Valentine Vodka Introduces Sweet Package for Valentine's Day

The name alone is the ideal marketing campaign for Valentine’s Day, but Michigan-made Valentine Vodka has sweetened their packaging for the romantic holiday.

In early January, Valentine Vodka will release its elegant 750ml bottle with an individually-wrapped piece of artisan chocolate. Hand-crafted by Mimi Wheeler of Grocer’s Daughter, the gourmet heart-shaped chocolate was developed specifically to pair with the smooth taste of Valentine Vodka. This special Valentine Vodka package will sell for $29.99 at retail outlets around the state of Michigan.

As Detroit’s first micro distilled spirit since Prohibition, Valentine Vodka is well on its way to setting the standard for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste. As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a multi-grain recipe, Valentine Vodka proudly utilizes a blend of red Michigan wheat, two-row malted barley and corn, which all come directly from Michigan farmers and suppliers.

Grocer’s Daughter also has growing reputation for quality, hand-crafted products. Based in the Leelanau County community of Empire, this family-run business prides itself on the use of all-natural and many organic and other naturally grown ingredients for its hand-crafted gourmet artisan chocolates.

The man behind Valentine Vodka is Rifino Valentine. A native of Leelanau County and a graduate of Glen Lake High School and Cornell University, where he earned a BA in Economics, Rifino spent 11 years on Wall Street as an independent trader before founding his own successful trading firm.

It was in 2005 that he returned to his home state to pursue his passion – to form a successful and locally-focused Michigan micro-distillery. After years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the retail market in March, 2009.
Through his hand-crafted products, Rifino hopes to draw on the inspiration and history that the City of Detroit brings when it comes to distilled spirits, as he develops and grows Valentine Vodka.

“We are excited to bring back a proud tradition the City of Detroit hasn’t seen in over 70 years,” said Rifino. “Few know about the pivotal role that Detroit played in the history of distilled alcohol during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 30s. Literally overnight, Detroit became a multi-million-dollar Mecca of liquor – albeit illegal at the time – helping to shape the city’s history during the 20th Century.”

Currently, Rifino is distilling Valentine Vodka in Webberville, Mich. It is made one batch at a time, in limited quantities. Every step of the process is done by hand, from boiling the mash to the fermentation, from the three distillation runs to the charcoal filtering. Valentine Vodka is distributed at more than 400 retail outlets around the state, as well as being on the menu at select bars and restaurants throughout Michigan.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Valentine Vodka, Rifino has undertaken the renovation the former American Forge building, in the heart of Detroit. In 2010, this 7000-square foot building will become the permanent home of the Valentine Vodka distilling, bottling and business operations.

“We are excited to move the entire manufacturing process to the city of Detroit,” Rifino said. “Our goal is to bring an exciting new business to the downtown area and put Detroit back in the national spotlight for manufacturing world-class products.”

For a list of retail outlets carrying Valentine Vodka, as well as a menu of signature cocktails, log onto www.ValentineVodka.com

Grand Traverse Distillery Scores Medals at Prestigious International Competition

Grand Traverse Distillery, Northern Michigan's original vodka micro-distillery, recently received accolades for its various True North Vodkas from the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) at its 2009 International Review of Spirits Competition earlier this fall in Chicago. This is the largest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States.

The BTI gave Grand Traverse Distillery’s new Wheat Vodka (80 proof / $21.97) a gold medal rating of 93 in the “Unflavored Vodka” category – one of the highest ranking issued East of the Mississippi. The original True North Vodka (80 proof / $29.99) received a 92 gold medal rating in the same category, while the Grand Cherry Vodka (80 proof / $29.99) ranked in with 87 points for a silver medal rating in the “Flavored Vodka” category.

“We couldn’t be happier with our BTI rankings this year – including the gold medal for our new Wheat Vodka,” says Kent Rabish, who began distributing the True North Vodka in June 2007. “Each of our three product lines have now been recognized by leaders in the industry for being among the top micro-distilled vodkas in the country.”

