St. Joseph County Grange Fair

Next weekend starts the annual St. Joseph County Grange Fair with Saturday's special guest country music star George Jones! This year will be a great turnout of events including 4-H shows, truck pulls, carnival rides, live music performances and contests for all ages. Below is a schedule of events for the week:

Sunday, September 19th – Saturday, September 25th

Daily Schedule:

Sunday – Sponsored by Sturgis Bank & Trust
8:00am – Miniature Mule & Large Mule Pulls (Grandstand)
8:30am – 4-H Horse Show (Horse Arena)
9:00am – 4-H Rabbit Show (Show Arena)
NOON – Midway Opens
4:00pm – Farm Truck Pulls (Grandstand) – Sponsored by Walther Farms

Monday – Wristband Day (11am-11pm)! – Sponsored by Meijer
8:30am – 4-H Horse Show: Day 2 (Horse Arena)
8:30am – 4-H/Open Class Goat Show (Show Arena)
9:30am – 4-H Swine Show (Show Arena)
11:00am – Midway Opens
7:00pm – Rodeo (Grandstand) – Sponsored by WIN 98.5

Tuesday – Wristband Day (3pm – 11pm)! – Sponsored by St. Joseph County ISD
8:00am – Heavyweight & Lightweight Pony Pulls (Grandstand)
8:30am – 4-H Horse Shows: Day 3 (Horse Arena)
9:00am – 4-H Beef Cattle Show (Show Arena)
9:00am – 4-H Dairy Beef Show (Show Arena)
NOON – Harness Racing – Silver Series (Grand Stand)
NOON – 7:00pm – 4-H Demonstrations/Performances
3:00pm – Midway Opens
4:00pm – 4-H Sheep Show (Show Arena)
7:30pm – Chuck Wagon Races – Sponsored by: CA Murphy Oil, Co. - Entry Fee $20 (will be 100% jackpot)
7:00pm – Off Road Derby (Grandstand)

Wednesday – Wristband Day (3pm-11pm)!
8:00am – National Heavyweight and Lightweight Draft Horse Pulls (Grandstand)
8:30am – Draft Horse Halter Show
9:00am – Open Class Sheep Show (Show Arena)
9:00am – Open Class Beef Show (Show Arena))
NOON – Harness Racing (Bronze Series)
2:00pm – 4-H/Open Class Dairy (Show Arena)
3:00pm – Midway Opens
7:00pm – 4-H Style Revue ( Home Arts)
7:00pm – Demolition Derby (Grandstand)

Thursday – Wristband Day (3pm-11pm)! – Sponsored by St. Joseph County United Way
8:30am – Pony Horse Halter
10:00am – 4-H Small Animal Sale (Show Arena)
10:30am – 4-H Large Animal Sale (Show Arena)
1:00pm – Pony Cart
3:00pm – Midway Opens
7:00pm – George Jones (Grandstand) – Sponsored by Thunder Country WTHD 105.5

Friday: – Sponsored by AEP Indiana Michigan Power
8:00am – Antique Tractor Pulls (Grandstand)
8:30am – Draft Horse Cart: Draft Horse Hitch will begin 1 hour after cart classes are finished
3:00pm – Midway Opens
7:00pm – 4-H Sweepstakes Showmanship (Show Arena)
7:00pm – Modified/SS Tractor & Truck Pulls (Grandstand)

Saturday – Sponsored by Abbott Labs
9:00am – 4-H Horse Show: Day 4 (Horse Arena)
9:00am – High School Band Festival (Show Arena)
NOON – Midway Opens
NOON – Fair Parade
1:00pm – Livestock Adult/Youth Contest (Show Arena)
2pm – Filmore’s Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls
3:00pm – Goat Milking Contest (Show Arena)
7:00pm – An International Rolling Stones Concert: Satisfaction – FREE!

