Celebrate the RED, WHITE and BLUE in River Country!

See the below list of July events in River Country. There is sure to be something for everyone!

June 25-July 2 Sturgis Dam Days - Contact the Chamber for more details. 269-651-5758

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Three Rivers Farmer's Market and Petting Zoo - Opens at 9:00 am at Scidmore Park, Three Rivers 269-273-1845

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sturgis Farmer's Market - Downtown Sturgis

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Magic Show - Enjoy a free magic show for all at 1:00 pm. Abbott's Magic Company, Colon 269-432-3235 www.abbottmagic.com

July 4 Fourth of July Celebration Parade - Fireworks, kids games. Constantine 269-435-2085

July 4 Pancake Breakfast and Boat Parade - Breakfast from 8:00-10:00 am at the clubhouse then enjoy the Boat Parade at 12:00. Klines Resort, Three Rivers 269-649-2514 www.klinesresort.com

July 6, 13, 20, 27 Constantine Farmer's Market - Local produce available from 3:00-7:00 pm in Shelby Park. Constantine 269-435-2085

July 8-9 Antique Boat Show - Constantine American Legion 269-435-4075

July 8-9 White Pigeon Days Craft Fair - Entertainment, parade, dancing and fireworks. White Pigeon 269-483-7727

July 8-10 Great Lakes Buckskin Horse Show - Call for more information. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 www.centrevillefair.com

July 9 White Pigeon Powwow - Free event runs from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. The 1st Annual White Pigeon Powwow at the White Pigeon Football Field. Event will be held outdoors. Limited bleacher space is available but feel free to bring your own chair and enjoy all of the events of the weekend. Visit www.whitepigeonpowwow.com for full details and schedules.

July 9-10 Independence Day 125 and Fireworks - CRA Cuperseries, LS Mini Cups. Check website for full racing schedule and rates. M40 Speedway, Jones 269-244-8580 www.m40speedway.net

July 10 Gospel Concert - "The Chosen Ones" 6:00 pm at Clubhouse. Bring lawn chairs or blanket. Refreshments after. A freewill offering will be taken. Klines Resort, Three Rivers 269-649-2514 www.klinesresort.com

July 10 Antique & Collectible Market - Admission is only $4.00 per person and parking is free! Hours: Sunday 8:00 am-3:30 pm. Held rain or shine. 100's of treasures and food vendors. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 www.centrevillefair.com

July 13 2nd Annual Car Show - Downtown Constantine 269-435-2085

July 15 Autograph Night - Regular Racing Program. Check website for full racing schedule and rates. M40 Speedway, Jones 269-244-8580 www.m40speedway.net

July 22-24 U.S. Title Boat Races - Constantine American Legion 269-435-4075

July 23 Faith Fest - Call for more information. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 www.centrevillefair.com

July 29-31 Burr Oaks 3rd Annual Heritage Celebration - Games, parade, vendors, food and fireworks! Burr Oak 269-489-5258

July 30 State Line Swine & Goat Show - Call for more information. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 www.centrevillefair.com

July 30 Constantine Community Children's Carnival - Games, cake walk, clown, food and more. $0.50 per activity or meal. no child goes away empty-handed! Messiah Lutheran Church, Constantine 269-435-9785

White Pigeon Weekend Fun

July 8-10, White Pigeon is the place to be.

Start your weekend off attending White Pigeon Days Craft Fair July 8-9. Enjoy various entertainments, craft fair, parade, dancing and fireworks.

Then, continue on to enjoy the White Pigeon 1st Annual PowWow. Visit http://whitepigeonpowwow.com/index.htm for details and a schedule.

Event is free and will be held outdoors. Limited bleacher space will be available but feel free to bring your own chairs to enjoy a full day of entertainment. Vendors and authentic Native American food will be available.

Absolutely NO alcohol, drugs, firearms, dogs or politics allowed.

Be Our Guest!

There is so much to see, do and experience in River Country. Before heading for the rolling hills, check-in and drop off your bags. There are great accommodations for you to enjoy at any of these St. Joseph County’s hotels. Each hotel adds small town charm and attention to your stay.

