Urban St. Early Summer 2024

Make time for self-care with handcrafted beverages and dedicated third spaces

Words worth repeating

It’s always a good time to start something new. If you haven’t thought of yourself as a gardener, the low-cost investment of a trip to a library may reap you herbs and veggies through the fall. Check out one of the seed libraries the lakeshore has to o er on page 22. Shannon Schultheis of Daily Potager shares knowledge about home kitchen gardens on page 20.

Read about repairman and photographer Paul Kober’s intense and unlikely animal photography on page 12.

Cafe Tamaki in Muskegon recognizes the value in quality time o ; read about the multi-beverage cafe’s dedication to slowing down in a separate (third) space on page 16.

A short drive down, Nunica o ers a punchy, moonshine-based beverage to cool o with at Crockery Creek Saloon — p. 32.

e Book Warehouse of West Michigan offers some suggestions for Urban St Reads (page 36) to pair with your tea as you sit on the oor, kotatsu style or barstool.

Details about the Spring Lake Heritage Festival, Feast of the Strawberry Moon and this year’s Pride festivities can be found on page 24. A visit to a summer festival is almost incomplete without at least one stop from a food truck. Good thing Grand Haven’s stationary Lucky Sushi Cafe has both grilled and fried food options in the comfort of air conditioning (p. 40). On page 26, Chop Shop Primehouse in Holland o ers a more intimate experience and menu away from the crowds.

If you’re staying in, try Mother Tongue Kitchen’s focaccia bread recipe. If you’re avoiding carbs or our, the cheesy cauli ower “breadsticks” recipe on page 39 may be more agreeable.

Learn about the helping hands at Holland Hospital on page 42. May the longer days allow you and your garden of choice to ourish.

Jessika Cesila Perez Associate Editor

On Our Radar

Vegging out

Led by Horticultural Trades Instructor, Brad Dean, Muskegon Correctional Facilities’ Horticulture Program helps supply the YMCA Veggie Van with fresh produce. Almost 4,000 pounds out of 12,875 pounds donated were received by Muskegon’s YMCA in 2023.

room to read

There’s some fascinating new architecture in the young reader’s section as Herrick District Library’s renovations continue with a new children’s area at the North Branch. A tree with an interior play station and two-story garden shop reminiscent of the downtown buildings create unique reading nooks and play areas. herrickdl.org

It’s ‘Parties’ time

40 Years of Muskegon’s ‘Parties in the Park’ is cause for a Friday night celebration. From  5 - 9 p.m. on most Fridays throughout the summer, live entertainment, vendors and their patrons take over Hackley Park to enjoy free concerts and family-friendly festivites. facebook.com/partiesinthepark

PHOTO COURTESY OF YMCA MUSKEGON

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARTIES IN THE PARK

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA DEVRIES

a two-level shop and partment captures the essence of downtown Holland.

The ymCa Veggie van is loaded up with fresh produce for distribution.

a child enjoys “Parties in the Park” from the comfort of his wagon.

Join Hospice of Michigan for Barley, BBQ & Beats – a unique fundraising event showcasing mouthwatering BBQ, creative craft cocktails from select Michigan distilleries and live music

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY GRAMMY® AWARD-NOMINATED MULTIPLATINUM SINGER AND SONGWRITER

GAVIN DEGRAW

Scan here or visit www.hom.org/BBB-GR

All donations made at the event will be doubled!

STATEWIDE SPONSORS as of March 2024

On Our Radar

All a-boat it!

Classic boats and other watercra will be on display in the water and on land at the 21st Annual Spring Lake Wooden and Classic Boat Show happening Saturday, June 8 at Mill Point Park, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Boat enthusiasts and spectators can take in the vessels and see which boats take an award home. facebook.com/SLwoodenboatshow

A visit from ‘our’ Cousins

Holland Christian graduate and parttime Michigan resident Kirk Cousins recently opened two youth training facilities— in Grand Rapids and Kalamzoo. Partnered with ETS Performance, Cousins was on site for the grand openings. “I’ve been around sports performance for more than two decades and understand the training that is necessary to help young athletes reach their goals,” Cousins said. etsperformance.com/holland

Registration accepted

With House Bill 4983—effective June 30, 2025 — Michigan will become the first state to automatically register eligible voters a er they are released from prison. legislature.mi.gov

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETS PERFORMANCE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPRING LAKE WOODEN AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

A wooden boat, “Sunset” from White Lake, is parked for viewers.

