2020 OSCEOLA
DISC VER
Our Home. Your vacation destination. Join us in discovering Osceola County. WE ARE PURE MICHIGAN
Osceola County welcomes you! From Reed City to Evart, Marion to Tustin, generation after generation has come to Osceola County to escape the busy city life and come to a quiet, happy home in nature.
the day-to-day grind and comfort in the outdoors.
One hundred and fifty years ago, loggers and industrialists came to Osceola County, followed by hunters and fishermen. The local economy today is continuously In Osceola County, they have built interesting changing and home to businesses that innovate, auto manufacturers, food processors and healthcare schools that create leaders workers. and communities that thrive. Along miles of Back then, families waterways and at the grew up in rustic cabins shorelines of lakes, they and cottages along the shorelines of lakes. have found respite from
Serving our Community for 30 years. Weddings, Graduations, Summer Events, and more. We offer full service, pick up at Ebels, and delivery if desired. We will also be featuring our homemade items in our new location in Reed City! Salads, Meats, Baked Goods, Sweets and more. Visit our web site at ebelsgeneralstore.com and view our menus. Call to place an order or book an event 231-826-3333 ext. 236 for Dawn
420 E Prosper Rd., Falmouth, MI www.ebelsgeneralstore.com
Nowadays, seasonal structures are being transformed into fourseason homes. This publication attempts to offer a small taste of the wonderful places and experiences that can be had by visiting this community we call home. Through stories like those about Ebels General Store, you’ll get a glimpse of the day-to-day life of an Osceola County resident. Articles on Tustin Daze and the Marion
Fair showcase how our neighbors let their hair down. Lit Provisioning Center and Anchor Wizard offers a glimpse into the adaptability and ingenuity of Osceola County residents. We hope that by reading, you will come to visit and see all that Osceola County has to offer. All the best, The Discover Osceola team
Discover Osceola County... a beautiful p l a c e t o v i s i t y e a r- r o u n d ! The Evart Chamber of Commerce welcomes you! With exciting events and all season recreation, Evart is your go to city no matter the weather. Come spend the day on the Muskegon River at one of our many campgrounds, while there enjoy tubing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or swimming. This is just the beginning of the fun to be had on the water when visiting Evart. We are also home to many all sport lakes. In the winter months go Ice fishing on one of the many lakes, snow shoeing or cross country skiing through state land trails, and snowmobiling on the Rails to Trails. Wander into town and visit one of our seasonal festivals
About this Magazine Discover Osceola is published annually by Pioneer Group Publications and is distributed through the Evart, Reed City and Marion chambers of commerce. For advertising information, questions or comments about this magazine, please contact The Pioneer Group at (231) 796-4831 or by email at trath@pioneergroup.com. Cover photo provided by: Ben Montgomery
such as the July 4th party in the park, art festival, Fall Fest, Osceola county 4H FFA fair, Dulcimer Fest, Christmas Carnival, or our Easter Egg Drop on April, 11th 2020 at the Evart Airport. This event will feature thousands of filled Easter Eggs being dropped from a helicopter to the waiting children, games, and a bike raffle. Take a trip down memory lane by visiting the Historical Museum located at the Evart Library on Main St. Visit one of our local eateries for a taste of the local cuisine, or take a stroll down Main St. and check all of our unique shops. We look forward to seeing you! Evart Chamber of Commerce
Inside This Issue ODPC Funfest
Smithsonian Exhibit
Meemo’s Farm
Anchor Wizard
Ebels General Store
Lit Provisioning Center
Spring Hill
Tustin Daze
Osceola County Fair
Marion Fair
Discover Osceola County... a beautiful p l a c e t o v i s i t y e a r- ro u n d ! Welcome to Osceola County, located in Central West Michigan, where, year around, we offer something to outdoor recreation enthusiasts, those looking for relaxation, and those looking for a true Michiganexperience.
Alongside many of these bodies of water are beautiful campgrounds and camping scenes fit for any visitor.
