Archive for February, 2008
Friday, February 29th, 2008
The Shrine Circus is coming to town in Muskegon, Michigan at the L.C. Walker Arena along the lakeshore. This is the Shrine Circus’s 23 year at the L.C. Walker Arena in downtown Muskegon.
This year has some new surprises for children and adults alike. There are many new acts that the Muskegon audiences have never seen before.
Attendance is expected to be higher than normal. People are ready to get out and have some family fun after this long winter weather that we have had this year along the lakeshore in Michigan.
The Shrine Circus has always be a welcomed site for the people of Muskegon and surrounding areas. The an array of clowns, aerialists, equestrians daredevils, jungle animals, cyclists and even bears are exciting to experience no matter what the age.
Tickets are $6.50 in advance, $7 at the door. Available at the arena box office. To reserve by phone, call (231) 726-2400.
Show times for the Shrine Circus are 7 p.m. Friday (tonight) and 10 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m. March 1.
Come to Muskegon’s L.C. Walker Arena along the lakeshore of Michigan and and have a good time with your family enjoying the Shrine Circus.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Entertainment | No Comments »
Monday, February 25th, 2008
The last day for the registration for The Ride is this Friday Februrary 29, 2008. The Ride event is held at the Lakes Mall in Muskegon, Michigan.
The Ride is a unique event on Saturday, March 15, 2008 geared to get everyone’s legs and hearts pounding! Forty five teams of eight cyclists – riding bicycles mounted on trainers-will race in 25-minute intervals for a chance to win serious cycling and lighthearted awards.
Form a Team – Anyone can form a team consisting of eight members and one alternate. Each team must provide one bike (exercise cycles are not allowed) to be mounted on a trainer. Each team member will ride for 25 minutes. Participants will receive refreshments and a commemorative gift. The entry fee is $400 per team, just $50 per rider. Some teams ask an area business or company to sponsor their team! Team registration deadline is February 29, 2008 (late registration will be accepted as space allows).
To find out further information check The Ride
Be a Supporter – Make a donation of any amount to a team to help them raise funds for the Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center.
Be a Volunteer – Don’t want to sweat? Volunteer to help on race day, or for setup the night before.
Be an Event Sponsor – Recognition is based on sponsorship level (starting at $500/year for three years). Sponsorship deadline is February 16, 2008 (late submission will be accepted as space allows.
The Ride event is a fundraiser benefitting Mercy General Health Partner’s Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center. All proceeds will support the H.E.A.R.T. Center’s Charles F. Schuler, Jr., Memorial Fund. The Fund’s purpose is to educate our community about the importance of having a healthy heart through exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices for the entire family.
Proceeds will be used to purchase health educational materials and equipment, exercise equipment, host family health fairs and symposiums for the Greater Muskegon community to sponsor families who have limited financial resources, which may preclude them from attending health classes or programs offered at the H.E.A.R.T. Center.
Come to the Muskegon Lakes Mall on March 15 to root for your team participating in The Ride.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore | No Comments »
Sunday, February 24th, 2008
The Margarita Mix-Off is gearing up to kick off next weekend March 1st at the Old Boys’ Brewhouse at 971 W. Savidge, Spring Lake, Michigan. The event is scheduled to be held between the hours of 12 noon to 5PM along the lakeshore.
Enjoy margaritas from several area restaurants for only $2.00 a drink. Then you can vote on the “Best Margarita”. Voting begins at 5pm.
The Margarita Mix-Off is a great way to earn money to benefit the Walker AMBUCS. Years past a good chunk of change was raised for AMBUCS organization. At $2.00 a drink it goes to show you how well the community has supported this organization along the lakeshore in the past.
The entertainment and music for the Margarita Mix-Off will be provided by Living Soul.
So mark March the 1st on your calendar to attend the Margarita Mix-Off at the Old Boys Brewhouse in Spring Lake, Michigan along the lakeshore and lets all have some fun together.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Entertainment | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008
One Month Update to Selling a Home in Spring Lake, Michigan
It has been one month since my kids put there home for sale in Spring Lake Michigan along the lakeshore. Greenridge Realty Inc. has been very busy trying to market their home. Real estate activity has been pretty non-existent this past month, but mostly that has to do with the major weather that we have been having.
Having a home for sale in Spring Lake, Michigan is more marketable during the spring and summer along the lakeshore than it is in the dead of winter. Greenridge Realty Inc. did try to bring in a prospect last week but the party had to cancel due to work conflicts. It is just a real hard time of year to buy or sell a home. This is probably the slowest time for real estate right now.
It is definitely a buyers market right now with the mortgage rates being so low. With this home being priced so low according to the medium priced home in this area, I have no doubt that it will move quickly. My guess it will not get an offer before May or June.
A home for sale in Spring Lake, Michigan is almost a sure sale. Real estate goes pretty quickly in this area along the lakeshore. This is one of the best areas to raise a family and work. Spring Lake Public Schools are in the top ten in the state and the community is one of the safest. There are no complaints with Greenridge Realty Inc. so far.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Real Estate | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
Grand Haven and Spring Lake Public Schools closed today. Many schools are closed today along the lakeshore due to the heavy snows and winds that have come off Lake Michigan.
