Special Events
June 2009
July 2009
August 2009
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
JUNE 2009
Taste of Charlevoix
At the 6th Annual Taste of Charlevoix, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., June 20, East Park, Charlevoix, (231) 547-2101
Residents and visitors are invited to sample delectable edibles from Charlevoix restaurants and food and beverage vendors. A new event, Run Charlevoix, will coincide with the Taste. Run Charlevoix, presented by TIMEX offers marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K events. The course will start at the Charlevoix drawbridge, wind through neighborhoods and along the Lake Michigan shoreline, ending at the bridge in downtown Charlevoix. For more information or to register for Run Charlevoix, contact the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce at (231) 547-2101.
Charlevoix Public Library 100th Anniversary
June 21, Angela Maycock, Assistant Director for the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, will be speaking about the history of libraries and how they have become staunch supporters of the 1st Amendment. Ms. Maycock will be touching on intellectual freedom and freedom to read issues. A reception in honor of the library’s 100th Anniversary will follow. Other events will be happening during the celebration such as a special exhibit in the library of photos from the Charlevoix Historical Society of the library 1909. The artist who painted the mural will be here to sign it. A DVD program on the history of the library will be shown, date TBA. The Friends of the Library is sponsoring the celebration with a generous donation to cover costs.
Jordan Valley Freedom Festival
June 18-21, (231) 536-7351
East Jordan has three days of fun-filled festivities at its annual Freedom Festival from June 18-21.
Festival-goers can participate in activities including a horse pull, carnival, parades, a craft show, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
For more information, call (231) 536-0309 or visit www.jvff.com.
Farmer’s Markets
The bounty of northern Michigan’s harvest season is shared weekly starting in June at farmer’s markets in Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan.
The Boyne City Farmer’s Market takes place from 8 a.m. - noon every Wednesday and Saturday from June through October. For more information, call (231) 582-9009.
The Charlevoix Downtown Farmer’s Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in East Park starting June 18 in downtown Charlevoix and runs through Sept. 27. For more information, call (231)547-2101.
The East Jordan Garden Club Farmer’s Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays starting May 7 in East Jordan’s Sportsman’s Park and runs through Oct. 25. For more information, call (231) 536-2526.
JULY 2009
Music In the Parks
The Charlevoix Summer Concert Series features various acts who will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday nights, June 28 through Aug. 30 in East Park. The Charlevoix City Band performs at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, June 26 through Aug. 14.
Friday Night Concert Series, Memorial Park 7 p.m. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. The Jordan Valley Community Band performs at 6 p.m. Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, in the East Jordan Memorial Park Bandshell. For more information, call (231) 536-7351.
Boyne Thunder
Boyne City Main Street is hosting the 6th annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run, July 10-11. High-performance offshore boats from across the Midwest will again invade Lake Charlevoix.
Weekend festivities surround the 120-mile offshore poker run to take place July 10. BoyneThunder begins in Boyne City and continues on to Charlevoix, Beaver Island, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor. The boats will roar back to Boyne City Marina for the event’s culmination which includes a Thunder Feast by the lake.
Boyne Thunder kick’s off with a gathering of offshore teams and the public at the Boyne City Marina for a bash featuring food, an auction and live entertainment.
Other related events include a classic wooden boat show in Boyne City’s Veteran’s Memorial Park, a Lake Charlevoix cruise and a city-wide walking “Pub Crawl.”
For more information, call (231) 582-9009. www.boynethunder.com/PDF/Participants_Pkg-2009.pdf
Fourth of July Festivities
Communities across Charlevoix County will show off their patriotic spirit with community gatherings, fireworks displays and parades on July 4.
In Boyne City, holiday festive fun kicks off July 3 with a Fourth of July Arts and Crafts Show, in Veteran’s Park. For more information call (231) 582-6222.
Parades will march through Boyne City, Charlevoix, Beaver Island and Horton Bay during the late morning on July 4. For more information about the Boyne City parade 10 a.m. Water and Lake Streets, Fireworks at 10:30 p.m. in Veterans Park, the 20th Annual Duck Race is at 2:30 p.m. Old City Park, call (231) 582-6222. For the Charlevoix parade 10 a.m. call 547-2101. For the Beaver Island parade and jet fly-over call (231) 448-2505. And for the popular, whacky Horton Bay Parade, 1 p.m. call (231) 582-6222.
That afternoon Boyne City will also host running and duck races. For information about the races, call (231) 582-9198.
That evening, those visiting Boyne City and Beaver Island can top off the celebration while enjoying bright bursts of color as both communities offer fireworks programs. For information about the Beaver Island July 4 celebration, call (231) 448-2505. For information about Boyne City’s fireworks spectacular in Veteran’s Park, call (231) 582-9076.
Charlevoix Venetian Festival
The summer’s big event for the Charlevoix area is the 79th Annual Charlevoix Venetian Festival, which takes place July 19-25 in and around the downtown area of the City of Charlevoix.
