Behind the Scenes – Summer Events Guide
Michiganders live for summer. We all say we love winter and we pride ourselves on our resolve and ability to cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder, but let’s admit it; we need summer. And this year it feels as though summer has been a long time coming, with a slightly cool, rainy, and long spring. But the calendar doesn’t play tricks and the first official day of summer is this week and so in true Muskegon style we are ready to get out and party. And downtown is the place to do it with Muskegon’s biggest events. See below for a guide to the summer’s biggest events and hit downtownmuskegon.org for a complete list.
Taste of Muskegon – June 20, 21 - a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Come down and sample all the area has to offer for just a few dollars. Restaurants will be selling various items for $1.00 to $5.00 on Sat between 11-8 and Sunday between 11-6! Highlights include the unveiling of the World’s Largest Garlic Bread, prepared by Cole’s Quality Foods on Saturday at 11:00 and the County of Muskegon Sesquicentennial cake cutting where Free piece of birthday cake served to first 2000 patrons also on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. . On Sunday the Muskegon Main Street car show will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Proceeds to benefit Muskegon Main Street and the United Way of the Lakeshore. www.tasteofmuskegon.com.
Muskegon Summer Celebration – – June 26-July 5 - Summer Celebration is a great 11 - day party located on the beautiful shores of Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon. This year’s line up includes Third Eye Blind with Matt Nathanson opening, Muskegon legend Bettye Lavette, Saving Abel, Pop Evil, Burn Halo, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Loverboy, John Legend, Vaughn Anthony, Barenaked Ladies, Needtobreathe, Jason Aldean, Jamey Johnson, Kellie Pickler, Keith Anderson, Jake Owen, Counting Crows, Wild Sweet Orange, Billy Squier, War, Edgar Winter, Heart, Shinedown, Red, Halestorm, and Framing Hanley. Other events taking place as part of Summer Cel include Art in Park (July 3 -5), the Parade (June 27), Fireworks (July 4), Barbecue & Blues (June 26, and 27), the Community Picnic (June 28), and the Senior Social (July 1). Call 231-722-6520 or visit www.summercelebration.com for more information.
Muskegon Bike Time – July 17-19 - America's fastest growing bike event, with over 30,00 motorcycles and 80,000 spectators. Bike Time draws bikes from California, Canada, New York, Florida, and Texas. The word on the street is Muskegon Bike Time is a "Great Time!" Event features include: A "Motorcycle only" Main Street/Steel Horse Alley, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, StarBoyz Extreme stunt Motorcycle Team presented by Babbitt's Power Sports, Mayor's Ride - Cruising for Kids Benefiting Orphans & Widows of Veterans, Dyno Drags & Burnout Pits, Blessing of the Bikes, Sergeant Smash Monster Truck Rides, Miss Bike Time Contest, Food & Beverage Tents, Live Entertainment all weekend, scenic rides and more. Event times: Friday - 12 (noon) till 11:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am till 8:00 pm. For more information call 317-236-6515 or visit www.muskegonbiketime.com.
Unity Fest – Aug 6-8 - This is the biggest Christian music festival in Michigan. Three stages featuring more than 45 acts play continuously during the three-day, family friendly festival. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening. A prayer tent and other spiritual events also are part of the celebration. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in Downtown Muskegon. Main Stage Artists include Mercy Me, Israel & New Breed, Newsboys, Tommee Profitt, Michael Gungor, Fee, Unspoken, Natalie Grant, , Geoff Moore & The Distance, Downhere, and Mark Schultz. For more information call 231-737-2499. www.unitymusicfestival.com.
Moose Fest – August 15 - 107MUS presents the 5th annual country music party for thousands of fans on the lakeshore. This event is held at Heritage Landing, with country music performances all day. Performers for this acoustic country music festival include Darryl Worley, Jasson Michael Carroll, Dean Brody, Justin Moore and Holly Williams. Tickets are free and can be picked up at local businesses. www.107mus.com.