Which hotel is just right for you? Choose from swimming pools, continental breakfasts, fitness rooms, business centers and more. If you’re bringing your pets, stay at:

• America’s Best Value Inn & Suites 1211 W Broadway, Three Rivers 269-273-8100


• River Country Super 8 689 Super 8 Way, Three Rivers 269-279-8888


• 
  
  Regency Inn, 1301 S Centreville Rd, Sturgis 269-651-7881

Enjoy some of our hometown hobbies from canoeing, fishing, bike rides, fun sports and more.

Head to Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental. A full service livery renting canoes, single and double kayaks on the Dowagiac River. Two, four and six-hour trips are available. A popular, moderately paced and family friendly river. Perfect for the beginner or intermediate canoeist or kayaker. It is the largest cold-water stream in lower southwestern Michigan. 52963 M-51 N, Dowagiac 269-782-7410 or 888-782-7410 www.paddlecri.com

Liquid Therapy Canoe Rental provides shuttles to canoe launches and group rates are available. Several trips to choose from. 221 S Main St, Three Rivers. 269-273-9000 www.liquidthereapypaddling.com

Hunting and fishing are a highlight for the sports enthusiast in River Country! Boasting 58 lakes - 18 of which have public boat launches - and 16 rivers and streams for great fishing you can enjoy the peaceful waters and a favorite pastime.

Colon Bait & Tackle knows all the great fishing holes and can has complete with a line of sporting goods and can supply the necessary license for anglers in Michigan (17 years of age and older) 233 S. Blackstone Ave., Colon 269-432-3633.

If you’re more interested in biking, hiking or even camping, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is the place for you! An 820-acre nature park offering mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, fishing, primitive camping, cross country skiing and inner-tube sledding. Picnic shelters with electricity and fireplaces are available with reservation. Located on Monkey Run t, three miles east of Vandalia.

Want a more relaxing setting? Historic Rawson’s King Mill Park is a peaceful adventure with wonderful views of the mill, dam or creek on one of the two islands. See the rock Lydia Rawson left behind as a marker for where the “aliens” landed. Nottawa Creek or the picnic shelter is a great wedding site. Also, enjoy the walking trails and use the canoe launches to start your journey. Located one mile west on King Road in Leonidas.

Hitting any of St. Joseph County’s great golf greens are a fine way to spend the day.
Island Hills Golf 61809 Stonegate Dr, Centreville, MI 269-467-7261
Pine View Golf Club 52065 Pulver Rd, Three Rivers, MI 269-279-5131
Sauganash Golf Club 61270 Lutz Rd, Three Rivers, MI 269-278-7825
Spruce Ridge Golf Club 26831 Dutch Settlement St. Dowagiac, MI 269-782-5827
St. Joe Valley Golf Club 24953 M-86 Centreville, MI 269-467-6275

Have the ultimate outdoor fun at Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area. Bring a whole group and enjoy daily discounts and a FREE lesson for beginners. Experience their all-night skiing and all-terrain slopes. Relax in the Game Room, the Chalet for dinner, the Day Lodge’s Café or the Fireplace Lounge in-between sets.

Create your own adventure while you stay in St. Joseph County. Take up Geocaching, a technologically charged treasure hunt. Enjoy the great outdoors, the indoors and every nook and cranny when you begin look for the hidden treasure. The small county boasts more than 5,000 geocaches and you can try to find them all. Download a geocaching application to your smart phone and start searching. The fun and free sport can keep you, your kids or the whole family occupied for hours and you can find more than a few treasures. You can discover the history behind River Country and so many of its great sites while you search. Visit http://www.geocaching.com and download your geocaching app to get started!
Not into outdoorsy activities? No problem! Go shopping at the unique shops in Southwest Michigan.

