Summer Fun 2013 by Leader Publications

Summer Fun 2013

for every event

We rent a full line of tents and accessories for your weddings and other special events. We promise attentive, helpful service; professional, on-time delivery; expert setup; and distinctive products for a picture-perfect event.

• Pole & Frame Tents • Party Canopies • Tent Lighting • Heaters & Fans • Tables & Chairs

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• Candelabras • Event Decor • Dance Floor & Staging • Inflatables & Dunk Tanks • Concessions

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269-687-1700

www.mtrental.com Showroom open Mon-Fri : 7 am to 5:30 pm • Sat: 7 am to 3 pm • CLOSED SUNDAY

Summer Fun 2013

US 31 TOBACCO STATELINE BP

Your Summer Fun One Stop Shop! E-Cigarette EXPERTS

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The electronic cigarette, or personal vaporizer, is a battery-powered device that provides doses of nicotine by way of a vaporized solution. It is an alternative to smoked tobacco products. This vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to inhaled tobacco smoke, while no tobacco, smoke, or combustion is actually involved in this operation.

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50570 U.S. 31 North, South Bend • 574-243-5755 Mon-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm www.vaportown.co

ALL CIGARETTES AT STATE MINIMUM!

Cash Discount on Gas!

All Prices Subject to Change Without Notice. Thank You For Shopping With Us!

Summer Fun 2013

Southwest Michigan takes a personal approach This year, we’ve personal-

ning high, the residents and ized our Summer Fun Guide visitors to the area also get a bit. Sometimes, a sterile a personalized view of some listing is not enough. Many of the places and events that events and places are what continue to draw crowds. you make of them — and And, of course, our own Southwest Michigan offers community editor, John Eby plenty of opportunities — a lifetime resident of for that. Southwest Michigan — shares From a group of adults who his musical expertise because meet every Friday night at the area is rich with it — Silver Beach to the campjust cultivate it. — Kimberly Wynn, ing experience to the run-

News Editor, Leader Publications

Get Get On Course for for aa Great Great Season Season Regular Ra tes Include Un limited Golf & Ca rt Weekdays Only!

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610 Park Shore Drive, Cassopolis, MI

Summer

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Summer Fun 2013

PONTOON BOAT RENTALS ONLY

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Located in Cassopolis, MI on beautiful 1,100 acre Diamond Lake sits our lovely Park Shore Marina. Come enjoy yourself at our relaxing marina. We have all types of rentals from boats to bikes. We have different rate options to choose from. We also have boat and dock space available for seasonal customers. Marina products and supplies available at our store. We also do boat services.

Open 7 days a week. Rain or shine

We are here for you. • Pontoons • Kayaks • Speedboats • Bikes • Fishing Boats • PWC

Voted best Marina

Located on the beautiful Diamond Lake call kathy at 269-362-2237 22230 Maple St. • Cassopolis, MI 269-470-4650 • www.parkshoremarine.com

Summer Fun 2013

Circle Time for grown-ups finds a place at Silver Beach Circle Time is a little more random at Silver Beach in St. Joseph than it was in kindergarten. After all, these are adults who can count well past 10 most of the time. At about 6 p.m. each Friday, the canvas chairs, towels and coolers spread across the sand, but as the sun sinks into the horizon, the circle tightens and the members face one another, tan bodies glis-

tening after games of beach volleyball, where the score is always up for debate. And life’s lessons begin. Today’s topic was “opposites:” men and women. “If you can wallpaper together, then your relationship might survive,” said Mark Herzog, a mortgage loan originator in St. Joseph. “Now, it’s if you can play volleyball together,” said Lee Brummett, who

Leader photo/Kimberly Wynn

Ted Parker won the decorated cooler contest last summer at Silver Beach in St. Joseph. There was no prize — just our admiration.

runs an annual coed beach volleyball tournament, donating the money to the city of St. Joseph for beach improvements. Then, Brummett changed his mind. “No, it’s if you can put up a ceiling fan together,” he said. Attention moved on to the fact it was dress-up-your-cooler night. Translation: art project. Only Brummett and Ted Parker, who works in the seafood department at the Martin’s Super Market in Stevensville (and a huge Jimmy Buffett fan), seemed to have gotten that particular activity memo. Parker won the majority vote with a cooler decorated with coconut shells and a grass skirt. Brummett was undeterred by the lack of participation, or by the fact his cooler came in last place. “It will be bigger than the Venetian Festival next year,” he said. “I can see this getting bigger.” Next was snack time with cheese

Kimberly Wynn

and homemade cookies passed around. The sun was setting yet a little lower on the horizon. Families were packing up their kids, beach toys and umbrellas. Everyone took sprinkles of sand home from between their toes. Why are we still here? “I come for the volleyball. There’s nothing deep about volleyball and friends. That’s the gist of it,” said Jim McGuire, a radiation protection technician. So I invite you to visit Silver Beach. If you’re there on a Friday night and you have decorated your cooler, that will be our code that I know you. And I like homemade cookies, too.

Summer Fun 2013

Let Us Help

PERFECT

Your Nest! Hales True Value Serving the Dowagiac Area for over 50 Years! We have the products you need everyday and for the weekend project. • Plumbing • Lawn & Garden • Electrical • Sporting Goods • Hardware • RadioShack • Housewares & Gifts • Tools • Paint We have a huge variety of offerings!

56216 M-51 S Dowagiac, MI Phone: 782-3426

Open daily 8:30 to 8 P.M., Sunday til 5 P.M.