Reed City, recently named one of the Latest ‘Pure Michigan Trail Towns’ is also known as Michigan’s ‘Crossroads’. This is where The communities of Reed two of Michigan’s mightiest City, Evart, LeRoy, Hersey, trails, the White Pine Trail Tustin and Marion, come with and the Pere Marquette a small town atmosphere Trail, intersect. This city is a that welcome all. Each popular destination to base Community offers something a day or weeklong trip and is diverse and unique in their also a leader in paving trails. own way,that brings an array These trails are useful all year of activities in which Osceola around, from snowmobiling county offers. in the winter to biking and walking in the summer for Fun for both families you to explore. and individuals can be found in Osceola County. Filled with helpful From festivals, to parades, information about our area, to museums, and even Discover Osceola is your guide local theatrical and dance for things to do, places to visit, productions – Osceola and moments to capture. County has something or For additional suggestions, everyone. Our county also please call one of your local offers relaxation at an array of Chambers ofCommerce. restaurants, bars, businesses Discover us today and you or a number of parks! will be sure to come back time Outdoor enthusiasts can after time! enjoy many streams, rivers, Chris Ems and lakes for any outdoor Executive Director activity! Perfect for fishing, cems@reedcity.org kayaking, tubing, and swimming, you are never Reed City Area Chamber of far from any body of water. Commerce 4
2020 • Discover Osceola
ODPC Funfest brings fans every year It’s the third weekend in July. You’re looking for something interesting and wholly unique to Michigan to do. But where should you go? Osceola Fairgrounds for the ODPC FunFest, of course! Wait, but what is the ODPC FunFest? The Original Dulcimer Players Club is a group that originally gathered together in 1963 with about 20 musicians near Evart that shared a love for the instrument. Ten years later, the growing roster was large enough to devote an entire Festival at the Osceola County Fairgrounds every year for the last 47 years. Today, it is the world’s largest festival of its type, right here in midMichigan. “(A dulcimer) is a musical instrument,” said Kathy Rayman, president of the Original Dulcimer Players Club and FunFest director. “Basically it’s the equivalent of a portable piano.” A dulcimer is a stringed instrument that typically sits in your lap. While its actual origins are unknown, the dulcimer was thought to have originated somewhere in the Middle East around 900 A.D. In most cases, the strings aren’t plucked like a guitar, they are struck with a hammer like a piano. Dulcimers have many more strings than a guitar, and are typically trapezoidal, but can come in a variety of shapes and varieties. “(The dulcimer) came to the United States at some point, and our organization tried to revitalize this lost art,” said Rayman. “They started 2020 • Discover Osceola
getting organized, the dulcimer was considered to be too loud, so fiddlers and other musicians didn’t want to play with them. So, they created the FunFest.” What started as a fun weekend of camping in the Barryton/Evart region became large enough to move into the fairgrounds, and it’s been a welcomed event every summer since. Three thousand musicians, fans, and the curious descend on Evart every year. “The FunFest is the third weekend in July, but people start showing up in June,” said Rick Sherman, president of the Osceola County Fairgrounds. “They start camping to make sure they have their campsites. Some have had their sites for over 20 years.” There is an air of familiarity and camaraderie among the frequent participants of the festival. The campsites east of the fairgrounds are considered home for several participants for at least a month preceding the weekend. “There’s a lot of rustic camping going on,” said Sherman. “A lot of them like to just camp in their tents. Once the music starts in June, it doesn’t stop until the Sunday they go home. There’s music going 24-hours a day.” The FunFest is family-friendly. Children get in free and there is no alcohol allowed on the fairgrounds. There are programs for kids and adults. The FunFest prides itself and being a teaching event, where the all-volunteer talent are there to teach about their favored instruments.
“It starts out on Thursday,” said Rayman. “We have classes that go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The classes will repeat on Friday and Saturday. In the evenings, we have stage shows where local musicians and professionals will perform.” “Our festival is open to everybody,”
says Rayman. “It’s recognized and grown enough that our professionals want to come and teach. It exposes them to more people in that world.” The OCPC FunFest takes place every third weekend in July, this year on July 16-18. For more information, go to evartdulcimerfest.org. 5
Meemo’s Farm is a hidden gem Located southwest of Evart is Meemo’s Farm, a resort designed specifically for hunters and shooting-sports enthusiasts.
might include chicken fricassee or a goat cheeseburger. If you can be pulled away from the living amenities at Meemo’s Farm, you might find their dozens of outdoor activities are exactly why you are there in the first place. Depending on the season, Meemo’s could be your lodge for pheasant, turkey, grouse, woodcock, or even deer hunting.
“Meemo’s Farm is a luxury game preserve and corporate retreat,” says Ashley Aubert, Meemo’s lodge manager. “We’re not a private game preserve. We’re open to anyone.” Hunters staying at Meemo’s have a variety of options and amenities. They can stay in the Lodge, which can house a group of 13 people in three rooms, in between their outdoor activities. They can find a fully equipped kitchen and even laundry facilities. They can even play one of several pinball machines, play poker or board games, or even laze in an outdoor hammock. They can also enjoy the large outside hot tub, among many other things. Groups as large as six can enjoy The Lanes, which has a two-lane bowling alley built inside. It features five large flat-screen TVs, a full kitchen, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a 6
“We are a great venue for anyone who loves the outdoors in Michigan,” says Aubert. “We’re a prime example of Pure Michigan.”
dropdown theater screen, in case guests want to take in a film.
and terrycloth robes will leave any couple feeling refreshed.
In the winter, guests can skate or snowmobile. They can snowshoe or skeet shoot. In the summer, guests can play paintball, or adventure on the high ropes course on site.