Michigan Irish Festival September 18-20 - This festival features three days of nonstop Irish music and for a third year, a feis, an Irish dance competition, will be scheduled during the day Saturday at L.C. Walker Arena, just a few blocks away from the festival rounds. More than 900 dancers ranging in age from 5 to 50 are expected. The festival also offers children’s music and Irish heritage sessions. Irish vendors and a food and beverage tent add to the fun. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon.231-739-2028. www.michiganirish.org.
Complete events listings at
Downtown Muskegon Events Calendar
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Downtown Yogis/Yogini
The “MYC” the Muskegon Yoga Center opened across from the “YMCA” in April, which is a nice addition to the hub for health and fitness for the Muskegon area. Barb Badolati has been teaching yoga along the lakeshore for over 15 years and finally has a home in which to offer classes. This is a good thing as classes have been ever growing in demand. Besides her Wellness-Life Coaching practice in the Frauenthal Center, Barb has teamed up with Peter Violino, a certified massage therapist and yoga teacher who offers sessions at both locations.
The Muskegon Yoga Center was the brainchild of Warren Mosley, certified in yoga from the International Sivananda School. Warren, a native Muskegonite recently returned after 20 years career military and 10 years at the DOD (Department of Defense). He began taking yoga classes in the national D.C. area to relieve stress, which helped him also improve mental acuity and focus – necessary for an intense occupation there. He believes that Muskegon is ready to grow into a healthier place, both physically and mentally as it did for him.
MS: What can yoga do for people of Muskegon?
WM: In stressful times and economic uncertainties, people draw strength and comfort in the ability to control their own lives. Muskegon is experiencing a paradigm shift right now. To adjust to the changes occurring, it is important for people to be equipped to take on these challenges. Yoga provides this and much more. Some of the benefits include relaxation, concentration, flexibility, strength, a better diet, calmer mind, immune function, and relief from back, muscle and joint pain.
PV: Yoga has grown to become the most popular physical/mental activity in the United States. 29 million people participated in yoga in 2008 alone. Yoga has been helpful for myself personally to achieve better equilibrium, and I appreciate how my practice connects me to better health and well-being in other aspects of my life.
MS: What are your plans in taking Muskegon to a new level of health?
BB: The Muskegon Yoga Center, also coined as “MYCenter” not only offers a variety of classes which guide students towards a healthier body, but is also a peaceful place to rest and rejuvenate from everyday demands.
PV: We are certified teachers who are qualified to help people with just starting out or well on their way! We are planning to offer specialty programs such as Partner Yoga, YogaKids, Women’s Retreats and Healthy Lifestyle classes. All three of us offer Private Yoga session, and it is a compliment for me to provide massage therapy, which I offer at our smaller location inside the Frauenthal Center, Suite 308.
MS: What has been the progress on the Muskegon Yoga Center?
WM: Since April we have secured a lease, done renovations, and begun teaching classes in the space at 825 W. Western. Things have moved very quickly. The space is great as there is a nice reception area, a large studio space for classes, individual classrooms, shower facilities, all in an ADA accessible space. We are planning to be able to hold a wide variety of classes here geared towards different affinity groups at the Muskegon Yoga Center. For example we are already starting classes geared to cancer patients, golfers, the lunch hour crowd etc. In the past the yoga scene in Muskegon has been scattered. With the Muskegon Yoga Center we are hoping to create a central place for the community to experience the many benefits of yoga and even more than that create a powerful shift of energy in Muskegon.
MS: MS: What makes downtown Muskegon a good place for this endeavor?
PV: While there are a number of great assets, such as the YMCA, the bike trail that distinguish downtown as a healthy location. Also, many yoga centers have been successful in downtowns probably because yoga is an experience that values aesthetics and character - something plentiful in downtown cities. Finally, this central location right off of Seaway and Shoreline Drive is within 10 minutes from North Muskegon, Norton Shores and anything in between.
