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Benzie Chamber of Commerce
Calendar of Events

This calendar changes frequently.  Details are subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify event, dates, times, and locations.

If you have an event you would like listed here,

please email it to chamber@benzie.org.   We reserve the right to edit.

 

2012

 
 

MAY

 
17

Betsie Valley District Library presents - "You Are Never Too Old To Dream"

by Evelyn Harper. 7PM at Betsie Valley District Library, 14731 Thompson Ave., Thompsonville. Harper explains, " Unable to sleep one night, I sat down at the computer & started a story. I was seventy-five at the time, and since I had never written anything else in my long life, it was an unexpected thing to do. Now, five years and as many books later, I find myself at age eighty losing sleep once again, but this time it's because I'm racking my brain, trying to come up with a plot for yet another book. My late-life journey into the world is full of stories that I will share with you on May 17, 2012, when I visit your library. I promise, no matter your age, to inspire you." Program is FREE. 231-378-2716 or visit
www.betsievalleydistrictlibrary.org

   
17

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce May Business After Hours

5-7pm at Brookside Inn, in Beulah. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Advanced Hearing Center & Webber Insurance Agency

 
19

Benzie Area Radio Control Club 5th Annual Spring Thing Fun Fly

10am -3pm. Thompsonville Airport. Radio Controlled Flying Model Aircraft. Fixed Wing, Helicopters, Warbirds, Jets. Free admission. Refreshments available.  For for info call 231-882-4990

 
20

Michigan Legacy Art Park Summer Kick-off

Ddedication of the Art Park's newest sculpture, Michigan, by artist Brian Ferriby. The sculpture will be dedicated to Gov. William and Helen Milliken for their legacy of conservation and environmental protection. 1pm- Create art projects at the amphitheatre 1:30pm.- Hike to the Fort for the annual raising of the flag 2pm.- Sculpture dedication at sculpture site near the Fort 2:30pm.- Participate in a fun bingo game or photo scavenger hunt (bring your own camera!) Tour the art park with a group or on your own 3pm.- Interact with Art Park artists and enjoy refreshments Boy & Girl Scouts: Earn a patch on site! 231-378-2000 ext: 7122

 
23

Grow Benzie Craft Class - Creating with Wire

6:30-9:00 pm. led by Ginny Knutsen at Grow Benzie.  For this first introductory class, all materials will be provided.  Participants are asked to bring a pair of regular pliers and a pair of needle nose pliers if they are available.  The class is limited to 10 attendees so call quickly to reserve your place.

This class will give an introduction to making items from wire and various materials. Creativity is the name of the game and Ginny will be bringing examples of future projects .

Donations of materials are needed. For more info or reservation call 231-352-4487. Grow Benzie located at 5885 M115 (Frankfort Hwy).  growbenzie@gmail.com.

 
24

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 17th Annual Golf Benefit

Shotgun start 11:30am on the Mountain Ridge Golf Course at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville and is a four-player scramble. Players will also have an opportunity to celebrate, or commiserate, their golf scores at the cash bar cocktail party & dinner immediately following the game.  Tickets $100, include green fees, cart, prizes, & dinner. For tickets or information, call Judy Caris at 231-882-5866.

 
26-27

2nd Annual Honor Days

Saturday, 11AM-12:30PM Indian Verterans Memorial at Birdland. Maley Park activities 1PM-5PM 3 legged race, sack race & tug of war, open mike & BBQ dinner at the park. Victorian Tea, Fashion Show, Quilt Show from 1-2PM at the Gathering Place. Door prizes & peoples choice awards. Handmade Victorian Fancy hats and Bonnets for sale.

Sunday is Remembrance Day. Commemoration at Champion Hill 1:30-2:30. Reading of the Roster, Firing of the cannon by Battery D, (reinactors) Taps sung by Karl Loucks.  1PM-5PM BBQ by Walt Langille in Maley Park. Traditional Pies, & pickles contest. Beard/Mustache contest. HARP bake sale. Open Mike. Cannon firing, and presentation of awards. Commemorative Ribbon Presentation. For information call Carolyn at 904-955-0033 or Pat at 231-933-4915.