Meemo’s smallest offering is the Cottage, which hosts up to four people in two bedrooms, but does not skimp when it comes to luxury. Two king-sized beds in separate rooms, deluxe showers
Meemo’s also employs a professional chef which prepares a farm-to-table menu that brings the freshest of foods to their guest’s plates. Dinner options might include roasted duck or walleye. Lunch
“(The high ropes course) is fantastic for people who want to test themselves and challenging their own comfort level,” says Aubert. “We also have a low ropes course, which is excellent for team building.”
Meemo’s Farm, near Evart, offers a bevy of activities for any outdoors enthusiast. (Courtesy photos)
2020 • Discover Osceola
Meemo’s also features a sporting clays course, which melds clay pigeon shooters with golf carts between 13 stations. They also offer dog training, which can range anywhere from general obedience to training fully finished hunting dogs. If it sounds like it could be a bit crowded with everything Meemo’s Farm as to offer, not to worry. “We’re located over 1,500 acres,” says Aubert. “We could have multiple
groups here and no one impacts the other. You can have a romantic getaway in the Cottage which overlooks Picture Lake, or a group of friends at the Lanes. Our accommodations are really unique.” Meemo’s Farm is open to the public, and not just for overnight stays. For more information on pricing, reservations, or corporate retreats you can visit the Meemo’s Farm Facebook page. You can also go their website, www. meemosfarm.com, or call (231) 709-9752. You can also email them at info@ meemosfarm.com.
Let us help you find your
Permanent Vacation Destination
Gary Bailey, Sr. ePro, AHS, ABR, SRES
Broker/Owner
780 S. CheStnut St. • Reed City
231-832-8322 Cell: 231-250-6122
www.CrossroadsRealtyMI.com • gary@CrossroadsRealtyMI.com
2020 • Discover Osceola
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Ebels General Store in Reed City to offer new grocery options Ebels General Store will be offering a number of services once they set up shop in Reed City in 2020-21. Ebels General Store, originally located in Falmouth, has been owned and operated by five generations of Ebels family members. Currently, its owned by Bob Ebels, his brother, Tom, their sister, Laura, and their parents, Mark and Dawn. “It’s not your typical grocery store,” Ebels co-owner Bob Ebels said. “It’s very hands-on and customerfocused.” The Reed City business will offer a variety of services, including a bakery, full-service deli, grocery department and meat department with meat cutters on staff. The Falmouth Ebels location is a USDA-approved harvesting facility. There, customers can bring in their beef, bison, pork and lamb and Ebels employees will customcut the animal to the customer’s specifications. Smoked meats also can be made for additional charges. “We look to bring great fresh food options,” Ebels said. “We plan on having everything that anyone’s going to need, at a good value.” As well as offering groceries such as dairy products, snack options and fresh-baked bread through their bakery – with a special lunch offers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday 8
Ebels General Store is currently owned by Bob Ebels, his brother, Tom, their sister, Laura, and their parents, Mark and Dawn. Being a family-oriented business, co-owner Bob Ebels said residents will often see the family down at the Reed City location once it opens. (Courtesy photo) through Friday – Ebels also offers several deli items, including fresh jerky, smoked fish and deli-sliced meats.
Though Ebels said the Reed City store will primarily focus on the grocery store aspect, there will be a few non-grocery items available as
well. The store will provide a variety of brands, including the Our Family 2020 • Discover Osceola
brand in almost every category the store offers. At the Falmouth location, Ebels General Store has a clothing department, meat processing, jerky and fresh catering. From meat entrees to potato salads, Dawn’s Fresh Catering in Falmouth offers a variety of homemade goods for area residents to purchase. Some of the special recipes are family favorites from Dawn’s mother, Ida Mae DeRuiter, and are known for their heartiness and taste. “We’re just excited to get moving on it, and we’re excited to fill our role in the community, participate and do what we can to help folks,” Ebels said. “Our mission is to be a blessing in the place God put us, and that’s what we hope to do in Reed City.” Established in 1920, Ebels said he hopes to open in 2020 in celebration of its 100th year serving the Falmouth community. However, opening in early 2021 is still a possibility. The Reed City store will be located in the old Vic’s Supermarket, 716 S.
As well as having a variety of grocery options, Ebels General Store offers meat in their meat department. (Courtesy photo)
Chestnut St., Reed City. Though set hours have not been announced, the Falmouth Ebels General Store hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the
Local Pharmacy Delivery & Drive-Thru Pharmacy Available!
business being closed on Sundays. For more information and to stay up to date on the transition, follow @ ebelsgeneralstore on Facebook.
Those interested in visiting the Falmouth location before the Reed City business opens, visit ebelsgeneralstore.com for their weekly ad and printable coupons.
SERVING OSCEOLA, MECOSTA LAKE & WEXFORD COUNTIES
Shingles & Flu Vaccines Available (in Season)
Large Selection of Unique Gifts and Collectibles
Willow Tree
Reed City and Pine River spirit wear Available!