MS: Well, it sounds like an exciting endeavor and we wish you the best of luck in the pursuit of helping to make Muskegon a healthier and happier place.
PV, BB & WM: We are grateful to you, and everyone along the lakeshore for their interest and support.
Check it out on the web
Muskegon Yoga Center
Balance Massage and Yoga
Alive and Well
Well-BEing Tips
Yoga on Wikipedia
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Over the years, many volunteer gardens have, and continue, to beautify downtown Muskegon. The Monet Garden, and the Heritage Memorial Garden, come to mind as great places to, at any given time, find downtown visitors taking a pleasant afternoon walk. This year, two new community gardens are being added to the list. As community gardens, the primary purpose of these is for participants to harvest vegetables. In many cities community gardens organized in similar ways, provide creative community assets. Muskegon Main Street caught up with Rebecca and Norman Flowers, coordinators of one of the gardens, to learn more. You can learn more about the Love Community Garden in the links section below.
MS: Where is your garden located and how did the project begin?
RNF: We are working to turn a vacant lot on Muskegon Avenue, two parcels down from the Third St Shell gas station, into a community garden. The lot is owned by Central United Methodist Church, which has graciously allowed us to use the lot. This garden has been sometime in the making, with the seeds for this year’s effort having started last year, when the late Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association president Mike Miller began pursuing a community garden at this location. Mike passed away last year, but it is pretty special to see that the project is continuing, and eventually we are hoping to establish a memorial to Mike as part of the garden.
MS: So far this year what has been accomplished?
RNF: A lot of the work so far this year has been behind the scenes. We came to an agreement with the church to use the lot, and have spent a lot of time planning and organizing so that the garden will be beautiful and will allow for maximum community participation. Also, we have been working hand in hand with Public Health – Muskegon County, as they received a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health to promote healthy lifestyles in our neighborhood and have selected both Nelson community gardens to spend some of their grant money on. This allowed us to construct 9 raised beds, which allow for disabled gardeners to participate.
MS: Sounds like you have been busy. What does your role as garden coordinators involve?
RNF: Basically, we are kind of like the parents of the garden. We are helping to recruit participants, we make sure they know their responsibilities, we check up on the garden regularly to make sure it is running smoothly and all gardeners are fulfilling their obligations etc. But really, it is a lot more about interacting with neighbors and having a good time.
MS: What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming community garden season?
RNF: Well, we had a successful planting last Saturday, with a great turn out, so we have a lot to look forward to over the season. Of course, we are excited about the vegetables. Personally we planted spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers and we hope to have a nice harvest of those.
MS: Thanks for stepping forward to take on this project. It is great to see neighbors working together!
RNF: You’re welcome
Check it out on the web
Love Community Garden
Downtown Website - New Mia & Grace website
Check out Mia and Grace's new website which includes a sample menu, as well as videos and articles describing this great downtown bistro.
http://miaandgrace.com
Behind the Scenes – Earthtronics Moving In
The basic forms of developments on the former Muskegon Mall site haven’t changed much over the last few months, but on the inside folks have been busy leasing and building out existing space. The Hines Building is one of those beehives of activity as Subway has begun building out their space on the first floor, and Earthtronics is just about ready to move in on the third floor. Earthtronics, who has been in the news quite a bit recently with their Windtronics product, is poised to really impact downtown development with the build out of this beautiful space and the additional employees that will be coming on board downtown. We caught up with Reg Adams for the scoop on the new space and progress on this exciting new company.
MS: Got a date certain for the move-in to the Hines Building?
RA: We'll be all moved in hopefully by May 27th, we just got the occupancy permit this week and have started moving equipment in.
MS: I have been checking out the new suite from time to time and it is developing nicely. What are some highlights of the space?
RA: Well from our point of view the greatest thing for Earthtronics is that We will have the additional space we need for expansion. Although our friends at GVSU could not have been more accommodating with our interim home at the MAREC Center this will allow us to complete our permanent plans. And it won't just be our work place, as you walk through the office you will see a variety of lighting options, so it is like our own built in show room.
