Shut Down Line

6 Don Your Derby Hat

The fifth annual Hats & Horses Kentucky Derby Party returns to Iron Fish Distillery on Saturday, May 7, from 3pm to 8pm. Known as the two most exciting minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby will, in fact, be overshadowed by the Dirt Road Derby, starring the horses and riders of Benzie and Manistee County. Post race, enjoy craft libations, culinary treats like chicken and waffles with Iron Fish’s own bourbon barrelaged maple syrup, a hat and bowtie contest, a silent auction, and live music, all included with your $100 ticket. Don’t let the price tag scare you off—the event is held as a fundraiser for the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center in Manistee, which works with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse. Purchase tickets by going to ironfishdistillery. com/events or call (231) 378-3474 for more information. The party will be held at Iron Fish at 14234 Dzuibanek Rd. in Thompsonville.

$1M Grant Headed to Little Traverse Bay Bands

Funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) continue to be distributed around the country, and here in northern Michigan, the latest recipient is the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTTB), which was awarded a $1 million grant to support economic development strategies. The welcome chunk of change is part of the Economic Development Administration’s Indigenous Communities program, which allocated $100 million in ARP funding specifically for Indigenous communities that “were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” according to the program’s webpage. The grant is intended for investment in economic growth like starting new businesses, creating new jobs, and diversifying the tribal economy. In response to receiving the grant, Tribal Chairperson Regina Gasco-Bentley says, “There is a critical need in our community for economic diversification to address the lack of family-sustaining employment and slow economic growth. … LTBB will be able to establish and implement a comprehensive recovery strategy that takes tribal and regional strengths and weaknesses into account while building economic capacity. This strategy will not only benefit the tribe but also our surrounding community.”

Stuff We Love: A Toast in the Woods to Those We Love and Lost

For those who want to join with others to remember and celebrate someone they love, the Michigan Girl Bike (and Hike!) Club is hosting its inaugural Wine Walk (with heart!) 11am–1pm May 15 at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Club founder Kandace Chapple says the event was inspired by two things: One, her mom and favorite hiking partner, Judy, who passed away 15 years ago from breast cancer. And two, a Michigan Girl Bike (and Hike!) Club ride she hosted last summer in which each member taped to their bike a photo of someone they loved and missed, then rode their hearts out. At trail’s end, she says, the group shared something about their person, then toasted the happy memories. “[The Wine Walk event] is going to be like that,” Chapple says, “but on foot, with more wine and fewer wheels.” Participants can expect music, swag, food, wine tastings, and Fuzzy Navels (Judy’s favorite drink). Register for the walk ($45-$50) by searching “Michigan Girl Wine Walk” at Eventbrite.com before May 6. A portion of the 3k walk’s proceeds will be donated to the Smith Family Breast Health Center.

bottoms up Brasserie Amie’s Manhattan

ExperiencePeaceful Senior Living

We have allthe comforts of home without the work or worrysoyou can relax.

Independent Living 231-995-9385 Assisted Living-MemoryCare231-932-9757 3850 Scenic Ridge,off Silver Lake Road,Traverse City,MI49684 TRS Dial 711

Our senior writer comes from a long line of Manhattan drinkers. Her family recipe has always been two fingers of cheap Canadian whisky, one finger of cheap sweet Vermouth (usually Gallo), a dash of bitters, and a single, wax-like preserved cherry (also cheap). So imagine her awe at Traverse City’s Brasserie Amie, when a Manhattan left her questioning her entire upbringing. Because she prefers bourbon to whisky, the bartender pointed her to a bottle of Woodbridge. Then he bypassed the Gallo for Carpano’s Antica Formula, skipped the bitters, and dunked in a house-made boozy cherry. Sacre blu! She was so taken with the smooth, slightly sweet delight that she called up for the recipe. The kind mademoiselle who answered the phone told her not only the vermouth the Amie uses but also directed her to TC’s The Beverage Company, where it’s sold! Our writer’s homemade version (substituting Amie’s boozy cherries with the $18 yet oh-so-worth it Luxardo Maraschino cherries, also available at Bev Co.) was not quite as dazzling as Amie’s own but so much better than her cherished family recipe. brasserieamie.com