The week will include nightly music entertainment in Bridge and East parks, art and craft vendors, sporting events, several nights of carnival fun, many different vendors, a special Kid’s Day with activities for children, a renowned street parade, two fantastic fireworks shows and the famous Venetian Boat Parade in Round Lake.
For more information, call (231) 547-9950 or visit the festival’s Web site at www.venetianfestival.com.
AUGUST 2009
Art fairs
In August there are two very popular art fairs in Charlevoix County: The Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair and the Portside Arts Fair in East Jordan.
The 47th Annual Portside Arts Fair will take place Aug. 1-2 at Elm Pointe Estate located at 1656 M-66 in East Jordan. Call (231) 536-2250 for more information.
The 51st Annual Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair will be Aug. 8 in East Park in downtown Charlevoix. Call (231) 547-2675 for more information.
Beaver Island Homecoming
Homecoming on the island packs the tiny paradise to the gills with people. Historically it was a time when native islanders came home. It has since evolved into a time when former residents and visitors come together to celebrate. The weekend includes several events, like a softball tournament and a dinner at the Catholic Church. The homecoming is from Aug. 7 - 8.
For more information about the tournament call (231) 448-2733. For information about the dinner and other events call (231) 448-2505.
Boyne Falls Polish Festival
The Boyne Falls Polish Festival offers entertainment through a variety of activities and will occur Aug. 7
Festival visitors can sample a variety of food, hear various forms of music each night and can view what different vendors have to offer. There will also be a carnival and other activities.
For more information, call (231) 549-3436 or visit www.boynefallspolishfestival.com.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Beaver Island Celtic Games
In September, kilted strongmen from across Michigan will converge on Beaver Island for the Annual Beaver Island Celtic Games. The games will be staged at Bud McDonough Ball Diamond near the Whiskey Point lighthouse. These powerful men will be competing on the island in seven traditional Irish and Scottish strength events designed to test their skills. In addition to trying to throw large, heavy objects farther than each other, they will entertain the crowd with their on-the-field antics, and provide valuable history lessons in Celtic culture.
For more information call (231) 448-2505.
Run Beaver Island Marathon & Half Marathon
The Run Beaver Island Marathon and Half Marathon events start and end on the beach in the beautiful downtown area of Beaver Island. Beaver Island is 32 miles north of Charlevoix in Lake Michigan!
Both courses are an out and back and will take you through the fantastic "downtown" area of Beaver Island with Lake Michigan directly at your side. You will loop the lighthouse and head out of town running on a paved bike path then onto clay, dirt and gravel road that leads along Lake Michigan, a scenic forest and a sand dune. The course is primarily flat with some inclines, fast, and shaded most of the way. You can expect a very scenic race with some of the most breathtaking views available on any course. The Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department, the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce and local Beaver Island merchants are very helpful, supportive and want you to experience a safe and enjoyable race.
The finish line is on Main Street on Beaver Island. After you complete your race, take a quick dip in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan. As you emerge from your swim you will be greeted by an official from Beaver Island offering you a cold beer (or two) compliments of the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce. You will have the choice of water, Gatorade and soda also.
Visit http://beaverisland.org/events/beaver-island-marathon.html for more information.
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OCTOBER 2009
Charlevoix’s Apple Festival
The 31st Annual Charlevoix Apple Festival is a weekend event scheduled to take place Oct. 9 -11 in the city’s East Park. The site shoulders Round Lake, a spectacular natural harbor.
The festival features northern Michigan’s freshest fall harvest food items including 30 varieties of apples, apple cider and other treats like pies, jams and fresh doughnuts. Also on-site will be a petting farm, pony rides and crafters.
For more information, call (231) 547-2101.
Fall Harvest and Heritage Festival
Boyne City’s Fall Harvest Festival is scheduled to take place Oct. 3-4 in Veteran’s Park in downtown Boyne City.
The event will include things such as traditional farm market sales, pumpkin painting, a city-wide scarecrow contest, vendors and crafts.
For more information call (231) 582-6222 or visit www.boynechamber.com.
Bite of Beaver Island
This October Beaver Island event brings out the best professional and amateur chefs the island has to offer. Tasters will get a wide variety of treats to soothe their appetites. Tasters will also have the chance to work off those guilty calories in the annual Island Boodle 5K Run, also on Oct. 3.
For more information, call (231) 448-2505.
NOVEMBER 2009
Santa Parade and Open House
The Santa Parade and Open House on Nov. 27 in Boyne City, has been described as the traditional Macy’s Day parade on a Norman Rockwell scale.
The parade includes multiple floats and a special guest, Santa Claus, who makes his grand entrance by bizarre modes of transportation. In the past, these have included yachts and motorcycles. Some downtown merchants will serve refreshments and Christmas merchandise discounts will be offered.
For more information call (231) 582-6222.
Charlevoix Community Tree Lighting
The Charlevoix Community Tree Lighting will be Nov. 27 in Charlevoix’s East Park. Members of the community and area visitors gather around the city’s huge Christmas tree to sing carols, sip hot chocolate and visit Santa Claus.
