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Halloween dates back to ancient Celtic times, and although modern celebrations may not resemble the ancient ones, they're still a favorite of kids and adults alike! Here's our list of weekend activities in Leelanau and the surrounding area. Did we miss something? Undoubtably - add it as a comment below!

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse invites you out this Friday or Saturday night and next for a ghost walk where you can learn the stories of those who once dwelt there. Click through to get details from them. Also next Saturday Oct 29 in Northport is a free Halloween Concert at the Northport CAC featuring the Northport Community Band, The Village Voices and others - wear a costume!

Glen Arbor Trick or Treating for Children happens on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 pm. The Empire Chamber invites you to the Town Hall on Front Street Halloween night (Oct 31) from 6pm to 8 pm for a spooktacular time filled with games & treats.

From 5-9 PM Cedar's Haunted House will again be scaring people October 31 starting at 5:00 pm. Come see what everyone is talking about!

The Haunted Hayrides at Black Star Farms will scare even the bravest of goblins, and are offered October 21, 22, 28, and 29, from 7-10 pm. $10 per person. Please call 231.944.1251 to confirm if the weather is iffy!

The Riverside Inn in Leland has reported ghostly activities in year's past, and while we have no official word, you should probably check it out. You might also enjoy Jacob's Corn Maze on M-72.

Looking for something unusual to do on Halloween? Check out the Zombie Run, sponsored by TART, a 5K Run/Walk starting at 9am on Saturday, October 29 at Right Brain Brewery. You are invited to register as "Infected" or "Survivor." "Survivors" will be given a one-minute head start at the beginning of the race and will want to be prepared to RUN FOR THEIR LIVES before the infected pursue their morning snack.

If you're wanting a little Halloween spirit in your cup, how about Vicious, an American wheat IPA from North Peak that pays tribute to Michigan's legendary Dogman? Read about the Dogman from Weird Michigan & Absolute Michigan. If beer's not your thing, Michiganvine.com suggests Leelanau Wine Cellars Witches Brew as the perfect treat. The secret recipe is made with cinnamon, cloves and other natural spices and is best served by warming it gently in the microwave by the glass or by simmering it in a crock pot with a cinnamon stick for a true “witches brew.”

Photo: Noche de luna llena - Full moon night by Flowery *L*u*z*a*

The Grand Traverse Insider reports that the 23rd annual edition of Exposures, the Leelanau student journal of visual arts and creative writing will be unveiled on Friday. The opening reception takes place this Friday (April 29) from 4:30-7:30 at the Old Art Building in Leland. It continues from 10-4 on Saturday, April 30. The opening is free and the public is invited to meet student writers and artists from Leelanau County schools while you enjoy original visual art, poetry and essay readings, along with live music and refreshments.

The first issue of “Exposures” came out in 1988, the brainchild of the late David Viskochil, Lita Coleman, and Laura Quackenbush, all Leelanau County residents.

“It’s since become one of the most long-standing examples of success in the collaboration between school and community in Leelanau County history,” said Freed.

“David wanted to give writing and the arts the recognition that strong academic and sports performance have always enjoyed. He wanted the final product to have a professional look and feel, and to be a journal that would encourage student writers and artists to take their work seriously.

“Ultimately, he wanted writers and artists to enjoy the respect of their peers, school officials, and the community,” Freed said. “I remember him saying that he wanted the final product to look great and be cool enough that it would be like a varsity letter – something the kids could really be proud of.”

Ryan Burgard, Dana Wessels, Julia Paige, and Frank Perkins are a few of the students whose work was accepted for publication. And while they say it isn’t always easy for them to make time for their creative work, each finds that doing so is well worth the effort.

“I believe that everybody spends too much time worrying about being busy and being stressed – they don’t do creative things because they feel they would take up time and leave them feeling even more stressed,” said Burgard.

“What I’ve found is that art helps me escape the stress, and if I can find an empty moment, I usually grab a notebook or sketch pad and start writing or drawing. It helps me clear my mind and get my emotions out on paper. I often do my best poems or drawings when I’m trying to clear my mind for the night and go to sleep after a long, stressful day.”

