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Empire, Glen Arbor host seasonal holiday markets

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With the holiday season comes the panoply of seasonal markets, where artists and artisans, bakers and makers alike showcase their wares. For many, the season starts with the holiday shows in Glen Arbor and Empire that take place the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace kicks off Friday night, Nov. 29, at 6:15 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas tree and caroling. The town hall opens for shopping at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m., then welcomes shoppers again on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “It’s been going on a long time. I put it together with a ton of other people,” says organizer Cre Woodard. “It’s like a machine.” The vendors line the walls at the town hall, the center of the room and the stage as well. Throngs of shoppers fill the room, perusing the displays of jewelry, mittens, art, holiday décor and more. Woodard has no problem signing up vendors, and when she runs out of room, she knows where to send them – just down the road to Empire. If there’s room there. “I filled up very fast,” says Linda Payment of this year’s Empire Artisan Marketplace, held in the Empire Town Hall. Payment has coordinated the daylong event for the last several years, which takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Nov. 30. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Glen Lake Association casts net for first executive director to lead watershed protection

The Glen Lake Association (GLA), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the water quality and natural resources in the Glen Lake and Crystal River Watershed, has announced its search for an executive director. Since 1945, GLA has aimed to be the recognized leader in evidence-based strategies for protecting the watershed while advancing environmental education, sustainable policies, and quality of life. This brand-new position reflects the organization’s commitment to building upon its strong foundation to ensure future growth and success. “This is an exciting time for the Glen Lake Association,” said Stan Kryder, GLA Board President. “The new executive director will play a vital role in shaping the future of the GLA and preserving the long-term health of the watershed.”

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Crystal River Outfitters hosts Strolling Lights Festival

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The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District is excited to kick off the holiday season in Glen Arbor with another fun, family-friendly Strolling Lights Festival. This event is a great way for families, friends, teams, businesses and organizations to express their festivity, all while supporting a great cause. Whether highlighting your favorite thing to do in Michigan, representing a family tradition, or supporting a cause, each Strolling Lights tree is a blank slate ready to be decorated.

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Glen Arbor businesses host Labor Day weekend sidewalk sales

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Glen Arbor as participating local businesses come together for the annual Sidewalk Sale Days during Labor Day weekend! From Friday to Monday, indulge in exclusive deals and discover hidden gems while supporting the local community. Shoppers can take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions offered by participating retailers. While the main focus is on sidewalk sales, many stores also have indoor specials. Explore both indoor and outdoor options to find the best deals. Each merchant offers their own distinct selection and promotions, so be sure to check with your favorite spots for their specific hours and offerings during this exciting event.

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Glen Arbor Sun wins seven awards from Michigan Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest

The Glen Arbor Sun won seven awards in four different categories from the Michigan Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest among local news media for stories published between August 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023. The Sun won two awards in Best Opinion, three awards in Business/Agriculture News, and one award each in Feature Story and Spot News. Winners included Abby Chatfield, Katie Dunn, Alexandra Dailey, Jacob Wheeler and Julie Zapoli.

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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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Sheldon plans 18-hole putting course for Glen Arbor next spring

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Mike Sheldon, the longtime CEO of Deutsch advertising agency in Los Angeles and a Lake Leelanau resident since 2017, has broken ground on an 18-hole putting and dining destination at the former River at Crystal Bend in Glen Arbor—where the Crystal River turns and heads northeast toward The Homestead and Sleeping Bear Bay. He received a conditional Land Use Permit last night from the Glen Arbor Township Planning Commission and hopes to open the venue to the public next spring. The destination will bring even more action to the east side of town, where Crystal River Outfitters, the Cyclery, the M22 Store and Coastal already draw crowds. Less than a mile away, the renovated Mill has generated buzz since it opened this spring.

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Kazoo Corps returns to Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade

Glen Arbor’s celebrated Fourth of July parade—proudly an “anything goes” fete for 60 years—has a few rules and structure now. But not too much will change. In late founder Stan Brubaker’s absence, the Glen Arbor Township will manage the parade, which lines up in Glen Haven and leaves for Glen Arbor at noon. Water guns, cannons and water balloons won’t be allowed this year. “People have complained in the past, and we’re getting rid of things that can hurt little kids or make older people wet. Getting creamed in the head by a water balloon you weren’t expecting is no fun, especially when you’re 75 years old.” Glen Arbor’s iconic citizen kazoo corps returns to the Fourth of July parade this year, following a three-year hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Glen Lake Woman’s Club holds July 4 flag raising

The Glen Lake Woman’s Club’s annual flag raising ceremony begins at 10 am on July 4 at the Old Settlers Picnic Grounds, located on the southeastern shore of Glen Lake near the corner of Dunn’s Farm Rd. (CR 675) and Burdickville Rd (CR 616). Please bring your own lawn chairs. Captain Kevin M. Quarderer, U. S. Naval Attache to the United States Embassy in Australia, will be the featured speaker.

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O Pioneers: African-American settlers on Glen Lake

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The historical and human significance of the presence of the Johnsons and other African-American families in the Empire and Glen Lake area cannot be overestimated. To be there they would have had to deal with all the exigencies of frontier life, mainly the constant hard work and the ability to maintain good cheer and endure isolation. In addition, to get there in the first place, they would’ve had to have survived slavery, including the physical brutality and the trauma of family members being sold. They would have needed to be diplomatic enough to circumvent the laws that made it illegal for slaves to learn to read, write or own property in order to acquire the skills and the goods they’d need if they were later to escape.

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