Kirk Cousins answers questions at the ETS Performance opening in Grand Rapids.

A small symbol of democracy, ‘I Voted’ stickers show voter pride.

AT OX-BOW

EXPERIENCE OX-BOW SCHOOL OF ART & ARTISTS’ RESIDENCY SUMMER

ART ON THE MEADOW Summer workshops

June 2-August 24

TASTE OF OX-BOW

June 21, July 26, and August 23

Our culinary events magically weave together food, a beautiful dining experience, art, and a chance to connect and grow with Ox-Bow through learning.

UPCOMING EVENTS SUNDAY SOJOURNS! Campus tour + brunch

June 9, June 23,

July 28, and August 11 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

FIELD OF VISION Annual Benefit

July 13

FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN STUDIOS

June 21, July 26, and August 23 7:00–10:00 p.m.

OX-BOW SCHOOL OF ART & ARTISTS’ RESIDENCY SAUGATUCK, MI | WWW.OX-BOW.ORG | 269-857-5811 | FOLLOW US : @OXBOWSCHOOLOFART for questions regarding AOM workshops please email campusoffice@ox-bow.org

Blending music, animals & nature

Instrument repairman and former jazz saxophonist Paul Kober curates and photographs the moments of nature reclamation.

by Jessika Cesilia Perez

“Bell trombones, clarinets, conga drums, sousaphones, pink trombones, bells…” Instrument repairman and photographer Paul Kober walks through his Holland home listing musical instruments in di erent states of decay that are arranged throughout his front and back yards. He stops to point out a prop: “Microphone over here that was used with the squirrel singing into it.”

A Holland transplant, Kober photographs the wildlife he attracts to the broken instruments he places in his Illinois and Michigan yards.

“I had a broken bass clarinet body and I thought, ‘Why don’t I just put it outside?’ So I saw a branch — I shoved it on the branch and a squirrel went on it. en a bird.

“I went, ‘Oh, that’s kind of cool.’ I just took a quick snapshot, so that started all this.” A er receiving encouragement from a photographer to sell his unique photos, Kober opened an online print shop.

“I always say that especially now with AI, anybody could do it. But the animals are actually there.”

MUSIC

All kinds of musical donations end up in Kober’s hands and yards. As a woodwind instrument specialist, Kober works mainly on oboe and ute repairs. English horns, bassoons, and saxophones go through his workshop as well, but the irreparable donations are salvaged as photography props.

“People give me stu all the time. I know I have over a hundred,” Kober says. e entropy archive is beyond his count. “I have crazy obscure stu and there’s things I haven’t taken pictures of.”

“Waiting for my cue to play,” by Paul Kober

He has a couple sets of squirrel-sized children’s toy bagpipes, but their quality isn’t for outside exposure. A couple of rainfalls and the instruments fall apart, so Kober is selective of the days he places sensitive pieces outside.

ANIMALS

Kober’s mind contrives possible poses for each animal he invites to “play” an instrument. Every shot has a vision behind it. “ ey have to be with their hands in a playing position. Otherwise, it’s not a picture.” Like any photography, some editing is done but no animal has been added digitally. Coerced onset with treats? De nitely.

“I’ll set my stool up there,” Kober points 40 feet behind us towards a fence. “And I’ll wait for them.”

One photograph can easily have 90 hours of dedication behind it. In “Waiting for my cue to play,” a deer stands in front of a drum — its neck and head at just the right height. It took Kober two winters for the perfect shot.

A trumpet in Kober’s yard awaits an animal “performer.“

Walking towards a suspended trumpet, Kober says, “You can see I put the bird food on there (a plastic container was mounted onto the trumpet) so they land on it and go to it.”

Kober uses broken music racks to suspend some of the instruments, and a small wooden table as a platform.

“ is way, I can position it however I want with the proper backgrounds, and I’ll be out here taking pictures,” Kober says as he continues towards the table. “Actually, the microphone and the squirrel singer [photo] was on here. Also, the bugle [shot] was on here.”

No stranger to their diets, Kober purchases food year-around.

“It’s animals, nature, and music. Oh my god, it’s a lot of money,” Kober says, “I mean, the food.” He estimates about an hour each day, ve times a week is spent re lling the food stations and changing their water.