Read the rest of this excellent article. I have to say that as a parent and longtime school board member, I feel that Exposures is one of the most worthwhile projects I've seen in Leelanau. Do yourself a favor and check out the exhibit - you might well find your faith in the next generation bolstered!

The annual Leelanau Children's Center Carnival kicks off at NOON this Saturday (Feb 12) with a concert by Twang, Bang, Fiddle in the Leland Performing Arts Center. The Carnival begins at 12:30 in the gymnasium at Leland Public School and lunch will be served in the cafeteria. It features great family fun for all ages with games, raffle (including an iPad!), prizes, music, cake walk, fun and food!

This event benefits programs at the Leelanau Children's Center and is always a great time!

Click the flyer to the right for all the details!

"We all think we have problems, but you come here and you see what problems are really like."

Join others in 12 locations around the world including Traverse City this Saturday, September 25th to walk or run 5K (or just come to a Fiesta) and change a child's life! Great Lakes Friends of Safe Passage will host Esperanza 5K and Fiesta 2010 on Sept. 25th at the beautiful Grand Traverse Commons, located at 11th St. and Elmwood in Traverse City. Following the 11:00am 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk, the 5th annual Fiesta (12:00 – 2 p.m.) on the Village at GT Commons lawn will feature food and beverages, live music, Guatemalan craft market, video and slides, and much information about Safe Passage programs.

Visit their web site for details, email greatlakesfriends@safepassage.org or call 231-590-6072.

Safe Passage is a non-profit that educates at-risk children of impoverished families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The 5K will unite runners and walkers worldwide in bringing hope to families seeking better lives. Here's a video to take you a little deeper:

The annual Port Oneida Fair takes place every year on the 2nd weekend of August in the Port Oneida District of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. That's this weekend (Aug 13 & 14, 2010). The event is a celebration of rural arts and culture and features exhibits and demonstrations at five farms and the Port Oneida Schoolhouse.

With demonstrations of Native American and pioneer crafts like basket weaving, quilting and weaving, techniques of farming, barn building and blacksmithing, antique cars and bicycles, music, nature hikes and all kinds of activities for kids, this event simply cannot be beat as a way to learn about what life was like in Leelanau.

Learn much more at the Port Oneida Fair web site.

Photo: Sew There... by StacyN - MichiganMoments

Once again the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and the Northport-Omena Chamber of Commerce are joining together for the Northport Lighthouse and Maritime Festival on Saturday, June 19 in Northport. The festival celebrates the lighthouse and Northport's maritime history and will be held at Haserot and Marina Parks from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. A few of the highlights of the festival include Nautical Silent Auction & Flea Market, maritime historical displays, a nautical arts and craft show, Model Sailboat Making & Pond Races, Historic Boats on Display, Northport Weather Tower Interpretation, and more. A memorial bench dedication will take place at 12 noon in honor of Northport Boat Builders, including Bill Livingston, Ted Craker, and Chris Telgard.

Also back for the festival is the annual Fish Boil dinner. Fresh whitefish, from Carlson's of Fishtown, is simmered with redskin potatoes and onions. Also available is slaw, corn on the cob, rolls, pie, and beverages. Dinner will be available from noon to 6:00pm for $15/person. New this year - you can buy a glass of wine or beer for $5 from the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum volunteers to enjoy with your meal.

Inland Seas Education Association will be offering 2 hour schooner cruises focusing on maritime history of Northport guided by the ship's crew and a guest faculty of local historians. The cost is $30 per person the day of the cruise or buy one get one at 50% off pre-paid by June 18th.

Photo: We'll keep a light on for you ~ by KT of Lake Orion

What is Smart Commute Week?

The goal of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative ways to get around town. Smart commuting includes bicycling, walking, carpooling or taking BATA. The purpose of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative transportation and to educate area residents of the benefits of a smart commute. Smart commuting includes many benefits for your health, for the environment and for your pocket book. Smart Commuting increases our mobility with less pollution.

What is your commute costing you?
In addition to saving cash, did you know that you could keep approximately 19 pounds of CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere for each gallon of gas you don't use? Saving money and reducing the impact driving your car has on the environment is easier than you think. Use this Commute Cost & Carbon Emissions Calculator to calculate the financial and environmental benefits of alternative transportation.