 
26

Friends of Benzonia Public Library Strawberry Social

4-7pm in the Lower Level of the Mills Community House - home of the Benzonia Public Library. Strawberry Shortcake and Sundaes will be offered. Donation $4 or $15 per family.

 
26

Michigan Beer & Brat Festival - Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

800-968-7686

 
30

Grow Benzie Craft Class - Making Hair Accessories

12:30-2pm. led by Ginny Knutsen at Grow Benzie.

Using items such as reclaimed jewelry, some with bling, hair clips, barrettes and headbands, unusual new pieces will be created. All materials will be provided. The class is limited to 10 attendees and like the previous class, bringing your own pair of regular pliers and a pair of needle nose pliers will be helpful.  Call to reserve your place. Creativity is the name of the game and Ginny will be bringing examples of future projects. Donations of materials are needed. For info or reservation call 231-352-4487. Grow Benzie located at 5885 M115 (Frankfort Hwy).  growbenzie@gmail.com.

 
   
 

JUNE

 
   
2

Frankfort Walk to Cure Lupus

In memory of Josephine VanHam. Alliance for Lupus Research. Mineral Springs Park. Walkers check in 9am. Walk begins 10am. Rain or shine. For more info contact Amy Email: ajgillard@charter.net

 
2

POMHA Start of the Season Party

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Start of the Season Cocktail Party & Buffet Dinner. 5:30pm in the Club House at Crystal Downs Country Club.  Invitations are sent out in early May. Tickets $75. Everyone welcome. If you have not received an invitation in prior years and would like to attend, please contact either Co-chair Sharon Trense 231-352-5372 or Co-chair Suzanne Kraus 231-352-4578.

 
7

2nd annual Benzie County Chamber of Commerce

Golf Outing

To be held at Crystal Lake Golf Club, Beulah. CLICK HERE for Team Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities information

 
8

Benzie Libraries Summer Reading Program Begins Registration for Summer Reading Program

at the 4 public libraries, for both local children and summer visitors ages 2 thru high school. For information, ask at your local library. Deadline is Saturday, August 11 for turning in completed reading logs. For more information 231-882-4111.

 
8

Making & Freezing Pesto

11am. - 2pm. at Crystal Crate & Cargo, Beulah.
Join author Jaye Beeler and photographer Dianne Carrol Burdick in the northern Michigan launch of their book, "Tasting and Touring Michigan's Homegrown Foods: A Culinary Roadtrip" at Crystal Crate & Cargo. Jaye will demonstrate the ease of making and freezing basil pesto and the many recipes you can make with your pesto. During a year-long journey, Jaye and Dianne chronicled Michigan's enterprising taste makers and the state's simple, delicious foods. This book details the importance of eating local food for our physical and economic health. 231-882-5294

 
8

Waters of Benzie – Railroad Point Water Tour

Crystal Lake, DNR Public Access Site, Mollineaux Rd. 9am-12pm. Come paddle from Crystal Lake’s new access site to the Crystal Lake Outlet. Along the way, you will learn about the history of Crystal Lake, water quality monitoring, and the newly-expanded Railroad Point Nature Preserve. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Benzie’s crown jewel lakes.  Bring your own boat or reduced-rate rentals available.  Advanced reservations recommended. For information or to RSVP please contact Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org.  $5 suggested donation. 

 
9-10

Enjoy Michigan's ‘Summer Free Fishing Weekend’

Residents and non-residents can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply. Michigan annually celebrates Summer Free Fishing Weekend as a way to promote awareness of the state's vast aquatic resources and the sheer fun of fishing. Organized activities are scheduled across the state. Visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing for all things related to this unique weekend.

 
9

Onekama Arts & Crafts Fair

At Onekama Marine. All vendors welcome. For more information or registration contact Susan at 231-889-5000 or susan@onekamamarine.com

 
10

Concert on the Hill - Pico and Chown Quartet

Jazz and Pop music 7:30pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.  Located at 8190 Lincoln Rd. Beulah. Free will donation. 231-882-4790

 
16

Frankfort Craft Fair & Classic Car Show

231-352-7251

 
16-18

Benzie Community Chorus Annual Cabaret Dinner Theater

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. Call the ticket office to reserve at 231-352-5219

 
17

David Bihlman Father’s Day Tournament –

All proceeds to benefit Camp Quality, a camp for youths with cancer. Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. Contact Wes Newberry 231-920-1556 or Heidi Smith, 231-735-3288 to volunteer, donate, sponsor.