Summer Fun 2013

Beaches

Leader photo/Maureen Barnosky

Amber Barnosky and her family stopped at Silver Beach to enjoy the sunset last year.

Summer Fun 2013

New Buffalo Lakefront Park and Beach Whittaker Street New Buffalo, Mich. Amenities: Restrooms, playground, concessions, restaurants, shopping (866) 494-6371 Warren Dunes State Park 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Mich. Amenities: Camping, cabins, picnicking, trails. (269) 426-4829 Grand Mere State Park Thornton Drive, Stevensville, Mich. Amenities: Hiking, picnic shelter, dog friendly (269) 426-4013 Silver Beach County Park 101 Broad Street St. Joseph, Mich. Amenities: Playground, concessions, restrooms, volleyball, lighthouse, restaurants, shopping (269) 982-0533

Weko Beach 5239 Lake Street Bridgman, Mich. Amenities: Beach house, picnic tables, playground, camping, hiking, showers (269) 313-0877 Van Buren State Park 23960 Ruggles Rd., South Haven, Mich. Amenities: Picnicking, playground, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping (269) 637-2788 South Beach Park Water Street, South Haven, Mich. Amenities: Skateboard park, lighthouse, concessions, playground, historic memorials (269) 637-0726 Covert Park Beach and Campground 80559 32nd Avenue Covert, Mich. Amenities: Hiking, camping, RVs (269) 764-1421 Jean Klock Park Jean Drive, Benton Harbor, Mich.

Amenities: Bathhouse, concessions, volleyball, playground, picnic shelter (269) 927-8479 Rocky Gap County Park Rocky Gap Road Benton Charter Township, Mich. Amenities: Picknicking (269) 983-7111 Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach Recreation Area 698 Water Street Saugatuck, Mich. Amenities: Concessions (269) 857-1701 Tiscornia Park 80 Ridgeway Street St. Joseph, Mich Amenities: Restrooms, picnic area (269) 983-6341 Indiana Dunes State Park 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, Ind. Amenities: Camping, bathhouse, hiking (219) 926-1952

Bridgman kicks off 2013 Weko Beach Summer Concert Series By TERRI GORDON Leader Publications

Nothing captures the essence of summer in Southwest Michigan like the Weko Beach Summer Concert Series, as the Beach House deck becomes a stage and the sunset the backdrop for music that yranges from classic rock to polka.

There are eight concerts in the series. All take place on a Sunday night, and all are free to the public, including parking and entrance fees to the beach. The concert series was the brainchild, some years ago, of summer resident, Gwen John. John organized the concerts the first year, and when the series was a hit with the public, the city

took it over. It has done nothing but grow in the near decade since. Crowds range ftom 500 to 1,000, depending on the weather and the band. Many are local residents, but people — particularly fans of the bands — come from throughout the region to attend the concerts. “It’s grown in popularity. We see larger and larger

Summer Fun 2013

audiences every year,” says Parks Superintendent Tim Kading, a Bridgman native and current resident. “The response from our residents has been favorable. They absolutely love it.” The event is popular with bands, too. Kading has no trouble filling the bill. “A lot of them [the bands] find me,” Kading said. “They hear good things about the concerts and want to be a part of things.” The 2013 Weko Beach Summer Concert Series begins with the Memorial Day weekend performance of Acoustic Justice. The acoustic-and-pop band will take the stage at 7 p.m. May 26. The series promises a range of musical styles, including country, rock and jazz. There are old favorites and new groups, too. “There’s a wide variety of music,” says Kading. “Last year, we had a polka band. This year, we have a folk-Latin artist. His name is Bismarck. He’s new this year. Another act is kind of a soul-jazz music, and that is Melodious Funk. I would say, of the bands that come back year after year, the most popular is Top Secret. They’re a classic rock cover band.”

2013 CONCERT SERIES n May 26 Band – ACOUSTIC JUSTICE Acoustic/Pop n June 9 Band – EVERYDAY PEOPLE Country Folk & Rock n June 23 Band – TOP SECRET Classic Rock/Variety n July 14 Band – MELODIOUS FUNK Soul, Jazz, Funk, Fusion n July 28 Band – SILVEROCK Classic Rock n Aug. 11 Band – LAKE ST. STATION Country n Aug. 25 Band – BISMARCK Folk/Latin n Sept. 1 Band – VAN DYKE REVUE Rock & Alternative Rock/Country & Blues

Top Secret

Summer Fun 2013

Landscape Mulch, Shredded Bark, Wood Chips

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• Sandy Loam • Organic Compost • Potting Soil • Shedded & Screened Topsoil • Topsoil with Organic Compost

Tree Service

Color Enhanced Gold Mulch

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FIREWOOD!

Watson’s offers a number of tree related services and is fully licensed and insured. Having a variety of vehicles, equipment and skilled employees, Watsons provides reliable service, even during difficult removal jobs.

269-683-5305 2953 E. Detroit Road, Niles

www.WatsonsTreeService.net

Summer Fun 2013

Wineries

Summer Fun 2013

BARODA Founders Wine Cellar 8963 Hills Road, Baroda Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. (269) 426-5222 www.founderswinecellar.com About: Enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wine Down Friday:â&#x20AC;? soft music, cheese and sausage plates, wine by the glass and happy times from 5 to 8 p.m. Round Barn Winery 10983 Hills Road, Baroda Hours: Check website or call for hours (800) 716-9463 www.roundbarnwinery.com About: Home of DiVine Vodka and Round Barn Brewery; Harvest Party (August), Winemaking Experience (October) Gravity 10220 Lauer Road, Baroda Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; Call for winter hours. (269) 471-9463 www.gravitywine.com About: Wines by the flight served at a beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards and lake, with plenty of tables and chairs so you can sit and relax with friends.

