Step back in time with a visit to an historic Great Lakes village and United States Life-Saving Station during Glen Haven Days at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Park Rangers and volunteers in hands-on activities related to Michigan’s maritime heritage that will bring history of the early 1900s to life.
It’s spring — at least according to the calendar book, and to the tourism arrival schedule (Memorial Day weekend is just a week away!). And yet, Leelanau County today knows only rain and a chilly 40 degrees (and tomorrow could yield snow!). Nevertheless, Empire’s 11th annual Asparagus Festival commences tomorrow, May 16, with a dance and pig roast from 7-10 p.m. Eat fresh pork supplied by Art’s Tavern and wash it down with asparagus beer from Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City. Then stomp your feet to music from the Benzie Playboys.
The Empire Chiropractic Health Center invites the public to a community open house on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — the weekend of the Empire Asparagus Festival — in their space in the same building as State Savings Bank. Dr. Jason Van Skyhock is excited to introduce new team member Lance Mazurek, a certified massage therapist specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, sports and orthopedic-rehabilitative. Mazurka was recently voted third place in MyNorth.com’s Red Hot Best of Northern Michigan.
The public is invited to a special ceremony dedicating the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness on Friday, May 30, at noon at the #3 Dune Overlook on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This newest of the nation’s Wilderness areas was the accomplishment of many individuals and organizations working together to preserve this special place for all to enjoy. Come celebrate this accomplishment with a special program featuring local residents, National Park Service officials and members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation.
Concerned area fathers are being asked to meet at the Traverse City Open Space on Thursday evening, May 15 at 6 p.m., to demonstrate a showing of DADS who care greatly about the plight of those fathers and their families who have faced the tragedy of losing their daughters in Nigeria’s horrific kidnapping. The group “Stand with Nigeria’s Dads” hopes to gather 276 Dads — the same number as the girls abducted by Boko Haram — to show their support in a group photo.
As darkness falls on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the glorious night sky becomes visible. You can enjoy special night sky experiences at the National Lakeshore this year through a series of monthly astronomy programs from now through October. Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) for guided explorations of the night sky and even a few daytime events as well. The next Star Party is Friday, May 9, 9-11 p.m., at Platte River Point.
The Bee-nefit is an event to promote awareness of bees, their importance in the world, and the threats they face with Colony Collapse Disorder. It is a part of the Senior Glen Lake School Envirothon team’s community outreach project and Molly Flerlage’s senior project.
The Glen Lake Community Library will host local writer Mardi Link, author of Bootstrapper: from broke to badass on a northern Michigan farm on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Link’s memoir details the challenges of raising three sons as a newly single mother, while also managing the immense workload of her centennial farm home. Whether battling the elements, wrangling chickens and hogs, or chopping wood, all while coping with a looming divorce, her humor and optimism shine through. Bootstrapper has received rave reviews, and was selected as a 2014 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan.
The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce is organizing its first annual Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 2-10. Click on the Chamber’s event page for more information, and “like” it on Facebook too. Participating establishments will offer their own three-course prix-fixe menus for $25. Some may offer $15 lunch specials as well. Simply show up to each restaurant on the list to experience a unique and mouthwatering time. Restaurant week is a great opportunity to discover new cuisine at a great price, and dine at your usuals too.
The Leelanau Conservancy hosts a free speaker series event at the Suttons Bay School Auditorium on Saturday, May 3 from 3-5 p.m. titled “The Future of Our Forested Landscape” — part three of the Conservancy’s Leelanau: Looking Ahead Speaker Series.