A flock of fun
and funky fairs
and festivals --
all in Michigan.
By Lynne Konstantin
ooking for a week-
end getaway off
the beaten path?
Whether you seek
an entertaining
escape with the
_ kids or something
a little more far-
fetched with the grown-ups,
Michigan has an assortment
of fantastic fairs and festivals
that are fun enough to make
a destination on their own —
but we threw in a few ideas
for side trips just for good
measure.
36 June 2012
RED TOM
NATIONAL ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday, June
8-10, Oceana County
An arts and crafts fair,
asparagus dinner featuring
the uniquely tasty veggie
in every course includ-
ing dessert and Mrs.
Asparagus Pageant are
all a part of this veggie
fest. You can also go to
a community picnic fea-
turing asparagus brats,
a Spear-It 5K run/walk,
kids activities, a Fly-In
Breakfast (enjoy a pancake
breakfast while taking
in powered parachute
and aircraft displays), a
parade, plus an NAF Food
Show, where visitors can sample asparagus
dishes and vote for their favorites. Last year's
winners include Asparagus White Pizza and
Asparagus Bundt Cake. Don't miss an hour-long
Oceana County asparagus farm tour, where you
can witness the harvesting and talk with growers
about the asparagus industry.
nationalasparagusfestival.org .
While you're there: Just more than a three-
hour drive from Metro Detroit, Oceana County is
home to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area, along
Lake Michigan's sweeping shorelines north of .
Muskegon and west of the Manistee National
Forest. Lofty sand dunes, pristine beaches, go-
karts, quaint villages with shops, restaurants and
plenty of nearby hotels, cottages and camping
options. Thinkdunes.com .
gathered for feast and fun in a fur-trading
camp around 1760 along the tranquil
banks of the Grand River on Harbor
Island. Experience sheep herd-
ing, candle-making, a tomahawk
throw, traditional music, jugglers,
period crafts demonstrations,
18th-century kids games, magic
and more. The festival — named
for the Native American term for
June's full moon, which appeared
during the strawberry harvest —
is sponsored by Grand Haven's
Tri-Cities Historical Museum,
itself a family-friendly destina-
tion offering a window into the
history of Northwest Ottawa
County. Exhibits tell the stories of
Native Americans and lumberjacks
and include Victorian period rooms,
maritime, medicine and everyday life.
tri-citiesmuseum.org .
While you're there: Grand Haven joined the
ranks of exotic beachy destinations in Turkey,
Australia, France and Thai-
land when Travel 0 Leisure
named it one of the Best
Secret Beaches on Earth last
March. Soft sand beaches
along Lake Michigan,
clear fresh water, tower-
ing dunes, hiking, biking,
kayaking, boating, golf
and so much more is just a
three-hour drive from Metro
Detroit, just south of Mus-
kegon. visitgrandhaven.com .
FEAST OF THE STRAWBERRY MOON
Saturday-Sunday, June 9-10, Harbor Island,
Grand Haven
Celebrating the 300-year-history of Grand
Haven, this blast-from-the-past living-history
festival recreates the life of 18th-century Native
Americans, French voyageurs, fur traders, crafts-
people, military and merchants who would have
MICHIGAN CHALLENGE BALLOONFEST
Friday-Sunday, June 22-24, Howell
Jaws will drop as more than 50 balloons fill the
skies of Southeast Michigan with brilliant color
and drama at the Michigan Challenge Balloon-
fest. Held on the grounds of Howell High School,
the hot-air balloon competition (no balloon
rides are offered during the event) features mass
www.redthreadmagazine.com