Free Run Cellars 10062 Burgoyne Road, Berrien Springs Hours: Seasonal, noon to 5 p.m. (269) 471-1737 www.freeruncellars.com About: Beautifully landscaped grounds and vineyard are set in the heart of the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area. Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; winter: noon to 5 p.m. daily (269) 471-1321 www.lemoncreekwinery.com About: The vineyards at this 155-year-old family farm produce wines that are 100 percent estate grown and bottled.

BUCHANAN Hickory Creek 750 Browntown Road, Buchanan Hours: Memorial Day to Oct. 31, open daily; Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; Nov. 1 to Memorial Day (269) 422-1100 www.hickorycreekwinery.com About: Wines made from only Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area grapes.

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant 185 Mount Tabor Road, Buchanan Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; BERRIEN SPRINGS Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. (seasonal hours) Domaine Berrien Cellars (800) 283-3363 398 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs Hours: noon to 5 p.m. April through December, www.taborhill.com open every day; January through March: open About: Chocolate salon, award-winning wines, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Groups of 10 or more full production on-site winery and guided tours. with advance reservation only. A $5 per person group fee will apply. Please call at least seven COLOMA days in advance to book. (269) 473-9463 Contessa Wine Cellars www.domaineberrien.com 3235 Friday Road, Coloma About: Enjoy a glass of wine with locally made Hours: noon to 5 p.m. daily, year-round cheeses and sausages on a deck overlooking (269) 468-5534 vineyards. Self-guided tours of the winemaking www.contessawinecellars.com area are available. About: Incredible views with ample terrace and patio seating. Free tasting. Round Barn Winery is the home of DiVine Vodka. Leader photo/Alison Huyck

Summer Fun 2013

Karma Vista Vineyards 6991 Ryno Road, Coloma Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily; closed Tuesday; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (269) 468-9463 www.karmavista.com About: Gorgeous views, great wines and good karma await atop one of the most spectacular vineyards in the state.

FENNVILLE Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville Hours: Winery open year-round. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Tours: Saturday, 3 p.m., November through June, weekends, July through October.

(800) 463-6265 www.fennvalley.com About: Vineyard tasting-tours Saturday and Sunday in the fall. Cellar tours with the winemaker, 3 p.m. Saturday, November through June.

KALAMAZOO Lawton Ridge Winery 8465 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo Hours: Open year-round; Monday through Saturday: noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (269) 372-9463 www.lawtonridgewinery.com About: Lawton Ridge Winery may be one of Michigan’s newest wineries, however, its grapes are from one of Michigan’s oldest wine vineyards.

NILES Lehman’s Orchard 2280 Portage Road, Niles Hours: March through December, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (269) 683-9078 www.lehmansorchard.com About: It makes eight fruit wines, two grape wines, one ice cider and six hard ciders. It sells frozen apple cider year-round and fresh apple cider in the fall.

PAW PAW Warner Vineyards 706 S. Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; excludes major holidays (800) 756-5357

Take Our COurse fOr a spin! 18 Holes HolEs

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(with cart) Weekdays ..................... $24.00 18 holes with cart for four golfers Weekends ...................... $28.00 Weekdays ................... $72.00 Weekends ................... $80.00 seniors only (week days) .......................... $20.00 26831 Dutch Settlement • Dowagiac

(269) 782-5827

Expiration: 8-31-2013 Not valid on Holidays or with other coupon specials

About: Dewey Cannon is a boutique winery and brewery featuring a selection of artisanal wines and handcrafted beers.

St. Julian Winery 716 S. Kalamazoo, Paw Paw Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (269) 657-5568 www.stjulian.com About: St. Julian is Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest, largest and most-awarded winery.

ST. JOSEPH

THREE OAKS Dewey Cannon Winery & Brewery 9 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks Hours: Call for hours (269) 820-4011 www.deweycannonwinery.com

Summer Fun 2013

www.warnerwines.com About: Visit and celebrate with a third generation of winemakers.

White Pine Winery 317 State Street, St. Joseph Hours: March, April November and December, Saturday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. (269) 281-0098 www.whitepinewinery.com About: The wines are produced from estate-grown and locally grown grapes by winemaker Dave Miller, who has more than 30 years of experience.

Leader photo/Kimberly Wynn

White Pine Winery features grapes grown by winemaker Dave Miller.

Summer Fun 2013

BENTON HARBOR

Breweries

The Livery Microbrewery 190 Fifth Street, Benton Harbor, Mich. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m. (269) 925-8760 www.liverybrew.com About: The Livery features 12 taps of microbrew, three Real Ale taps, an outdoor beer garden, wi-fi and a cafe. beerskirmish.com photo

Summer Fun 2013

KALAMAZOO

SAWYER

Bell’s Brewery 355 E. Kalamazoo Avenue Kalamazoo, Mich. Hours: Open seven days Phone: (269) 382-2332 www.bellsbeer.com About: Brews more than 20 beers for distribution and many other small-batch beers served at the pub.

