So, if you are Katie Dunn, and you have been coming to Glen Arbor every summer since 1976, and you have worked all over town, and you know everybody, are you still a ‘Fudgie,’ or ‘Permafudge,” or now a ‘Local?’ Katie declares, “I feel like I’m ‘Local-ish.’ When I bought a car to keep up my 1927 log cabin I own on Big Glen Lake, I got a Michigan license plate. Doesn’t that give credence to me being a local?” she asks with a smile.

The McCahill family, who own On the Narrows Marina, purchased Glen Craft Marina from Kathy Aylsworth in March. They have no plans this year to change the marina, which is located on Big Glen Lake, though Conor McCahill said that owning both marinas will help streamline work and allow them to do more with the staff they have. Glen Craft also has eight rental units and boat services. The McCahills had previously outsourced boat services at On the Narrows Marina.

On Wednesday, June 15, at 7 pm, Robert Dale Parker will introduce the life and writings of Bamewawagezhikaquay / Jane Johnston Schoolcraft (1800-1842), the northern Michigan poet and fiction writer who was among the first Native American literary writers. Register for this virtual program hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society.

Bardenhagen Berries Farm celebrates its 150th anniversary as a family farm this year by commemorating its rich history and continuing to diversify for its future. While the farm offers a variety of crops, it is perhaps best known for strawberries.

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.

Fried, the new food truck in the Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, diversifies the Glen Arbor eating scene, as hundreds of thousands of hungry tourists begin arriving to soak up the summer. “Food trucks offer variety and a different, fun atmosphere,” said Raupp. “You get to interface with the guests, which doesn’t happen when you’re a chef in a restaurant. There’s a symbiotic relationship and a more experiential dining experience. With so much tourism up here in Northern Michigan, and lots of little pockets that could use food, snacks and refreshments, there’s room in our industry to grow.”

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.