Heavy snows are expected today along the lakeshore in the Grand Haven and Spring Lake areas. The heaviest snows are expected to subside by mid afternoon today. Another 2 to 5 inches is expected during the day today.
Muskegon County and Ottawa County are right in line for the heaviest snow bands along the lakeshore coming across Lake Michigan. With Grand Haven and Spring Lake right in the middle of the snow band, theses areas are expected to receive the highest amounts of snow. For information on your school closing check the school closing icon at the side of this page.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore School News, Along the Lakeshore Weather | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 18th, 2008
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival of Michigan is due to take place along the lakeshore July 25 thru August 3. The Coast Guard Festival is celebrating its 84th and salutes the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. The series of events ranges from a 5K and 10 K Road Race through town, free Street Dance, Band concerts, nightly entertainment shows, Water Ski Show, Grand Parade and a magnificent Fireworks display! A GRAND Time in “Coast Guard City, USA”.
JSJ Corporation will pick up the $30,000 tab for the 2008 Coast Guard Festival fireworks. The Coast Guard Festival’s “Fireworks Extravaganza” is a popular event in Grand Haven and West Michigan. The fireworks show is the finale to the festival every August and draws crowds along the lakeshore estimated at 150,000.
On July 26 the TRI-CITIES FAMILY YMCA COAST GUARD RUN will take place. Events include activities designed for all skill levels and ages. 5K run, 1 mile Family Fun Run/Walk, Tot Trot (ages 3 – 6), 10K run. Awards ceremony and entertainment to follow. Saturday 8 a.m.
The exact schedule has not yet been released for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival but will be posted on Along the Lakeshore News as soon as more information is released. You can also go to the official Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival site here: 
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Entertainment | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 18th, 2008
The Earth’s Edge of Grand Haven, Michigan has moved to a new location along the lakeshore at the Grand Landing. You will still find the great shopping experience that was enjoyed at their downtown location but now there is a lot more space and parking. The Grand Landing location of the Earth’s Edge still has all your paddling needs. Along the lakeshore there are four seasons of outdoor activities and this is where you will find your gear to match that season.
The Earth’s Edge is where I go when I am looking for outdoor gear, especially when I want to get quality outdoor gear to handle the needs of my family. We use hydration packs for our biking excursions and Earth’s Edge carries a nice line of hydration packs.
Grand Haven, Michigan is well known for its outdoor activities along the lakeshore and the Earth’s Edge has the gear that goes there. With all the lakes and waterways surrounding our area, there is always a need for the right canoe or kayak that will enhance our experience. They even provide demonstration for their canoes and kayaks. Check their store or their website to get the schedule.
Along the lakeshore in Grand Haven, Michigan the Earth’s Edge at the Grand Landing is where you need to shop. Choose from Patagonia, The North Face, Marmot, Keen, Chaco, Teva, Merrell, Prana, Watergirl, and many more! Free shipping on all orders over $150.00. Sign up for notices on sales, special events, coupons, and discounts at the Earth’s Edge or sign up when you are at their store!
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Shopping | No Comments »
Thursday, February 14th, 2008
Outhouse 500 Festival in Coopersville, Michigan is receiving national attention from Country Music Television, the national Sanitation Journal and the February/March edition of Country Magazine. On February 23 2008 the most uniquely decorated outhouses will race down Main street in Coopersville.
Ready for something fun about now? The Outhouse 500 is free to enter with three heats with prises for the top three overall entries. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite toilet seat down at the Coopersville Variety Store on Main Street also.
Start your day off with a pancake breakfast at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Then join in or appluad the runners at the 5K Run which begins at 10am. There is also going to be a dog sled demonstration for the kids.
Next you will want to warm up with a hot bowl of chili at the Rotery Chili Blast held at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Then on to the euchre tournament held at the Coopersville VFW.
For your evening entertainment the Outhouse 500 Festival will have live music from 6pm to midnight at the Outhouse 500 Entertainment Tent.The concert will be featuring many West Michigan bands. Or maybe line dancing is more your style. There will be line dancing held at the Coopersville Farm Museum from 6pm til 10pm.
For further information on the Outhouse 500 Festival at Coopersville, Michigan go to: www.coopersville.com
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Entertainment | 14 Comments »
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008
Fire hydrants are getting buried with snow. This is a dangerous and serious situation. Keeping fire hydrants cleared of snow is of every-ones concern. This is not only happening in the Grand Haven and Spring Lake areas but through out Michigan.
With the over abundance of snow it is hard to get to the fire hydrants by the fire department. Any delay that the fire department has in getting access to a fire hydrant could mean the difference between life and death. It could also mean the difference between a total loss in a fire and a small contained fire.
The hydrant snow removal should not only be left to the homeowner whose property it sits on but to the whole community that uses that hydrant. Many homes are left vacant during this winter, either due to the homeowner leaving for the winter or the houses are standing empty.