The International Review of Spirits is the most authoritative, influential and respected annual spirits competition in the United States. Major and boutique spirits producers and importers from around the world participate in the competitions each year.

The online reviews for the Grand Traverse Distillery line includes:

• Wheat Vodka: “Clear. Mild aromas of graham crackers, dried fruit, and custard have a faint spicy edge and follow through silky, smooth entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with delicate anise, dusty grain, and mossy stone notes. Finishes with smooth, talc and mint water accented fade. A very tasty and smooth vodka for every application.”

• True North Vodka: “Clear. Interesting, delicate aromas of earthy mint leaf, dried citrus, white chocolate, and baklava follows through on a soft, satiny entry to a dryish medium body follows through on with excellent smoothness and balance. Finishes with a sweet cream, mint tea, and talc accented fade. Unique honeyed mintiness will make for fascinating cocktails.”

• Grand Cherry Vodka: “Clear. Bold aromas of artisanal maraschino cherries have a distinct chocolate marzipan cookie note and follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a dryish, glycerous medium-to-full with a tingling peppery spice accent. Finishes with a crisp, drying and white pepper, cocoa-dusted cherry skin, and mineral fade. Great cherry aromas, but rather faint on the palate and prickly on the finish; nevertheless, this should mix very well and pop in cocktails.”

Founded in 1981, BTI is recognized as one of America’s premier, independent, alcoholic beverage review organizations by leaders of the beverage industry such as the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business 2.0, BusinessWeek, CNBC, the BBC, theStreet.com and numerous other consumer and trade publications. Millions of consumers look to BTI's fair and impartial reviews on Tastings.com when making decisions regarding the purchase of spirits.

True North is super-premium vodka that celebrates the natural gifts abundant to Michigan's 45th parallel. Ingredients originate from the beautiful Grand Traverse region, where the rich soils produce the quality rye and the crystal clear glacial waters blend to create this premium vodka. With these quality ingredients and the triple distillation process, each True North Vodka is truly one of a kind.

As a Michigan distiller, using Michigan grown grains is a top priority for the distillery. As such, Grand Traverse Distillery is proud to support Michigan agriculture and has purchased over 300,000 pounds of rye, wheat and corn from local farmers since it began distilling its hand-crafted spirits.

Hand-crafted in small batches, more than 4000 cases of True North Vodka, Grand Cherry Vodka and Wheat Vodka have collectively sold in just the past 30 months. It can be found in over 800 retail outlets and 250 restaurants/bars in Michigan and is distributed in Michigan by General Wine & Spirits.

For more information, log on to www.grandtraversedistillery.com

PURE MICHIGAN MATH

Let's do some calculations...

With the “formula” of $1 spent in tourism promotion we generate $2.86 in new tax revenue…

$5 million spent on Pure Michigan generates $14.3 million

$30 million spent on Pure Michigan generates $85.8 million

That’s a $25 million DECREASE in investment spending BUT a $71.5 million LOSS in expected tax revenue AS WELL.

($30 million - $5 million = $25 million less invested | $85.8 million - $14.3 million = $71.5 million less generated)

That’s $71.5 million NOT coming in to help with schools, municipalities, etc. Although, if you subtract the investment amount I guess that comes to a net loss of $46.5 million.

Now...I majored in English and Journalism and despise math, but even I can see this is much more than pocket change!

FOR MORE ON SUPPORTING THE PURE MICHIGAN INITIATIVE: http://www.milodging.org/node/1131

What Your Favorite Season Reveals About You

In the midst of the changing seasons, it's a great time to discover what your favorite time of year says about you:

Fall -- The crispness of autumn gets your motor running, and you're a clever person who enjoys multitasking. Rather than being overwhelmed, you're stimulated. You often find intriguing solutions for problems because you always think outside the box.

Winter -- You're an independent person who pursues solitary adventures. But this time of year also awakens your sentimental side as you recall happy childhood memories. You manage to stay cheerful and positive during even the worst weather.