Daily Events - FREE!
Community Tent (see below)
Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom (Located by the Garden) – Sponsored by Friends of the Fair
Kandu & Company Magic Show (Located in Kiddie Land) – Sponsored by Kitchen Craft Cookware
Miracle of Birth (Located by Show Arena)
Racing Ducks – New This Year! – Sponsored by Friends of the Fair

Community Tent Schedule – Sponsored by Pioneer
Sunday:
2:15pm – Women of the Bible
2:45pm – New Image
3:45pm – Fish Lake Bible Church
5:00pm – Sturgis Methodist Church
6:30pm – Wasepi Blue Grass

Monday – Children’s Crafts
1:00pm – Craig Muhlenkamp
2:30pm – Balloon twisting
4:00pm – Eastwood Singers
5:00pm – Crossroads Country Band
6:30pm – Chapel Hill Blue Grass

Tuesday
10:30-12:00pm – Bingo
1:00pm – Portage Senior Band
3:00pm – Three Rivers Aristocrats
4:30pm – Shakin’ Hammer Band
6:00pm – Larry & Friends

Wednesday – Senior Day
10:30am – 12:00pm – Bingo
1:00pm – Stacy Band
2:30pm – Rick Fisher and Riley Rabbit
4:00pm – Three Rivers German Band
5:30pm – Three Rivers Big Band

Thursday – Ladies’ Day
9:30am – Refreshments
10:00am-11:30am – Deanna House – Cooking Demonstration & Fun
12:00pm - Three Rivers Rotary
1:00pm – Hometowners
2:30pm – Magical Creations/ Flower Arranging
4:30pm – Donna Albright-Green
6:00pm – Deadwood

Friday – Veteran’s Day
10:30 – 12:00pm – Bingo
12:00pm – Boy Scout Dedication – Celebrating 100 years
1:00pm – Color Guard
2:00pm – Missy “Wagner” Mettler
4:30pm – Singers with a Message
6:00pm – Douglas James Band

Saturday
1:00pm – Russ Mead & Midnight Special
3:00pm – Eash Family
5:00pm – Cedar Creek Cloggers
6:30pm – Roy Cole Country Rock

MENDON RIVERFEST 2010

Starting tomorrow through the 21st, Mendon is throwing their annual Mendon Riverfest on the banks of the St. Joseph River in downtown Mendon. This will be their 23rd anniversary of the festival. The festival will be held in Reed Riverside Park which features a beautiful strolling boardwalk, gazebos, public restrooms and pavilions. Along with the inflatable games, there will be free performances, children's games, contests and Mendon Riverfest's own Riverfest Idol.

Listed below is a schedule of events:

Schedule Of Events Thursday, August 19th 5pm Riverfest Opening Ceremony Honor the Veterans & Flag Raising Ceremony, The 2009 Riverfest Idol Winner Cody Dale will sing the National Anthem. Concessions Open 5pm Riverfest Idol Contestants perform on small stage. Vote at the Information Gazebo for your favorite 6 to the Semi-Finals. 7pm Lip Sync Show Great entertainment for the whole family. Cash prizes for top 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age Group. Sound by Wall To Wall. Friday, August 20th 10am-9:30pm Arts and Crafts 11am Fireman's Bar-B-Q 11am Concessions Open 11am-9:30pm Fun Amusements Rock Mountain, Box-O-Ring, Water Slide, Slip-N-Dip, 2 Lane Bungee Run, Rock Band (located in the Public Garage) Buy a two day bracelet for Just $5.00 each. 2-7pm Fun Games Fun Games to win a Prize Pack and there will be 3 Instant Prize Winner Games for .25 cents a Game and you play till you win. 11am-2pm Sidewalk Chalk Coloring Contest Located at the Village Hall. Prizes will be Awarded in 3 age groups for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. 1pm Riverfest Idol Top 6 contestants perform on small stage. Vote for your favorite at the Information Gazebo. 5:30pm Riverfest Idol Top 6 contestants perform on small stage. Vote for your favorite at the Information Gazebo. 7-10 PM The Nicky Platinum Band Classic Rock Party Band performing in the Main Gazebo. 7:30-12pm La$ Vega$ Night & Spirits Located in the Pavilion, $3 admission. 8pm Riverfest Idol Final Performance of the night Vote for your Idol. 10-12pm Teen Dance and Karaoke With Kenny & Company $2 admission Located on the hill in the Tent all ages welcome. Saturday, August 21st. 7:30am Registration -5k run & walk Hornet Hustle. 8-11am Mendon Kiwanis Breakfast Mendon United Methodist Church Meal free – asking free will offering. 9am Mendon Hornet Hustle 5k run & walk. 10am Arts and Crafts 10am Canoe Race Canoes furnished by Mendon Country Inn. 10:30am Parade Line UP Starts on Burr Oak St. 11am Concessions Open. 11am-10pm Kiwanis Sloppy Joe & Fruit Cup. 11am Masonic Chicken Bar-B-Q Masonic Hall on Main Street. 11am-9:30pm Fun Amusements Rock Mountain, Box-O-Ring, Water Slide, Slip-N-Dip, 2 Lane Bungee Run, Rock Band (located in the Public Garage) Buy a two day bracelet for Just $5.00 each. 2-7pm Fun Games to win a Prize Pack and there will be 3 Instant Prize Winner Games for .25 cents a game and you play till you win. 12 Noon Pavilion Opens Cash Beer Tent. 12 Noon Riverfest Idol Top 3 contestants performing on Main Street Before parade. Vote for your favorite idol, at the Information Gazebo. 12:15pm Parade. 1pm Registration for Texas Hold'em in pavilion. 2-3pm The World of Magic With BJ Mallen in the main Gazebo. 2-9pm Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Located in the Pavilion. 3pm Parade Awards At Information Gazebo. 3pm Canoe Swamp. 4-6pm The Wall Brothers Perform in the main Gazebo. 4:30pm Riverfest Idol 5pm Toy Boat Race Toy Boats will be available at SMB&T, of Mendon and in the park on August 19th & 20th. Prizes will be awarded in 3 age groups, for the first 3 winners to cross the finish line in the race and the Best Decorated Boat. 5:30pm Duck Race $1.00 per Duck or 6 for $5.00 8 winners $ prizes First 3 winners across the finish line. 6pm Riverfest Idol Top 3 contestants perform on small stage. Vote for your favorite at the Information Gazebo. 6:30pm Free Give Away Must be present to win. 7-10pm TRIGGER Smokin, Rockin Country Performance is in Main Gazebo. 8pm Riverfest Idol Final Top 3 contestants perform on the small stage for the final time. Last chance to vote for Your Favorite Idol !!! 10pm Riverfest Idol Winner. The 2010 Mendon Riverfest Idol Winner will be announced and will sing the National Anthem and $1000.00 check presentation. 10pm Fireworks Enjoy the Best Fireworks Display in South West Michigan, overlooking the Beautiful St. Joseph River, brought to you by Night Magic. 10:30-1:30am The Nicky Platinum Band Classic Rock Party Band Performing in the pavilion, No Charge To Enter. 10:30-1:30am Karaoke With Kenny and Company Located on the hill.

