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Lots going on in our little patch of peninsular paradise this weekend
Friday Sweet Tea Trio will be bringing their captivating country sound to the Dogwood in Fremont. This is a return trip for the threesome who charmed audiences in their prior appearance and will likely bring any and all who saw them perform the first time around. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/are-you-ready-for-some-country Stage Door Players are presenting Anne of Avonlea Friday and Saturday as well as next weekend and if you’re a fan of the L.M. Montgomery series or just a fan of community theater please make plans to attend because these actors will be bringing it. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/the-plays-the-thing-the-experience-is-the-bonus The Heritage Museum will be opening their doors for an open house Saturday from 1-4pm and you know we’ll be there because there will be free cider and donuts. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/a-truly-grand-opening Know anything about spey fishing? No? Neither do we but there’s an event going on at Henning Park that will let you in on what it is and how to do it. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/september-27th-2022 Eric Lemire is one of our favorite local artists and his murals can be seen at a number of venues throughout the county. He has some of his fall canvas works on display at Flying Bear Books and Saturday the artist will be making an appearance at the downtown Newaygo bookery from 2-6pm. The artwork is a must see and a chance to chat with Eric about his work is an opportunity that should not be missed. https://www.facebook.com/events/497402765225704/?ti=ls There it is Near Northians. Plenty to do as we barrel into the month of October. And always remember… Eschew Obfuscation. N3
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 Photo by Ken Shabby Spey Fest returns to town this Saturday The Muskegon River Spey Fest is coming to Henning Park this Saturday. No, not a clinic to manage the population of our feline and canine friends. That’s spay. This is a gathering filled with information for aficionados of this adventure in angling (as well as wannabees) that began at the turn of the century and draws ‘speyniacs’ from far and wide. We contacted co-organizers Kim Benbow and Ken Shabby to gather some skinny on the event and posed a few questions. Mr. Shabby provided the answers to our queries. Tell us a little about Spey fishing. Spey casting and fishing originated on the River Spey in Scotland some 200 years ago. The technique has spread world wide and attracted many adherents. How long have you been doing it and how did you get involved? I have been involved in Spey casting since 1995, a natural progression from single-handed fly casting. What are the benefits to be had from the sport? The benefits of Spey casting include the ability to cover large swaths of water without the need of a back cast, and to fish water normal fly fishermen usually cannot access. How long has the Muskegon River event been going on? How did it start? The Muskegon River Spey Fest started in 2000. I started it because people expressed an interest in hands-on learning, as it is difficult to learn from videos and books. Why should people come to the fest? People should come to this free event in order to see a variety of demos, to try out different Spey rods and lines at no cost, and to learn from the region's best Steelhead guides and anglers. What should people know if they’re attending? There is a $7 entrance fee to the park but the event itself is free; food is available to buy; multiple vendors ( reel manufacturer, cane rod builder, fly tyers, local non-for-profit fishing and habitat organizations, Spey and singlehand casting lessons and instruction, guide services). If you want to cast, bring waders, a hat and glasses. No hooks allowed. Anything you might want to add? "Spey casting is like tai chi with a long stick" For more info visit their fb page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1455350644825415/permalink/1754753881551755   Sweet Tea Trio at Dogwood on September 30