Spring -- You're a vivacious person who attracts admiring attention even in a crowd. You're an idealist with a strong work ethic who accomplishes most goals you set. Others often follow your lead because you project an incredibly positive vibe.

Summer -- Your mood is usually as sunny as the season. You're an energetic, social animal, often busy organizing an activity for friends. You love surprises, thriving on the unexpected and handling even tense situations with grace and panache.


SOURCE: http://www.woodradio.com/pages/Scott_Winters.html?_show

Inaugural Detroit Beer Week Announced - Friday, October 16 – Saturday, October 24, 2009

Following the success of “Beer Week” events held in other cities such as Philadelphia, New York and San Diego, a group of Industry Professionals is organizing the first ever Detroit Beer Week, to be held the third week of October, 2009.

The week-long series of beer-centric events will be held at participating venues in Detroit, with satellite events at Metro-Detroit brewpubs. These events will consist of brewery tours, tasting flights, meet-the-brewer sessions, food pairings, and a wide array of other unique activities. Events will be hosted by Detroit Beer Week staff and the Detroit Beer Barons, a group of Metro-area brewery personalities.

“We wanted to stay away from the traditional ‘drink this beer, get a keychain’ –type promotions, and instead focus on events that give value to the consumer and to the venue hosting the event,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, principal organizer of the events, AKA Chief Imaginationer.

The grand finale of Beer Week is the Inaugural Harvest Festival, hosted by the Michigan Brewers’ Guild and Metrotimes on Saturday, October 24, in Eastern Market.
While the Guild is not organizing Beer Week events, they have given their full support and cooperation to the organizing committee. “When the Guild announced the Harvest Festival in Eastern Market, we not only saw an opportunity to promote Michigan Beer in southeast Michigan,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, “but to promote the Great City of Detroit, as well; and the Guild has been extremely supportive of our efforts, even including information about events on their website at www.michiganbrewersguild.org.”

The participating venues include Slow’s Bar BQ, Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub, Park Bar, Motor City Brewing Works, Traffic Jam & Snug, Atwater Block Brewery, Detroit Beer Company, Wolfgang Puck Grille, Michael Symon’s Roast, 24Grille, and Fender’s Pub at the Omni Hotel.

A complete, updated list of events and information can be found on www.facebook.com. Keyword search: Detroit Beer Week.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Michigan Made Pumpkin Beers Highlight Fall Season

The autumn season brings an abundance of things to the Great Lakes State – like fall colors, harvest festivals and a variety of pumpkin beer. While the recipes may be similar, there’s always a touch of something unique in each of these fall brews – including the originality of the names.

“Every fall I get very excited for two things: NFL Football and Michigan pumpkin beer,” says Cale Chapult, Sales Representative at Rave Associates in Ann Arbor. “There is nothing better in Michigan than a sitting by a nice fire and drinking one of our great pumpkin beers. We here in Michigan know how important it is to use all four seasons to the fullest. What could be better than chilly weather and Michigan pumpkin beer – made here in Michigan with real pumpkin and a dash of autumn spice? It's the best around!”

Michigan made pumpkin brews available for 2009 include:

• Arcadia Ales, Battle Creek (www.arcadiaales.com)
Jaw-Jacker (6% ABV). Grandma's pumpkin pie never tasted this good. This fall seasonal is a celebration of harvest time and the changing of the seasons. Using only the finest malted barley and a touch of wheat, Jaw-Jacker pours a brilliant orange-amber color with truly unique flavors. Although no pumpkins are actually used, a blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon work with the malty flavors to create a bold flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie. A light hop note balances out the beer nicely. This seasonal beer, available for a limited time on draft and in 6-pack, 12oz glass bottles, is a favorite for harvest festivals, Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinner. It pairs well with boiled brisket with root veggies, roast duck or turkey, pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, with vanilla bean ice cream.

• Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak (www.bastonebrewery.com)
Belgian Pumpkin Porter (6% ABV). We add copious amounts of pumpkin to the mash and the boil along with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove lending a depth of flavor and aroma reminiscent of the fall season. Our unique Belgian yeast strains lend a slight fruity taste and effervescent mouthfeel, while the 8 different hand selected grains lend robust and delicious flavors of malty caramel and chocolate. Available only at the brewery.

• Dragonmead, Warren (www.dragonmead.com)
Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin Ale (6.0% ABV). Brewed with real pumpkins in the Mash and the standard pumpkin pie spices added to the boil, along with molasses and brown sugar, this American Spiced Ale is reminiscent of your favorite autumn dessert: pumpkin pie. The nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon that create this beer's delicious aroma are balanced against the malts and pumpkin in this recipe to give this spicy treat its charming flavor profile. Lil’s Grumpkin Pumpkin is only available while supplies last.

• Jolly Pumpkin, Dexter (www.jollypumpkin.com)
La Parcela (5.9% ABV). OK, so the joke was Jolly Pumpkin doesn't brew a pumpkin beer! Well, now we do – just this one – No. 1 pumpkin beer. With hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cacao to liven the soul, this oak-aged sour beer has real pumpkin added to the barrels during the aging process. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about! Being released for the first time in Fall 2009.

• New Holland Brewing, Holland (www.newhollandbrew.com)
Ichabod (5.5% ABV). As fall brings color to our trees, a chill to our evenings and countless aromas of the changing season, we instinctively look for early harvest flavors on our plate and in our glass. Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. It befits any autumnal adventure, including mysterious rides through the hollow, and pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert. Available on tap and in bottles through November.

• Motor City Brewing, Detroit (www.motorcitybeer.com)
North Cass Community Garden Pumpkin Ale (9% ABV). This Pumpkin Ale is a wonderful community Creation, from the many volunteers who built the North Cass Community Garden to the planting and nurturing of the group’s very first pumpkin patch. This Belgian-style Pumpkin Ale is a special blend of roasted pumpkin & malted barley balanced with American aromatic hops, traditional herb, spices and a lot of the neighbors’ tender loving care. The thin layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle is the mark of the true natural brewing process. Unfiltered, unpasteurized . . . NATURALLY! For optimum flavor enjoy from the glass. This special brew is in limited supply and is only available at the brewery taproom, starting October 12.

• Short’s Brewing, Bellaire (www.shortsbrewing.com)
Funkin Punkin (5.6% ABV). A seasonal blend of pumpkin, spices, and carefully formulated ale. Notably aromatic of pumpkin pie, and the color of a light pastel brown, this brew is especially true of ale and comfortably consumable. Brewed with real pumpkin and real spice, it’s still very much a beer, but beautifully engineered with spice, pumpkin and beer balance.

• Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro, Hastings (www.walldorffbrewpub.com)
The Candy Snatcher Pumpkin Ale (5.7% ABV). Using local pumpkins and a nice addition of fresh spices always makes a great fall time ale and a local favorite. A bit of lactose (milk sugar) blanaces out the spices to give this a nice creamy texture…almost a pumpkin cream ale. Available on tap the beginning of October, until it runs out.

“The growth of this category of beer annually has superseded 40% minimum each year over the past three years,” says Rick Lack, Executive Vice President at Rave Associates. “Particularly on the on premise side of our business, retailers are finding Michigan pumpkin beers pair very well with food and chefs are integrating these beers more and more into food pairings. On the consumer side, the sweet aftertaste the beer provides has been instrumental in attracting new consumers into the craft beer category- particularly women we are noticing. If, you have not tried one yet ... do so, as this seasonal treat is come and gone in a matter of months.”

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state.

Each year, the Guild hosts four annual craft beer festivals, with the next – Michigan Harvest Beer Festival – scheduled for October 24 (1-6pm) at Eastern Market in Detroit.