MS: The board room overlooking the Hunt sculpture is my favorite. Are you going to be renting that out:)?
RA: No, we consider it taken. But I agree it is a great space and we're planning on having Muskegon's own version of Boston Legal "End of the day" scene that will be our own special spot, just like Deny Crane and Allan Shores had at the end of every show. If you drive past and see us, make sure you honk.
MS: Any green elements to the build-out that tie into your company’s line of business?
RA: Of course, we are incorporating a variety of new technology in lighting, CFLs, dimmable's and some soon to be released LED Technology.
MS: Any developments on the business side of Earthtronics/Windtronics? I know the community is anxiously waiting on the decision regarding production of the wind turbine?
RA: Earthtronics is moving ahead, and while it has been an interesting and tough year for our retail customers, we see light ahead, no pun intended. WIndTronics has decided to also make their global head quarters Muskegon which is very exciting, but Unfortunately the first assembly plant location has not been finalized, we expect to have that decision in the next month.
MS: Well it is exciting to see an innovate company being a part of the new downtown Muskegon. Thanks for your tireless pursuit and creativity in building Earthtronics
RA: Thanks for the comments Dan. I truly appreciate all the effort that has been put forth to help these two companies feel at home here in Muskegon. I believe we have some very exciting times ahead in the energy business as aVery large door has opened a world of opportunity and we have to move now,
Check it out on the web
Earthtronics website
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Final Four Beer Tent
The Muskegon Athletic Club has been making a name for itself with sports fans since it opened last October. It hosted a successful Super Bowl party in January with fans digging the walls of HD TVs, and great sound. Now, as part of the marathon that is March Madness, the MAC is hosting a first time, and first of the season!, beer tent (gasp, its Muskegon) event that will make for a huge basketball, and now MSU, celebration. Main Street caught up with owner Andy Buck to get the scoop on this event and a few others being planned for this summer.
MS: So what’s the scoop with the Final Four Beer Tent?
AB: We thought it would be fun to come up with an annual beer tent concept and decided to go with the Final Four. Who would have guessed that the nearest team to Muskegon in the tournament would make it to the Final Four! Even with out the Spartans though, this is going to be step above your average tent because we are connecting it to the restaurant, opening our big garage doors and on top of the 5 video walls we have in the the building, we are also going to have 3, 150" big screens inside the tent. We will also have games and giveaways through out the night.
MS: Sounds like fun. Is it going rain or shine? Sun, or snow?
AB: Absolutely, it's not like they are going to postpone the games over in Detroit. And while the weather is looking okay for the moment, no matter what happens we will have full walls and heat inside the tent.
MS: I am sure the opening rounds were a lot of fun at the MAC. What was the highlight?
AB: Well, without a doubt the MSU game yesterday was the highlight. We had a great turnout of State fans and when they sealed the game, the mood was electric.
MS: I hear you have a number of outdoor summer events planned to tie into your outdoor seating space. What else is on tap?
AB: On May 15th and 16th we are having our 1st Annual Wiffle ball tourney. It's called Smack The MAC. We will have a small tent at one end of Second Street and the field will be on Second directly in front of the restaurant. We will be signing up teams of 7 and will be giving out prizes for the top 3 teams. At the end of the final game, we will have a local band play for the remainder of the night. 1/2 of the profits generated from this event will go toward the clean-up and beautification of the current empty lots along Western.
MS: More than just MAC events you been creative in creating new downtown businesses. Any other ideas in the hopper?
AB: We have 2 new projects for the downtown. One is going to be an indoor playground and coffee house and the other is another restaurant. Both are going to located on Western Avenue.
MS: Very cool. Thanks so much for the creative energy you are pouring into downtown and the energy you are creating. It really is making a difference.
AB: Thank you.