· Abbott’s Magic Company One of the nations largest and best known magic shops. They host the Colon Magic Festival annually bringing magic-lovers from all over. All summer magic shows featuring local magicians are held at 1 p.m. 124 St. Joseph, Colon, MI 269-432-3235
· Fishstick Creations The perfect souvenir shop. For all your embroidery needs, also a offers commercial gift and personal items to purchase for embroidery. 1006 Independence St. Sturgis, MI 269-651-2455
· Love Your Mother Local, natural, organic and recycled goods. Home, garden, cards, pet and personal care. Good for mother earth and good for you. 39 N. Main St. Three Rivers 269-278-1236
· Tree of Life A truly unique gift shop, featuring gifts, greeting cards, jewelry all things lake oriented. We also provide custom embroidery and garment printing. May of their products are made locally or qualify as “fair trade.” 240 W. Main St. Centreville 269-467-4000
· McGrady Jewelers Whether you want a new set of jewelry of you need your old items fixed, stop into McGrady Jewelers. 705 S US-131 Three Rivers 269-273-4175
· The What-Not Shop This is a quaint wonderful find for an upscalse resale store! Items you might find are new and lightly used cothing, jewelry, antique furniture, household items, unique gifts and more! 160 E. Water St. Constantine. 269-845-8833
· Byler’s Farm Market Enjoy home grown fruits and veggies as well as homemade donuts, pies, cookies, and pure maple syrup.
Dine at any of St. Joe’s tasty watering holes.
· Start each warm day the right way with Country Loft Ice Cream. Southwest Michigan’s own homemade ice cream shop aboard a real Sternwheeler. Open from May through Labor Day weekend. The boat sails Corey Lake and docks across from Happu Landing Restaurant. 59460 Sounty Line Rd, Three Rivers 312-617-0455
· Specializing in steaks, seafood and prime rib, Fisher Lake Inn foods are a delight to your palate. The soup and salad bar are filled with fresh foods and the new of the lake is always fantastic!
· Eat at The Grille Tavern located on the Island Hills Golf Course on beautiful lake Templene. Enjoy seafood, steaks and pasta all year round. 61809 Stonegate Dr. Centreville 269-467-7900
· Let your hair down at the self-proclaimed “Best Biker Bar” in town. The Thunder Hog Saloon is more than a bar but a destination. With its eclectic menu and the best beer and burgers you’ll ever want to eat, this is the place to unwind. 31011 M-60 Leonidas 269-496-8954
· Take the whole family to the Oasis Restaurant. The family-style restaurant serves breakfast all day long and you can be sure to expect clean, friendly and fast service and daily home-cooked specials. 656 US-131, Three Rivers 269-273-4000

There is so much to do in River Country we can’t constrict it to a few pages. To find out more visit. www.RiverCountry.com

Do Something Fun...and FREE!

You'd love to go on vacation but everything is just so expensive so you keep putting it off. But you don't have to anymore! Here are a few activities you can enjoy in Southwest Michigan for FREE!

The Cowboy Up in Mendon, MI on M-60 is a great place to let your hair down and have some fun, for FREE. Everyone is welcome to come on in and learn to two-step or blue-rose. Line-dancing instructions are held Wednesdays and Thursdas at 7:00 P.M and Cowboy Up's personal line dancing instructor, Gloria will be glad to show you how to do everything from the basics all the way up to advanced dance steps. If you don't feel like dancing go ahead and take a seat at the bar or head upstairs to Brewster's smokehouse located in front of Cowboy Up. Although the fun is FREE, the food is irresistible.
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If you're a member or become a member of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, located at 7000N. Westnedge Ave. enjoy FREE admission to on of Michigan's largest nature centers in the country covering more than 1,100 acres of diverse habitats.

Visitors to the Kalamazoo Nature Centercan take advantage of hiking any of the 14 trails, a 25 acre Arboretum and Prairie, Hummingbird Butterfly Garden and seasonal Butterfly House, Indoor exhibits, Expedition Gift Shop and a Tropical Sun/Rain Room. Open year round, visitors can experience the quiet beauty of the winter forest on cross country skis or snowshoes or view the many varieties of wildflowers throughout the beautiful Beech Maple forest and other native habitats.

Non-member admission: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, Children/Students (4-13) $4, Children 3 & under are FREE. Hours are Mon.-Sat 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm Check the website for extended Summer and Fall hours Website: www.NatureCenter.org Phone: (269) 381-1574

Visit the website at www.NatureCenter.org to view the public programs and special events offered for all ages, year-round.
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Everybody loves magic! Step into Abbott's Magic Company, known around the world as being the top supplier of magic paraphernalia. As a special treat, every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Abbott’s hosts a magic show at 1:00 PM. Bring the family to enjoy the show or see what tricks you can observe while stolling through the Magic Company.
Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
124 St. Joseph Street, Colon (269) 432-3235 www.abbottmagic.com
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There's nothing more amazing than taking advantage of some of life's simple pleasures. Take a stroll through a few of St. Joseph County's greatest parks.

