5th Annual TC Waterman SUP Challenge Returns to Grand Traverse Bay – Saturday, August 16

Celebration to also feature Short’s Brewing BEER-B-Q, Hall’s Sweet Corn and Laith al Saaid Big Band with the Motor City Horns (from Bob Seger’s band)

The Midwest’s largest SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) event returns to the waters of Grand Traverse Bay and it’s adjacent Open Space in downtown Traverse City on Saturday, August 16. The TC Waterman SUP Challenge is sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA).

This event includes recreational and elite races for all ages and skill levels, including an 11 mile down-winder from Bowers Harbor. Registration for the race is now open at www.TCWaterman.com.

Activities run from 8:30am (6:00am for race registration) to 6:00pm and include free product demonstrations, SUP clinics, a product expo with more than 30 vendors and an awards dinner for all participants. Other activities include Coast Guard helicopter landing and tours, Traverse City Fire Department truck tours, historic farm equipment displays, a petting zoo, kids’ Silent Disco dance tent and more.

This year, the Waterman Challenge is supported in part by Short’s Brewing Company of Bellaire, who are bringing their amazing woody boat and ski bar for a tap takeover on the Open Space pier. This new Short’s BEER-B-Q will feature local whole hog East Carolina-style BBQ, paired with TC famous Hall’s Farm Sweet Corn for a fantastic culinary experience for the whole family.

Award-winning Executive Chef Lauren Smaxwell will supervise all culinary action throughout the day, with menu items including ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket and more. Smaxwell and her team were recently featured on Food Network where they beat Bobby Flays ribs on his show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Access to food during the Short’s BEER-B-Q is free and open to all ages, with meals ranging from $8 to $12. Those looking to enjoy the Short’s Boat Bar tap takeover on the bay will need a ticket for $10 in advance ($15 at the door), which includes a custom mug. Admission to the Tap Takeover is for those 21 years of age and older; ID is required for admittance.

Live music will be provided throughout the day headlined by the Laith al Saadi Big Band, beginning at 5:00pm on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. Street performers will also provide entertainment throughout the day around the festival site.

Tickets for the TC Waterman SUP Challenge are on sale now at www.MyNorthTickets.com. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space is limited. Wine and beer tickets are available for purchase at the event. Proceeds from the event will support sustainable green events and intelligent design through nonprofit partner Bay Area Recycling for Charities.

For more information on the Waterman Challenge visit www.TCWaterman.com and the Short’s BEER-B-Q Experience, visit www.TentVenue.com.

"Summer in Northern Michigan" Collaborative Video Focuses on Traditions of Water, Friends and Craft Beer in the Great Lakes State

North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City is longing for warm summer days filled with fun in the sun. In anticipation of such days to come, they’ve introduced a true Michigan collaboration!

Michigan artist/singer/songwriter Jetty Rae lends her words and gritty vocals to an inspiring new video by filmmaker Evan Joling – featuring the high-in-the-sky aerial skills of local kiteboarding icons Matt and Keegan Myers (aka “The Broneah Brothers”) and their M-22 branding, paired with North Peak’s seasonal brew Archangel Summer Wheat.

“Everyone at North Peak is READY for summer,” says Greg Lobdell, who – along with Jon Carlson, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall, are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company. “We think this video is a great representation of Summer in Northern Michigan – passionate and creative individuals having fun with family and friends. We can’t wait to share it with everyone!”

The complete video (1:48), shot in the skies over the sparkling waters and along the shoreline of West Grand Traverse Bay, is available for online viewing here.

The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.

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www.NorthPeakBeer.com
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Salt of the Earth Concludes Michigan Series with Wyncroft Wines Summer Solstice Dinner

Salt of the Earth – Fennville’s rustic American eatery – will conclude its 2012 Michigan Beer & Wine Series on the longest day of the year Wednesday, June 20 with a “Summer Solstice Wine Dinner” featuring James Lester’s Wyncroft Wines. Guest Chef Jeffrey Johnston of Copper Rock Steakhouse inside New Buffalo’s Four Winds Casino will join Chef Matthew Pietsch for this exclusive culinary affair.

“Chef Matt’s motto of ‘cooking in the moment’ will be in full force as we welcome Chef Jeffrey to our first ever summer wine event,” says SotE proprietor Mark Schrock. “Fresh seasonal ingredients in dishes with French influences, paired with Jim’s amazing Bordeaux style wines will make for a summer evening to remember.”

The five-course dinner starts at 7:09pm. Space is limited to 36 guests, at a cost of $85 per person (plus tax/gratuity). For reservations: 269-561-SALT (7258).

The Summer Solstice Wyncroft Wine Dinner menu includes:

First Course – 2011 Avonlea Dry Riesling
radish – garlic cream – prosciutto - watercress

Second Course – 2007 Chardonnay
crispy chicken liver – trumpet royal mushroom

Third Course – 2010 Pinot Noir
Gunthorp farms duck breast – Parisian gnocchi

Fourth Course – 2010 Shou
lamb – flageolet beans – lamb demi glace – mint

Fifth Course- December Late Harvest
fresh berries – rhubarb – pate brisee

ABOUT THE PLAYERS:

Wyncroft Wine makes artisanal, super-premium quality wines from estate-grown grapes in the Lake Michigan Shore appellation. These single-vineyard bottlings contain the finest grape varieties that thrive in our Michigan soil and microclimate, emphasizing those that consistently allow us to craft wines that meet our standard of quality.

Salt of the Earth is tucked away in a historic building in quaint downtown Fennville – in the heart of the Southwest Michigan’s thriving agricultural region. Under the direction of Chef Matthew Pietsch (protégé of ‘Iron Chef’ Michael Symon), this full service restaurant offers a seasonal menu of made-from-scratch entrees, shared plates, wood-fired oven pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and creative desserts – using fresh ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. You’ll also find a bar stocked with an impressive selection of Michigan wines, craft beers, and spirit, alongside other domestic and international selections. Artisan bread is baked in house and served with dinner, and is available for purchase at the restaurant and several local retail outlets. Salt of the Earth is also a popular venue for local and regional musical artists, with live house concerts held weekly. Summer Hours: open for dinner every evening at 5pm.


Salt of the Earth
114 East Main Street
Fennville MI 49408
269.561.SALT (7258)
www.saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.facebook.com/saltoftheearthfennville

Official FB Event