Leelanau pays it forward in Kenya’s Maasai Mara

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A group of Leelanau County locals traveled to Kenya in November to visit some of the world’s most famous wildlife parks. They explored the Maasai Mara with its prides of lions and other rare cats, and Amboseli National Park, notable for the world’s longest study of elephants and its large population of massive tuskers. That traveler group will hold a fundraiser for the rural Maasai school and other needs of children in the village from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, in the community room of Keswick United Methodist Church in Suttons Bay. Come to enjoy a (by donation) meal of African soups and chai, live music, the chance to learn more about the region and to purchase or bid on beaded crafts made by village women.

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Sold out holiday concert returns to Suttons Bay Theatre

On Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7 pm, Miriam Pico and David Chown will return to The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay after last year’s sold out event for an evening of joy, reflection, and wonderful memories as they entertain the audience in their unique style, with original arrangements of Holiday favorites. They’ll be accompanied by a full ensemble of fellow instrumentalists and singers, making this a night to remember.

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate hosts education fundraiser to benefit Guatemala, Kenya

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2-5 pm, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire will host a festive holiday gathering at the beloved village chocolate shop. A significant portion of proceeds from the event will support Vida, a school in Guatemala for children and youth, many with disabilities. Handmade ornament bird sales will also benefit the school. Appetizers will be served, as well as wine and sweets at the chocolate shop; next door at the gelateria, pop-up sales of beautiful handmade earrings from Kenya will support education there.

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Cherry Republic hosts Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser

Cherry Republic will host a Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1-4 pm at the Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor. The Beach Bards will entertain with a fun afternoon of original (or new takes) on old songs, stories, and poems highlighting the history of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area.

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Lake Leelanau Community Association holds 11th annual Lake Leelanau Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

The Lake Leelanau Community Association (LLCA) announced the 11th annual Lake Leelanau Holiday Arts and Crafts Show to be held at St. Mary’s School in Lake Leelanau on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 am to 3 pm. St. Mary’s school is located at 303 St. Mary Street, just off M204 (Duck Lake Road) in the heart of Lake Leelanau with plenty of parking adjacent to the building.

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Local songwriter retells “A Christmas Carol” with fresh folk music

Traverse City songwriter Steve Clark and a lively band of acoustic musicians are bringing an original version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to Leelanau and Benzie counties this holiday season. Concerts are scheduled for the Old Art Building in Leland, the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, and the Willowbrook Mill in Northport.

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Suttons Bay High School hosts Anishinaabe History Project

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Join the Leelanau Historical Society and the Omena Historical Society on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Suttons Bay High School Auditorium for “A Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History Project Summary: talking about the past for the present (and the future).” This free event is open to the public. The Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History Project was started in 2021 by Emily Modrall in an effort to bring greater visibility and awareness to the very long history of this region as an Anishinaabe homeland. Her presentation this evening summarizes this project and its outcomes as the project enters its final months.

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Empire hosts Artisan Marketplace

On Saturday, Nov. 25, Empire is making spirits bright this season by offering three locations to find handcrafted gifts from local artisans. The Empire Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Artisan Marketplace featuring 20 artisans at the Empire Town Hall from 10 am-4 pm. In addition to the beautiful items available, customers will also be able to have a delicious snack or lunch prepared by local chefs, Mel and Fel.

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Northport Arts Association hosts Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale

The Northport Arts Association along with Willowbrook Mill will host their seventh annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Nov. 25 from 10 am-4 pm. The Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale started in 2017 in the Village Arts Building. In 2019, Mimi Heberlein offered space for artists at the Willowbrook Mill and the venue expanded to host more talented artists. That year, the Willowbrook Mill was decorated as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and it was magical. The group looks forward to another magical holiday in the Village of Northport this year. Enjoy adult and kid versions of tasty gourmet hot chocolate and visit Santa at the Willowbrook Mill. Santa will take time from his busy season and arrive about 2 pm.

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Glen Arbor celebrates Thanksgiving weekend with PJ Party, Bed Parade, Tree Lighting, Holiday Market

Following your family’s Thanksgiving turkey feast, visit Glen Arbor for weekend festivities, including the Pajama Party from 7-9 am on Friday, Nov. 24. The PJ Party is an annual tradition in the Glen Arbor business district, where you are invited to wear your pajamas and come out for special sales and offers with participating local merchants for a “Better than Black Friday” shopping experience. Among other holiday traditions in Glen Arbor, the fun and quirky Bed Parade returns on Friday from 9-9:30 am. On Friday evening, from 6:15-8 pm, celebrate the season with a community tree lighting and caroling at the Glen Arbor Township Hall, followed by shopping the opening of the Holiday Artisan Marketplace. Then on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 am-4 pm, shop a curated variety of local artisan goods during the 2023 Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace. Santa Claus will visit on Saturday between 11 am and 1 pm.

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