NATURE

Kober’s parasocial relationship with the animals is, by his regards, unde ned due to the serendipitous photo path: “Whether it’s good history or not, we don’t know yet.”

Kober’s tour continued into his home studio and workshop.

“I’ve got prints here on the oor, all up on the wall.”

While he’s not doing art shows anymore, Kober has dreams of joining galleries. For now, Kober’s art is available through his third party print-on-demand online shop. A print of a squirrel “playing” the trumpet, another of one “singing” into a microphone, and a photo of a female and male cardinal above a French horn is popular.

“I shoot other things as well. All I really display are the animals,” Kober says. “It’s like 50/50 — animals and my other stu .”

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

A photography trip to Norway with friends in October of 2023 led to the shot of a lifetime. e Viking photography

Two squirrels squeeze in for a “jam session” on an old accordion.

Tubas and an instrument made from PVC pipes are situated in front of Kober’s shed.

workshop consisted of two Viking models, two leader gures, and four photographers of which Kober was one.

It was when visiting a reindeer farm that Kober’s vision came to be. A Norwegian friend had asked Kober what he wanted out of his photography trip.

“I said, ’ e picture I want is a reindeer playing an instrument.’ But it had to be an instrument [from] that area. It’s not going to be a trumpet… It had to be a natural instrument from Norway. And we’re north of the Arctic Circle.

“Well, the things they use there all the time are horns,” Kober said. “So I actually brought that from here to there, because I had one.” Kober packed the horn in his suitcase for the trip and ended up gi ing it a erwards. Capturing the photograph was enough. “ ere’s actually a picture of the Viking playing it, but that’s another story…”

As for inspiration, Kober doesn’t have to look far past his yard. Photographing his four cats — aptly named a er jazz musicians — and a rare-but-spotted pileated woodpecker are on his list. With his neighbor’s eyes and his own con rmation of the bird, Kober knows it’s a matter of attracting what you want through the game of patience.

“ at’s the big ultimate goal — pileated woodpecker. It will not be Photoshopped in place.”

paulkoberphoto.com

kobers-repair.com

630-783-0321

In “Taps,” a bugle-blowing squirrel “plays” its respects.

Two downy woodpeckers pick at a banjo in “Dueling Downys.”

A bell lyre awaits the next player.

Third spaces provide an essential break

Freshly relocated to Muskegon, Cafe Tamaki offers a distinct, late-night ambiance: “You are in a third space that is as comfortable as home.”

Story by Jessika Cesilia Perez

“We’ve been playing with tea affogato.” Tea connoisseur and Cafe Tamaki shop owner Sam Birkenkamp says. “Just imagine one brew—one gong fu brew, which is equivalent to an espresso shot— over ice cream or gelato.”

Reopened in a larger storefront just this past leap day, Cafe Tamaki serves tea prepared gong fu style—a Chinese brewing method. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 2 p.m. until midnight, Cafe Tamaki, located at 1222 Peck St in Muskegon, serves both hot and cold beverages and food such as okonomiyaki and taiyaki. With varied seating, including kotatsu-inspired heated low tables and pop-up art events (updates are posted to Facebook), the cafe provides a warm bu er between day-to-day responsibilities.

“We’re bridging that gap between

between work and life

school, work, and home,” Birkenkamp says. “Because when you sit down with someone and you’re drinking tea with them, you’re getting to know them. You’re getting to sit down and, hopefully, the tea tastes good enough that you’re not pulling out your cell phone. We hope to build a space where everyone is welcome.”

Birkenkamp recognizes the importance of third spaces for the pleasant culture, but the need goes deeper.

“ ere’s a growing need for inclusive spaces. [ ere are] marginalized communities that just simply don’t feel safe leaving their homes anymore. Before we moved out of Grand Haven, we de nitely had a few of our customers tell us, ‘You know, you need to reopen ‘cause otherwise I have nowhere else to go.’ So, de nitely feel like that’s part of our plan.”

Photo by Jessika Cesilia Perez

Opposite page: A pair of tea-inspired canvas boots are decorated with flowers next to a merchandising sign.

Above: Sam Birkenkamp skillfully prepares tea.

Photo by Carmel Musich

With free, personalized tea samples and a late-night schedule, Cafe Tamaki opens up its cozy beverage shop to everyone. Slushies, sodas infused with tea, and so serve ice cream are a few of the non-co ee and tea options the experimental tea shop o ers. And boba is on its way.