Dr. T. K. Lawless Park-Mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching
Fred Russ Forest-hiking, bird watching, equestrian riding
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park-bird watching, hiking

Take time to appreciate nature in these long-standing parks great for relaxation, family picnics or just a days journey! Bike trails are now open. Contact 269--445-8611 for more information about park hours.

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There’s so much to see and you can see it, for free. Go on Self-guided Tours of Amish Country, the “Art District”, Birdwatching and more. Call ahead and businesses, galleries and bike trails will be open for you to see.

Amish Country
Discover history and heritage, intriguing attractions, countryside and friendly communities. Watch for horse drawn buggies clip clopping along country roads – catch glimpses of Amish life – cars and electricity are not part of Amish life. Visit Amish stores. Amish heritage is so special that it is worth the experience.

ART TOUR
Our small towns are home to many writers and artists who are no longer plugged into the big cities. We boast of serious art and it is definitely worth a “hey look me over”. Scrapbookers will not want to miss Magic Moments Scrapbooking in Sturgis. For some beautiful thread art, drop by Fishsticks Creations. Open Door Gallery is well worth the trip for very special art by local artists and beyond.

BIRDWATCHING River Country is an excellent place to birdwatch. Watch for various species on our rivers and small towns. Commonly sighted birds around River Country include: Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Sandhill Crane, Double-crested Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, and more. Visit some of the Cass County Parks for some great bird watching opportunities. For more information on local birds and what to look for, contact Nottawa Wild Bird Seed at 269-659-8777.

GARDEN TOUR

Drive or cycle to our “beauty spots”. Whatever the season Rawson's Mill offers a tranquil and beautiful setting for a quiet moment amongst nature. See one of the last working grist mills in the country and enjoy the beauty of the millpond and weir. From there you can make your way across to Simpson Road (across Nottawa Rd Bridge) and take a drive past the garden of Sarah Stewart, author of The Gardener, The Library and many other well know children’s books. Remember to come back in December to get your Christmas tree at Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis!

AND MORE!
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Tune into Next week's blog to learn more about FREE fun or getaways for you or the whole family.

Do You Love Your Mother?

http://www.loveyourmotherstore.com/ Love Your Mother
Natural, Organic or Recycled Products


With Mother's Day quickly approaching, Sunday, May 8, how do you plan to honor your mother this holiday? Well, give to her and give back to Mother Earth by getting her great gifts from Love Your Mother, a retail shop in downtown Three Rivers Michigan that specializes in earth-friendly products.

Does your mother love gardening? You can get gardening supplies such as, Heirloom and organic seeds, organic fertilizers and pest control from Love Your Mother.

Does your mother love pampering herself? You can find personal items like shampoos, moisturizers, deodorants, soaps, massage oils, aromatherapy bath salts, makeup and more to fashion into a lovely gift basket from Love Your Mother!

Your mother can even spruce up her full or empty nest with unique eco-friendly home accessories like recycled glass from Italy and Mexico, wine glasses made from wine bottles, bamboo plates and utensils, soy and beeswax candles, llama wool rugs, adirondack chairs made from downhill skis and from recycled plastic, doormats and wastebaskets made from tires, and more.

Tell your mother how much you care with a Mother's Day card created from recycled paper. Your mother might also love the stationery made from topographic maps, recycled paper notebooks, mailers, journals made from tree-free paper, and more.

Is she in love with her pets? Give her natural cat and dog treats and food(wet and dry), shampoos, flea and tick treatments and more. It's good for her pets and she'll love you all the more for loving her pets.

And, of course, any woman would love to get more clothes. Give your mother the gift of CLOTHES from natural designers like Goodhumans, Earth Creations, Hempmania, Under the Nile, Over the Shoulder, Deva and others.