My Results Will Move You 231.629.0352
129 W. Upton, Reed City www.resultsrealestate.org
130 W. Upton Ave. • Reed City
231-832-5521 2020 • Discover Osceola
Tricia Wirth Broker/Owner
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Spring Hill has lots to offer summer campers
Spring Hill offers myriad activities for campers in Osceola County. (Courtesy photos)
RIVER COUNTRY CAMPGROUND 6281 N. River Rd. Evart, MI 49631
231.734.3808 www.campandcanoe.com or www.seasonalsite.com 10
Summer is the time of year, particularly for kids, that Michigan truly comes to life.
Half-weeks are really good so kids can get acclimated to being away from home.”
From sunrise to sunset, there is truly no better place on Earth better than our state, especially if you like the out-of-doors kind of fun. And when you’re a kid, there’s one thing that’s a time-tested and true escape that’s looked forward to every year: summer camp.
For the older kids, Spring Hill offers the Team-Service-Team (TST) program. Teens will spend half their time is doing the normal fun activities associated with camp life, like paintball, swimming, the ropes course and others.
Spring Hill Christian Camp in Evart is everything a child could possibly want in a summer camp. From new friends, exciting new organized adventures and experiences, it has a lot to offer.
But the other half is service-related. This is a two-week program. “You get to be a part of the Spring Hill operation, working in the dining hall, working outside and serving in that way,” says Netti.
“We’ve been open since 1969,“ says Abby Spring Hill has a ton of things to offer Netti, director of marketing and customer kids. Climbing walls, an indoor pool as well service for Spring Hill Camps. “We’ve been as beautiful lakes and a giant waterslide serving young people for over 50 years.” that’s one of the longest in Michigan are among them. They have an apparatus Spring Hill began just as a single camp known as “the Blob,” which sends kids in Evart. In 2000, Spring Hill expanded sailing through the air and into the water. to another overnight camp in Seymour, The have ziplines and paintball and all sorts Indiana. In 2006, Spring Hill began doing of activities catered to each kids’ age group. mobile day camps across 11 states. They even have high-adventure programs, “We take the summer camp experience which include archery and trap shooting. on the road,” says Netti. “We bring different “Just a lot of fun, fun stuff,” says Netti. activities, programming and curriculum to communities and neighborhoods.” Spring Hill’s summer programs run from June through August. Families can Spring Hill’s main offerings are their come and join in the fun over their family overnight camp and their day camps. They serve kids from 1st all the way through 12th weekends for Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, too. Families can either stay in a grades. Their week-long programs feature varying levels and focuses. If your kid loves cabin or use a campsite. horses, they can spend a week training and “You get to have the whole Spring Hill taking care of the beautiful animals. Does experience together,” says Netti. “You get your kid love the water? They can spend the to choose your program. We also have a week tubing behind a boat, wake boarding speaker and a band that will come in. You or waterskiing. Maybe soccer is their jam. get to be together as a family, but also meet They can spend the week learning new skills other families with young kids. It’s a great and competing with their fellow campers. way to introduce young kids to the camp before sending them on their own.” “We have programs for really young kids, first through third grade,” says Netti. “Something that’s really cool that we’re bringing back this year is for the kids to come back for a shortened period of time.
If you’re interested in knowing more about Spring Hill or registering, their website is springhillexperiences.com/, or you can call (231) 734-2616.
2020 • Discover Osceola
The Osceola County Parks Commission cordially invites you To our pleasant little center of the state! Spend a day, spend a week, or spend the summer. OSCEOLA COUNTY PARKS COMMISSION
301 W. Upton Ave., Reed City • 231.832.6130 • Fax: 231.832.6130 (Call First) Email: oscparks@live.com • www.osceola-county.org Like us on Facebook!
Osceola County has two separate and unique parks in their county parks systems that are abundant with lakes and forests and offer limitless opportunities for the sportsman and the recreational enthusiast. We are making strides at becoming the best park system we can be. We offer clean, well maintained facilities and grounds; friendly, helpful staff; great swimming and fishing and an exciting variety of other recreational activities that vary from park to park. The Osceola County Parks are not supported by a yearly tax appropriation, but must rely instead on camping and vehicle permits that you, the park user, pay to enter and enjoy our parks.
Thank you for choosing us as best park!