Smart Commute Week at a Glance

Click the pictures above to find out more about Smart Commute Week activities and BATA information.

Smart Commute Week Schedule

Monday, June 7
7 am - 9 am Free Commuter Breakfasts at:
•Pangea's Pizza (135 E Front St)
•Higher Grounds (GT Commons, 806 Red Dr), revving up with entertainment by Fixed Gear Gallery
8:00 a.m. Free Hot Yoga class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
8:30 a.m. Free Vinyasa Flow class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
All Day Commuter Cup Competition

Tuesday, June 8
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Free Commuter Breakfasts at:
• Oryana Natural Foods (E 10th/Lake St)
• Autism Research Network/Opa! at Oak Park Elementary (301 S. Garfield)
8:00 a.m. Free Hot Yoga class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
8:30 a.m Free Vinyasa Flow class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
All Day Commuter Cup Competition!

Wednesday, June 9
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Free Commuter Breakfasts at:
• BATA Transit Center (115 Hall St) catered by Warehouse Lounge
• Hagerty Insurance (Cass/Lake) catered by Morsels
8:00 a.m. Hagerty Employee Bike Show (Cass/Lake)
8:00 a.m. Free Hot Yoga class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
8:30 a.m. Free Vinyasa Flow class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
All Day Commuter Cup Competition!
All Day Try Transit Day
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. SCW Happy Hour - Come network with other smart commuters at Right Brain Brewery (221 Garland St)

Thursday, June 10
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Free Commuter Breakfasts at:
• Bubba’s (428 E Front St)
• Munson Medical Center (6th St)
• MCHC (Munson Ave)
8:00 a.m. Free Hot Yoga class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
8:30 a.m Free Vinyasa Flow class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
All Day Commuter Cup Competition!

Friday, June 11
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Free Commuter Breakfasts at:
• Mustard’s (State/Cass)
7 a.m.-9 a.m. Free Massages courtesy of Living Light Massage during breakfast at Mustards (State/Cass)
8:00 a.m. Commuter Cup Awards and Raffle Ceremony at Mustard’s (State/Cass)
8:00 a.m. Free Hot Yoga class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)
8:30 a.m. Free Vinyasa Flow class at Yen Yoga (330 E. Front St)

Join the crowd at the 13th Annual Cars in the Park on Saturday, May 29 at Haserot Park in Northport from 9 am. to 4 p.m. A great place to see all types of vehicles: antiques, classics, hot rods, muscle cars and motorcycles. Cars in the Park is the major fundraiser for the Northport-Omena Firefighter's Association! It's a great day on the water looking at some beautiful examples of the best in motor transportation. In addition to viewing the cards you can get hot dogs, brats, sodas and water, participate in a 50/50 raffle, a bucket raffle and guess what time one car will blow up.

Also, check out the Cars in the Park facebook event page for up-to-date information.

Northport's 5th Annual Y.A.C.apalooza at Braman Hill takes place on Saturday, May 22. There will be a live band playing and many fun games and events with many prizes, events such as; race to e top, karaoke, teacher dunk tank, 3 on 3 basketball, 3 on 3 volleyball and many other events... come join the fun!!!

Schedule of Events

12:00 to 1 3-on-3 b-ball tournament ($100 prize)
12:30 to 2 Twelve Year Reunion band (free hot dogs, pop & baked goods sale)
1:30 to 2:30 Dunk tank, volleyball tournament, kid’s games ($100 prize)
2:00 to 2:30 50/50 sumo suit wrestling
2:00 to 3:00 Washoos tournament
2:30 to 3:00 Race up Braman Hill ($25 prize)
2:30 to 3:00 Karaoke

Join Y.A.C.apalooza on facebook for the latest updates!

The 7th Annual Empire Asparagus Festival will be held May 14-16, 2009 and features a slew of asparagus-themed events including a fun run (or walk), Asparagus recipe contest, the Asparagus Parade, chalk art, music & dance and kids games. And, again this year, the popular Asparagus Eats/Wine and Beer Tasting! Check out the list of food and beverage vendors below.

For a full list of events, visit the Empire Chamber of Commerce website.

The Empire Asparagus is one of the world's weirdest festivals, check out the video:

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