Greenbush Brewing Company 5885 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Mich. Hours: Friday through Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. (269) 405-1076 www.greenbushbrewing.com About: Tasting, out-the-door sales and on-site brewing

PAW PAW Paw Paw Brewing Company 929 East Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, Mich. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (269) 415-0145 www.pawpawbrewing.com About: Established in January 2010 by two brothers-in-law.

THREE OAKS Dewey Cannon Winery & Brewery 9 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, Mich. Hours: Call for hours (269) 820-4011 www.deweycannonwinery.com About: A boutique winery and brewery features artisan wines and handcrafted beers.

Journeyman Distillery 109 Generation Drive, Three Oaks, Mich. Hours: Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. (269) 820-2050 www.journeymandistillery.com About: Handcrafted artisan spirits with a focus on whiskey. Tasting room.

SOUTH BEND, IND. Four Horsemen Brewing Company 710 Fellows St., South Bend, Ind. Hours: Call for hours (574) 387-5772 www.fourhorsemenbrewco.com About: Handcrafted beers. Taproom.

Fresh Air, Fresh Food Our award winning outdoor dining area offers a refreshing way to enjoy lunch or dinner. You’ll love the relaxing atmosphere combined with our excellent service and delicious cuisine. • Daily lunch & dinner specials • Open late night Friday & Saturday • Live Entertainment

219 N. Front Street, Niles 269-684-CAFE (2233)

Summer Fun 2013

MICHIGAN CITY, IND.

LA PORTE, IND.

Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant

Back Road Brewery 308 Perry Street, La Porte, Ind. Hours: Thursday and Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. (219) 362-7623 www.backroadbrewery.com About: Microbrewer of Back Road Ale, Millennium Lager, Belle Gunness Stout and Midwest IPA.

208 Wabash Street, Michigan City, Ind. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (219) 879-4677 www.shorelinebrewery.com About: Winner of World Beer Cup Silver Award.

GRANGER, IND. Bare Hands Brewery 12804 Sandy Court, Granger, Ind. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (574) 277-2258 www.barehandsbrew.blogspot.com About: Tap room. Handcrafted beer in small batches.

ELKHART, IND. Iechyd Da Brewing Company 317 N. Main Street, Elkhart, Ind. Hours: Opening May (574) 293-0506 www.iechyddabrewingcompany.com About: Offering handcrafted ales, lagers, pizzas, sandwiches and soda.

Quality Care for the Entire Family Southwestern Medical Clinic has proudly served the local residents of Niles, Michigan for the past 40 years. Located at: 2002 South 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 ~ Adult/Pediatric Medicine ~ Walk-in Clinic no appointments necessary Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(269) 687-0200 www.swmc.org

Summer Fun 2013

Steve’s Run brings community together There is just something about Steve’s Run that brings our commun i t i e s t o g e t h e r. One Saturday each July in downtown Dowagiac, the Original Road ‘n’ Trail Race transforms our community into a special place. The 10K run, 5K run and 5K walk all begin at 9 a.m. with more than 1,000 runners and walkers hitting the pavement. There are plenty of ways to get involved. Registra-

tion runs right up until race time and each year brings a record-setting group of runners to Dowagiac to compete, have fun and renew old friendships. There always seems to be a staggering number of last-minute walk-up participants. None are turned away. The race, which celebrates the life of the late Steven Briegel, is one of the most unique road races in all of America. Many of his classmates plan

Leader file photo

to take part once again. The Ganger clan will bring four generations to the race. This is truly a family affair. A festive atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of the runners, who return year-after-year to the event. What started as the Road ‘n’ Trail Race, Steve’s Run has become a fixture for serious and recreational runners. Racers who start out as youngsters return as adults and continue to compete in the annual event. Many of them bring their children, who continue the family tradition of running through and around the streets of Dowagiac. Race Director Ron Gunn, along with a host of volunteer assistants, put on a first-class race. From the music that dots the course to the aid stations along the way, no detail is overlooked. And then there is the finish near Lions Park just off the downtown. With music blast-

Scott Novak

ing and enough refreshments to go around twice, Gunn has created a carnival-like atmosphere. Steve’s Run is a unique race and so are the awards. The traditional T-shirts always have an outstanding original design and this year will be no different. Several years ago, the Fire Up signs were added to the race. These signs give encouragement to runners, support to loved ones and honor the memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. If you get a chance July 28 to get up to Riverside Cemetery, check out the line of Fire Up signs. It is quite impressive. If you are not a runner, that’s fine. Get out and support the runners as they pass through downtown Dowagiac.

Summer Fun 2013

bringitsupercarclub.com For more information contact Marc Milhander

574-340-9241

Summer Fun 2013

Deer Forest Fun Park 6800 Indian Lane Coloma, MI 49038 (269) 468-4961 www.deerforest.com

Petting Zoo • Picnic • Miniature Golf • & More!

Therapeutic Equestrian Center Stockbridge Equestrian Center 615 N. M-140 Watervliet, MI (269) 429-0671 www.tecfarm.org

Kaminski Farms Meats

16682 Schwark Road Three Oaks, MI 49128 (269) 756-7456 Farms Meats www.kaminskifarmsmeats.com AllKaminski Natural • Corn Fed • Hormone Free

Visit St. Joseph!