Country group Sweet Tea Trio brings their fresh sound and beautiful harmonies to the Dogwood Main Stage on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. Sweet Tea Trio is an all-female harmony group hailing from the deep south. They’ve opened up for legendary acts of all genres including Bon Jovi and Alabama. The three are signed with Vector Management and Lost Highway Touring and are managed by singer-songwriter, rapper and producer, Kid Rock. Kate Falcon, Victoria Camp and Charity Bowden are the three ladies who make up Sweet Tea Trio. Together, their music has no limit. Each growing up with different influences, listening to bands like Journey and classic country legends like Loretta Lynn, the three keep their lyrics honest and their music full of roots and authenticity. They are currently recording a studio album, produced by Kid Rock and are continuing to write for future projects. Performing all over the country, the three have a love and passion for traveling together and meeting their fans. Kate, Victoria, and Charity take great pride in writing their own music and connecting with fans through their lyrics. Together, the three encompass what it means to be classy southern women with a love for what they do. Sweet Tea Trio is bringing a new “old school country with a rhinestone flair” to the Dogwood stage! Tickets are $17.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.  Layla Empie and Alex Johnson in full theater garb are well prepared for their upcoming roles  Erin Burns will once again be directed by Dad Ted Mitchell By Ken DeLaat There is nothing quite like Community Theater. It is a place where a diverse group of people come together to explore and express their creativity. Community theater generally involves participants of all ages and is especially important to our youth as it can teach everyone about working with one another and bettering themselves as individuals and as a whole. Even the audience can benefit from such an effort, not only in the form of a performance, but because they will get to experience a diverse group of people working together as one. It is especially important to our youth. With schools struggling to find the resources or even the time to provide much in the way of creative arts activities of this type are more vital than ever. And while the oft referenced ‘3 R’s’ (which are really one R, a W and an A…just saying) remain important the arts can open up new vistas for our young people and allow them to experience the world in new and exciting ways. Back in the day when I wore a younger man’s clothes I was coaxed by a friend to try out for our school play. I recall the hard work that went into the process but also the unique camaraderie among all who were involved from actors to stage hands. This led me to continue to pursue this interest after graduation and I was privileged to be cast in plays at GR Civic Theater over the ensuing years The friendships formed in these productions were memorable and the experience instilled a passion for the arts that remains in what is now a much older person. Stage Door Players in White Cloud is offering Anne of Avonlea over the next two weekends. Last year they performed Anne of Green Gables and both are based on the wonderful series by L.M. Montgomery. We have included info on the production below and I strongly encourage all who have an interest to attend. In addition I have been impressed by Flying Bear Books in Newaygo for their ongoing support of the arts. Last Spring we attended the Poetry Slam held at the Grant Fine Arts Center as well as the practice sessions held at the bookstore. It was impressive to say the least as young people stood in front of their peers to deliver some of the most heartfelt and personal readings. They were taking a risk, just as the people on stage take a risk every time they step up to perform whether in a major role or making a brief appearance. Last week FBB held a “Meet the Cast” event at their store to help promote the production. This is the kind of community support that lends itself to encouraging interest in the arts. Speaking with various cast members and veteran SDP Director Ted Mitchell it was easy to get a sense of the excitement and anticipation they held for the upcoming production. They mingled about the store talking to the folks that came to the doings about the play, whether they had any past theater experience or were first timers and generally putting on display that special kind of bonding characteristic of theater people. Community theater belongs to all in the community and whether helping out backstage or taking to the floorboards it is so worth the time and effort for what one receives from participation. The adults involved learn as much from their younger counterparts as the youth do from the older participants so it’s one of those rare win-win situations. But enough of the soapbox speech promoting community arts. Here’s the skinny on the play Anne Shirley is back! Following their highly successful production of Anne of Green Gables about a year ago, Stage Door Players will be offering the next chapter in the life of spunky orphan Anne Shirley. Anne of Avonlea follows Anne as she pursues her first year of teaching while also being involved in the Avonlea Village Improvement Society, cultivating a friendship with a cantankerous neighbor, and sorting her feelings for Gilbert Blythe. As with Anne of Green Gables, this is a story of finding purpose, seizing opportunity, and defining what it means to care about others. Returning