The beauty of fall in Michigan is legendary. From our peaceful, reflective shorelines to our misty inner forests, the entire state erupts in a celebration of color as soon as the season begins. Non-Michiganders truly don’t know what they are missing. Sure, they can look at pictures, but fall in Michigan is much more than sight. It’s the feeling, the smell. It’s watching colorful leaves flutter this way and that as they leave the branch and land upon the soft waters of a crystal-clear lake. It’s about sweaters, long socks and cozy cardigans – about welcoming change and understanding that it is inevitable. In Michigan, autumn is to be appreciated and there are some great places and drives in the state where you can do just that. All you need to do is make the time.
Who would have ever guessed that you can pet a shark, hand-feed a ring-tailed lemur or touch a stingray … in Tyrone Township? You can do all of the above and more at Supe’s Exotic Jungle – a small, interactive zoo that offers onsite tours, parties, and an unforgettable experience.
Come on down to Fenton and join in on the fun! The annual Taste in Fenton that attracts hundreds of visitors is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 4-8pm. The event will be a little different this year, according to Dennis Richardson, chairperson of the popular event. “It will be a ‘traveling’ Taste in Fenton,” he reports. “We will be sending people out to participating restaurants.”
Grab the kids and a picnic basket and head on out to Davison Township for a day in the sunshine and fresh air. There, you will find the Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center – a beautiful, 100-acre park, mostly wooded with winding trails, wildlife and sun-kissed flowers. The original parcel on Atherton Road was donated to the township by Robert and Jill Williams to be used for the enrichment of the Davison community, to preserve nature, history and provide educational opportunities for residents, according to Casey Reed, Director of Davison Township Parks & Recreation.
It’s the last chance to register! The Back to the Bricks® Road Rally is back by popular demand! You must register by midnight on Wednesday, July 22 to participate. Special Road Rally shirts are available for purchase until Midnight as well. Visit the Back to the Bricks website to order yours NOW!
Fourth of July celebrations in Genesee County are a little different this year. Many cities and towns have canceled their annual Independence Day events, including the city of Fenton. The annual Fenton Freedom Festival has attracted thousands of visitors over the years. The festival is a four-day event that includes a firework display at Silver Lake Park, parade, Rubber Ducky race, craft show, children’s games, barbecue, pancake breakfast and a 5K race. This year due to the pandemic, most of the events are canceled with the exception of a virtual race, virtual parade and fireworks display.
Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium will reopen to the public on July 8. They are working hard to assure visitors that they will have a safe and fun experience. However, it will feel different from your past visits. We appreciate your support as we adapt with science-driven practices that will help keep our community safe. The Family Play Area at Sloan will remain closed until the State of Michigan allows indoor play spaces to open.
Rain or Shine, the third Annual Flying Pancake Fundraiser, brought to you by the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer and Chris Cakes, will go on as scheduled on Saturday, June 27 from 9am-12pm. The fundraiser will take place in Historic Lapeer, 410 W. Nepessing St., #106. To-go boxes will be available this year.
The Flint River Flotilla returns in a modified format for its 6th year between Aug. 1 – Aug. 16. The Corridor Alliance Chapter of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, in cooperation with Tenacity Brewing, is hosting a “virtual” float this year to ensure safety for participants and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The 2020 Flint River Flotilla celebrates “The Virtual Adventure” with an 80s virtual character theme.
Kayak Flint Opens the 2020 Season with Crowdfunding Campaign.
On Friday, June 5, at 6pm Longway Planetarium presents a virtual educational adventure on Facebook Live. Entitled “These are the Voyages,” the talk details the successful Voyager spacecraft.