Join us for a day, a weekend or longer and make great memories all year round. Don’t miss Chalk the Block

August 2 – 4, 2013

ST. JOSEPH TODAY (269) 985-1111 • stjoetoday.com facebook.com/stjoetoday

Summer Fun 2013

Camping memories remain the best Some of my favorite childhood memories involve sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows for smores and eating barbeque chicken from the grill. For some reason, food just tastes better when camping. That hasn’t changed as I’ve gotten older. Right now I can close my eyes and imagine the smell of a steak sizzling

over the fire, or a can of baked beans beginning to bubble on the campfire grate. It’s enough to make me drool right here at my computer desk. Fortunately for us, there are a lot of great places to camp throughout Michiana and southwestern Michigan. My wife and I try to go camping at least once a year,

although sometimes it’s difficult to pull my better half away from the convenience of indoor plumbing. It’s an inexpensive way to spend a night or two once you’ve purchased a tent and a couple sleeping bags. Most campsites won’t charge more than $30 a night for basic plots. If you are willing to really rough it, you can go for even

Craig Haupert

less than that. Just pick up some food and ice from your grocer, pack the cooler and hit the road. The great thing is you won’t have to drive very far. There are many excellent camping destina-

Summer Fun 2013 Roasted marshmallows never go out of style. Peggylhenderson. blogspot.com photo

tions within an hour’s drive. Just make sure you book early as the best sites are often taken months in

advance. Here are a few of my personal favorites: n Potato Creek, North Liberty, Ind.,

(574) 656-8186 nWarren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, Mich., (269) 426-4013 n Weko Beach

Campground, Bridgman, Mich., (269) 465-3406 If you like to bicycle and have a bike rack, make sure to bring them too, as many campgrounds have great bike trails. Have fun and don’t forget the bug spray.

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ummer? g for the S Just Vistin inquire e us a call to iv g r o in p Sto ummer about our S gram! ip Pro Membersh

400 E. Front St. STE G Buchanan, MI 49107 269-409-6060 www.thefitindustry.com

Summer Fun 2013

Golf courses

Cliftongry.tumblr.com photo

iT’S YOUR SUmmER TO ShiNE! • $5 Drop in fitness classes – No membership necessary. • NEW Starting June 2013 through September 2013, every Tuesday & Thursday from 9 am - 11 am, outdoor fitness classes at the Niles Amphitheater. • Customized Summer Day Camp for kids! Visit our website for schedules & more information.

Niles-Buchanan YmCA 905 N. Front St. • 683-1552 www.nb-ymca.org

connect with us on facebook

Summer Fun 2013

Berrien Hills Country Club Private 690 W. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Mich. (269) 925-9002 www.berrienhills.com Blackthorn Golf Club Public 6100 Nimtz Parkway, South Bend, Ind. (574) 232-4653 www.blackthorngolf.com Blossom Trails Golf Club Public 1565 E. Britain Avenue, Benton Harbor, Mich. (269) 925-4951 www.blossomtrailsgolfclub.com Brookwood Golf Course Public 1339 Rynearson Road, Buchanan, Mich. (269) 695-7818 www.golfbrookwood.com

Diamond Lake Golf Club Public 22041 M-60 E Cassopolis, Mich. (269) 445-3143 Dowagiac Elks Golf Club Public 300 Riverside Drive, Dowagiac, Mich. (269) 782-3889 www.elks.org Eberhart Park Golf Course Public 801 N. State Street, Mishawaka, Ind. (574) 255-5508 www.mishawaka.in.gov/eberhartgolf Elbel Park Golf Course Public 26595 Auten Road, South Bend, Ind. (574) 271-9180 www.sbparkgolf.com/ elbel_course/

Erskine Park Golf Club Public 4200 Miami Street, South Bend, Ind. (574) 291-3216 www.sbparkgolf.com/ erskine_course/ Four Lakes Country Club Public 22786 U.S. Highway 12 E Edwardsburg, Mich. (269) 699-5349 www.fourlakescc.com Garver Lake Golf Course Public 25320 May Street, Edwardsburg, Mich. (269) 663-6463 Hampshire Country Club Public 29592 Pokagon Highway Dowagiac, Mich. (269) 782-7476 www.hampshire36.com

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Summer Fun 2013

Harbor Shores Golf Club Public 201 Graham Avenue, Benton Harbor, Mich. (269) 927-4653 www.harborshoreslife.com

Knollwood Country Club Private - 16633 Baywood Lane, Granger, Ind. (574) 277-2620 www.clubcorp.com/clubs/ knollwood-country-club

Morris Park Country Club Private 2200 McKinley Avenue, South Bend, Ind. (574) 282-3727 www.morrisparkcc.com

HawksHead Links Public 6959 105th Avenue, South Haven, Mich. (269) 639-2121 www.hawksheadlinks.com

Lake Cora Hills Golf Club Public 56640 C.R. 671 Paw Paw, Mich. (269) 657-4074 www.lakecorahillsgolfclub.com

Notre Dame Golf Course Public U.S. 933 and Dorr Road Notre Dame, Ind. (574) 631-6425

Heritage Glen Golf Club Public - 29795 Heritage Lane Paw Paw, Mich. (269) 657-2552 www.heritageglengolf.com

Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club Public 2520 Kerlikowski Road, Benton Harbor, Mich. (269) 849-2722 www.lakemichiganhills.com

Juday Creek Golf Course Public 14770 Lindy Drive, Granger, Ind. (574) 277-4653 www.judaycreek.com

Lost Dunes Golf Club Private - 9300 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, Mich. (269) 465-9300 www.lostdunes.com

Exhibits: Apple Orchard Lighthouse Climbing Tower Toddle Farm Kids’ Climbing Wall Bubble Chamber Lake Michigan and Power Tower Water Tables and more!

