Local Rider Open Horse Show Series

Local Rider Open Horse Show Series Begins Saturday!

The all-new local horse show series begins this weekend!The new By The Bay Local Rider Open Horse Show Series, designed specifically for riders from our region, begins Saturday morning at 8:30 at Northern Pines Farm in Maple City. This show is the first of a new five-show series, which will take place from April through July, and is a partnership with Northern Pines and Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg. The fifth show will be featured during the annual Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival and will serve as the finals where the series year-end awards will be presented. The prize list for the By The Bay Local Series is now available to download online at www.horseshowsbythebay.com. Each show will offer $50 stake classes plus a comprehensive schedule well-suited for the local northwest Michigan hunter/hunt seat riders and the all breed English/Western community. The next event will be held at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg on May 30.Northern Pines Farm is a private hunter/jumper facility located in Maple City, Michigan, owned by nationally recognized trainer and competitor Melissa Hirt and her husband Glenn. For more information please visit www.northernpinesfarm.com.

Hope to see participants and spectators alike this Saturday!

National Cherry Festival Epicurean Events 2009

National Cherry Festival Epicurean Events

Cherries D’vine
The fourth annual Cherries D’Vine epicurean event is a culinary showcase featuring regional fruits - the cherry and the grape. A melding of local agriculture, the BBQ Edition event is slated for Sunday, July 5 and will get underway at 12 noon - just in time for viewing the Festival Airshow over West Grand Traverse Bay. Cherry BBQ creations from starters and entrees, to cherry blended desserts will be paired with award winning wines from both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

Cherries Grand Buffet
Cherries Grand Buffet will showcase recipes prepared by the culinary and catering professionals at Grand Traverse Pie Company, you’ll find cherries tucked into luncheon favorites like wraps, soups, and salads - not to mention cherry delectable desserts! Festival-goers will enjoy a 30 minute Musical Stage Show produced by the Old Town Playhouse Performers. And what better place to celebrate this newly remodeled event than the recently refurbished City Opera House in downtown Traverse City.

Global Wine Pavilion
Another regional wine event? Far from it. The National Cherry Festival will, for the first time, feature a ‘Global Wine Pavilion’.The event will feature a superb collection of over 75 local, domestic and international wines selected by Master Sommelier Ron Edwards of Petoskey, Michigan, as well as 12 artisan beers.Complementing the collection of wines, a feature selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, and other authentic foods saluting major grape growing regions of Italy. Food offerings will begin at $3.Entry into the Pavilion is $10. You will receive a complimentary etched Bavarian wine glass and a half glass taste of the featured wine of the day. Subsequent glasses of wine will be served in half and full glass portions beginning at $3.

Reflections of Traverse City

Reflections of Traverse City
Arts & Culture(Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. )
10am to 4pm
Location: Grand Traverse Heritage Center
Vintage clothing including mid-19th century gowns, war uniforms and children's wear are among a variety of historical textiles featured in the new "Reflections of Traverse City" exhibit in the museum of history at Grand Traverse Heritage Center. The exhibit runs through May 1st and is open to the public Mon.-Fri. from 10am-4pm. Admission fee is $3 per adult and $1.50 per student. In addition to numerous archival photographs, the exhibit includes hands-on displays featuring a collection of children's and men's ties and sounds of the different eras. Other artifacts include a Victorian sleigh, wicker wheelchair, vintage radio, steamer trunk and more. For more information call (231) 995-0313.

Stargazing - Public Viewing

Stargazing- Public Viewing
Family Event
9pm to 11pm
Location: NMC's Rogers Observatory
Students from the NMC Astronomy Club and Grand Traverse Astronomical Society are hosting an opportunity to Stargaze in order to expose more people to astronomy. They have scheduled weekly viewing nights to commemorate 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. Programming will be different each week. Souvenirs like a "star finder" map of the sky will be available.
The Northwestern Michigan College Rogers Observatory is located at 1753 Birmley Road in Traverse City.
Phone: (231) 995-2300

Wine Immersion Seminar

Wine Immersion Seminar
Winery Event
11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Location: Chateau Chantal, 15900 Rue de Vin

An all day event providing an excellent overview of winemaking, viticulture, and food and wine pairing. Hosted by our passionate winemaker, Brian Hosmer and other wine educators, the day includes a vineyard walk, peasant's lunch, cellar tour, wine tastings, learning materials, and gourmet dinner. The $145 per person price covers lunch, multi-course dinner paired with Chantal's wines, learning materials and instruction. Class starts at 11AM and runs through dinner. Call 1-800-969-4009 for further details and reservations. Weekend packages begin at $290 per person. Call to register and check room availability. Group Rates Are Available.
Contact Information: Chateau Chantal
Phone: (231) 223-4110

73rd National Trout Festival

73rd National Trout Festival
Festivals
Location: Downtown Kalkaska

There's fun for everyone with trout fishing contests, special breakfasts, family entertainment tent, queen coronation, children's fishing contest, parades, special dinners, craft show, flea market and fireworks. Highlights include: Wed. Taste of Trout, Sat. Kalkaska Idol Contest, Sun. Demolition Derby.
Phone: (231) 258-9103

Chef's Challenge 2009

2009 Chef's Challenge
Annual Event
April 24 - 26, 2009

Professional chefs, hot food competition and tasting featuring Michigan food products, wines and microbrews. In addition to the Chef's Challenge competition, the weekend will feature cooking seminars and vendors showcasing Michigan agriculture ~ second only to California in number of diverse food products.
E-Mail: info@springtimesplendor.com