“Teaologie started in 2014 and we would go to sci- shows, anime conventions, steampunk events in addition to serving the tea and doing the samples.” Birkenkamp, who already had a tea background says, “We also info dump because we’re big tea nerds.” It was a previous manager that introduced him to the larger world of tea.

“I started working at Teavana in 2010 and a few months into that job, the manager was like, ‘ ere’s so much more to tea than what we’re doing.’”

e move from Grand Haven combined Cafe Tamaki, BananaDog loose leaf tea shop and tasting room, and Tealogie, which sells and distributes tea nationally. With more than 100 varieties and countless trials behind them, Tealogie supplies grocery stores and tea lovers.

Patrons at the counter enjoy unlimited, personalized tea samples.

Tea specialist Dan brews a cup of tea—gong fu.

“There’s a bar down in Ohio that uses our tea as a bittering syrup. We do all kinds of creative collaborations.

“The ‘Afternoonified Rose’, the ‘Blood Orange,’ they’re top sellers. Those are the teas that we recommend for our wholesale customers just because it’s gonna sell.”

Birkenkamp hovers his right foot. “This is such a top seller for us, I even designed footwear.” He wears a pair of “Royal Masala Oolong” custom printed canvas boots. The shoes come in other tea “flavors” at Teaologie LLC’s website.

TASTING NOTES

“At the beginning of the pour and at the end of the pour, I have weakly brewed tea and strongly brewed tea,” Birkenkamp explains while pouring a small teapot of leaves and hot water into a large glass pitcher– the fairness cup. “The fairness cup mixes that all up in fairness so that everybody gets all of the good flavor.”

The rooibos “tea” that Birkenkamp prepared for us was robust, root-y and recognizable.

“When we’re doing tastings, I don’t like to lead people with their expectations,” Birkenkamp says.

While the water was heating, he said rooibos is a legume and its scientific name is Aspalathus linearis. It is an evergreen plant that is indigenous to southern China and India that verbatim means “red bush.”

“Typically, people will come in and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t know where I’m at.’ Or, they’ve shopped for tea before and they’ll ask for something by name, or they’re really old hat Chinese tea drinkers and they’ll say, ‘You know, give me a gong fu brew of Ti Kuan Yin.’ We really meet everyone where their expectations are.”

Cafe Tamaki

1222 Peck St, Muskegon cafetamaki.com

facebook.com/cafetamaki

Take a break from life as a barista crafts your drink. A purple soda float, one of many beverages offered.

Photos by Carmel Musich

A home garden from scratch

Daily Potager’s Shannon Schultheis shares her green advice when it comes to kitchen gardens.

Twelve years ago, Shannon Schultheis’ love for gardening stemmed from appreciation.

“I fell in love with the aesthetics of the potager (pronounced: pow-tuh-jay) and dreamt of hidden spaces and loads of green,” Shultheis said. “It was only a er my rst formal garden was built, that I started to love growing food. Harvesting beautiful crops became my goal. I started to re ne my skills and try new methods. rough organic gardening, each year brought more success than the last.

“My nal challenge was to start my entire garden from seed, grow three out of four seasons, and nd a way to use all of my garden harvest.”

A er becoming a certi ed garden coach, Schultheis decided to help others create their dream spaces.

Q: What does having a home garden mean to you?

S: To me, a home garden is an extension of your kitchen. You know exactly where your ingredients come from and how they’ve been grown. You choose your recipes with what you have on hand. It’s also a place to spend time and nd peace. I love having a garden to retreat to a er a long, crazy day. I enjoy just sitting in the garden, watching all the life buzz around me.

Q: As a garden coach, what services do you o er?

S: I o er services that will help with any stage of your garden journey. I o er coaching, designing, planning, and hands-on maintenance. I also o er workshops for a fun activity with friends or coworkers. My workshops are by request only, but I’ve taught previous workshops on salad planters, herb gardens, and seed starting. I o er workshops for all ages.

Shannon Schultheis

A basket of zucchini, tomatoes, and leafy greens atop a raised garden.

Q: One of your services is full kitchen garden installation. For those unfamiliar, what does a formal potager look like?

S: Traditionally, a formal potager was o en symmetrical, very large and just steps away from the kitchen. It combined beauty and function to create an outdoor room. ere is o en a mix of owers, herbs, and crops that all work together. You may even see a water feature, a table for family meals, or an orchard nearby.