For more information about the Michigan Brewers Guild, including a dates of upcoming events and a list of member micro-breweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Fall in Love with Autumn Camping in Michigan

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at one of Michgan’s privately owned campgrounds. Here, campers seek out area farm markets, u-pick orchards and other agricultural destinations that dot the landscape.

Whether they’re looking for pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks to decorate their campsite, apples for baking aromatic and mouth-watering treats, or that perfect bottle of Michigan wine or beer to pair with a harvest meal, campers will find the area farms and agricultural destinations have just what they’re looking for.

Activities, such as wagon rides, haunted houses and corn mazes are popular for families this time of year. What better way to spend a fall day than walking over crackling leaves through an apple orchard or pumpkin patch in search of harvest goodies. Why not make a visit to one of the historic lighthouses that grace a Great Lake shoreline – especially one that is rumored to be haunted such as White River Light Station, Grand Traverse Lighthouse or Saginaw River Lighthouse.

Autumn activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and golf, are also of interest as campers look for exciting ways to take in the full spectrum of the fall season. Colors can also be viewed from the sky, with a ride in a hot air balloon, glider or airplane at various locations around the state. Even the state’s ski resorts are getting into the action, offering chair lift rides throughout the color tour season.

Campers are encouraged to take a fall color tour, traveling along the scenic byways (and off the major highways), with camera in hand. West Michigan Tourist Association has outlined more than two dozen color tour routes on its website. Travel Michigan offers similar types of routes, under the header “Driving Tours.” Local chambers and visitor bureaus also offer information, such as driving routes and attractions of interest.

In the Kent County area, online brochures are available for the Kent Harvest Trails and Fruit Ridge Farm Markets. The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council has online versions of both their fall color tour map and U-Pick/Farm Market Brochure. The “Taste the Local Difference – Select Northwest Michigan” directory is also available for online viewing. The Michigan Department of Agriculture also publishes an online PDF directory to the state’s Farm Markets, U-Picks & Agricultural Tourism destinations. There’s even a website that directs you to the finest apple farms throughout the state, as well as tours of the state’s finest wineries and breweries.

For more information on fall destinations and activities, check out these websites:
• Fruit Ridge Farm Markets
• Kent Harvest Trails
• Michigan Apple Tours
• Michigan Brewers Guild
• Michigan Cider Guild
• Michigan Department of Agriculture
• Michigan Festivals & Events Association
• Michigan Hard Cider Club
• Michigan Wine Council
• Southwestern Michigan Tourism Council
• Taste the Local Difference
• Travel Michigan
• Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreational Association
• West Michigan Tourist Association

ARVC represents 225+ member campgrounds with nearly 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2009 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified.

Photo by Terry Phipps.

Boyne Mountain’s Skitoberfest Offers Michigan Brewfest and More

Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting the first annual Skitoberfest, October 3-4, in celebration of fall and the coming winter season. Event highlights include a brewfest featuring nearly a dozen Michigan breweries, bratwursts of 30 varieties and gourmet food, live music and dancing, a meet and greet with Winter X-Games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team Coach, Greg Needell, and a day filled with family activities.

Staged in the Village, the event kicks off on Saturday at 2 p.m. Michigan craft brewers including Short’s, Bell’s, Founders, Arbor, Mt. Pleasant, Tri-City, Arcadia, Michigan, New Holland, Frankenmuth, and Wolverine, will be serving up a variety of their best beers until 7 p.m. To soak up the frothy brew, there are 30 varieties of bratwursts, made and grilled by Tannery Creek Meat Market of Petoskey, as well as specialties offered by Boyne City restaurants, Red Mesa Grill, 220 Lake Street, Sammich N’ Sudz and Lake Street Market. Admission to the brewfest is $20 and includes a Skitoberfest pint glass and 12 tickets toward beer sampling and food items. From 8 p.m. till midnight, the brewfest transforms to a classic beer tent with a cash bar and entertainment by Charlie’s Root Fusion.