LOCATION: Reed Riverside Park Mendon 269-496-7557

Michigan's Longest Garage Sale

This weekend August 13, 14 & 15, 2010 is the US-12 Hertage Trail Sale, Michigan's longest garage sale. Held annually since 2003, the garage sale runs for 212 miles along US Highway 12, sometimes called the Old Sauk Trail or the Chicago Road. The sales start in New Buffalo, Michigan and end in Detroit, Michigan.

The garage sale is an annual event that boosts tourism in the area that encourages residents and businesses to have sales or entertainment on their property. Some areas will be filled with sales while others will be scattered about, but you will be surely find great deals no matter where you go. One year a coffin was sold at a garage sale for $30.00!

In addition to garage sales, enjoy live entertainment, food, antique stores, flea markets, sidewalk sales, and other community events as you travel the route.

Garage sale starts in New Buffalo, Michigan and ends in Detroit, Michigan, August 13, 14 & 15, 2010. Maps and more information is available on www.us12heritagetrail.org/


visit http://rivercountry.com/ for more 2010 event information!

The Magic Awaits You!

Make sure to visit Colon, Michigan this weekend while they celebrate Magic Week. Abbott's Magic and FAB Magic will be featuring lots of events and FREE shows!

Check their websites for details and times

http://www.magicgettogether.com/
http://www.colonmichiganmagic.com/



Picture by FAB Magic

Colon Magic Festival: Colon, Michigan

This upcoming week, Colon, Michigan will be hosting its 2010 Magic Festival to celebrate the history of magic in the city of Colon. Located in southwest Michigan, Colon is located 30 miles south of I-94 and 20 miles west of I-69, halfway between Chicago and Detroit.

Colon was home to the Famous Magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. and Percy Abbott who originally founded the Blackstone Magic Company which is now the Abbott Magic Company, the world's top leader of magic paraphernalia. Though this small town of only 1,200 residents is normally quiet and set back, every year hundreds of magicians and tourists flock to the small town of Colon to celebrate the Magic Festival, founded by Percy Abbott and Recil Bordner.

First a small private event, the Magic Festival has grown to be one of the top magic festivals in the nation. In an attempt to boost poor sales when first opened, Percy Abbott and Recil Bordner decided to hold an open house. Fifty magicians from the area of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio came to watch as Bordner performed with other magicians while Abbott spoke about magic. In 1937 it was officially opened to the public.

