel it out in 15 minute bouts of ice-carving chaos! 4pm-6pm on Saturday, February 9. This event is sponsored by the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council.

SnowBiz Scavenger Hunt - All Weekend
Hunt all of our logo sculptures in and around downtown and be entered to win a prize! Stop in the Welcome Center to get a copy of the scavenger hunt form and learn the fun details. The hunt is available Friday - Sunday of the Ice Festival.
 

Budwesier's Black Crown Block Party
Get in on the fun! Grab a friend and go on a restaurant expedition. Presented by Bud Distributing, check out featured menu offerings and drink specials all weekend at participating locations. On Friday, February 8, local radio stars Zack East and Robin VanDyke kick off the party at each of the stops from 6-9pm.

Magical Fun - Saturday
Join local magician John Dudley as he visits several downtown attractions and performs a variety of magic. He is sure to be entertaining for all ages. Locations and times coming soon.

Waikiki Weekend - Saturday and Sunday
Located at the Silver Beach Carousel and Shadowland Ballroom, be sure to stop below the bluff to learn how to hula with live hula dance demonstrations and more. For more information, visit
www.silverbeachcarousel.com.

Winery, Art and Chocolate Festival - Saturday
Join the Silver Beach Hotel for an event where art, wine, chocolate and love come together. There will be live entertainment, area artists and jewelry designers and 10 area wineries featuring wine tasting for the adults and sparkling non-alcoholic tastings for the kids. Area chocolatiers will also offer tastings to attendees. This event will go from 4PM to 9PM and reduced family room rates are available. Tickets to this event are only $10 for those 21 and up, $5 for children and non-drinkers. Visit
www.stjoesilverbeachhotel.com for more information.