as Anne is Layla Empie, whose performance endeared audiences so much last year. Jeanne Bock returns as Marilla after her celebrated interpretation of her in Green Gables. Matthew Brooks returns also, this time playing Mr. J.A. Harrison, the eccentric neighbor. Alivia Wachter assumes the role of Diana, Anne’s dearest friend. Christian Burns charms as Gilbert, who has long pined for Anne. Rachel is played by Erin Moull, who was Lucy in Green Gables. Rounding out the cast are Bev Guikema as Emily, Saria Brooks as Gertie, Erin Burns as Julia, Ava Vincent as Paula, Delilah Moull as Jane, Alex Johnson as Sarah, Laurie Deaters as Fred, and Noah Empie as Tommy. As with Anne of Green Gables, Ted Mitchell is directing the ensemble. His assistant director is Patty Miesen. The show opens on September 30 and also runs on October 1, 7, and 8 All performances are at the Stage Door Theater in White Cloud at 7:00 p.m.  The Cast of Anne of Avonlea  This year marks a special time for the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts! It has been 20 years since the opening of the $7 million dollar facility in July 2002 which was a fulfillment of a dream that began with Dan and Dorothy Gerber. The community's support has been tremendous over the years, and a special "Thank You" to the community event that celebrates the first 20 years for the Dogwood Center will be held on Sunday, September 25 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and we invite you to join us! From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., there will be fun activities for the young ones and families on the main stage. From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. will be social time with cash bar, artist meet and greet with Jane and Brian Stroschin, a presentation of the 2022 Volunteer Award and a look back…and forward for the Dogwood Center. Light appetizers will be served. The Dogwood Center is proud that it has established itself as an organization dedicated to its mission and serving the people of Newaygo County for the past 20 years, and we are excited to be planning and working “to set the stage” for the next 20 years! The "Thank You" to the community event is free, and RSVP's are welcome by calling 231.924.8885.  Scythian played to a packed house Friday night on the County Cork Stage at the Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon.
Festival continues all day Saturday and Sunday. 6 Stages, libations, food and fun. And Scythian will be back Saturday.  Aeriel Stroven took the top prize in 2020 with "Autumn Umbra" Have some fun this fall and shoot away….with your camera or phone! Newaygo County is prime country for that perfect fall photo. Take your best shots and enter the NCCA-Artsplace Fall Photography Contest. The contest is an annual community event that anyone can enter and showcases the fall beauty of our area. Entry deadline is Tuesday, October 11, by 5:00 p.m. This free competition is for all ages and all levels of skill. All entries must have a fall or harvest theme. Participants may submit up to two entries. Each entry must be an 8”x10” unframed photograph. All entries will be on display October 13 through November 5 in the corridor gallery at NCCA-Artsplace. First, second and third place awards will be announced at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13 and posted at www.ncca-artsplace.org and @NCCA-Artsplace on Facebook. Registration forms for the competition are available at NCCA-Artsplace, 13 East Main Street, downtown Fremont or call 231.924.4022. The guidelines and forms may also be printed from www.ncca-artsplace.org.  Pianist Matthew Ball at the Dogwood Center on September 16
Join pianist Matthew Ball aka "The Boogie Woogie Kid" for New Orleans Song, Boogie-Woogie Piano, Swing Dance Era favorites and more at the Dogwood Center on Friday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m.! Matthew is the piano man of nearly 5 million YouTube views who performs classics like Ain’t Misbehavin, In The Mood, It Had to be You, On The Sunny Side of the Street, When the Saints Go Marchin’ In, Basin Street Blues, Bumble Boogie, Glory of Love, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out, and more. A world-class talent, Matthew has performed overseas in Canada and Germany, and across 15 states. He is described as “Michigan’s leading boogie-woogie pianist!” by The Farmington Patch, "A boogie-woogie master!" by The Romeo Observer, and “the fastest fingers in the Mid-west!” by Press and Guide. Matthew's music is an engaging event of toe-tapping piano athleticism and song that captures the spirit, fun, and tradition of a celebrated American music heritage. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of blues and boogie-woogie piano playing and has taught, performed, been interviewed, and has sold his teaching materials around the nation and globe. Tickets are $12.