Although Earth Day has passed, take time to love your mother and Mother Earth with these great gifts that conserve resources and offer extra diversity to any home or wardrobe.

Your mother loves gifts from the heart so get her something she'll love from the store that allows you to show that you Love Your Mother.

Come into Love Your Mother TODAY!

Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Call: 269.278.1236

39 N. Main St. • Three Rivers, MI 49093
269.278.1236
T, W, Th: 10-6 • F: 10-5 • S: 10-3

150th Civil War Celebration in River Country!

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY pays homage to it's Civil War Heroes in the 150th Anniversary Year.

Are you a Civil War enthusiast? If so, you know that 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Be sure to take time this year to celebrate the anniversary. Visit the monuments in pivotal St. Joseph County, be or visit the vendors for the Civil War Show and Sale pay respect to the massive sacrifices that were made and history that was created for America.

This monument, consisting of a statue of a Civil War soldier, in the Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville was erected about 1909 by Isaac D. Toll, a veteran of the Mexican War, and by citizens of Centreville, as a memorial to area men who served in both the Mexican and Civil wars. The inscriptions read:

A tribute to our loyal sons, 1861-1865. In memory of St. Joseph Co. men who served in Mexico. Company E, 15th Infantry, Capt. I. D. Toll. [This is a reference to a Mexican War, not Civil War unit.]

Visit http://www.suvcwmi.org/memorials/mcwm3.html to learn more about the monuments in St. Joseph County.

The Annual Show and Sale by Zurko's Midwest Promotions is especially interested in bringing you the very best vendors for this auspicious occaision.
August 14, 2011 Zurko's Presents: the Civil War Collectors Show and Sale in Centreville, Michigan. If you're a civil war buff you'll find thousands of museum quality Civil War artifacts
o Guns
o Cavalry swords
o Historical autographs and pictures
“You can buy a real treasure of American History for yourself or a loved one to be passed down as a great family heirloom,” stated Bob Zurko of Zurko’s Midwest Promotions, a partner and promoter for numerous Civil War Collectors Shows and Sales. Admission $4 per person. (Fairgrounds, M-86). Antique & Collectibles Market. $4 per person

Show Hours: Sun 8am-3:30pm and Sat 10am-6pm

Honor every brave soldier with us in St. Joseph. Pembroke Somerset Beckwith, from Centreville, St. Joseph County, MI, a Union soldier of the American Civil War who fought bravely with the 19th Michigan Infantry, Co. D
To learn more about Union Soldiers, visit http://tfred.tripod.com/vetind.html and http://tfred.tripod.com/stjocw.html

Enjoy the Weekend!!

There's so much going on in River Country this weekend, come check it out. Although Earth Day isn't until April 22 the Kalamazoo Nature Center will host a day for learning about different animals and being GREEN while other shops and venues around Downtown Constantine give away white spruce seedlings and allow children to get their hands dirty! April 15-16 Home ShowCall for more information. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/ April 16 Earth Day at Kalamazoo Nature CenterKalamazoo Nature Center Free Admission Day 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo 269-381-1574 April 16 11:00a-2:00p Earth DayFree White Spruce seedlings available at participating stores, clay bird making for kids and more from Downtown Constantine for more information call 269-435-2085 April 16 6:00p-8:30p A Night of a Five Thousand EggsHeld at Lawless Park. An evening at the park searching for eggs, enjoying games and other activities. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny is in store. Refreshments provided by The Friends of Cass County Parks. Bring your flashlight and Easter egg bag for a night of fun! Call 269-445-8611 for details. April 16 8:00p The "Grass Roots" PerformsSturges-Young Auditorium starting at 8pm. Get comfy in the auditorium and listen to The Grass Roots. Their a successful rock 'n' roll group that consistently produced hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for Students call 269-659-7211 or 269-651-8541 201 N Nottawa, Sturgis 800-778-7437

April 16 County-Wide Garage Sale AND the Home Show take place at St Joseph CountyFairgrounds, Centreville -Call for more information. 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

With such a full day ahead you can get all of the adventures in and head back home or stay the night! Make it a fun family outing that everyone can enjoy! Bring your pets and stay at America's Best Value Inn & Suites!