Park Season Opens May 8, Through September 27, 2020
ROSE LAKE PARK
17726 Youth Dr, LeRoy, MI 49655 Phone: 231-768-4923
CRITTENDEN PARK
3641 S. 50th Ave., Sears, MI 49679 Phone: 231-734-2588
Thank you Osceola County for voting Rich Sheldon Best Insurance Agent! Rich Sheldon, Agent
217 E. Todd Avenue • Reed City Office (231) 832-5801 www.richsheldon.com
2020 • Discover Osceola
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2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH 10 14 18 23
Fair Finance Meeting Recycle Rabbit Quiz Bowl Fairboard Meeting 7:30 pm
APRIL 11
Rabbit Show Recycle 14 Fair Finance Meeting 17-18 Walters/Mary Kay 23-25 LOW Camping Group 27 Fairboard Meeting 7:30
MAY 1
Osceola County Foundation Fund Raiser dinner/auction 9 Recycle 12 Fair Finance Meeting 14-16 FCRV Camping 17 Open House 18 Fairboard meeting 7:30 pm 20 Rabbit Quiz Bowl 23 Church of God 30 Open House
JUNE 2 3-6 9 8-12 13 18-20 22 27
Woodcarvers Reception Wood Carvers Roundup Fair Finance Meeting Floydfest Carving Seminar Recycle Gold Wings Touring Association Fairboard Meeting 7:30 pm Wedding
JULY
7 Fair Finance Meeting 11 Recycle 15 Funfest Welcome Reception 16-18 Non-Electric Music Funfest 20 Fairboard Meeting 7:30 pm 27-8-1 OSCEOLA COUNTY 4H-FFA FAIR
AUGUST 8
Recycle Wedding 11 Fair Finance Meeting 13-15 Gold Wing Road Riders 24 Fairboard Meeting 7:30 pm 29 Wedding
SEPTEMBER 5 8 12
Wedding Fair Finance Meeting Wedding Recycle 17-19 Spit & Whittle Woodcarvers 25 Commission on Aging 28 Fairboard Meeting 7:30 pm
OCTOBER 6 10 26
Fair Finance Meeting Recycle Fairboard Meeting/Annual Corporation Meeting
NOVEMBER 14 26
Recycling Happy Thanksgiving
5 9 12
Expo - Jen Walters Council on Aging Christmas Recycle
DECEMBER
osceolacountyfair@sbcglobal.net • 231-734-5481 12
2020 • Discover Osceola
Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce
2020 Calendar of Events Ɖƌŝů ϮϮŶĚ ŶŶƵĂů ŚĂŵďĞƌ DĞĞƚŝŶŐ Θ ϱ DĂLJ ϮϭƐƚ ϱ Ͳ KůĚ ZƵŐŐĞĚ ƌŽƐƐ DĂLJ ϮϱƚŚ DĞŵŽƌŝĂů ĂLJ WĂƌĂĚĞ :ƵŶĞ ϱƚŚ ŚĂŵďĞƌ 'ŽůĨ KƵƚŝŶŐ ;ZĂŝŶ ĂƚĞ ϲͬϭϮͿ :ƵůLJ ϭϲƚŚ Ͳ ϭϴƚŚ ZĞĞĚ ŝƚLJ ŝƚLJͲtŝĚĞ zĂƌĚ ^ĂůĞ ƵŐƵƐƚ ϭϯƚŚ – ϭϲƚŚ 'ƌĞĂƚ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ƌŽƐƐƌŽĂĚƐ ĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϭϮƚŚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ džƉŽ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϳƚŚ – ϮϴƚŚ ǀĞƌŐƌĞĞŶ &ĞƐƚŝǀĂů EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϳƚŚ ǀĞƌŐƌĞĞŶ WĂƌĂĚĞ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϱƚŚ ĂŶĚ ϭϮƚŚ ^ĂŶƚĂ Ăƚ ĞƉŽƚ
Check reedcity.org for details
dLJƉĞ ƚĞdžƚ
ŚĞĐŬĐŚĞĐŬ ƌĞĞĚ Đŝ
2020 • Discover Osceola
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Osceola
County Fair entertains Every July, Evart is host to a singular community event, the Osceola County Fair. Here, fun seekers of all ages are sure to find something to enjoy, whether it’s the midway, the rides, the events, or just the joy on your child’s face as they see all the animals on display. “We’ve got a new carnival act this year,” says Rick Sherman, president
of the Osceola County Fairgrounds. “They’ve got 14 rides - seven for the older kids and seven for the little kids.” Classic rides such as the Ferris Wheel, the Scrambler, and the Tilto-Whirl will be present. Smaller rides like a small train will also be present. The midway will be alive with games of chance which will
SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS
The Osceola County Fair offers a midway, rides, events, animals on display and much more. (Pioneer file photos)
allow participants the chance to win a prizes for themselves, their child or a date.
they approach adulthood through experience. Each year, 4-Hers show off the products of their labors at the fair.
“The old company we went through was a good company,” says Sherman. “But they didn’t have the rides for the big kids.”
“We’re a very youth-oriented fair,” says Sherman. “They work on their animals and exhibits all year long just to bring them to the fair.”
The fair wanted to add a little extra thrill to offer people this year, prompting the change in companies.
Exhibits will often include pictures of the youth working with the animals throughout their lifetime.