 
21

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce June Business After Hours

5-7pm at Betsie River Centennial Lily Farm, Thompsonville. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Betsie River Centennial Lily Farm & Family Markets

 
22-24

Michigan PGA Women's Pro AM - Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

800-968-7686

 
24

Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert

7pm at Benzie Central High School. For more info call Peggy Case at 231-275-2244

 
25-27

Michigan PGA Women's Open Championship - Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa 

800-968-7686

 
30

Benzie County American Cancer Socety Relay for Life's 8th Annual Celebration of Life Motorcycle Ride

1pm. Departure from Benzie High School. destination Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort for a picnic. Registration Friday, June 29, 6-8pm. and Saturday, June 30 9am -12noon.

Cost $25 per rider. First 200 registrations receive a t-shirt and commemorative pin. This is an escorted ride taking place rain or shine. Contact Marc or Vicki at 231-882-4951 or marcandvicki@charter.net for Pre-egistration informaion.

   
   
 

JULY

   
   
1-4

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration - Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa 

800-968-7686

 
4

Beulah - 4th of July - Firecracker Race, Parade, Games Food.

Downtown Beulah. Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association

 
4

Frankfort 4th of July

Parade 9am. Art in the Park 10am, Sand Castle Sculpture Contest Noon, Fireworks Dusk. Activities Sponsored by Frankfort Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce

 
4

Art in the Park

Frankfort. 231-352-7251

 
6

Benzie County Community Band Concert

7pm at Frankfort Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. For more info call 231-882-5784 or email benzieccband@charter.net

 
6-7

Friends of Benzonia Public Library Used Book Sale

to be held at the Benzonia Public Library/Mills Community House, Benzonia. 9-4. For information 231-882-4111.

 
7

Beulah Art Fair

Downtown Beulah Park. 231-325-6642

 
7

Benzie Home Health Care 3rd Annual Pasty Dinner

4pm. - 7pm. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 955 James Street, Frankfort. Give and Get! Give $10 and get a great meal - homemade pasty, coleslaw, beverage and ice cream sundae.  You'll also get the knowledge that you are helping the seniors of Benzie County. It's a win-win! Individual pasties will be available for $5 each.  For details, call Mary Dykstra at 231-325-0138 or email bcsbhhc@sbcglobal.net

 
11

Benzie County Community Band Concert

7pm at Benzie Area Historical Museum, Benzonia. For more info call 231-882-5784 or email benzieccband@charter.net

 
13

Benzie Community Chorus Performance

at the Ramsdell Theater in Manistee. Call the ticket office to reserve at 231-352-5219

 
14

Waters of Benzie – Pearl Lake Water Tour

Pearl Lake, DNR Public Access Site, Wagner Rd. 9am-12pm. Learn about glacial geology, spring-fed lakes, and invasive plants while paddling amongst the bulrushes on peaceful Pearl Lake. We will be following the shoreline of a state-owned nature preserve, and there will be great bird watching opportunities. Bring your own boat or reduced-rate rentals available. Advanced reservations recommended. For information or to RSVP contact Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation. 

   
15

Benzie Community Chorus Performance

at the Ramsdell Theater in Manistee. Call the ticket office to reserve at 231-352-5219

 
17-19

Creation Exploration - Summer Day Camp 2012

Benzie Area Church of Christ will host an uplifting, fun filled experience for kids K-5th grade at the church on M-115 across from MacDonald Marine, east of Frankfort. 8:30am - 1pm. No charge for this 2 day event. Snacks/lunch provided and registration opens at 8:15 am.  Call 231-352-0046 to register or for more information.