Check it out on the web
MAC Website
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Clay Avenue Cellars Expands
Clay Avenue Cellars has been experiencing dramatic growth since opening just over two years ago at 611 W. Clay Avenue. The project was a match made in heaven when Brenda Moore purchased and relocated the Freres Gas Station building from Laketon Street to Clay Ave, which made perfect sense for her partner Bob Rajewski and friend Garret Anguilm to use as an outlet to sell the fruity wines that they had been preparing to bring to market at that time. The unique building, combined with a great location near all of Muskegon Arts and Entertainment events, worked well to get the business underway, but within months, as sales and demand grew, the space was proving to be too small. Muskegon Main Street caught up with Bob to hear all the details of the expansion and other news from the Cellars.
MS: When did you know it was time to expand?
BR: After our first summer in 2006 we began filling the barrels we knew we would be able to sell for the summer of 2007. After we squeezed 22 barrels in our original room we knew there was just no way to grow anymore. From that point on we started exploring how we could create more space to support our vinting.
MS: Explain the expansion and what it adds to the winery.
BR: After some thought, it made sense for us to add a basement addition to the back of our historic building. This would provide the space and the environment needed for our wine making. The space needs to be cool and dry. So in the summer of 2008 we excavated the area needed to create 1100 square feet of space. This is allowing us to build up to the 40 barrels of wine currently in production, enough to fill 3,000 bottles of wine.
The expansion is pretty bare bones, but allowed us to install a walk in freezer where we store our local fruits till we can use them in our wines, as well as lots of space to store fermenting batches, as well as finished product. Our wines, particularly the fruits that take a lot of product to draw out the flavor (apples, pears, peaches), take hundreds of pounds of fruit to create a single batch.
MS: Very exciting. Any other news at the Cellars?
BR: As I said we have 40 barrels currently fermenting, and two of those contain flavors that we tested last year and are ready for production. Those are Golden Strawberry and Fantasy Red (Grape/Cranberry), and they will be available here at the winery in a month or two. In addition we currently have 12 test batches fermenting which won't be available to the public this year, but could be available in 2010. These include our first dry wine varieties as well as some new tastes such as citrus and elderberry. So come on down to one of our tastings and you can experience one of our new varieties.
MS: For those who have never attended a wine tasting, what can they expect?
BR: Our tastings are pretty fun and relaxed. We just have all of our varieties available for tasting and patrons can taste them all before making a decision on a wine they might like to take home. Our tasting room is cozy and our tastings are popular so be prepared for standing room only and a good time. Our next tasting is this Saturday, March 14, but if you can't make it then we have tastings every second Saturday of the month.
MS: Of course everyone is looking forward to spring and summer. Any special events/promotions planned for the “happy” season?
BR: We join in that sentiment of looking forward to summer. We are licensed to serve on our deck and of course can’t wait for weather when we can move our tastings outdoors. This summer we are planning to participate in the Taste Garden at the Taste of Muskegon again, as well as hold tastings during downtown Muskegon's other big summer events including Summer Celebration, the Art Fair, Bike Time etc.
MS: Well it's very exciting to your business prospering downtown Muskegon and to see the creativity with which you approach your craft. All the best in the future
BR: Thank you.
Check it out on the web
Clay Avenue Cellars website
More Clay Avenue Cellars Pics
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Taste of Muskegon – June 20, 21 - a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Come down and sample all the area has to offer for just a few dollars. Restaurants will be selling various items for $1.00 to $5.00 on Sat between 11-8 and Sunday between 11-6! Highlights include the unveiling of the World’s Largest Garlic Bread, prepared by Cole’s Quality Foods on Saturday at 11:00 and the County of Muskegon Sesquicentennial cake cutting where Free piece of birthday cake served to first 2000 patrons also on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. . On Sunday the Muskegon Main Street car show will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Proceeds to benefit Muskegon Main Street and the United Way of the Lakeshore. www.tasteofmuskegon.com. 
