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The annual fly-in and breakfast at Woolsey Memorial Airport (four miles north of Northport on County Road 629) will be held this Saturday (Aug 21) from 8 AM – noon. You may also drive-in of course and the breakfast fee is $8 adults ($4 children). In addition to small planes, there are also Coast Guard Helicopter and military aircraft (one year there was a C-130!), antique & custom cars and demonstrations and tours of aircraft. All in all, it's a great day!

Here's a great article on the history of Woolsey Airport from the Traverse City Record-Eagle. It begins:

Clinton F. Woolsey, a Northport native son born in 1894, was considered one of the nation's best pilots in the Army Air Corps in the 1920s. He died a hero when he and his co-pilot, John W. Benton, were killed in a 1927 mid-air collision near Buenos Aires during the first-ever U.S. international goodwill flight to 23 Central and South American countries. The 22,000-mile tour took two months. Buenos Aires was the halfway mark.

Woolsey probably could have parachuted to safety but apparently chose to ride his amphibian biplane down in an attempt to land because Benton was on the wing, without his chute, attempting to lower the landing gear by hand.

Photo Credit: Woolsey Airport by Geoff George

Also check out this report from 2004 on the Leland Report and also this nice collection of photos from the 2006 & 2007 Fly-in from Jim Sorbie.

This Friday, July 16th from 6 – 7:30, the second Traverse City Wine & Art Festival kicks off with a Launch Party at InsideOut Gallery, downtown Traverse City at 211 Garland Street. The free TCWF Launch Party will feature wine tasting, multimedia entertainment, giveaways from event sponsors and a one-night only chance to purchase wine festival tickets at a discounted rate!

There will be information available regarding the festival, upcoming promotional wine pours from the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission and Traverse City along with eats, drinks and merriment. Visit the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Launch Party on Facebook and share it with your friends!

As an added entertainment bonus the Inside Out Gallery will be hosting the eclectic and eccentric Fishtank Ensemble who are in the middle of their never-ending tour to support their brand new CD, “Woman in Sin”. Leaders in high-energy, cross-pollinated gypsy music, they bring their unique blend of Romanian, Gypsy jazz, Flamenco, Balkan, Turkish and Tango influenced music from California to you. All attendees of the Launch Party will receive the advance ticket rate for this one-of-a-kind show!

Through a variety of sources including the Leelanau Chamber, Glen Arbor Sun and MichiganFireworks.com, we've come up with our Leelanau Fourth of July event listings. Did we miss something? Post a comment letting us know below!

• July 3, 10 AM: Flag Raising Ceremony at Old Settler’s Park in Burdickville.
• Jul3 3, Dusk: Leland Fireworks, at Hancock Field
• July 4, 7-11 AM: Glen Arbor Fire & Rescue Association Pancake Breakfast at Glen Arbor Town Hall
• July 4, 10:30 AM: Glen Arbor Art Association for patriotic bike decorating
• July 4: Glen Arbor parade, line up at noon at Glen Haven, Glen Arbor at about 1 PM
• Leland parade at 3 PM on July 4th
• Glen Lake Boat Parade, 3:30 PM at the Glen Lake Yacht Club, Big Glen Lake on July 4th
• Fireworks at Northport on July 4th (10:30 PM)

Photo courtesy Rick Lahmann/Leland Chamber of Commerce

PS: If you like fireworks, check out Michigan Loves Fireworks and these pictures from the Detroit Freedom Festival show on Michigan in Pictures – amazing!!

Photo: Lucky Kids by J.Renee.Photo

In northern Michigan, we are lucky to have The State theater in our location, because they bring us interesting and unique films. Coming Monday is Swim with Aliens, video shorts covering a wide range of topics, from Sunrise on the Boardman to Alien Invaders of our Waters. Coming next month is the Red Carpet Premiere of Christina! Summer would not be complete without a little polka music at the Annual Cedar Polka Festival. And although, you may have missed the Artist in Residence, Charles Murphy's Reception and Exhibit at the Old Art Building, he still has events this summer worth checking out.

Week's Weather

June 16: Cloudy & 60 (65/54)
June 15: Rain & 67 (72/61)
June 14: Mostly cloudy & 65 (68/61)
June 13: Partly sunny & 68 (74/61)
June 12: Rain & 64 (68/59)
June 11: Rain & 66 (76/55)
June 10: Mostly cloudy & 60 (64/55)

Post your comments about the week's news, observations of the weather or the natural world or events below! You'll also want to check out the Leelanau Calendar and the latest news and features from Leelanau, Traverse City and the surrounding area in our blog! Here's the June 2009 archives, and Leelanau Almanac: June 3 – 9.

The annual Cedar Polka Festival runs Thursday through Sunday (July 1-4). Highlights include a parade on Saturday at noon, softball tournament, a polka mass and (of course) polka under the big, big tent with the big names of polka.

Thursday, July 1, 2010
The 28th annual Cedar Polka Festival begins with the flag raising ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Music and dancing begins immediately after the ceremony. Musicians, Gary's Ridgeland Ducthmen, (Ontario, WI) and Frank Moravceik Band, (Cleveland, OH) playing until 1 am.