 
18

Benzie County Community Band Concert

7pm at Interlochen Public Library. For more info call 231-882-5784 or email benzieccband@charter.net

 
18

41st Annual Glen Lake Women's Club Art Fair

10-4 at the Glen Arbor Town Hall, Glen Arbor. Almost 100 local and national artists. Proceeds are used for scholarships. Raffle tickets for prizes available. No admission charge. Lunch and baked goods available. 231-326-6084

 
21

Elberta Art & Craft Fair

231-352-7251

 
21

Port City Run

5K Run, 5KWalk, 1 Mile Fun Run. Frankfort

 
25

Congregational Summer Assembly (CSA) 34nd annual Arts and Crafts Fair

Decorative, Whimsical and Wearable Art

10am– 4pm. Assembly Ball Field, M-22 at Crystal Lake

Frankfort. with more than 100 artists participating from all over Michigan and beyond.  Fair goers will find jewelry, decorative art, pottery, wall hangings, oil paintings, watercolors,fine photography, wooden objects of art, birdhouses, children’s delights, handcrafted herbal soaps, paper goods, baskets, furniture, wearable art and more. Food tent will offer breakfast and lunch, including donuts, hot dogs, pizza, snacks and beverages. Bake sale with homemade goodies. Cottage Treasures sale 9am. - 2pm. inside the CSA assembly building adjacent to the ball field where the FAIR will be held, rain or shine. The CSA Arts and Crafts Fair is sponsored by the CSA Women’s Association to raise funds to support local charities and projects to enhance the CSA.   Visit www.summerassembly.org for more information about the CSA. 231-399-0150

 
25

Benzie County Community Band Concert

7pm at Empire Beach, Empie. For more info call 231-882-5784 or email benzieccband@charter.net

 
27-29

Arcadia Daze

Arts and Crafts Show, Auto Muster, 5K Race, Kids Fishing & Games, Parade, Refreshments and Food throughout the weekend. Entertainment Nightly, and More

   
   
 

AUGUST

 
   
2

POMHA 30th Annual Tour of Interesting Places

The Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Tour of Interesting Places. 10am. to 4pm. This year’s event is a walking tour of Frankfort, featuring several of the historic homes and locations in town.  Tickets $20, will be available in July at various retailers.  People interested in more information on The Tour of Interesting Places can call Nancy Honchell at 231-352-5477.

 
4

Beulah Sidewalk Days

Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association

 
4

Benzie Home Health Care 32nd Annual Walk-A-Thon

Start at Bellows Park on South Shore Dr., Frankfort. Put your best foot forward! Join us for a beautiful morning walk along the shores of Crystal Lake, enjoy a delicious brunch and help Benzie Home Health Care provide care for Benzie County seniors. Join a team, pledge a walker, donate time or resources. You can make a difference! For info call Mary Dykstra at 231-325-0138 or email bcsbhhc@sbcglobal.net

 
4

Grow Benzie Annual Event

More info to follow soon! Visit www.growbenzie.org

 
8

Benzonia Art & Craft Fair

231-325-6642. Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association

 
11

Crystal Lake Team Marathon

Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association

 
10-11

Benzie County Relay for Life

10am -10am at Homestead Park, Honor.
Celebrate - The Survivors Lap, Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony, Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony.

 
17-18

Frankfort Art Fair

Market Square Park, Frankfort. 231-352-7251

 
18

Collector Car Show

Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. 231-352-7251

 
18

Waters of Benzie – Betsie Bay Water Tour

Betsie Valley Trail Parking Area in Elberta. 9am-12pm.

Join us on the Bay to learn about Great Lakes coastal marshes and the invasive plants that threaten them.  There will also be abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.  Bring your own boat or reduced-rate rentals available.  Advanced reservations recommended.  For information or to RSVP please contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org.  $5 suggested donation. 

 
19

Benzie Sunrise Rotary Bike Benzie Tour - NEW Sleeping Bear Dunes Century Ride

100 Miles through the "Most Beautiful Place in America".  17, 30, 45, 62, & 100 Mile Rides starting at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville.