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or make it easy and click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and two hours before each event. For information, phone 231.924.8885.    "it's a Kilt! If I wore something under it, THEN it would be a skirt" Irish Fest Returns This Weekend After 2 Year Sabbatical What: Michigan Irish Music Festival When: Thursday Sept. 15- Sunday September 18 Where: Heritage Landing, Muskegon Why: It's great fun By Ken DeLaat Photos by Lil DeLaat It has been too long. Way, way too long Lifetime Spousal Companion (LSC) Lil and I have long been huge fans of the Michigan Irish Music Festival and for good reason. Of all the events of this kind the MIMF has always distinguished themselves as a model of festival organization. It is spread out adequately enough to absorb large crowds, boasts a large number of venues for music, dance, and other eclectic entertainment, and provides fabulous food and drink. And after 2 years of pandemic produced postponements it has returned. And, of course, so will we. MIMF is a four day feast of Hibernian hilarity that should not be missed whether your roots have a Celtic tinge to them or you just enjoy a seriously good time. What’s that? You have someone who is hesitant to give up a Saturday or Sunday football game? Never fear. With the big screen TV’s under the tent known as The Pub you can catch any number of games, but most assuredly one of them will feature the Fighting Irish. The Irish Market is always a big hit and you will undoubtedly find me at the Village Baker booth purchasing one (ok, maybe 3) of their delectable scones. In most years I buy one of those Irish Tweed caps because between festivals they tend to wander off. This year however I will be wearing the one I purchased the last time the event was held setting a personal record for hat longevity. The music is absolutely sublime ranging from traditional sounds to the kind of Celtic Rock sound that will blow the audience away with the energy and musicianship of the bands. Anyone who has ever attended this extravaganza of cultural immersion probably have already got their tickets and are just waiting for them to toss open the gates. However if you are a novice attendee you will more than likely
Here’s the website for more of the skinny on MIMF https://michiganirish.org/ And if you happen to be passing by the Whiskey Snug and see a tall, older, guy wearing a 3 year old Irish Tweed cap who might be enjoying a sip or two of some nicely aged Jameson’s with his much better looking LSC? Give us a wave.    Photo courtesy of FACC FACC Announces plans for 2022 Fremont Harvest Festival Photo courtesy of FACC The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is announcing plans for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming heritage of the Fremont Community and embraces the fall abundance. The Harvest Time Parade kicks off the festival on Thursday, September 22 at 6pm, sponsored by Gerber Federal Credit Union. Harvest Festival Committee invites everyone to watch the parade which begins at Hillcrest then down Main Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park. Main Street is filled with spectators, thrilled to see over 120 parade entries including the antique tractors, floats, and other impressive farm equipment. The parade is a celebration of the harvest time with many area farmers participating in the line-up and then leaving to continue harvesting their crops. This year’s parade theme is “The Good Ole Days.” Reminder: Hillcrest Avenue will be closed to through traffic from 4pm -6pm, No Parking on Main Street after 3pm for the safety of those watching the parade. The Pedal Pulls are Back!!! Join the fun after the parade in Veterans Memorial Park. Harvest Festival Photo Opportunity with the Big News Yard Cards at Veterans Memorial Park, Thursday, September 22 through Saturday September 24. Harvest Merchant Open House on Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23; visit our local stores and restaurants in Fremont while enjoying the hay art and harvest season. Fremont Public Library will be participating with treats for the public and if you sign up for your first Fremont Public Library card at any time during the month of September you receive a gift and are entered into a gift card drawing. We Love Nutrition has “Back to School” features, ask about their Hall Pass good through 9/26/2022. Stop in during the Parade. Harvest Food Truck Rally - Thursday 4pm – 8pm, Friday 4pm – 8pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm. There will be a food truck rally at Veterans Memorial Park featuring several food trucks – including Chick-Fil-A, Lumberjills, Hola Erapa, Two Hot Tamales, Couyon’s Cajun Café, Dodgers Doggies, Grand Traverse Pie Company and some of our own local eateries. Something