Fall in River Country Can't Be Beat!

Fall is a beautiful time in River Country, whether you take advantage of one of our organized events or simply get out there and enjoy it on your own… maybe hiking, bicycling, canoeing or just visiting one of our many parks. Fall is a world all its own and now is the time to enjoy it fully.

FARMER’S MARKETS:
-Constantine Farmer’s Market every Friday through October 30 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Shelby Park.
-Scidmore Farmer’s Market and Petting Zoo, every Saturday through October 17 in Scidmore Park.


FESTIVALS:
4th Annual Harvest Festival—October 3
Join us at the Dr. T. K. Lawless Park, Monkey Run St., Vandalia, located nine miles east of Cassopolis, off M-60 & Lewis Lake Rd from 4pm-7pm. Admission $3.00/person, 2 years and under free. There will be refreshments available and free pumpkins for children ages 2-11, while supplies last. Rain date October 19, 2009.
-Park Scavenger Hunt (ages 2-11)
-Arden's Choo-Choo Rides
-Horse Drawn Hayrides
-Owl Prowl
-Pumpkin Painting
-Face Painting
-Balloon Lady (and many other kid friendly events)
-Bike Rodeo (must bring bike, helmet and tennis shoes - RSVP@ 269-925-1137 ext 17)
-K-9's in Costume Contest - Bring your dog in costume! A ribbon will be awarded to "TOP DOG". (Pets must be on leash with proof of rabies vaccination and licensing). To enter please bring one of the following: dry dog, puppy or cat food; cat litter; treats; toys; grooming supplies' dish soap; bleach; or a monetary donation is always appreciated. All proceeds go to Cass County Animal Shelter.

Scarecrow Fest—October 18
Annual fall celebration. Enjoy the scarecrow contest, family activities, entertainment and other seasonal attractions at Meyer Broadway Park in Three Rivers

Three Rivers Fall Color Tour—October 18
Beautiful driving tour to see the fall colors in the Three Rivers area. The self-guided tour includes Hidden Marsh Sanctuary and agricultural tours.


PARKS TO ENJOY:

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS
Cade Lake County Park
The newest County Park in St. Joseph County. After extensive improvements, the park opened in the spring of 2004. Located on the shore of Cade Lake. Open for day use and overnight camping. U.S. 12 two miles East of Sturgis, then South 1/10 mile on Plumb School Road.

Conservation Park
Canoe and Kayak launch and picnic table. Located one block south of Downtown Three Rivers on S. Main.

Covered Bridge Park
Along St. Joseph River, nature ponds, hiking and walking trails, boat launch, fishing, picnic shelter and tables, barbeque grills, playground and restrooms. Three miles North of Centreville, west of Langley Covered Bridge on Schwitzer Road.

Hidden Marsh Sanctuary
The 38-acre preserve includes a nature/walking trail with 12 stations described in a trail guide. Each numbered station will guide the observer to view specific flora, fauna or other areas of interest. The walking trail is approximately 1/2 mile long. Feel free to visit the preserve and walk the nature trial. For more information, call 269-324-1600.

Hoshel Canoe Park
9 acres - Best picnic spot in St. Joseph County, on Prairie River. Arrive by canoe or car, you will be overwhelmed by this island's peacefulness. Canoe launch, fishing, picnic tables and BBQ grill. Three miles SW on Hoshel Rd, Centreville. 616-467-5519

Memory Isle Park
Site of an historic battle between two Native American tribes. Beautiful mural depicting the history of the area. Tennis courts and picnic area adjacent to the island. West Michigan behind the Historic downtown district.

Meyer Broadway Park
Offers natural areas with hiking and walking trails, rolling hills, woodlands, exceptional bird watching, wildlife, and scenic views. Enjoy the peaceful serenity of nature with all this park has to offer. West of U.S. 131 on Broadway near Three Rivers

Nottawa Park
Offers public access to a public beach. Fee of $1.00/car/day. Come for a swim, to fish, for your family picnic, or spend a few nights camping on the shores of Sand Lake. Call (269) 467-5519 for camping information. Take M-86 four miles East of Centreville and one block South on Railroad Street in Nottawa. Ice skating/roller hockey rink, amphitheater, playground, covered picnic shelters. Located at the corner of South Street and South Nottawa.

Olney Bridge Park
1 acre. Canoe launch, fishing, and picnic tables. ½ mile North of M-60 on Olney Road, Nottawa.

Pahl Point Park
Along St. Joseph River, hiking trails, fishing pier, picnic tables, barbeque grills and restrooms. Three miles North of Centreville on Covered Bridge Road.