 
19

Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert

7pm at Benzie Central High School. For info call Peggy Case at 231-275-2244

 
19

Bike Benzie

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. Sponsored by the Benzie Sunrise Rotary and hosted by the Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville. Proceeds from the Tour benefit the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation and the Rotary International Foundation. All routes feature great food stops and picturesque rides that challenge riders of all ages and abilities. Benzie County's forests, 57 lakes, rolling orchards, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Betsie Valley Trail and our one traffic light welcome riders

 
24-26

Benzie Fishing Frenzy

Frankfort. 231-352-7251

 
24-26

Coho Festival

Honor. This annual festival is a two-day event in Honor, that began in 1967, celebrating the 'salmon run' up the Benzie County rivers. Honor is considered the 'birthplace' of salmon in the state of Michigan, as the first salmon were planted in the Platte River. Activities include a parade, state fish hatchery tours, lawn tractor races, a 5K-walk/run, an arts & crafts fair combined with a flea market, games and fun for the entire family, softball & horseshow tournaments, smoked fish contest & more for the young, a beer tent with live entertainment and more. Phone: 231-325-2894 or 231-325-4551

 
25

Archibald Jones Day

Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association

 
25

Concert on the Hill - Four Man "Fishin" Tackle Choir

Barbershop 7pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. 8190 Lincoln Rd. Beulah. Free will donation. 231-882-4790

 
   
 

SEPTEMBER

 
   
1-3

Pure Michigan Labor Days - Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa 

800-968-7686

   
8-9

Xtreme Muck Ruck

Xreme foot race/challenge that will have you running, walking, crawling, swimming, climbing, and did we mention frigid murky waters, and plenty of mud? Absolutely no wimps allowed! This is for the brave, the confident, the daring, THE XTREME! This is the Toughest Mud you'll ever Love! After race celebration events, plus Live music, food vendors, beverage tent with ice cold drinks including beer, pugil stick competition and much more! At Twisted Trails Off Road Park, Copemish. Register for this xtreme event at www.xtrememuckruck.com

 
8

Taste of Benzie

 
15

Waters of Benzie – Lower Platte River Water Tour

Platte River, M-22 River Access at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 9am-12pm. Canoe the Platte River and learn about the Great Lakes salmon fishery, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the effects of phosphorus discharges on the Platte River watershed.  Bring your own boat or reduced-rate rentals available. Shuttle service will be provided to take-out point at the river mouth.  Advanced reservations recommended. For information or to RSVP contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation.

 
20

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce September Business After Hours

5-7pm at Live for Art Gallery, Beulah. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Live for Art Gallery

 
30

Concert on the Hill - Peter, Paul and Mary Remembered

Folk music 7pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. 8190 Lincoln Rd. Beulah. Free will donation. 231-882-4790

 
   
 

OCTOBER

 
   
7

Betsie Valley Run - Half-Marathon • 10K Run/Walk • 5K Run/Walk

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa and the Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library invite you to participate in the 7th Annual Betsie Valley Run. Whether a serious distance runner or looking for a scenic walk through the rolling hills of northern Michigan, you'll feel right at home. Professionally timed with ChronoTrack, race begins at Crystal Mountain and includes some of the beautiful trails in Benzie County. Proceeds benefit the Betsie Valley District Library.

 
6-7

Fall Festival - Beulah

Soup Contest, Petting Zoo, Chalk Art, Games and more! Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association and Benzie Area Visitors Bureau

 
13-14

Fall Fesitval - Frankfort

 
18-21

Frankfort Film Festival

Garden Theater

 
18

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce October Business After Hours

5-7pm at Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Oliver Art Center

 
21

Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert

4pm at Benzie Central High School. For info call Peggy Case at 231-275-2244

   
 

NOVEMBER

 
15

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce November Business After Hours

5-7pm at The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill, Benzonia. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill, & Grogan Law PC

   
   
 

DECEMBER

 
20

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce December Business After Hours

5-7pm Location to be announced. Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by; Weishaar & Company CPAs PC

   
   
   
   
 

5-15-12

     
 
Benzie County Chamber of Commerce
826 Michigan Ave., P. O. Box 204 • Benzonia, MI 49616
Call: 1.231.882.5801
     
 
© 2005-08 Benzie County Chamber of Commerce
All Rights Reserved.