Q: Are there any garden features or part of the planning process you particularly enjoy when it comes to designing clients’ gardens?

S: My absolute favorite part is designing. I consider myself a creative person and enjoy designing unique spaces that t the needs of each person, whether it be a large backyard space or a small container garden. Every single garden can be both beautiful and functional and I enjoy nding the best balance.

Tokyo Bekana cabbage and kale in a wooden planter.

An edamame plant in Schultheis’ potager.

Q: Every year, there are di erent blights, pests, invasive species, and unusual Midwest weather (like severe temperature drops within 24 hours). What tools or advice would you recommend to gardeners this growing season?

S: Be prepared with frost protection and don’t set out your heat-loving crops too early. To handle pests, try creating an inviting home for bene cial insects by providing both nectar and pollen sources, shelter, and water. My favorite owers for attracting bene cial insects are alyssum, sun owers, and plants in the carrot family like fennel or dill.

Finally, deter pests with companion planting. Confuse the scent of crops by planting them around your garden, rather than in a

row. Use herbs like alliums to help mask the scent of crops as well.

Q: What are you excited for this year, garden or business-wise? Any new seeds/plants, or ambitious landscaping projects?

S: is year is the rst year I’ve o ered transplants for clients or subscribers. ey have shown a lot of interest and it’s going really well! It’s a little di erent in that people can request speci c varieties and can order for an entire growing season. Fall gets overlooked for vegetable gardening and I think it’s a major miss for gardeners. Fall is the perfect time to grow so many cool season crops, but they’re really hard to nd locally if you don’t start seeds yourself.

A home kitchen garden (potager) of a Daily Potager client.

Schultheis instructs young gardeners at a children’s herb garden workshop.

Spring Celebrations

Spring Celebrations

Spring l ake Heritage Festival takes place June 8–14, 2024.

The Spring l ake Heritage Festival Car Show will take place June 14.

Wings are prepared by the “King of Wings.”

The Spring l ake Heritage Festival car show is one of the premier festival events annually.

The Wooden and Classic Boat Show marks the start of the Spring l ake Heritage Festival on June 8, 2024.

WOODEN BOAT

It’s going to be a very colorful Spring along the lakeshore, with plenty of festivals to celebrate whatever floats your boat! On that note, the 21st Wooden and Classic Boat Show kicks off the weeklong Spring Lake Heritage Festival on Saturday June 8. From teak to antique, these vessels will be on view 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Mill Point Park. Next up is Senior Day, Monday, June 10, held at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. – noon. The festival’s annual Artisan Market offers a treasure trove of unique finds over a two-day period at Spring Lake Harvest Church June 11 and 12, noon – 6 p.m. The festival concludes with the SL Heritage Festival Car Show at All Shores Wesleyan Church, June 14, 5 –9 p.m. The night’s fun includes trophy and door prize presentations, karaoke, concessions and more! Family Fun Night on June 12, 3–8 p.m. and a Corn Hole Tournament scheduled for June 13, 4 – 8:30 p.m. are also on the docket (location TBD). Past years’ activities have included fireworks, a 5k and a fun run. For updates to the festival schedule, visit slheritagefestival.com.

On June 8 and 9, a heritage celebration of a different type takes place on Grand Haven’s Harbor Island. The Feast of the Strawberry Moon is organized by the West Michigan Historical Alliance. The two-day festival offers insights into the region’s past and celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Visitors can experience hands-on activities such as woodcarving and blacksmithing demonstrations, explore vendor wares, taste authentic 18th-century cuisine, and participate in traditional Native American games like lacrosse. There are also historical reenactments, musical performances, and a great number of attendees immersed in and 18th-century living and attire.

To the south, Pride celebrations abound. Commencing on May 30 in Douglas with Pride in the Park 2024, the festivities feature an LGBTQ Political Update session and a Pride Bowling Party. Subsequent events in Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Holland promise a vibrant tapestry of inclusivity, education, and celebration, showcasing the region’s commitment to diversity and unity. See this magazine’s calendar section for specific dates and times.

Musical programs are part of the festivities at the annual Feast of the Strawberry Moon on Harbor Island.

Festival goers wear colorful, identity-affirming garb at Grand Haven’s first Pride festival.

Battle re-enactments provide entertainment at Feast of the Strawberry Moon.