Friday, July 2, 2010
Sidewalk Chalk Art at 10 am, meet at the Town Hall. Music and dancing beings at 2 pm with Gary's Ridgeland Ducthmen
playing until 5:30. The Honky Express, (Parma, OH) and Frank Moravceik Band,
(Cleveland, OH) will play alternately until 1 am.

Saturday, July 3, 2010
Face painting at 10:30am, at the Town Hall. Polka Fest Parade beings at noon at the Solon Twp. Hall. All participants should be at the Solon Twp. Hall by 11:30 am sharp.

Music and dancing begins at 2 pm The Honky Express, (Parma, OH) playing until 5:30 pm. New Brass Express, (Bad Axe, MI) and Watkoski Family Band, (Grand Rapids, MI) alternately until 1 am.

Sunday, July 4, 2010
Polka Mass celebrated with Bishop Cooney begins at 11 am under the tent. Music and dancing resumes at 1 pm with New Brass Express, (Bad Axe, MI) and Pan Franek & Zosia,(Muskegon, MI) until 8 pm.

Admissions (per person)
Thursday – $5.00
Fri. & Sat. – $10.00
Sunday – $5.00
3 Day Pass – $20.00
Ages 13-20 – 1/2 price when accompanied by parent
Ages 12 & Under – Free when accompanied by parent

Bands subject to change. Space available for rent on the tennis court.

For Info Phone: (231) 228-3378 or (231) 228-5562

The photo is Polka Dancing in Krakow by beastiekeith.

Check out the Library of Congress Local Legacies

and the Leelanau.com/map Cedar Polka Fest location

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

Visit Up North Rentals is hosting an Open House this week. Visit their new location at 600 W Front Street in Traverse City anytime between 1pm – 4pm for light refreshments. On Friday, they will have their official Ribbon Cutting, celebrating with hot dogs and burgers!

At your visit, learn about their summer photo contest, where you could win a FREE 3 night stay at one of their cottages or condos.

Visit Up North Rentals has properties available throughout northern Michigan. New properties added daily! Let them make one of their vacation homes, your home away from home.

The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association is debuting a new event this month. The LPVA Small Plates will take place on Saturday, June 19 from 6-9 PM and will feature seven of member wineries offering a full glass of wine paired with a well-presented and substantial tapas dish. There will be three seating's at each winery, 6-7, 7-8 and 8-9. Tickets are $10 and very limited for each time slot. Scroll down to see a list of participating wineries and their partnering chefs. Purchase tickets!

Visit lpwines.com and sign up for their newsletter to keep abreast of all the LPVA news and events, such as the upcoming Traverse City Wine & Art Festival on Saturday, August 21. Tomorrow, the LPVA will be giving away a pair of tickets to the Leland Wine & Food Festival, happening this Saturday, so if you aren't a subscriber, do so today for a chance to win.

LPVA Small Plates Wineries

Black Star Farms
Wine Pour: 2007 Arcturos Pinot Noir.
Food Pairing: Rack of Lamb prepared by the Hearth & Vine Cafe
Tickets: Limited to 20 persons per hour

Chateau Fontaine
Wine Pour: A new release of 2007 Pinot Noir
Food Pairing: Duck Ravioli, with a white truffle broth
Local Chef: Randy Chamberlin from blu
Tickets: Limited to 10 persons per hour

Gill’s Pier Vineyard & Winery
Wine Pour: 2008 Riesling
Wine Description: The Gill’s Pier 2008 Riesling is a luscious semi-dry wine made from grapes grown on our Leelanau Peninsula vineyard. This vintage is zesty, crisp and fresh. A lively fruit aroma starts the experience. The middle palate unearths lemon and lime and then melds into a finish of green apples.
Food Pairing: Fresh Local Spring Rolls (Choice of Vegetable or Pork) ***Fresh local herbs and early vegetables will be featured in the spring rolls***
Dipping Sauce Selection: Thai Peanut, Ginger Lime Chili and Mustard Honey Cilantro
Local Chef: Kristin Karam Owner of “k2 Events and Edibles”
Gill’s Pier has featured Riesling with Asian influenced pairings in the past and discovered that it is one of the most popular food and wine pairing experiences for customers. The novice to the expert “foodie” is drawn into the nuances of the hot and spicy meets the fruity and zesty. It is a pleasure to observe the pairing and then listen to comments after. A great East meets West opportunity!!!
Tickets: Limited to 20 persons per hour

L. Mawby
Wine Pour: The wine is a duo, two small glasss, one each of Blanc de Blanc & Blanc de Noir
Food Pairing: Shrimp & Chicken Veloute over Lobster Pillows with Asparagus, Shitake & Red Peppers
Local Chef: Matt from Silvertree Deli
Tickets: Limited to 40 persons per hour