Michigan wine tasting is also being offered with twenty-four regional wines and gourmet food prepared by Boyne Mountain including domestic and imported cheese, sushi, smoked whitefish dip, cured elk sausage, smoked beef and asparagus croustade, among other hors d’oeuvres. The event’s unique ‘wine room’ is open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and entry is $5 plus a dollar per wine tasting.

Skitoberfest attendees can also enjoy local art, family hayrides, a pumpkin patch, fall color chairlift rides, and a parade.

A Snowsports Summit, hosted by BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing and 2008 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, provides the opportunity to meet freestyle skier and Winter X-Games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team coach, Greg Needell. Entry to the Summit is $5 per person.

Lodging values on Boyne Mountain hotel accommodations offered from $69 and condominiums and cabins are also available. For complete Skitoberfest details and reservations, please visit www.BOYNE.com or call 800.GO.BOYNE (462-6963).

Fennville Goose Festival Celebrates Silver Anniversary: October 9-11, 2009

The community of Fennville, in Allegan County – Southwest Michigan, is ramping up to celebrate its Silver Anniversary Goose Festival, October 9-11, 2009.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Fennville’s historic ties to the thriving geese population at the 25th Annual Goose Festival. Attendees are treated to a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a craft show, parades, carnival, Loose Goose Trolley, Wild Goose Chase 5k Run & Gosling Run, live entertainment, pet show, dog show, car show, and much more.

Highlights for the Silver Anniversary include:

• The first ever Goose Festival Queen & Gosling Princess (Announced on Friday, October 9)
• Diego Soulz & Rhythm (7pm on Friday, October 9)
• The Scotville Clown Band (Marching in the parade and then two 45-minute stage performances on Saturday, October 10).
• Funktion (6-9pm on Saturday, October 10)
• John Dudley - Magician & Balloon Animal Artist Extraordinaire (Noon on Sunday, October 11)
• Goose Calling Demonstration with 5-year-old Tyler Schut (3:30pm on Sunday, October 11)
• Los Bandits (5:15pm on Sunday, October 11)

A complete schedule of events is now available online at www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com.

While the first Goose Festival wasn’t held until 1984, Fennville – affectionately referred to as “Goosetown” – has been a haven for the migratory Canada geese as far back as the 1930s. During that time, the geese would stop to feed and rest at what was then the A.M. Todd Farm. Albert May Todd was the world-leader in the production of mint and other oils; the property just south of Fennville was one of his multi-acre mint plantations.

In 1949, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources purchased the Todd Farm, acquiring additional farms in the area up through 1970. Their intent was to establish The Farm Unit, which included a hunting area and a wildlife refuge, serving as a waterfowl management area.

In the 1930s, the estimated number of Canada geese to congregate at The Farm was around 1000. In recent years, fall counts have exceeded 25,000 birds at one time. Through the course of a single season, the refuge serves more than 100,000 geese. These migrating geese usually begin their occupation of the refuge in early September, with the greatest visitation occurring from October to early November. Some, however, have found The Farm Unit a suitable setting to spend the winter. Between 10,000 and 20,000 geese have been known to winter here, in central Allegan County.

The Farm, located at 6013 118th Avenue in Fennville, today boasts a total 3650 acres – of which 1300 acres are maintained as a refuge. The Farm Unit provides a unique opportunity view large numbers of geese flying, feeding and resting in a natural setting. Few places allow people to mingle so closely with wildlife such as this.

For more information:
25th Anniversary Fennville Goose Festival: www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com
City of Fennville: www.GreaterFennville.com

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Hits a Speed Bump

If you happen to be driving in downtown Kalamazoo this fall, there is a Speed Bump you want to make sure you hit! The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is proud to welcome Speed Bump: The Comic World of Dave Coverly, opened on Saturday, September 5, 2009.

Dave Coverly admits there is no overriding theme, no tidy little philosophy that precisely describes what his Speed Bump comic strip is about. “Basically,” he says, “if life were a movie, these would be the outtakes.”

