The Glen Lake Library in Empire is hosting the “Ode to Asparagus” poetry contest as part of the upcoming 2012 Empire Asparagus Festival, to be held the weekend before Memorial Day weekend. Poems will be judged in adult and youth categories, with prizes awarded in each group.
The Leelanau Farmers Markets will host their annual Kick-Off Meeting on Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Leelanau County Government Center. Come and meet the Board and Market Masters, discuss 2011 survey results and review the new rules and updates for the upcoming 2012 season. But mostly, join us for desserts and camaraderie.
The Empire Farmer’s Market seeks a market master — a “friendly, energetic, reliable person” to help vendors and operate the farmer’s market, which opens June 16 and runs until September 15. The market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The Spring Sip & Savor returns to the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail the weekend of May 5-6. This annual celebration features food and wine pairings at 19 wineries along with the “Sip-o de Mayo Hat Contest” — a chance to show off your best hat and win prizes including a fantastic getaway to Michigan’s Wine Coast.
The Glen Arbor Art Association is pleased to announce the 2012 roster of Artists-in-Residence. The residency program provides visiting artists with a respite from daily responsibilities, which enables them to concentrate on their work in a unique locale. Residencies are considered in writing, visual arts, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, music, philosophy and creative research.
The Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor will be hosting a book giveaway party on Sunday, April 22, from 3-5 p.m., in preparation for the upcoming World Book Night. Book lovers in the community, who were selected by the international nonprofit organization, will pick up 20 free copies of their chosen book, which they will distribute on Monday, April 23 to underserved readers in the Leelanau and Grand Traverse areas.
National Park Week will run from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29 across the country. Visitors can enjoy the beauty and wonder of 84 million acres of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic places, and cultural treasures for FREE.
The Bay Film Series will present Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, “Monsieur Lazhar”, on April 15-17. “Monsieur Lazhar” is the last of eight films in this season’s series, which runs September thru April each year at The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay. This Canadian (French language) film tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the sudden death of their well-liked teacher.
The paintings of Harvey Gordon are the focus of a solo exhibition at Traverse City’s Dennos Museum Center in April. On April 5, Gordon gives a preview of these new works — as well as a short tour of his long painting life, at the next “Talk About Art” interview, 7:30 p.m., at the Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA).
Runners and walkers will take the starting line in Glen Arbor on Saturday, June 16, for the inaugural Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5k. With something to offer both hardcore endurance junkies and recreational athletes, the 13.1-mile race and 3.1-mile run/walk is expected to draw 400 participants.