Every first week in August, magicians, big or small, visit Colon in hopes to learn new tricks and share their new findings with other magicians. The festival has now grown to the Magic Festival hosted by Abbott's Magic Company and FAB Magic, bring a plethora of magic and shows to the small town. Featured magicians will be Two-Time gold medal champion George Saterial, Chris Hart and many more.

The Magic Festival will be held August 4-7, 2010 in Colon, Michigan. For more information visit http://www.magicgettogether.com or http://www.colonmichiganmagic.com/

The Magic Capital of The World Presents...

Colon Michigan Magic Festival
MagiCelebration 2010 - August 4 - 7th

Witness the magic of magicians and their amazing feats at the 73rd Annual Magic Get-Together, August 4-7, 2010, in Colon Michigan, hosted by Abbott's Magic Company. There will be countless illusionists in performance, lectures, arts and crafts, and an ending of family events on Sunday. There will be fireworks after the evening show on August 7th. The cost of registration is $160 per person and includes all events and shows. The day cost is $15 for bleachers and $20 for chair seats. Parking is also free.

According to Abbott’s Magic Company’s owner, Gregg Bordner, “This is a magicians’ magician show; the equivalent of a Las Vegas style magic show. There are 600 professional magicians coming from all over the world who are already registered. Magicians from Asia and England are traveling to Colon, MI to be a part of this regional convention. You won’t see them anywhere else in the United States. There will also be a tour of the cemetery by Honolulu’s magician, Al., where past famous magicians are buried.”

Other highlights are as follows:
· Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Show (after Fridays evening show)
· Friends of the Library sponsor their very popular Arts and Crafts Fair
· Street Magicians perform throughout the streets of Colon
· A Tour of the Michigan Historical Cemetery Honoring Past Magicians
· Chamber of Commerce Busking Contest with cash prizes for winners
· Colon Historical Museum features a fascinating look at Magic History

Along with all the family festivities held in Colon, Abbott’s Magic Company will be hosting four stage shows over the duration as well as five lectures. The complete schedule of Abbott’s Magic Company events is listed below.

COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4TH
9:00 AM – Registration at the Abbott Magic Plant
10:00 AM – Showroom opens at the Colon Elementary School
3:00 PM – Lecture; Keith Fields from England
8:00 PM – Stage Show Welcome with Bill and Ruth Pitts, Keith Fields, Kazu Katayama from Japan, Jim Oakley, Tim & Robin Balster

THURSDAY AUGUST 5th
9:00 AM – Registration at the Abbott Magic Plant
9:30 AM – Lecture; Mike Caveney
10:00 AM – Showroom opens at the Colon Elementary School
11:00 AM – Vent-O-Rama with George Schindler at the Abbott Plant
12:00 PM – Ladies Party at the Methodist Church (Light refreshments will be served)
1:00 PM – Lecture; John Carney -- You don't want to miss this!
2:30 PM – (After Lecture) Dealers on Parade at the Elementary School
8:00 PM – Stage Show with Mark Merchant, George Saterial and Hooly, Li Yanpei from China, and Mark Cannon

FRIDAY AUGUST 6th
9:00 AM – Registration at the Abbott Magic Plant
9:00 AM – Magic Ministers Session with Duane Laflin at the Methodist Church
9:00 AM – Colon Arts & Craft Fair until 5:00 PM
10:00 AM – Show Room Open at the Colon Elementary School
10:00 AM – Stage Talent Contest at the Colon High School
1:00 PM – Lecture with Mark Cannon on Escapes
2:30 PM – Close Up Show with John Carney, David Williamson, Keith Fields of England, and Maria Schwieter
8:00 PM – Stage Show with Paul Emmick, Bob Brizendine, Liu Zihao from China and Bob Higa (Colon Chamber of Commerce Fireworks outside the High School after the show Contest Awards After Fireworks In Grade School)

SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH
900 AM – Registration at the Abbott Magic Plant
9:00 AM – Arts & Craft Fair until 5:00 PM
9:30 AM – Lecture; David Williamson
10:00 AM – Showroom opens at the Colon Elementary School
2:00 PM – Benefit Matinee with Bill Watson, Yo Master Zeemo, Marien Hopman, Mark Cannon and Sheila, with the contest winner
8:00 PM – Stage Show with John Carney, Chris Hart, Tina Lenert, David Williamson, and Mike Caveny (Abbott Awards In Grade School After Show)

