The flora and fauna of the Sleeping Bear Dunes will be the focus of Detroit artist Quinn Faylor’s work during their Glen Arbor Arts Center residency May 29-June 11. Faylor will spend two weeks creating paintings and textile works that continue their exploration of home, and human relationships to land and the natural world.
The M22 Challenge returns to its usual time on Saturday, June 11. (The 2021 race was held in September due to uncertainties surrounding the pandemic.) Registration has filled up, but join spectators on M-109 or at locations around the Glen Lakes to watch this unique triathlon that features a 2.5-mile run up the Dune Climb, a 17-mile bike ride through Glen Arbor and around the lakes, and a 2.5-mile paddle in Little Glen Lake.
The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is offering a general training session for new and returning volunteers June 11 at the Empire Town Hall. Join more than 700 dedicated Friends members who protect the resources and enhance visitor experiences at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore each year.
The Empire Asparagus Festival returns following a two-year COVID hiatus. This scaled-back event on Saturday, June 4, features a 5K Kick Yer Ass-paragus Fun Run/ Walk at 10 a.m. at the public beach, a Recipe Contest and Cook-off at noon at the Town Hall, an open house at the Empire Museum from 1-4 p.m., an “Ode to Asparagus” poetry contest at 2 p.m. at the Glen Lake Library, and Asparagus Eats, Wine and Beer Tasting from noon until 6 p.m. under a tent on Main Street.
The revitalized Glen Lake band has expanded dramatically and has been working for the past months on its big final concert of the school year. The theme is “An Evening with John Williams,” featuring the iconic music of Williams: the famous Star Wars soundtrack, Indiana Jones, E.T., Jaws and more. The concert will be held on Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at Glen Lake School.
Scott McDaid of Reel Tales Charter Fishing and Captain Bill of Watta Bite Charter Fishing will host their annual Fishing Day for local Veterans on Tuesday, June 7, at 10 a.m. They plan to take four boats out to host about 20 veterans on Lake Michigan for a fun day of fishing on the big water.
Saturday, June 4, is National Cheese Day and the anniversary of the bittersweet transition of ownership from John and Anne Hoyt to the new owner-operators of Leelanau Cheese, Josh Hall and Gary Smith. All Michigan-made cheeses are being celebrated at Leelanau Cheese. The shop will host free events for all ages throughout the day, with a few special events with reserved seating.
The Guadalupan Torch Committee returns on Sunday, May 29, for the first time since 2018 with a full menu of authentic, homemade Mexican food, which will be for sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St Philip Neri Catholic Church, located at 11411 S. La Core Rd. in Empire. There will be dining in as well as take out.
The Glen Lake Library will help celebrate the return of the beloved Empire Asparagus Festival on June 4 with their Ode to Asparagus poetry reading and Asparagus recipe contest. Click here for more information on how to submit a poem or recipe.
The Glen Arbor Township Cemetery Advisory Board invites the public to attend the third annual Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 27, at 10 a.m. This third annual grave dedication will be performed in period attire by John Sawyer of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, in order to honor Civil War veteran Daniel Parker.