Curious Kids’ Museum 415 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 983-2543

Orchard Hills Country Club Private 2841 Niles-Buchanan Road, Buchanan, Mich. (269) 695-5722 www.orchardhillscc.org Park Shore Golf Course Public 610 Park Shore Drive Cassopolis, Mich. (269) 445-2834 www.parkshoregolfclub.com

Outreach Programs Curious Classroom Units Girl & Boy Scouts Badge Quests/Overnights Field Trips Summer Camps: Curiosity Camps (for ages 4-6) Day Camps (for ages 7-12)

Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone 333 Broad St. St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 982-8500

Check website for camp topics and days/times! • www.curiouskidsmuseum.org

Summer Fun 2013

Paw Paw Lake Golf Club Public 4548 Forest Beach Road, Watervliet, Mich. (269) 463-3831 www.pplgcgolf.com

Sauganash Golf Club Public 61270 Lutz Road, Three Rivers, Mich. (269) 278-7825 www.sauganashigc.com

Studebaker Golf Course Public - 718 E. Calvert Street, South Bend, Ind. (574) 287-6634 www.sbpark.org/parks/studebaker-park/

Pine View Golf Club Public 52065 Pulver Road, Three Rivers, Mich. (269) 279-5131 www.pineviewgolf.com

Signal Point Country Club Private 1475 Signal Point Drive, Niles, Mich. (269) 683-7073 www.signalpointgolf.com

The Dunes Club Private - 10600 Marquette Road, New Buffalo, Mich. 269 469-5539

Plym Park Golf Course Public 401 Marmont Street, Niles, Mich. (269) 684-7331 www.ci.niles.mi.us

South Bend Country Club Private 25800 Country Club Drive, South Bend, Ind. (574) 289-2277 www.southbendcc.com

Point Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Woods Golf & Country Club Private - 1516 Roslin Road, Benton Harbor, Mich. (269) 944-5851 www.pointowoods.com

Spruce Ridge Golf Club Public 26831 Dutch Settlement Road, Dowagiac, Mich. (269) 782-5827

Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame Public 110 Warren Golf Course, Notre Dame, Ind. (574) 631-4653 www.warrengolfcourse.com Whittaker Woods Golf Course Public 12578 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich. (269) 469-3400 www.golfwhittaker.com

Summer Fun 2013

Music Four Winds Casino Where: New Buffalo

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Summer Fun 2013

Acorn Theater 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, Mich. (269) 756-3879 www.acorntheater.com

n June 15: Amy and Freddy, 8 p.m. n June 19: Los Lonely Boys, 8 p.m. n June 28: Matt Giraud, 8 p.m. n June 29: The Other 3 Tenors, 8 p.m.

May n May 26: Rickie Lee Jones solo, 8 p.m. n May 31: Jim Peterik of Survivor in concert, 8 p.m.

Jim Peterik and The Ides of March are offering free DVDs (when completed) of both shows to anyone who purchases tickets to both shows. There will be a sign-in sheet at the merchandise booth — sign up with your name and address at the Friday show, then confirm on June 1 for the second of the two shows. After the DVDs are issued, you will be mailed both discs. This offer will run through June 1. This only applies to people holding tickets to both shows. These are two completely different shows and tapings.

June n June 1: The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, 8 p.m. n June 2: Laura Freeman and Cheryl Szucsits, 7 p.m. n June 7: Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, music of Rodgers, Hart and Hammerstein, 8 p.m. n June 8: A Divine Evening with Charles Busch, 8 p.m. n June 9: The Hat and The Little Black Dress, 3 and 5 p.m.

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Summer Fun 2013

Music in Baroda Village Park Baroda Village Council offers a free concert series on the fourth Sunday of June, July and August. Bring a picnic basket or purchase concessions at the park. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit and relax by the still waters of Hickory Creek as you listen.

Slim Gypsy Baggage

n The first concert of the season will be at 4 p.m. June 23 with Jack Whitehead, a veteran guitarist who has played with various local bands in the area. His musical pedigree includes rock, blues, country, gospel and jazz. Whitehead will be joined by another local singer-songwriter, Danny Dine, who also brings

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an assortment of musical talent. They will perform a mix of jazz, blues and gospel, as well as a few original tunes. n On July 28, Slim Gypsy Baggage plays soulful folk Americana music with flairs of bluegrass, reggae, jazz and blues. n The last concert of the season will be on Aug. 26 with Lindsey Mierau, who has been playing guitar and singing for 35 years. He plays a wide variety of acoustic folk to rock, ranging from James Taylor, John Mayer, Eric Clapton and Sting and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

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Summer Fun 2013

Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series fills the Grand Old City — Dowagiac — with music on Thursday evenings, with Southwestern Michigan College Brass Band leading off the 12-week series June 6. Performance dates also include: n June 13: Out of Favor Boys n June 20: Delilah Dewylde and the Lost Boys n June 27: Otsego Jazz Ensemble n No concert July 4 n July 11: Schlitz Creek bluegrass n July 18: Lake Effect Jazz big band n July 25: Kalamazoo Avenue Band presents a rock, rhythm and blues revue during Huntington Night, beginning at 7 p.m. n July 26: Wildfire, country and Southern rock, give a Summer in the City festival performance, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

n Aug. 1: Fonn Mor n Aug. 8: 5 O’Clock Somewhere n Aug. 15: A Touch of Country, featuring Dennis Ferrier of Dowagiac n Schedule rain date, Aug. 22 This outdoor music series is hosted by the Downtown Development Authority and underwritten by Huntington Bank.With the exception of festival week, performances start at 7:30. p.m. The brick walkway and lawn around the bandstand at Front and Beeson streets provides ample space Delilah Dewylde for lawn chairs.

