MARCH Back to Top
MARCH 8 THINKING BEYOND JERKY AND GORP: Program at The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association meeting, Thursday March 8. The meeting will be at the Manistee Audubon House (on MI 110 north of Orchard Beach State Park) and is open to the public. There will be a short business meeting at 7 pm, and the program will begin at 7:30 pm. This is a program about preparing dehydrated food for camping and backpacking with plenty of free samples, recipes and ideas. The program is brought by Joan Young, author of the award-winning book, North Country Cache. Following the program books will be available for sale. For more info go to www.northcountrytrail.org/spw/news.htm
MARCH 10 SPIRIT OF THE WOODS CHAPTER OF NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION HIKE: The Spirit of the Woods Chapter will lead a ski/ snowshoe outing at the new Crystal Valley Ski Area. Meet 10 am at the Parking Lot. Bring water and a snack or lunch. For directions see www.northcountrytrail.org/spw or call Joan Young 231-757-2205.
MARCH 10 TASTE OF MANISTEE COUNTY: Presented by Manistee Catholic Central Alumni Association. Featuring some of Manistee County's best restaurants and caterers. Proceeds from this fund raiser go to scholarships for graduating seniors. Manistee Catholic Central Schools, 231-723-2529.
MARCH 14 FAMILY/COMMUNITY NIGHT: Skit Night. No Charge, Open to everyone, 7 p.m., CASMAN Academy, 225 Ninth St., Manistee, 231-723-4981.
MARCH 14 MANISTEE COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY PROGRAM AND REGULAR MEETING: 7:00pm, Lake Bluff Audubon Center, 2890 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee. Speaker: Tom Ford, Wild Bird Unlimited, TC
"Feeding the Birds * One of America's Favorite Pastimes" Tom will explain some good bird feeding "basics" * feeder selection, feeder care, types of seed and what new products are on the market to bring those special birds into view! Don't miss this program!
MARCH 16 DICK SIEGEL: Brown Township Hall, 8233 Coates Hwy., Manistee, 3 1/2 miles east of US 31 on Coates Hwy, 8 p.m. As one of today's most innovative songwriters, Dick Siegel continues to explore life and love with humor and sensitivity. Allow yourself to enjoy and explore something new and very special.
—Ann Delisi, Music Director, CIDR (Windsor, ONT)
MARCH 16-17; 23-24 ( 8PM); MARCH 25 (3PM) QUEEN LEAR: William Shakespeare's classic tragedy adapted and set in ancient Ireland. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 231-845-6211.
MARCH 25 "MANISTEE'S MIKE" BAUMAN BENEFIT: St. Joseph Civic Club, 183 Ninth St., Manistee, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. Swiss steak, grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, pepper jack crab soup corn, bole slaw, bread, desserts, beverages, adult beverages available. $10 and up donation for adults, $5 donation for 6-12 years, under 6 are free. Silent auction, 50/50 drawings. All proceeds go to Mike and Julie Bauman family. Any checks for donations should be mailed to: Dom Naffie, 809 Cherry St., Manistee MI 49660. Questions? Ticket Info: Pat Gielczyk, 231-723-9118, Jan Parker 231-723-8864, Jim Russell 231-723-8411 or Steve Adamski 231-723-9439.
MARCH 30-31 THE TEMPEST: A main stage drama by William Shakespeare. 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
MARCH 31 SHAKESPEARE UNIVERSITY: Learn about William Shakespeare, Elizabethan Theatre, The Tempest, and more! 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $25, lunch included. Reservations required, 231-723-7188.
APRIL Back to Top
APRIL 5-7 THE TEMPEST: A main stage drama by William Shakespeare. 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
APRIL 7 DINNER WITH WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: Prepared from an Elizabethan cook book and served at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 6 p.m., $25, reservations required, 231-723-7188.
APRIL 10 FAMILY/COMMUNITY NIGHT: Gardening Night. No Charge, Open to everyone, 7 p.m., CASMAN Academy, 225 Ninth St., Manistee, 231-723-4981.
APRIL 14 AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO: Celebrates the madness and music of Groucho! Award winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx. Ludington's Peterson Auditorium, 231-845-6211.
APRIL 21 THE COLLEGIATES: 8 p.m. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 231-845-6211.
APRIL 22 SPRING CONCERT: Presented by Manistee County Choral Society. Faith Covenant Church, 475 8th St., Manistee. A community county wide choir of 30-40 voices presenting a concert of various types of music, from modern to classical, sung acappella and accompanied by the piano. 4 p.m., free will offering will be accepted.