Through wit and whimsy, Dave Coverly reveals the truths of the human experience, from the workplace to family life and beyond. See original daily and Sunday cartoons - each explained with Coverly’s quick-witted humor, and experience what its like to be Dave Coverly with a mock ‘work station’ where creativity collides with paper. Also on view will be Coverly’s illustrations for Sue MacDonald Had a Book, written by Ann Arbor resident Jim Tobin. Admission to this exhibition is free.
Want to know more about what inspires Dave Coverly? Grill him yourself at one of these upcoming events:

• Friday, September 18, 2009 – Art & All That Jazz: Join us at this popular KIA-sponsored event, now in its seventh season. Enjoy music by the famous Kalamazoo reggae band Zion Lion. Soft drinks and Panera Bread treats are provided. Dave Coverly will be on hand to discuss his works and sign copies of Sue MacDonald had a Book (available for purchase in the KIA Gallery Shop.) Other guests include Gordon Alt, Director of the John Cavanaugh Foundation and curator for In Search of Motion, another exhibition that officially opens on September 19th at the KIA. Art & All That Jazz is at 5 – 7 p.m. in the KIA lobby. Tickets are $3 for the public, and free to KIA Members.

• Tuesday, November 3, 2009 – ARTbreak: Join Dave Coverly as he discusses his career and the evolution of Speed Bump, now appearing in over 200 newspapers. With no set theme or characters, Speed Bump is one of the most quirky and original comics today with Coverly creating situations where “the everyday and common place that we take for granted suddenly appears hilarious.” 12:15 p.m. in the KIA auditorium. Admission is free. Bring a lunch! Cookies and lemonade are provided.

• Saturday, November 7, 2009: Is your child an aspiring cartoonist who would like a helping hand from a pro? The KIA Kirk Newman Art School is proud to have Dave Coverly teach two cartooning workshops for kids! Geared towards children in grades 3-6 and 7-12, students will learn various cartooning techniques and create their own cartoons. Registration is now open and space is limited! For more information and to register, please visit www.kiarts.org/school or contact the school secretary at (269) 349-7775 Ext. 3101.

• Saturday, November 14, 2009 – Family Funday! Formerly known as Sunday Funday, the KIA invites families to meet Dave Coverly and take a tour of his work. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their own cartoon! Also visiting with Dave will be Jim Tobin, author of Sue McDonald Had a Book, which Coverly illustrated. Both Jim Tobin and Dave Coverly will autograph their book which will be available for purchase in the KIA Gallery Shop. 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.


Dave Coverly grew up in Plainwell, Michigan and began cartooning seriously in 1986 as an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. In 2009, he won the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, the highest honor given by the National Cartoonist Society.

You can currently enjoy Coverly’s cartoon, which runs daily in the Kalamazoo Gazette.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts would like to thank the following sponsors for bringing great artists like Dave Coverly to Kalamazoo: Creators Syndicate, First National Bank of Michigan and Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Family Funday is sponsored by Target.

For more information about the KIA, visit www.kiarts.org or call (269) 349-7775.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 South Park Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

2nd Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival Planned for September 12-13 at Uncle John's Cider Mill

The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association has announced its 2nd Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival, September 12-13, at Uncle John’s Cider Mill at 8614 N US 127, St. Johns – just north of Lansing.

Throughout the weekend, samples of the finest cider and perry (cider made from pears) from the states and provinces that border the Great Lakes will be available for tasting, while food vendors sell sweet and savory selections. Activities such as cider pressing, nature walks and the kids’ playground, will be open for family fun at Uncle John’s all weekend long as well.

The festival runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, with cider and perry tastings throughout the day at a cost of $10 per person, which includes a souvenir glass for the first 250 people, and 10 tasting tickets. Ben Watson, author of Cider Hard & Sweet – History, Traditions & Making Your Own (2nd Edition) and Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway, co-authors of From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries will be on hand throughout the day, selling and singing copies of their respective books.