Saturday June 15th (Rain date is June 16)

Live Music from 2:00PM to 10:00 PM.

Bring your lawn chairs & appetites to this non-alcoholic, free event, sponsored by the area merchants.

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Summer Fun 2013

Buchanan summer concerts

Morris Performing Arts Center

Buchanan summer concerts start at 7 p.m. Thursdays. All concerts are free and open to the public. The Common is an outdoor venue on the corner of Roe Street and Days Avenue, across from Tin Shop Theatre. Some seating is available, but you may want to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concerts are held rain or shine.

211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, Ind. Phone: (574) 235-9190 www.morriscenter.org Memorial Regional Cancer Center presents Fridays by the Fountain, free outdoor concerts in the Jon R. Hunt Plaza, from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

n June 13: Southshore Concert Band n June 20: 5th Gear n July 4: Ernie Givens and The White Lies n July 11: JT and The Bare Essentials n July 18 : The Van Dyke Revue n Aug. 1: Truth in Jazz Orchestra n Aug. 8: Blue Water Ramblers

n June 7: Duke Tumatoe n June 14: Kennedy’s Kitchen n June 21: Billy “Stix” Nix n June 28: Jetta and the Jellybeans n July 5: Terry and the Heartbeats n July 12: The Douglas James Band n July 19: Unraveling String Band n July 26: Top Secret n Aug. 2: Velvet Jones n Aug. 9: The Snyders n Aug. 16: Real Country’s Budweiser Country Star contest winner n Aug. 23 — The Whistle Pigs n Aug. 30 — IUSB student showcase

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Summer Fun 2013

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra n Kaleidoscope of Sound June 6, 6 p.m. The Heritage Center, St. Joseph

n Buddy Holly Dance Party July 20, 7:30 p.m. Shadowland Pavilion, St. Joseph

n Here Comes the Sun with Beatles tribute artists The Back Beats June 22, 6:30 p.m. Shadowland Pavilion, St. Joseph

n The UW Madhatters Aug. 1, 6 p.m. The Heritage Center, St. Joseph

Concerts Week of Independence Day n July 3, 8:30 p.m. Lions Pavilion Park, New Buffalo n July 4, 9 p.m. Shadowland Pavilion, St. Joseph n The Upton Trio July 11, 6 p.m. The Heritage Center, St. Joseph

n The Reel Score 2 Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. Jean Klock Park, Benton Harbor n Shrek the Musical Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. Shadowland Pavilion, St. Joseph www.smso.org info@smso.org (269) 982-4030

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Summer Fun 2013

St. Joseph Friday night concerts Concerts are from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at John E.N. Howard Bandshell. n June 28: The Moonlighters n July 5: Audie Blaylock with Mark Ficks Band n July 19: Mark Ficks Band n July 26: Lake Effect Jazz n Aug. 2: The Bergamot n Aug. 9:Venitia Sekema and Luna Madre n Aug. 16: Big Boss Blues Band n Aug. 23: Lana Hawkins Trio n Aug. 30: Sixth Generation This concert series is presented by the Boulevard Inn and Bistro. 2013 Brown Bag Concert Series This long-running series returns to the John E.N. Howard Band Shell overlooking

the St. Joseph River with views of Lake Michigan and the lighthouse. Bring your lunch and take a break from the daily grind. Concerts are from noon to 1 p.m. at John E.N. Howard Bandshell. n June 26: Van Dyke Revue n July 3: Rum Boogie (duo) n July 10: Tim Velez n July 17: Keith Scott n July 24: Lee Murdock n July 31: Leonardo and Waves n Aug. 7: Blue Water Ramblers n Aug. 14: Big Note Boys n Aug. 21: Deborrah Wyndham n Aug. 28: Attila Trio Plus This concert series is made possible by Jimmy John’s.

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Summer Fun 2013

Make musical history in Niles Last summer, I discovered Niles, though we go way back. I’m no stranger, but having my office relocated to the very corner where Tommy James recorded “Hanky Panky” on Snap Records in a loft studio on Sycamore Street put me within walking distance of all kinds of great live rock music. It’s hard for me to

type my stories on Wednesday evenings from June to August with songs wafting over from Kar Club’s Bring It cruise-in car shows. One night, I bumped into Mike Bruneau behind a drum kit. When he was on the radio in Dowagiac, we used to share the press table at city council meetings. I also shared that table with LZ

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36 at The Nuggett. A couple of my favorite bands were Simple Crush and Harpeth Rising. Harpeth Rising is a classically trained quartet playing bluegrass — and covered “Norwegian Wood.” I have gotten especially acquainted with the great guys of Sixth Generation and saw them reunite in Buchanan, get inducted into the Legends online hall of fame and open up a big lead over “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” play outdoors in Niles (they’ll be back June 22, and in St. Joseph Aug. 30) and several times with their Skyliner fans at Dowagiac Elks 889, which they filled May 4. To t h i n k t h a t since I broke burgers with drummer Dave Walenga and

