What’s Going On This Week in the Near North

Want to know what’s happening in the area? We pick one event per day (except Saturday when we choose two) to feature with an emphasis on variety. If you have an event coming up send us an email at [email protected] and you may see it in this weekly offering.

Monday
It’s Oberon Day! The ‘welcome to spring’ brew served up chilled with a slice of orange begins its 2025 run and this year a new version makes its debut. Oberon Light Ale promises a somewhat less caloric (and less ABV) offering for those concerned about such things. The Blind Squirrel in Fremont will be hosting a release party from 4-6pm with Bell’s folks on hand to dish out some swag.

Tuesday
Want to learn pyrography? Not sure what it is? Well it’s not the study of pyromaniacs, a subject I found fascinating after seeing the late Donald Sutherland in the movie ‘Backdraft’. It is the art of decorating wood or other objects by applying a heated object to it. That’s right, wood burning. Croton Township Library is hosting a workshop on the art at 4:30pm. All you need to bring is your creativity and they will supply the rest along with instruction. But give them a call so they can know how many are coming.

Wednesday
Discover an American alligator, Blue-tongued Skink, Tortoise, a large snake and more with Wild World Biodiversity Center on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Community Room at Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Twp. Library in Howard City. This event is FREE and open to all ages. No registration is required. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
 Bonus event! Who out there would savor the taste of some fresh Florida strawberries?  I favor  the  Michigan variety of course  but until they arrive here’s a way to get your strawberry fix without getting the tired offerings currently on hand in the stores. There’s a truckload of the crimson cuties arriving Wednesday in White Cloud via The Fruit Truck. 8 lbs. for thirty bucks, first come first served, cash or check at the truck. White Cloud United Methodist Church 1125 E Newell St 3:30-4pm.
I’m digging out the recipe for shortbread as we speak.
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Thursday 
It’s Ladies Golf Night at The Bunker at Water’s Edge from 5:30-7:30pm. No experience necessary.Learn and play golf with Tim Hurja and Hoersten Paul. The first hour is for learning and the second hour is a scramble format play for $15. No pressure, no worries, just fun.

Friday
No, we don’t get an agent's fee when we mention Iris Herrera’s local performances but after seeing her on The Voice Tuesday here’s another chance to listen to her sparkling voice accompanied by guitarist Christian McNeese. Personally I think her music would go well with a couple of the newly arrived Oberon drafts. 8:30pm at the Riverstop Saloon in downtown Newaygo.

Saturday
And now our two for Saturday. At 10am MRWA Exec Director Paul Haan will be delivering the skinny on Dam Removal in a presentation at the Museum in Newaygo. Here’s the info:
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/rivers-reimagined
Then later on from 2-9pm head south and hit the Biertent at Cedar Springs Brewery for Starkbierfest. Great music, good food, and a fun atmosphere. It’s a bit like Octoberfest and focuses on the arrival of Bockbier. Historically, monks brewed strong beer or Bockbier which was higher in calories and a bit stronger to substitute for food during Lenten fasting and the CSB crew keeps the tradition afloat with this little celebration.



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