JEANNE SHERMAN

Chop Shop Primehouse

lowkey, elevated dining next to Holland’s Big Bay

Story and Photos by Jeremy Gonsior

When it’s an adventure just to find the front door, you know the restaurant is going to be amazing.

A friend and I were intrigued when arriving at Chop Shop Primehouse (1862 Ottawa Beach Rd) in Holland. I felt like I was trying to locate a speakeasy bar — a hobby I’ve enjoyed since those became popular again in the last 10 years.

Minutes later, we walked up the ramp and into the intimate restaurant with seating for just 50 patrons. We were immediately taken to a spacious booth.

The restaurant’s vibes ooze cool, trendy, and modern. The back wall has “Chop Shop”

spray painted in large letters. Blue, purple, and magenta colors are everywhere to offset the otherwise dark booths. Funky art hangs from the wall. Chill house music is playing in the background at just the right level.

Our waitress, Julianna, arrived and kickstarted a culinary journey we wouldn’t soon forget. She walked us through the menu — steaks, scallops, salmon, crab cakes, soups, salads, and so much more. My friend has a sensitivity to gluten so she even confirmed with the chef which items on the menu my friend could comfortably eat. The service felt like we had the restaurant to ourselves and we were VIPs on top of it.

The Chop Shop Primehouse colorful house salad, topped with orange and radish.

I ordered the Chop Shop Old Fashioned: Kentucky bourbon, Hoodoo Chicory (an earthy, bittersweet liqueur), sassafras tincture (an herbal extract), chai maple syrup, and applewood smoke. The dark amber drink served with an orange twist was simultaneously smooth, smoky, and funky.

My friend’s mocktail was a tasty, well-presented passion fruit creation.

Soon we were relaxed, laughing, and catching up on all the shenanigans that had already taken place in 2024. The Primehouse atmosphere made it easy to escape life and be truly present with an old friend.

My buddy loved his house salad—especially the orange and radish flavors. I had the bread service which included housemade sourdough and caraway rye bread. In the middle was an herb-fused beef tallow candle with duck dust; it melted around the bread creating quite the experience and taste.

Eventually, it was time for the main

attraction. The menu features an 8-ounce filet mignon, 16-ounce USDA Prime Kansas City, 32-ounce USDA Prime Tomahawk, 24-ounce Porterhouse, and 24-ounce dry-aged cowboy cut. We both chose the filet mignon and were delighted when they arrived. They were tender, packed with flavor, and dripping with butter. A big city steak in small-town Holland.

As the night wound down, we were grateful for a fine dining experience this close to home. If you want an unforgettable steak, plan a visit to Chop Shop Primehouse. Just allow extra time to find the front door.

Chop Shop Primehouse

1862 Ottawa Beach Rd,  Holland

5 – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday

5 – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Closed Sun – Mon (616) 335-7007

Reservations can be made online: chopshopprime.com

An 8-ounce filet mignon.

The Chop Shop Primehouse wine selection Passion fruit mocktail.

urban kitchen

FOCACCIA

This recipe provided by Mother Tongue Kitchen catering service based in Fennville requires a baking pan, mixer, and oven.

Ingredients

1¾ cups lukewarm water

2 teaspoons instant active dry yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons olive oil (and 1½ tablespoons to grease baking pan)

Feel free to add any fresh herbs — Mother Tongue Kitchen recommends using an Italian blend (usually oregano, basil, rosemary, and other similar herbs).

Directions

Step 1

Add the flour and salt into mixing bowl and mix well (and herbs, if applicable). Using a dough hook attachment is recommended. Add the cup of water with yeast and sugar slowly into the dry mixture while the dough hook is mixing. Once done, add the olive oil and continue to mix until it all comes together. Coat a large bowl with baking spray or olive oil and place the dough in it. Drizzle dough with a little more olive oil, and then cover with plastic food wrap and a towel. Place somewhere dark and warm to rise for two hours.

Step 2

Once the dough has doubled in size, deflate it by punching down. Make dimples with your fingers, drizzle with a little bit of oil and place in baking pan. MTK’s Sara Roper: “I love to bake round focaccia dough loaves in 10-inch baking pans for cakes. I don’t know why, but it just looks so pretty and tall.” Place the dough in the baking pan and cover it again with the plastic wrap. Let it rise for an hour to an hour and a half.