Where To Stay

From the fun filled hotels with pet friendly services, complimentary breakfasts, indoor and outdoor pools, and spas to motels with great quality at lesser prices, to the quaint and more private B&B’s in Colon, Magic Week goers are bound to find a place to stay that will suite their families individual needs. Here are a few places that are surrounded by great dining and all less than 20 minutes away:

Hotels
America’s Best Value Inn Three Rivers,
1211 West Broadway, Three Rivers, MI, 49093, 269-273-8100

Hampton Inn, 71451 S. Centreville Rd., Sturgis, MI, 49091, 269-651-4210

Regency Inn, 1301 S. Centreville Rd, Sturgis, MI, 49091, -651-7881

River Country Super 8, 711 US131, Three Rivers, MI, 49093,
269-279-8888

Three Rivers Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites,
1207 West Broadway, Three Rivers. MI, 49093, 269-278-7766

Motels
American Inn, 71381 S Centreville Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2361

Little Country Inn, 800 W Chicago Rd,
White Pigeon, MI 49099,
269-483-7770

Plaza Motel,
71410 US-131 South, White Pigeon, MI 49099,
269-483-7285

Spartan Motel, 58852 US-131, Three Rivers, MI 49093, 269-278-1615

Sturgis Express Inn,
1730 S. Centreville Rd., Sturgis, MI, 49091,
269-651-8505

The Wood Motel, 606 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI, 49091, 877-747-8713

B&B
Arrowhead Cove, 51400 Cove Lake Rd., Mendon, MI, 49072
269-496-7711 or 866-882-COVE

T & R Inn Between the Lakes,
58656 Corey Lake Rd., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, 269-244-5620

Voyager’s B&B, 210 East St., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, 269-279-9260

St. Joseph County’s River Country’s Colon, Michigan is a charming quaint and exciting place to stay. For more information, visit www.rivercountry.com or www.abbottmagic.com.

Summer Begins in River Country

Summer is here in River Country and now is the perfect time to visit all our wonderful attractions. From all our beautiful campsites, parks and rivers to our detailed bike trails, you are sure to enjoy yourself.

THREE RIVERS WATER FESTIVAL

Currently going on, the Three Rivers Water Festival is an exciting event running until tomorrow June 19, 2010. The festival features live music, a parade, exhibit booths, food vendors, rides, games, tournaments, and more.

Friday night there will be a parade following the event. Also, a classic and old-car show Saturday morning and fireworks around 10:25 p.m. Saturday.

A variety of local and regional artists will be performing in the Community Tent on Saturday, June 19th from 11:00am to 3:00pm sponsored by Three Rivers Banking Center, with a different artist each hour such as Kathryn Tapper, Shelag, and returning this year is a crowd favorite- a Dulcimer Duo, and rounding out the great talent of the day is the Gray’s Community Band starting at 3:00pm. The Community Tent is located in Scidmore Park behind the old hospital building.

For more information about this event, contact the Three Rivers Chamber at (269) 278-8193 or visit the event website at http://www.trchamber.com/?page_id=58


FARMER'S MARKET IS BACK

The Sturgis Farmer's Market is back for summer. Dates coming up are July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. The market will be set up in downtown Sturgis. Local produce will be sold. For more information call 269-651-1907. For more dates, check out the Calendar of Events on www.rivercountry.com


FISHING IN RIVER COUNTRY



River Country boasts 58 lakes - 18 of which have public boat launches - and 16 rivers and streams for great fishing! The River Country Tourism Council also provides a guide to lakes, rivers, and streams in St. Joseph County.

Spend your vacation fishing in River Country, you will surely be pleased. We have a variety of fish including Bullheads, Crappie, Northern Pike, Sunfish, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Trout, and Yellow Perch.

Make sure to visit Colon Bait & Tackle in Colon for all your fishing needs! In business since 1966 at the same location. Complete line of bait & tackle and sporting good. Licenses. Sales. They know all of the great fishing holes. Located at East Corner of Blackstone Ave. and Franklin. 233 S. Blackstone Ave., Colon 269-432-3633.

Please Note: Anglers in Michigan (17 years of age and older) are required to purchase a fishing license, available on an annual or daily basis. Both are widely available at local stores. Other regulations relating to fishing seasons, fishing methods, and size limitations, are published in the Michigan Fishing Guide, available wherever licenses are sold. Visit Michigan's DNR at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr for more information.