On Sunday, the festival kicks off with an Antique Apple Tasting from 11am-Noon. Then, from 12:30-1:30pm, a Cider & Cheese Pairing will be held. Both sessions are hosted by Ben Watson and are limited to 50 individuals. The cost for each session is $10 per person. During the afternoon, from 1:30-3:30pm, learn from other non-professional cider makers at the cider makers’ roundtable discussion.
Those looking to partake in all the festival’s activities can purchase a special pass for $25 (limited to 50 people). Tickets can be purchased online at www.michiganvine.com/blog/tickets.

All profit proceeds from the festival benefit the Great Lake Cider & Perry Association (est. 2008). Find them online at www.GreatLakesCider.com.

Porkapalooza Invitational Cookout & Music Festival Celebrates the Bounty of the Great Lakes

A day-long celebration of hog-proportion once again takes over the 14-acre Red Horse Ranch in Fennville on Saturday, October 3. The PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout & Music Festival is a farm party and harvest celebration, running from Noon to Midnight (rain or shine), showcasing the bounty of the Great Lakes’ in terms of food, drink, music, art and land. Red Horse Ranch is located just outside of downtown Fennville, on 62nd Street, ¾ of a mile south of M89.

The Invitational Cookout portion of the festival features well-known chefs from throughout the Great Lakes Region, including:
• Chef Chris Pandel from The Bristol, Chicago
• Chef Matt Pietsch from Salt of the Earth, Fennville
• Chef Rob Hammond from Food Dance Café, Kalamazoo
• Chef Matthew Millar from New Holland Brewing Co., Holland
• Chef Chad Miller from Restaurant Bloom, Grand Rapids
• Chef Brian Perrone from Slows Bar BQ, Detroit

“These chefs were hand-selected to compete in the PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout because they share a common interest in the pursuit of culinary quality and a belief in championing local, sustainable lifestyles,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing.

Each restaurant is asked to showcase at least one primary pork dish, as well as two regionally-influenced side dishes providing sourcing information that demonstrates the technique and provenance of their food.

The event will shine a light on some of the areas treasures, including not only the products available, but the creative energy of many local artisans and musicians. Well over 1000 people are expected to attend and organizers proudly practice earth-friendly ideals, showcasing the realities of sustainable living and entertaining.

Local beers and wines from New Holland Brewing Company and Fenn Valley Winery will make for pleasant pork pairings. New Holland will present Charkoota Rye – a smoked rye dopplebock brewed to celebrate PORKAPALOOZA and the art of charcuterie. They will bring a host of other beers including the autumn favorite Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, as well as Mad Hatter IPA, Full Circle, The Poet Oatmeal Stout and Dragon’s Milk barrel-aged ale. Fenn Valley, which is located adjacent to the fest site, will serve a selection of their favorite award-winning red and white wines.

Throughout the day, an impressive back-to-back line-up of entertainment will keep the toes tapping, including:
• Various David Teske
• 1:00pm Dave Boutette
• 2:00pm Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys
• 3:00pm HOG CALLING COMPETITION
• 3:30pm Ben Bueltmann & Pontchatrain
• 4:30pm Mark Duval & Two Track Mind
• 6:30pm Mountain Men
• 8:00pm Midtown Underground

Blankets, chairs and water coolers are welcome. The event is held in a grass field, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Guests are not allowed to bring food or alcohol into the event. All ages are welcome, but guests 21 and older will need to show ID to receive a wristband to consume alcohol. Special activities are also planned for the younger attendees.

Tickets are available now for PORKAPALOOZA and are $8 per person in advance ($12 the day of) with parking at $5 per car. Admission includes access to the unlimited live entertainment. Food and beverages are sold separately. Admission tickets are available online at http://pork.newhollandbrew.com or by visiting New Holland Brewing and other vendors to be listed on the website.

For more information about PORKAPALOOZA, contact New Holland Brewing at 616-355-NHBC.