Mark your calendars. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is thrilled to announce the return of the popular Star Party and Solar Viewing events. Join park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society at the Dune Climb parking lot Saturday, July 13, from 9-11 pm. Rangers will provide information on preserving dark skies, and GTAS will have telescopes set up for visitors to enjoy.
Connor Ciolek considers it an honor to wear Cherry Republic’s “Boomer” bear costume in the Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade, which gathers in Glen Haven in the morning and departs for downtown around noon. The company’s mascot has been a mainstay in his life; he has a vivid memory of Boomer showing up at his older brother Jackson’s fifth birthday. This is the second year in a row Connor has volunteered to dress as Boomer for the parade. The job has its trials, though. “It’s very hot. The black costume soaks up all the sun,” said Connor, who has worked at Cherry Republic for eight years. “I wear an ice pack vest on my chest, especially when the parade (temperature) is in the mid-80s like it was last year.”
Join community members of all ages in celebrating the founding of our nation in a joyous and patriotic ceremony. The traditional raising of the flag will be followed by a singalong of well-loved and familiar patriotic songs. Eric Carlson, the featured speaker, is best known in Leelanau County for his 25-year career as a reporter and columnist for the Leelanau Enterprise. He will share his views on the importance of a free press to our nation, especially in times of war and domestic conflict.
Watching the Fourth of July parade with her husband, Greg, in front of their home on South Main Street in Leland carries extra special sentiment for Mary Kuntz. Not only is it her favorite part of the celebrations, but it reminds her of how she won the jackpot living in Leland. “It was always my dream to live here,” she shared, but Greg wasn’t initially that fond of Leland. His vacations here were always a steady stream of rain, with the exception of his first visit, when the couple stayed in a rental on Main Street and loved every bit of it. Besides the parade, they sometimes also watch Leland’s fireworks from the end of Pine Street near Main, a grand display that takes place at dusk on July 3 from Hancock Field. With fellow Leland resident Cheryl VanZee (Shorty) as a catalyst and Mary with quick resources, the two set about to save Leland’s fireworks this year.
The Glen Lake Community Library in Empire will host author David Roll in conversation with Mel Laracey on Tuesday, July 2, at 7 pm. Roll, the author of Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt’s Shadow and Remade the World, will be in town to discuss his new book with Laracey, PhD., professor of history at University of Texas, San Antonio, and a summer resident in Empire.
Come celebrate Michigan’s Log Cabin Day with National Park partner Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear on Sunday, June 30, from 11 am to 4 pm. The event this year will take place exclusively at the Boekeloo Cabin located in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Benzie County. Descendant Stuart Boekeloo will provide the interpretive history of the unique cabin situated on a cranberry bog at the end of a quiet two-track. The late 1800s log cabin location also has a walking path to Lake Michigan. Bill Herd, Preserve board member and retired interpretive ranger for Sleeping Bear Dunes, will also be on-site to highlight Preserve’s extensive preservation work on the cabin.
Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak, the beloved shop in Empire, will celebrate its 20th birthday this weekend, June 28-30, with “Beryl Days”—an homage to co-founder Beryl Skrocki, who passed away in October 2022 at age 61. The business is run by her husband Frank and their children, Ella, Reiss and Annabel. Click here for the full Beryl Days lineup. And read family friend Jim Lively’s reflections on Beryl, which the Sun published in 2022.
Pathways to Sleeping Bear will host several events this summer, including happy hours and open houses, to share information about the Pathway to Good Harbor—the northernmost segment of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Community members, visitors, trail users, and anyone interested in learning more about the trail are invited to attend these events. Open houses will meet at the intersection of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Glen Haven Rd. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, from 10 am-noon.
Lake Street Studios/Center Gallery in Glen Arbor dedicates itself to promoting and celebrating the arts with its annual summer exhibitions—titled “Center Gallery Art Shows”—serving as the centerpiece of its mission. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the weekly series of art openings that showcase local artists and include contributions from other prominent Michigan creative practitioners. They run every Friday evening from 6-8 pm. A total of nine artists will display their work this summer, June 28 through Aug. 31. To commence the 2024 summer season, Glen Arbor-based artist, Shirley Hoagland, will exhibit her pastel work. Hoagland has deep ties with Glen Arbor’s art community. She has been an instrumental part of the GAAC, serving as its vice-president in 2003 and then president from 2004-06.
Genuine Leelanau Community Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser on Thursday, June 27, from 6-8 pm at V Gallery in Omena (formerly Tamarack Gallery). The event will feature appetizers, dessert, wine and beer, and live music. Funds this year support Leelanau Investing for Teens (LIFT) Tickets are available on MyNorthTickets. Genuine Leelanau, a 501(c)3 non-profit, raises money to award grants for programs that benefit women, children, families, and the arts in Leelanau County.