“We have a small animal sale on This is the first time Osceola County Fair has tried out this new Ohio-based Thursday, and a large animal auction company to service the entertainment sale on Friday night,” says Sherman. draw for the week-long, annual event. “That’s our big night.” The Osceola County Fair began in “Everyone says they have good the 1870s, first starting out in Hersey reviews,” says Sherman. before moving to its current location The midway games will be present, in Evart. along with the enticing smells and “It shut down for a couple years flavors of the carnival food that is also during the Great Depression,” says a big draw of the fair. Look forward Sherman. “But we’ve had the fair to treats like hot dogs, popcorn, and since about 1875.” elephant ears pleasing stomachs while simultaneously putting strains Sherman has had a long history on all diets. with the Osceola County Fair. He’s “We have our basic truck pulls and tractor pulls,” says Sherman. “We have the Michigan State Championship Horse Pull.”
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The grandstands will be alive each night with events. Garden tractors, horses, antique tractors, antique farm stock tractors, and trucks will each get their turn to see who go pull the heaviest loads. No rural county fair would complete without all the animals on display from the 4-H Club. The Michigan State University Extension program teaches Michigan youths not only about animal husbandry, but about important life tools as
been president since 2012, formerly the vice-president, since 1986. He’s been on the fair board since 1981.
“I’ve been at this fair since forever,” says Sherman. “My dad showed at this fair. I showed at this fair. So did my kids and my grandkids. It’s just a family tradition. We take care of the fair.” The Osceola County Fair will run July 27 through Aug. 1. For more information about the fair or other events at the fairgrounds, call 231-734-5481, email them at osceolacountyfair@ sbcglobal.net, or go their website atosceolacountyfairgrounds.com. 2020 • Discover Osceola
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2020 • Discover Osceola
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Smithsonian Exhibit lets Reed City celebrate its heritage
From bustling main streets to vast farmland, the corner ice cream shop to neighbors who all stop to say “hello,” rural communities have formed the backbone of the country for many years. Residents and visitors to Reed City had the chance to learn more about the impact of these rural communities by checking out “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” throughout the beginning of the year.
Reed City. Those who visited the exhibit learned about how rural towns have changed in the past 100 years and the impact they have had on the development of the country through a variety of illustrations, photographs, thought-provoking questions and interactive sections. Reed City Area District Library director Tom Burnosky said the exhibit offered Reed City the opportunity to celebrate its heritage and look back on how far the city has come throughout the years, as well as provide inspiration for the future.
Organized by the Michigan Humanities Council, the exhibit was part of the Smithsonian Museums on Main Street project and was on The community kicked off the display from Feb. 1 to March 15 at the exhibit on Feb. 1 with a day filled depot on the Pere Marquette Trail in with activities and fun, including
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The kickoff of the “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” Smithsonian Museum exhibit in Reed City is pictured. (Pioneer file photos)
2020 • Discover Osceola
a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a chili cook-off, a quilting activity, a performance by the Crossroads Theatre Guild and more. After an action-packed day to welcome the Smithsonian project to the area, residents continued to enjoy visiting the depot throughout the month. The “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” exhibit began its tour through Michigan in September 2019 and will end its travels in June 2020, making a stop in six different small towns before being retired. According to their website, the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street is an outreach program that “engages small town audiences and brings
revitalized attention to underserved rural communities.” The program partners with different state humanities councils to bring different traveling exhibitions, including the “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” exhibit to small towns across the U.S. The Michigan Humanities Council was founded in 1974 and works to find grants, sponsorships and individual donations to support cultural programming for communities throughout the state. The organization also offers a variety of programs to encourage the study of history, art, culture and more, including the Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit.
