this week’s
top ten Politics as Unusual in Harbor Springs
In most elections for city council or commissions Up North and elsewhere, the number of open seats is fewer than the number of candidates vying for them. This year, however, Harbor Springs is facing a rare situation in the run-up to its Nov. 2 city council election: more seats than candidates. With two council seats open — incumbents John Cupps Jr. and John Lio are reportedly not seeking reelection — only one candidate, former city council member Jeff James (pictured) has turned in his nominating petition. (Perhaps ironically, James, who first served on the council Nov. 2013–Nov. 2017, ran for reelection in 2017 but finished third in a contest for two council seats … behind John Lio and John Cupps Sr.) With fewer candidates than seats, what will the city do next? City Clerk Nick Whittaker and City Attorney Jim Ramer are researching the matter, which is likely to be on the current council’s Aug 16 agenda. Meanwhile, the city charter offers this direction: “In the event the number of petitions filed for the offices of Mayor and Councilman does not equal or exceed the number of such offices to be filled at any election, the City Council shall, by resolution nominate such additional qualified citizens as may be necessary to make the number of candidates for the offices of Mayor and Councilman equal or exceed the number of such offices to be filled.”
Roll Out the Red Carpet for Doggies!
For one night only, you and your dog can attend Parallel 45 Theatre Festival’s performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” In celebration of all the love our dogs have shown us during the pandemic, the July 27 “Dog’s Night Out” show will feature not only beloved stage and Peanuts cartoon star Snoopy, but also special doggy snacks at the concession stand, a red carpet arrival for all furry four-legged Snoopy fans, and other pup-worthy surprises. Naturally, only socialized and well-behaved dogs (and owners) should attend. Dogs of similar sizes will have their own sections (with their owners). This pup-a-palooza and subsequent stage performance happens at the P45 Amphitheatre at Civic Center Park, in Traverse City; the stage show begins at 7:30pm. Tickets $18–$25. parallel45.org/charlie-brown
4
Aiming to do for horror movies what the Marvel Cinematic Universe did for superhero films, this trio of slasher flicks based on the same-named series of books by R.L Stein (best known for his Goosebumps series) introduces you to the world of Shadyside, a town plagued by evildoings. With each film is set in a different time period, you get a variety of affectionate influences, with Fear Street: 1994 inspired by ’90s slasher fun like Scream; the camp-set Fear Street: 1978 drawing upon Friday the 13th, and Fear Street: 1666, set amidst the early American era of witch trials (and strangely enough shaped by Terence Malick’s A New World, of all things). These lovingly crafted adventures have fantastic characters, stellar performances (from lots of rising stars, including Stranger Things alums Maya Hawk and Sadie Sink), top-notch scares, and plenty of easter eggs both between the series films and the greater horror canon. Sure there’s gore, but it’s presented in a lighthearted romp kind of way. Streaming on Netflix.
5
2
tastemaker Awesome in a Bag
If you ask someone — or at least the right person — at Alpine Chocolat Haus in Boyne City what the best treat in the store is, you might be surprised with the answer. It’s not one of the truffles. Not the dizzying variety of coated apples. Not even the chocolate-covered Nutter Butter (sigh). Nope, it’s the aptly named Awesome in a Bag. Which started its life not as chocolate or candy but as — wait for it — popcorn. We hear what you’re saying. Why would someone go to a chocolate store for popcorn? Same reason you’d go there for Chocolat Haus’ infamous salty-sweet best-we’ve-ever-had potato chips: Because once a fresh, crunchy favorite snack is coated with chocolatmeister Bruce Brown’s real-ingredient recipe for handcrafted chocolate, they’re even more irresistible. And it’s not just chocolate (or as the Haus prefers, chocolat). Nope, this is Bruce’s Caramel Corn, only new and decidedly improved by many, many more layers of decadence. The description — “Dark and White Chocolat and Peanut Butter Drizzled Caramel Corn” — doesn’t do it justice. This stuff is sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. And awesome.
4 • july 26, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
Hey, watch It Fear Street Trilogy