for everyone’s taste buds. On Friday, September 23 enjoy food and listen to the Kruel Flamingos Band cover rock band from Newaygo at the Stage in Veterans Memorial Park from 5pm – 8pm. Gather your family and friends to participate in a new contest; Decorate a Harvest Table. The contestants will be provided with one table, to decorate with a theme of their choice – Harvest, Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving. You decorate your table as you wish, (table cover, place settings, napkins, centerpieces, chair covers, etc.) from elegant to casual to just fun, tables can be decorated any way you wish to reflect your tables personal style and tastes. We want to celebrate your creativity in decorating. Tables will be on display at Veterans Memorial Park. Please do not have anything of value in the display, as there will not be security overnight in the park. Tables will be decorated on Thursday afternoon. Tables will be judged by best use of home decorations, most creative, best presentation of Theme. You can enjoy farm fresh fruits and vegetables from the Fremont Farmers Market! The market will run from 8am – 1pm on Saturday, September 24 (the last day for the 2022 season is Saturday, October 1) under the Marketplace Pavilion. You will also find fresh baked goods, honey, eggs, handmade crafts, soaps and scrubs and plants! The 16th Annual Fall Harvest Hike and 5K run will take place on Saturday morning! Applications are now available at the City of Fremont offices or the chamber office. Free t-shirts are provided by the City of Fremont, Koffee Kuppe, The Fremont Recreation Center, The Original Print Shop and Tamarac for the first 150 registrants. Registrations begins Saturday morning at 8 am with the run/walk starting at 8:40am.  Photo courtesy of FACC Kids Hay Day in the park! Saturday, September 24th 11am – 3pm will feature fun activities for all ages at Veterans Memorial Park! There will be kids’ games, Michigana, the Inflatable Rainbow Trout Classroom, which instructs young people in the Value of Sparkling, Clean Fresh Water for Everyone! The Masterful fabric classroom inflates to 40’ long and holds an entire class of students and their teachers. Captain Mark Jeffers journeys with the students as they travel the migration routes of the spawning Rainbow Trout and learn the secret of Fresh Clean water. The Newaygo Ghostbusters will be part of Kids Hay Day in the Park. The Newaygo Ghostbusters is a Ghostbusters-themed cosplay group located in West Michigan. They will participate in the parade and have activities for the young at heart, helping charitable causes. They were founded in 2017. Be sure to get your pictures taken with the Newaygo Ghostbusters. Local Hero Inflatable Games will have inflatable ax throwing and a bounce house for the kids to enjoy at a minimal cost at Kids Hay Day in the Park. The Harvest Festival Flea Market will take place at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, September 24th from 9am – 4pm. There are 17 vendors with crafts including paintings, handmade jewelry, handmade hats and scarves, soaps, body butters, fire pokers, wood flower arrangements, pumpkins, gourds, baked goods and seasonal home décor. Space is still available. Contact the Chamber for an application. Get your creative juices flowing for this year’s new event: Chalk the Walk—Free for all at Fremont Recreation Center, 201 E Maple St, Fremont from 11am- 3pm on Saturday, September 24. Calling all artists! Participants must bring their own chalk. There will be chalk on hand if you need extra chalk. Competition begins at 12pm and judging takes place at 3pm. There are four categories for entries: most artistic, most clever, best use of color and an overall winner. One winner in each category will receive a $50 pre-paid Visa card. All entries are evaluated on overall quality and design, as well as reflecting the theme “Fall in Fremont.” Register by Saturday, September 17 to compete. For more information contact the Fremont Rec Center www.fremontcra.org or 231 924-3750. Apples and Astronomy – Saturday, September 24 starting at 8:30pm, at the Stephen F Wessling Observatory, 6 miles north of Fremont on the Corner of Baseline and Stone Road. Enjoy locally grown apples while observing and studying the amazing universe in which we live. Harvest Festival Pickleball Instruction & Play: Do you want to learn about the most popular sport in the US? Stop by … learn more from Pickleball Instructors. Paddles and Balls are provided. Meet at the Paddleball Court, Maple St. Saturday, September 24 from 11am - 4pm. The Fremont Harvest Festival Committee is looking for volunteers to join us in the planning of this community event. Contact the Fremont Area Chamber office for details, (231) 924-0770 or email [email protected].  Photo courtesy of FACC |
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