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2020 • Discover Osceola
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Evart resident’s invention keeps fishermen happy Whether sport fishing or just trolling the local rivers for the catch of the day, the frequent lowering and raising of the anchor while moving from spot to spot can be a pain, especially in cooler weather. The Anchor Wizard was developed to make the fishing experience more enjoyable by using a pulley system to raise and lower the anchor. It is the invention of Evart resident Bruce VanScoyoc, who has owned and operated Hicks Lake Grinding in Evart since 1996. According to his son Kameron, the idea was born out of the need for his father to keep his hands out of the water while fishing in the colder months. “When we were younger, we would go fishing in the winter for steelhead up in the Manistee River,” Kameron VanScoyoc said. “Dad would have to pull the anchor in with his hands, and he got tired of getting cold hands while fishing. He came in here one day and said he was going to develop a better system. And he did.” After about six months of trial and error, Bruce VanScoyoc developed the tiller mount
system, and in 2005, Anchor Wizard was created. “I was making them and welding them together for guys I knew and then they started ordering more,” Bruce VanScoyoc said. “I remember thinking ‘Do I really want to take this on?’ My dad told me since it works so well, I should go for it. Now here I am.” Anchor Wizard is a family business. After dealing with some health issues, in 2012 Bruce VanScoyoc’s sons stepped up to help with the business. They have since developed a smaller unit specifically for kayak fishing. “Kayak fishing is becoming a big business and a lot of people are devoting their time to it, so I decided to focus on the kayak Anchor Wizard,” Kameron VanScoyoc said. “It just made more sense for our company just to get us into the market. The larger units are more costly, so the market is smaller for them.” Anchor Wizard in Evart is owned and operated by the VanScoyocs. Pictured (from left) are Keevin, Bruce and Kameron VanScoyoc. Bruce VanScoyoc Kameron VanScoyoc said their greatest invented the anchor tiller system for fishing boats in 2005, which launched marketing tool is word of mouth. Anchor Wizard. The company has since developed the Kayak Anchor Wizard, “When people get ahold of one of them,
Kameron VanScoyoc developed and markets the Kayak Anchor Wizard, made specifically for kayak fishing. It consists of an enclosed pulley and crank system with heavy wire that attaches to the anchor, and an anchor chute mounted at the front of the kayak to guide the anchor wire. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew)
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specifically for kayak fishing. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew)
The Kayak Anchor Wizard, developed specifically for kayak fishing., is available in specialty sports stores throughout the United States. It consists of a spool and crank that allows the anchor to be lowered and raised easily. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew)
2020 • Discover Osceola
TOP: The Kayak Anchor Wizard is designed specifically for kayak fishing. It is a smaller unit that mounts to the kayak and allows the anchor to be raised and lowered using a crank and pulley system. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew) BOTTOM: Anchor Wizard in Evart produces boat anchor pulley systems for raising and lowering anchors. They have systems for large fishing boats, pontoons and kayak fishing. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew)
they just start talking about it and that’s been great for us,” he said. They also sponsor a lot of club events providing products to give away and offer discount codes during the winter months and continue to frequent sports shows to display their products, he said. Bruce VanScoyoc started out by taking the anchor units to sports shows around the country where he would sometimes sell as many as 50 or 60 units in a weekend. The Anchor Wizard is now available in 67 specialty sports shops around the country as well as locations in Canada, Germany and Australia.
They are currently working on plans to get their products into some of the retail sporting goods chains. “I would really like to get in Dunham’s because it’s local,” Bruce VanScoyoc said. “We are also looking at Dick’s Sporting goods and Cabela’s.” “Anchor Wizard wouldn’t be what it is today without my boys,” he said. “They are really into it and they make it happen. It is exciting and overwhelming at the same time.” You can find all the Anchor Wizard products online at anchorwizard.com. Jack Schooley Owner
Complete Collision & Mechanical Repair
7126 30th Avenue • Evart 231.734.6705 • Fax 231.734.6706 2020 • Discover Osceola
Keevin VanScoyoc busily works with the newest CNC machine at Anchor Wizard, an Evart company that invented and produces the Anchor Wizard. The Anchor Wizard is a pulley system that mounts to a boat an allows the anchor to be raised and lowered by a crank rather than by hand. (Pioneer photo/Cathie Crew)
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Lit Provisioning Centers brings out-of-town visitors to Evart Since opening for recreational marijuana sales in December, Lit Provisioning Centers continues to bring visitors into the city of Evart. According to store manager Samantha Gray, the business – which sells THC-based products made by Lume Cannabis Co. – has not stopped seeing the high demand of customers since the first day of recreational sales. “We’re still seeing increased foot traffic,” she said. “We’ve been incredibly steady.” Of these customers, Gray said many come from out of town and even from out of state, not only for the highquality cannabis products sold at the store but to come visit downtown Evart as well.
phenomenal.” According to Gray, outof-town customers likely continue to return to the store for the exceptional service it provides. “Lume offers a one-of a kind experience,” she said. “Not only do we offer high quality cannabis, but patient satisfaction also is a main focus of ours.” Gray has been with the store since 2018, when it initially opened for the sale of medical marijuana. According to her, the store saw a high number of out-oftown visitors during this time because of the company’s customer-first mentality.