Leelanau Cellars
Wine Pour: 2009 Pinot Grigio
Wine Description: A lively acidity and pleasing integration of aromas and flavors makes this Pinot Grigio a great choice for hot summer days and pairing with lighter-style meals. This wine is crisp, delicate, and clean. There are plenty of aromas of honeysuckle and fresh ripe peaches on the nose and flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and kiwi fruit present on the palate. This is a perfect wine to enjoy before a meal, with an appetizer course, and paired along side lighter-style dishes of seafood and mild fish. Be sure to try this wine with smoked salmon, mixed green salads, grilled shrimp, lemon chicken, tabbouleh salad, olives, and assorted cheeses. $12.00 per bottle.
Food Pairing: A freshly grilled prawn served over fresh dressed mixed greens with a cherry barbeque glaze.
Prepared by: Chef David Waskiewicz of Knot just a Bar…The plan is to have him grilling outdoors on or near our patio!
Tickets: Limited to 40 persons per hour. We will have our outdoor patio open for seating (weather permitting). If the weather is bad, we will be set up in the tasting room for each seating.
Link to the restaurant, Knot Just a Bar: www.knotjustabar.com

Shady Lane Cellars
Wine Pour: 2007 Semi- Dry Reisling
Food Pairing: Minced Chicken Lettuce wraps with shitake mushroom, Chinese vegetables, hoisin sauce, and crisp lettuce jammers.
Local Chef: From the restaurant Red Ginger

Silver Leaf
Wine Pour: Pinot Gris
Wine Description: Dry white wine with a soft citrus fruits and supple mouth feel
Food Pairing: Pan seared sea scallops with mango salsa
Food Description: Large sea scallops pan seared in butter topped with a mango salsa
Local Chef: John Piombo / Executive chef at The Homestead Resort's "Nona's"
Additional information: Silver Leaf Vineyard has recently introduced their Pinot Gris and is offering their new wine along with "small plates" diner offering June 19th.
Their Pinot Gris is a dry white wine with citrus aromas and flavors and soft and supple mouth feel. They have paired up with The Homestead Resort's "Nona's" restaurant and Executive Chef, John Piombo. John is making a special creation for the event, "Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Mango Salsa". Silver Leaf will be offering their Pinot Gris along with the dish.
Tickets: Limited to 20 persons per hour

"The Broneah Brothers," Matt and Keegan Meyers, are once again bringing us the M-22 Challenge to be held on June 12. The Challenge, which begins Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park (aka Little Glen Lake Picnic Area), is multi-discipline event, with biking, running, and paddling, which is designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.

The first leg requires athletes to bike approximately 17 miles around Big and Little Glen Lake. Bike highlights include a peddle through downtown Glen Arbor, sections along the Crystal River and the famous M-22, and of course, Inspiration Point. The Leelanau County Sheriffs Department will be leading the bikers in a “rolling enclosure” that will allow athletes use of the entire right lane of the roads.

For the second running portion, athletes will cross the street into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Parkshore “Dune Climb” park and face a steep and sandy climb up the dune. The reward at the top is the view! Competitors will then catch their breath in a fun run down the dune and along a groomed trail to M-109. On the road, runners will sprint back to the event site and transition area to complete the approximate 2 mile run. Approximately half of the run will take place on pavement.

Transitioning from a run to the water, the third and final portion of the event has participants paddling out and back into Little Glen Lake for approximately 2 miles. Athletes are only allowed to use one (1) paddle to hand power their chosen craft (kayak, standup paddle board, anything else you can dream up! etc.) A two blade paddle is allowed, but in no way can the paddle be fixed to the craft.

The M-22 Challenge is a Zero-Waste event, "Green Certified" event, meaning every aspect of this event’s planning and operation is scrutinized to make sure that waste is not only minimized, but any wastes generated are able to be collected and processed via recycling/composting at local facilities.

Although registration for the event is sold out, volunteer opportunities are still available. And, of course, spectators are more than welcome to come and cheer on their favorites.

Be sure to check out the results from the 2009 M-22 Challenge and race photos!

Photo: M22 Challenge by Andy McFarlane

Photo: Barn in spring by Happyhiker4

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Weekend! Due to the short week, we only featured a couple of events. Next week is TART's Smart Commute Week. Check out alternative ways to get around town while enjoying free breakfasts and having fun. Speaking of fun, the annual Leland Wine & Food Festival is on June 12. Enjoy local food, wine, and music at the Leland Marina.

Week's Weather

June 2: Mostly cloudy & 64 (72/56)
June 1: Mostly sunny & 66 (85/47)
May 31: Rain & 65 (77/52)
May 30: Mostly sunny & 76 (91/60)
May 29: Mostly sunny & 65 (80/50)
May 28: Mostly sunny & 68 (80/56)
May 27: Mostly sunny & 77 (77/55)

Post your comments about the week's news, observations of the weather or the natural world or events below! You'll also want to check out the Leelanau Calendar and the latest news and features from Leelanau, Traverse City and the surrounding area in our blog! Here's the May 2009 and June 2009 archives, and Leelanau Almanac: Week of May 20 – 26.