Beginning at 4 p.m. excited children scamper to and from the tree’s strong limbs to hang their handmade ornaments. The city’s bucket truck is on-site to make sure the ornaments run from the top to the bottom of the tree.
Santa will also be at 222 Bridge St., the North Pole, where complimentary photos will be taken and ornament making materials are available.
For more information about the tree lighting call 547-2101.
Holly Daze
This festive holiday fund-raiser to benefit the Charlevoix Area Hospital will take place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Castle Farms. Proceeds from dinner ticket sales and the live and silent auction will assist in funding the installation of the hospital’s new digital mammography machine.
The live and silent auctions include many items donated by area businesses and community members that make wonderful holiday gifts.
For more information, call (231) 547-8502.
DECEMBER 2009
East Jordan Community Night
Community Night on Dec. 3, in East Jordan combines in-store sales at shops open until 9 p.m. and dining specials at area restaurants, with a holiday celebration. To help shoppers get in the spirit, the city offers a tree lighting, street caroling and a trolley tour of the best lit homes and businesses in East Jordan. For a cultural Christmas kick, stop into the Jordan River Arts Council for a look at its Christmas exhibit and participate in craft making activities.
There will also be the Soup Cook-Off at the East Jordan Senior Center where East Jordan Chamber of Commerce business members will compete to win the people’s choice for best soup. The event costs $2 per person for a vote and all the proceeds go toward the Care and Share Food Pantry.
Santa Claus will make his way through town during a parade and will meet with children to talk and take pictures at the East Jordan Civic Center.
For more information call (231) 536-7351.
JANUARY 2010
Sno-Blast Winter Festival - East Jordan
During the weekend event, to take place Jan. 15 - 17, adults and kids flock to this winter wonderland to participate in everything from snow sculpting and snowmobile competitions, to snow bowling and cardboard box races.
For those without the popular motorized sleds there is plenty to do, including: a snowshoeing excursion, a moonlight hike, a guided winter rafting tour down the Jordan River and an ice fishing competition.
Call (231) 536-7351 for more information.
Snowmobile Ride-in - Charlevoix
On Jan. 10 hundreds of snowmobilers from across the country will ride their sleds to Charlevoix’s Ferry Beach where they’ll congregate for the Snowmobile Ride-in. The exact date depends on the weather.
After the cruise into town, riders visit with fellow riders and shop at local businesses, including restaurants and lodging facilities, to take advantage of special promotions. The afternoon event, sponsored by the Charlevoix Snowmobile Club, includes prizes and raffles.
For more information visit the club’s Web site at www.chxsnowmobile.com or call (231) 547-1901.
FEBRUARY 2010
Boyne City’s Winter Festival
The Boyne City’s Winter Festival is scheduled to take place Feb. 13. It features a snowshoe races and a guided hike, all at the city’s winter sports park, Avalanche Mountain.
But don’t wear yourself out at Avalanche, there’s a ton to do downtown, from ice carving and turkey bowling on the 100 block of Water Street and human sled dog races. There is also a hamburger and doughnut eating contestant and a “Chili Cook-off” by local restaurants.
For more information and the date, call (231) 582-6222.
Charlevoix’s Firefighter’s Ball
The 10th Annual Fireman’s Ball, sponsored by the Charlevoix Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, will take place at a date in February to be announced. The elegant evening honoring Charlevoix firefighters will include hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, a silent auction and musical entertainment. Proceeds from the event are directed to purchasing equipment for the department. For more information call (231) 547-2821, or stop by the Charlevoix City Fire Hall located at 210 State St. in Charlevoix.
MARCH 2010
Fiddler’s Jamboree
This musical event will take place in March at the Harvest Barn Church in East Jordan. People from all necks of the woods gather to listen to fiddlers and join in on the fun. Admission if free. For more information call (231) 547-9066.
Beaver Island St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Beaver Island, is a spectacular display of all that is Irish and many things that aren’t.
The whacky celebration that takes place in mid-March in downtown St. James includes several sporting events like a fish toss, tug of war and shopping cart races. Those not interested in physical exertion can enter the limerick contest or run for king and queen of the “Great Day.” The island is populated in large part by people of Irish descent and is commonly referred to as “America’s Emerald Isle.”
For more information about this event call, (231) 448-2505.
APRIL 2010
MAY 2010
Mushroom Festival
The annual Boyne City Mushroom Festival celebrates the moral mushroom in May with most activities centered in Veteran’s Park. It features a carnival, arts and crafts, a mushroom hunt, plenty of mushroom dishes by local chefs, wine tasting and children’s activities.
For more information and the date, call (231) 582-6222.
Operation Petunia 2010
Charlevoix residents will come together to plant petunias along five miles of Bridge Street in the City of Charlevoix on May 21.
This community event brings out the best in everyone as the community works to make Charlevoix even more beautiful with these colorful flowers.
Operation Petunia is hosted by the group Keep Charlevoix Beautiful. For more information, contact the organization at (231) 547-2561.
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