APRIL 25 1ST ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL'S DAY LUNCHEON: This is an event intended to recognize a group of professionals that are the backbone of our business community - Administrative Professionals. Visit display booths by vendors, receive attendee gifts and door prizes, networking, professional development, powerful presentation. Keynote speaker Susan Shamali, CPS/CAP, International Treasurer, IAAP. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., luncheon. Haggerty Center, NMC Great Lakes Campus. Presented by Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Register online www.tcchamber.org or Pat Hobson, 231-995-7101.
APRIL 26-28 5OTH ANNUAL MANISTEE ROTARY VARIETY SHOW: 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple St., Manistee, for ticket information: 231-889-0129.
APRIL 28 DON JENNINGS AWARD DINNER: Don Jennings was a Lawyer’s Lawyer who devoted his life to protecting the civil liberties and rights of all of us. He died in 2003 at the age of 72, and the Dinner honors his memory by giving recognition to that person who has best carried on Don’s work during this past year. Odawa Ojibwe Room of the Little River Casino Resort for a Social Hour beginning at 6 p.m. with Dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and can be reserved by calling Dick Albee at (231) 723-0032.
APRIL 29 COMMUNITY CHOIR: 3 p.m. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 231-845-6211.
MAY Back to Top
MAY 2 JAZZ/CONCERT BAND: 7 p.m. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 231-845-6211.
MAY 5 THE BIDDIES: Three critically acclaimed Michigan songwriters, entertainers, Claudia Schmidt, Jan Krist and Kitty Donohoe. 8 p.m. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 231-845-6211.
MAY 5 DAISY MAY: Daisy May is already a veteran songwriter, with an offer from at least one major record label to cover her songs. But she prefers to sing them herself. And this wonderful young singer sings songs that will raise the hair on the back of your neck, They are that good! 8 p.m., Browntown Hall, Coates Hwy., Manistee. Presented by Spirit of the Woods Music Association.
MAY 9 FAMILY/COMMUNITY NIGHT: Parents vs. kids in Field Games/Initiatives. No Charge, Open to everyone, 7 p.m., CASMAN Academy, 225 Ninth St., Manistee, 231-723-4981.
MAY 9-13 CELEBRATING WOMEN FESTIVAL: Presented by Manistee County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, 231-723-2575. Fun events and activities for women, by women. Arts and crafts, dining, entertainment, sports activities, workshops and seminars, and cultural performances.
MAY 12 SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Manistee High School, 525 12th St., Manistee, 231-723-2575. Organized by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
MAY 18 MANISTEE COUNTY REPUBLICANS LINCOLN DINNER: At the Historic Portage Point Inn, in Onekama. Social hour 6 p.m., Dinner 7 p.m. Speaker is Bill Ballenger from "Inside Michigan Politics." Music by "Eggs and Bacon Blues Band." For more information call Shari Wild, 231-889-3416.
MAY 26 CLASSIC CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET: Presented by the Wellston Boosters Association. Norman Township Community Center. Anyone interested in being part of the show, contact John Carver, 231-859-4119. Pre-register $8 or $10 day of the show. (The first 50 participants will receive a dash plaque). 10 x 10 spaces are available for the swap meet, $10 per space. Trophies, prizes and more!
JUNE Back to Top
JUNE 1-2 WE'RE NO ANGELS: A main stage comedy. Written by David Marnet, play by Alvert Husson, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
JUNE 7-9 WE'RE NO ANGELS: A main stage comedy. Written by David Marnet, play by Alvert Husson, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
JUNE 16 SPIRIT OF THE WOODS MUSIC FESTIVAL: Dickson Township Park in Brethren. A one-day free outdoor festival of folk music, dance, handcrafts. Family friendly. Noon to 10 p.m. Presented by Spirit of the Woods Music Association, 231-723-2230; 231-477-5381.
JUNE 22-24 MICHIGAN ENERGY FAIR: Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama, Michigan. Energy experts, vendors, companies to educate the public about solutions to our energy future. Learn how businesses in Michigan and elsewhere are offering products and services that help save money, build energy security, independence, and benefit the environment. Dozens of booths will offer education and will connect participants with information and services concerning energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable technologies. Presented by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, 517-646-6269.
JUNE 29 MANISTEE COUNTY LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The library will hold a used book sale during regular hours at the Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street, Manistee.
JULY Back to Top
JUNE 29 - JULY 4 MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST FESTIVAL: Many activities during this festival, most a f First Street Beach. Entertainment tent, carnival, kid's events, marketplace and more. Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, 231-723-2575.
