Empire Asparagus Festival turns a nifty nine
From staff reports
Don’t miss this weekend’s ninth annual Empire Asparagus Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring and precedes the official opening of Northern Michigan’s tourism season a week later.
This intimate celebration in the eclectic village has been dubbed one of the world’s weirdest festivals by MSN.com, and it brings out the local yokels after months of near hibernation.
The Empire Asparagus Festival kicks off Friday with a screening of The History of the Sleeping Bear Dune Rides at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Hall. A dance and pig roast (music by the Benzie Playboys, pork supplied by Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor) follows from 7-10 p.m. Wash down that pork, and find the courage to dance by drinking beer from Right Brain Brewery.
Saturday features at 5K Kick Ass-paragus Fun Run/Walk at 10 a.m. at the Lake Michigan Beach, an Asparagus recipe contest Asparagas cook-off at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall, the Ode to Asparagus poetry contest at 12:20 (check out last year’s winners), and Asparagus Eats, Wine and Beer Tasting under the tent downtown from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors of delicious (asparagus) foods include Scalawags Fish & Chips, Stone House Bread, Norconks Asparagus, Empire Village Inn, Gemmas Coffee Shop & Baked Goods, Joe’s Friendly Tavern, Phils On Front, Art’s Tavern, Deerings Market, BLU, Trattoria Stella, Black Star Farms and Right Brain Brewery. Bo Bossa Swing & Jazz band will provide entertainment.
As you digest your food, enjoy the “GREEN” Parade, Empire’s non-motorized Asparagus Parade, which rolls through town at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to participate (Walk, Pedal, March, Dance or come on Horse Back), but you MUST salute asparagus. Then at 7 p.m., enjoy the Asparagus Fiesta with local fare provided by Joe’s Friendly Tavern and live music by the Mittenauts.
Polish off the weekend on Sunday morning with the Empire Eagles breakfast from 8-noon at the Town Hall.