Summer Fun 2013 bassist Paul “The General” Davies at Beeson Street, they have recorded a body of great new material, released a CD, mulled a fan club, The Generators, and will be playing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on Ringo’s birthday. I can’t come up with a parallel to their unique story. My first job was in Niles, stocking shelves at my uncle’s lumberyard, which used to be down by the river. My life went from black and white to color like in the “Wizard of Oz” when I heard The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at 6 at my aunt’s on Cedar Street in Niles. I attended the first Apple Festival to hear trumpeter Doc Severinsen and returned to the high

school to hear my beloved screech trumpeter Bill Chase before he died in a plane crash. I used to tag along with my cousin, who knew Tommy Jackson, to tiny Spin-It Records, where Tommy and Dave both worked. My usual haunt for 45s was Curtis TV in Dowagiac because it carried the WLS Silver Dollar Survey. Sue and I saw Tommy at the Morris, with Mitch Ryder opening. In December 2005, Gloria Cooper, who beat me

out for the job as first public information officer at Southwestern Michigan College, got me into the studio at WNIL to talk to Tommy, who identified “Crystal Blue Persuasion” as his favorite. And that is the 1965 Niles graduate whose Shondells outsold The Fab Four in 196869 with 23 gold records, nine gold and platinum albums and more than 100 million discs. So I invite you to begin your own musical story in Niles this summer. Sixth Generation plays throughout area. Leader photo/ JOHN EBY

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Summer Fun 2013

Festivals

Edwardsburg Memorial Day Festival May 27 Parade, vendors, food, games and a flag ceremony Parade is on U.S. 12 at 11 a.m.; festival follows at Gunn Park Contact: (574) 343-3721 or (269) 663-2244 Eleventh Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival May 30-June 2 Four days of bluegrass, Americana, roots music and more along the picturesque banks of the St. Joseph River in Niles Riverfront Park. Free to all with entertainment on two stages. www.nilesbluegrass.com Regatta Craft Fair June 1 and Aug. 31 Lake Bluff Park, Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph Coincides with the Rhum-

bline Regatta and opening weekend of the farmer’s market. Admission is free. www.sjtoday.org

Third annual Coloma BBQ Blues and Cruise, June 15 Baker Park Paw Paw Street, downtown Coloma, Mich. Bring a lawn chair for this free, non-alcoholic event. Vendors provide barbecue, amateur barbecue competition and live blues bands perform. Classic and muscle car cruise-in. www.facebook.com/colomabbqbluesandcruise Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival June 15 5239 Lake Street, Bridgman, Mich. This event showcases local wines on the beach. Live music and local food vendors. www.lakemichiganshore winetrail.com

Free Run Cellar’s Wine and Wags Fest June 22 10062 Burgoyne Road, Berrien Springs, Mich. Bring your dogs for a funfilled day on the vineyard. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact: (269) 471-1737 www.freeruncellars.com Reds, Whites and Brews July 6-7 The Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, Mich. www.roundbarnwinery.com Bigfoot Fourth of July Parade July 6 Sponsored by Greater Sister Lakes Area Business Association, 5 p.m. parade travels from Lions Park to Sister Lakes Elementary School. Sister Lakes Lions’ fireworks take place that night.The parade takes its name from reported sightings of a monster that

Summer Fun 2013

made national news in the summer of 1964. Mike Yore Memorial Car and Music Show Thursday, July 18 6 to 10 p.m. at Lake Boulevard and Port Street, St. Joseph, Mich. Summer in the City with sidewalk sales Dowagiac, July 25-27 Enjoy more than 50 hours of entertainment, including jazz, country and soft rock. Watch dance exhibitions of jazz, ballet and tap. Interactive workshops and games for children. Contact: (269) 782-8212. Cass County Fair July 29-Aug. 3 590 N. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe St., Cassopolis, Mich. www.casscountymifair.com (269) 445-8265 The Cass County Fair features grandstand entertainment for all ages, including rodeos, demolition derbies, super-stock tractor

and truck pulls, motocross and monster trucks. Free must-see events include fireworks and daily entertainment throughout the grounds, as well as hundreds of 4-H and open class exhibits. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 22nd Annual Niles Riverfest Aug. 1-4 Riverfront Park, downtown Niles Dragonboat races, Anything That Floats Race on the St. Joseph River, car show, vendors, entertainment and more. www.nilesriverfest.net

p.m. Aug. 14; Rodney Atkins, 7 p.m. Aug. 15; Bullmania, 7 p.m. Aug. 16; and Motocross, 7 p.m. Aug. 17. Contact: (269) 473-4251 www.bcyf.org Rod and Roll Classic Auto Show Dowagiac, Aug. 17 Festival-goers enjoy 1950s music, auto games, Tailgate Treasures Flea Market, a Lions Club pancake breakfast and Pure Pork barbecue beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Berrien County Youth Fair, Aug. 12-17 9122 Old U.S. Highway 31, Berrien Springs, Mich. Grandstand headliners for 2013 include: truck and tractor pulls, 7 p.m. Aug. 12; Jerrod Niemann with The Lost Trailers, 7:30

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Summer Fun 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS MAY 31

STYX JUNE 7

BILL ENGVALL

COLLECTIVE SOUL

FOREIGNER

TEMPTATIONS

CHICAGO

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

JUNE 21

JULY 19

JUNE 27

JULY 26

ALSO IN AUGUST PAT BENATAR AUGUST 8

TONY BENNETT AUGUST 23

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