JULY 1 CUSTOMS-N-CLASSICS CAR CLUB CAR SHOW: On the lawn at Douglas Park, First Street Beach, Manistee. Email chamber@manistee.com or contact 231-723-3800 or 231-266-8436.
JULY 13-15 BEAR LAKE DAYS: A community wide summer family festival coordinated by the Bear Lake Lions Club since 1953!
JULY 8 2ND ANNUAL ARCADIA REFLECTIONS CRACKER BARREL: 7 p.m. at Arcadia United Methodist Church, www.arcadiami.com
JULY 14 BEAR LAKE DAYS CAR SHOW: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. corner of Main and Wise Streets, Bear Lake. For more information call 231-510-1500 after June 1.
JULY 27 - 28 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 24 HOUR RELAY FOR LIFE: Noon-Noon at the Manistee Catholic Central Saber Stadium. Public Welcome. 231-947-0860; 800-723-0370.
JULY 27-29 ARCADIA DAZE: Crafts, food, vendors, bands, parade. Arcadia Lions Club, 231-889-5555.
AUGUST Back to Top
AUGUST 3-4 A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: A main stage musical comedy. Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Music and lyrics by Stephen Soundheim, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
AUGUST 4 ONEKAMA DAYS CLASSIC CAR SHOW: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama. Contact: 231-889-5936.
AUGUST 5 ODAWA MUSICIANS: 7 p.m., location to be announced, www.arcadiami.com
AUGUST 9 8TH BIENNIAL ARCADIA HOME TOUR: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., $15 per person, www.arcadiami.com
AUGUST 9-11 A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: A main stage musical comedy. Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Music and lyrics by Stephen Soundheim, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
AUGUST 25 THE KALEVA FINNISH LINE 5K RUN OR WALK: 9:00 AM, proceeds from the race supports Kaleva Historical Society's Bottle House Museum and Project Kaleva's Community Work. Click here to download more info and entry form
AUGUST 25 KALEVA DAYS CAR SHOW & MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kaleva Roadside Park, Kaleva. Contact: 231-864-2396
SEPTEMBER Back to Top
SEPTEMBER 8 PORT CITY STREET FAIR: Entertainment, food, car show, arts & crafts, historic building tours, special exhibits and more, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, 231-723-2575.
SEPTEMBER 16 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, FARM OLYMPICS AND SILENT AUCTION: 1:30 p.m. Circle Rocking "S" Children's Farm, 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil, 231-462-3732. The public is invited to bring their pets for a special church service and blessing. After the service join in the Farm Olympics which includes pet costume, look-a-like, pet talent, seed spitting, chicken calling and more. Trophies and ribbons to be awarded to third place in each class. The silent auction has great items donated by local businesses to support the farm.
OCTOBER Back to Top
OCTOBER 19-20 DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: A main stage drama. Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
OCTOBER 25-27 DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: A main stage drama. Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
NOVEMBER Back to Top
NOVEMBER 30 A LITTLE PRINCESS: A main stage musical. Adapted by John Vreeke from the story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Music and underscoring by Will Severin and George David Weiss, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
DECEMBER Back to Top
DECEMBER 1 & 6-8 A LITTLE PRINCESS: A main stage musical. Adapted by John Vreeke from the story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Music and underscoring by Will Severin and George David Weiss, 8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, 231-723-9948.
DECEMBER 6-9 VICTORIAN SLEIGHBELL PARADE AND OLD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: A whole weekend of excitement including; Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more. Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, 231-723-2575; 800-288-2286. E-mail - chamber@manistee.com; web address - www.manisteecountychamber.com
DECEMBER 9 CHRISTMAS IN BEAR LAKE: Bear Lake School, Cody Street. County's original living nativity procession, pageant, sing-along, live music concert, jingle bell race, arts & crafts, face painting, children's games, hay rides, chili cook-off, sloppy Joe concession. Visit with Santa, puppet show. Presented by Bear Lake Promoters, Gloria Edwards, 231-864-3127, www.bearlakemichigan.com
DECEMBER 21 WINTER SOLSTICE: Celebrated in Kaleva by lighting the cemetery with over 600 luminaries. This tradition is a community effort to light the longest night by placing candles in paper bags on loved ones graves in the Kaleva cemetery. Meet at 4 pm. across from the cemetery on Kaleva St. to help. The beautiful, moving sight can be enjoyed the whole evening, 231-362-3793.