Keeping the fire hydrants open benefits everyone. You would not want time wasted digging out a fire hydrant if you were the homeowner in need of quick response by your local fire department. Or perhaps a car fire was occurring and the fir department would lose a lot of time to get access to the water.
The city areas have fire hydrants for our benefit. Tanker trucks caring water is a much slower process and not as adequate. Plus homeowners do get an insurance break from having an accessible fire hydrant near their home.
So please while you are digging out of the snow, check to see that the fire hydrant closes to your residence is cleared of snow.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore | No Comments »
Sunday, February 10th, 2008
It has been a bitter cold day with blowing snow and subzero temperatures along the lakeshore today. The weather for tomorrow looks to be a little better but not much. Grand Haven and Spring Lake have had many church service cancellations today due to the below zero wind chills.
I96 was closed for a while this afternoon from east of Muskegon to Grand Rapids, due to a 50 car pile up near Coopersville due to white out conditions. The accident stranded about 400 cars while they waited for the mess to be cleared. The roads are bad so take it easy in the morning.
There is also a flood advisory still in effect along the Grand River
Wind chills are expected at -25 through the night tonight and will increase to -10 to 0 degrees in the morning.
Watch here for school closings in the morning due to the weather.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore Weather | No Comments »
Sunday, February 10th, 2008
The Sunflower Gourmet of Grand Haven, Michigan will be opening in the Grand Landing in April. The Sunflower Gourmet is going to be a neighborhood grocery store experience with a twist. They will be having some of the finest packaged gourmet foods as well as a deli area. Have a gourmet specialty favorite? Go ahead and make your recommendation.
Fresh, local & organic ingredients will be offered when available at the Sunflower Gourmet. They will also be carrying high-end housewares, including, but not limited to, Pillivuyt, Dansk, Emile Henry. The Sunflower Gourmet will also be offering packaged gourmet products from some of the finest companies across the globe, including olive oils, artisanal cheeses, handmade chocolates, gourmet rubs, vinegars, etc. Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Peets coffee from California, and some other surprises you won’t want to miss! I am not sure but I think if you ask they may have beer gift baskets. I do know that Sunflower Gourmet has beer and wine.
The Grand Landing is going to be bustling this summer with so many new shops to draw us in over and over again. The Sunflower Gourmet sounds just like a place that we could become real familiar with.
Check out the website for updates: Sunflower Gourmet
Posted in Along the Lakeshore News, Along the Lakeshore Other Stories, Along the Lakeshore Real Estate, Along the Lakeshore School News | 4 Comments »
Thursday, February 7th, 2008
Grand Haven and Spring Lake public schools are delayed 2 hours today. Fruitport community schools are closed for the day today, Thursday. Further updates will follow as necessary.
Due to icy roads and drifting snow from the snow storm yesterday many schools are closed or delayed in the area today.
For more information in regards to your school closings click the school closings icon on the right side of this page.
Posted in Along the Lakeshore School News | No Comments »
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
The Grand Landing resort is open for business in Grand Haven, Michigan. The 120,000-square-foot Village at Grand Landing includes 34,000 square feet of retail, 8,000 square feet of office, and 40 residential condominiums along the south channel of the Grand River at US-31 and Jackson Avenue.
Plantenga’s Cleaners
Jimmy John’s – Gourmet Sandwiches – America’s #1 Sandwich Delivery!
Earth’s Edge – Outdoor Gear with such names as Patagonia, North Face, Marmot, Go Lite, Prana, Smartwool, Dansko, Watergirl, Royal Robbins, Arborwear, Keen, Chaco, Merrell, Mountainsmith, Capilene
Sweet Temptations
Sunflower Gourmet – Opening in April 2008
Culver’s
Also the Channel, Rockpile Surf Shop and other signature shops will fill the store space on this phase of the villiage.
The next phase scheduled to begin this year will have all-main-level condos at Harbor View, Waterfront condos fronting the South Channel, and a nine-story Tower featuring penthouses and condos on the upper levels and a hotel on the lower levels.
The 130 condominiums vary in size from 767-square-foor units to a 4,000-square-foot penthouse. Prices run from the $180s to $1 million. Thirty percent of the residences in The Village building have been purchased; 60 others throughout the development are reserved.
The waterfront amphitheatre at the Grand Landing will be a multipurpose facility that will feature a stage, floor-level and tiered seating that can be covered by a portable sailcloth. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, concerts, theatre and other live performances will entertain crowds at the amphitheatre. During the winter months, the amphitheatre will be transformed into an ice skating rink for all to enjoy!
Grand Landing is the ideal place to experience the rich history and character that Grand Haven provides though all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home, a venue to celebrate a special occasion or a day away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Grand Landing is the place to be.
For more information go to : grandlanding.com/
Posted in Along the Lakeshore, Along the Lakeshore Entertainment, Along the Lakeshore Real Estate, Along the Lakeshore Vacation Spots | 1 Comment »