Rawson’s King Mill Park
Donated as a park by the Rawson Family, who restored the mill and created this favorite park on Nottawa Creek. Enjoy a peaceful adventure with wonderful views of the mill, dam, and creek on one of the two islands. One mile West of Leonidas on King Road. Boardwalk overlooks St. Joseph River. Large entertainment gazebo.

Scidmore Park Petting Zoo
Free educational programs every Saturday at 1:00 pm from the second week of June through Labor Day. Visit our website for program details and hours. Petting zoo, playground and picnic area with pavilion reservations available. Enjoy the River Walk Pathway meandering through Scidmore Park and the adjacent memory Isle park. West Michigan and Spring Street in the heart of Three Rivers. Call (269) 273-1845 for more information. www.threeriversmi.org/scidmorepark.htm

Wahbememe Park
3 acres. Historical monument. US 131 and US 12, White Pigeon.

CASS COUNTY PARKS
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park
This 51-acre county park offers a historic view of the newly completed MEANDRS project, three picnic shelters with electricity, horseshoe pits, playground, picnic area, volleyball court, fishing (a designated trout stream), canoe landing and a river trail. this park has long been a destination for the water enthusiast. Located on Creek Rd near Sumnerville. 269-445-8611

Dr. TK Lawless Park
This is the ultimate weekend warrior trail. When you think of mountain biking in Michigan this is as good as it gets. Very tight and technical with lots of fun stuff to keep your attention. Don’t miss the Teeter Totter, it’s an added bonus. This trail is very compact and fun to ride. If you are advanced you can hit the trial at speed and it will challenge the hardest core of riders. Constant elevation change and some great drop ins and whoops. This trail is tucked away and is never busy. Loads of fun for the whole family—as long as they are good bikers!
There is a park with Frisbee golf and playground with equipment for the little ones and a nice picnic area to boot. Good restroom facilities are available and there is a fee to park of $2.00. . US-131 south through Three Rivers and split off on M-60 west. Follow M-60 through Jones until you see the sign that says Dr. TK Lawless Park. Turn left and follow the signs to the trail head and parking area.

Eva Stevens Memorial Park
Two-acre swimming park located on the crystal blue waters of Little Fish Lake, off Stevens Forrest lake street. Visitors enjoy picnic facilities, potable water bathrooms, play equipment, open games field and fishing.

Fred Russ Forest and Newton's Woods
This historic 13-acre county park is a nature lover's paradise. Park offers two picnic shelters with electricity, equestrian and hiking trails, fishing (a designated trout stream), horseshoe pits, cross-country skiing and the largest Tulip Poplar tree east of the Mississippi River. Located on Marcellus Hwy, 1/2 mile east of Decatur Rd near Volinia. 269-445-8611

Henry Sears Park
1/2 acre. Boat launch on Birch Lake. Birch Rd north of Sears Street.

Veterans Memorial Park
Two acres. Historical Monument. M-62 north of Cassopolis.

West Harmon Park
1/2 acre. Boat launch on Shavehead Lake. West Peninsula Dr east of Union Rd

St Joseph County Grange Fair

Experience the family fun, agricultural wonders and great entertainment that can only be found at the St Joseph County Grange Fair! This fair is rated as one of the top five fairs in the state of Michigan and is not to be missed.

There will be rides, midway games, petting zoo, 4-h barns and horse shows all week for the whoe family. Be sure to check out the educational booths and learn more about agriculture in Michigan and being more earth friendly. Displays will show you why it is important to buy Michigan made and grown products, for your health and for our economy!

Special Feature Days:
-Saturday, September 19 - FREE Parking and Admission! Midway opens at noon.
-Tuesday, September 22 - $1 gate admission, rides and select food items!
-Wednesday, September 23 - $3 admission for all Seniors!
-Thursday, September 24 - $3 admission for all Ladies!
-Friday, September 25 - $3 admission for all Veterans!

The Grandstand Events schedule:
-Sunday, September 20 - Free Community Christian Concert @ 5:00 pm
-Monday, September 21 - SJO Super Motocross @ 7:00 pm
-Tuesday, September 22 - Off Road Derby @ 7:00 pm
-Wednesday, September 23 - Darius Rucker @ 7:00 pm
-Thursday, September 24 - Demolition Derby @ 7:00 pm
-Friday, September 25 - Modified/SS Tractor and Truck Pulls @ 7:00 pm
-Saturday, September 26 - Farm Truck Pulls @ 4:00 pm

Check the St Joseph Country Grange Fair website at www.centrevillefair.com for all specials, events and ticket information.