The opening of Lit Provisioning Centers in Evart in December was met with big crowds and smiling faces. (Pioneer file photos)
With additional stores in Honor, Owosso and Kalamazoo, Gray said Lume is a company that is deeply While she was initially embedded within Michigan, worried about a decrease in and she hopes those visiting out-of-town customers after from out of town – as well more recreational marijuana as out of state – have the businesses began popping up chance to see what their Evart across the state, Gray said this business is all about. is far from what happened. “We’re a company with “I can’t even explain,” she great Michigan roots, and said, noting that the store we believe whole-heartedly sees out-of-town customers in giving people the quality daily. “The reception we’ve products they deserve,” Gray had in Evart has been said. 20
2020 • Discover Osceola
TUSTIN DAZE ARE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY You have the weekend off because of the Labor Day holiday. It’s September, which means it’s the last time to really enjoy all of Michigan’s summer glory with your family. The kids will start going back to school and the weather will start to cool soon. What do you do? Have you thought of Tustin? “Tustin Daze are a celebration we do every Labor Day weekend,” said Tustin Daze Director Leta Hoaglund. “Our goal is to make it really fun for the families.” She’s not kidding. The whole town comes to life for three days, rolling out the red carpet for three days and nights for people to share in the festivities. Tustin kicks things off on Saturday, Sept. 4, usually with a car show. Motorheads and auto enthusiasts alike will enjoy seeing the classic cars on display. “We always start with a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning,” says Hoaglund. “Then there’s the parade. We always have music somewhere outside. We have kids’ game,
which we do really well. It’s so important that kids play games.” Tustin Daze features something for everyone. There’s an air show featuring model airplanes, ice cream-eating contests and a mini-music festival. Miss Tustin will be crowned. A parade which will showcase the fire department, the Shriners, marching bands and clowns takes place. “The Shriners come in their mini cars,” says Hoaglund. “We always have prizes. Every year we pick a theme. Participants can win prizes based on their floats.” Last year, prizes for floats were $100 for first place, $50 for second. The raffle, which is a big feature of the festival, boasts some pretty good prizes for participants in Tustin Daze. In the past, Cadillac Tire Center has given a set of four tires for the top prize, Lake-Osceola State Bank has donated a $500 gift card for second and Tustin Daze will offer a $400 prize for third.
Tustin Daze offers myriad family-friendly events during the Labor Day weekend every year. (Pioneer file photos)
More fun activities, aside from all the great food and fun already mentioned, are the races. There is the 5K race, which has a $20 entry fee or $15 for kids 17 and younger. Other races include a one-mile fun run and walk, which is entry by donation. There are races for kids, too. A half-mile race is for kids 12 and younger. For kids 6 or younger, they can see who can do a 100-meter dash the fastest. Toddlers 3 and younger can even compete in a Diaper Dash. All children’s races are a $1 to enter.
“We can always use more volunteers,” says Hoaglund. “With any organization like this, if you didn’t have volunteers, we couldn’t have Tustin Daze. We really appreciate them.” Tustin Daze usually has a theme associated with it, and this year’s and the specific events and the order which they take place have yet to be decided. For more information, go the Tustin Daze Facebook page, or you can call Leta Hoaglund at 231-878-3587.
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Marion Fair
is big fun There were only 872 people living in Marion, according to the 2010 Census. Yet, every year, this small town in northern Osceola County puts on a week-long fair that’s far bigger than one could expect from this small town.
carnival side of the Marion Fair, providing the rides, the food and amusements that most people associate with fairs. “We’ve used them for a number
will make an appearance. For the smaller kids, the Kiddie Train Ride, the Super Slide, the Berry-Go-Round and the Merry-Go-Round will make their way to Marion.
“We’re going into our 81st year,” said Marion Fair Board President Daryl Bode. “We’re not a huge fair, obviously. We’re a small town.”
There will be a fee for each of the grandstand events, prices for which have not been set as of the time of this writing. Schmidt Amusements heads the 22
On Friday, the kids will have an auction on Friday, June 19, and sell off the fruits of their labors and hopefully see a profit. The Marion Fair will also have some free entertainment. There will be a reptile trailer, featuring snakes and turtles and lizards. Clark the Juggler, out of Traverse City, will be doing free performances three times a day, Wed. through Sat (June 17-20).
Like most other county fairs, they still feature a carnival midway, rides, and foods. The Marion Fair even hosts grandstand events throughout the week. “There will be a gospel concert on Monday (June 15),” says Bode. “They will feature Jim Quales. Tuesday will have garden stock tractor pulls. Wednesday night we’ll have farm stock tractor pulls. Thursday, modified tractor and truck pulls. There’s a rodeo on Friday and a figure eight demolition derby on Saturday. USA Demolition Derby always does a great show.”
chickens and rabbits and such. On Tuesday, they show the larger animals; goats, sheep, steers, and pigs.”
June isn’t the only time that Marion draws attention to itself. The Marion Fair Board also puts on a haunted house in the month of October. Every Friday and Saturday of that month, thrill seekers can try to get their holiday thrills and chills going through the exhibit. The Marion Fair, which offers fun for the whole family, is set to go into its 81st year this summer. (Courtesy photos)
of years,” says Bode. “I do know they have some new rides. Hopefully we’ll see them in Marion.” Classic rides like the Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl, and the Ferris Wheel
4-H will also have a good presence at the Marion Fair. “Kids will show off their animals starting on Monday morning,” says Bode. “The smaller animals, the
“The board vice-president Karl Bailey puts on a really awesome attraction,” says Bode. “All of the money goes back to the fair board for the following year. It’s pretty good.” For more information, you can call (231) 667-0481, or go to the website, marionfair.com. You can even visit the Marion Fair Facebook page. 2020 • Discover Osceola
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2020 • Discover Osceola
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