Step 3

Before baking in the oven, mix 1/4 cup of warm water with a teaspoon of sea salt and pour this into the dimples of the bread so that they catch the salted water. Place in a preheated oven of 425° for 20–25 minutes, depending on your oven. Garnish with additional herbs on top if you’d like. Look up “focaccia art” for inspiration!

Makes one loaf.

Courtesy of Mother Tongue Kitchen

Photo via Adobe Stock

You Go a Try a s d library!

By Jessika Cesilia Perez

Saugatuck-Douglas Library 174 Center Street sdlibrary.org You

When visiting a seed library patrons can expect to learn about growing their own owers, herbs, and vegetables from scratch. e (usually) native seeds are lent to a new home with the farmer’s intent to bring back the next generation’s hardier seeds.

Loutit District Library in Grand Haven has one of many public and free seed libraries along the lakeshore.

If you’re feeling inspired to start a kitchen garden, borrowing from a seed library is as simple as a visit to your public library. Some seed libraries are able to be used without a library card. Packets are on a rst-come, rst-serve basis, and most seed libraries accept donations year-around.

Seed libraries are used as a way to cultivate native biodiversity, foster education and community growth, and help growers sustain their own gardens. ey encourage the curious grower– anyone can plant a seed, raise a new green friend, and collect the seeds to continue the cycle. e best planting advice is to get started.

How do I donate seeds to the library?

ere are donation forms and envelopes available at both the Holland and Fennville libraries and online. Anyone donating seeds should know their information such as the location of growth, planting distance, original source, plant variety and color, etc.

e Muskegon Area District Libraries allow mail submission of seeds and will even mail out seed requests a er lling their form out online.

Contact individual seed libraries for speci c inquiries.

miseedlibrary.org

Try one of these seed libraries:

Fennville

Fennville District Library

400 West Main Street fennvilledl.michlibrary.org

Grand Haven

Loutit District Library

407 Columbus Ave loutitlibrary.org

Holland

Herrick District Library - Main Library

300 S River Ave

Herrick District Library - North Branch

155 Riley St herrickdl.org

Muskegon

Hackley Public Library

316 W. Webster Ave

madl.org/seed_library

Saugatuck

Dine

not

When I parked myself on a barstool to ask about the drink, Meredith nodded toward a jug sitting on the back bar. It looked a bit like lemonade — actually, more like pink grapefruit juice. But fruit juice this isn’t. is potable is potent. What else would you expect of ve kinds of moonshine mixed together? With a cherry thrown in.

“You have to eat the cherry,” Meredith told me. “It’s a rite of passage.”

Biting into that innocent-looking piece of fruit was like downing a shot of unfamiliar, scorching liquor in one gulp. I immediately fell into a coughing frenzy. My eyes watered. I swear I forgot how to breathe for a moment. I thought I might need an EMT. It was a heady piece of fruit, intoxicating on its own. It had been steeping in moonshine for how long?

Surprisingly, the drink tasted rather sweet. Flavorful. Innocent.  at was misleading. Five avors of moonshine, remember?

“And I’m not going to tell you what they are,” said Meredith. “Because that’s a secret.”

I had dined at Nunica’s Crockery Creek Saloon (17044 Main St) but seeing a note on the website had me dumbfounded. Bartender Jeanie Meredith lled me in —

up — on the “Creek Water.”

General Manager Danielle Nichols serves Creek Water at Crockery Creek Saloon.

e limited “Creek Water” is served in canning jars. No one is poured more than two glasses of the tantalizing but knockyou-o -that-barstool drink during a visit to the bar.

e bartenders keep track. When patrons try to cajole with an “ah, c’mon now — just one more,” they’re met with a shaking head.

e Saloon isn’t far from Crockery Creek, on a long-standing site that once had a bar that also sold groceries. e post o ce once shared the building.

In 2016, resident Robert Vokal purchased the then-Nunica Bar and changed its name.

Every so o en, there’s a cowboy hat-wearing patron. And, oh yeah — a swinging saloon door. Word has it there used to be a hitching post for horses.

While saloon grub may conjure up thoughts of beef — and beef is de nitely on the menu — turns out the number one item is pizza. In particular, Rob’s CC pizza that includes pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and herbs. ere is also a BBQ chicken pizza and the option to build your own.

As for beef, the “Sugah Mama” burger is a diner favorite. e surprise? Olive sauce; it’s worth trying.

Other popular items include sh like the deep-fried perch, walleye, and pike.

And the not-so-common smelt.

“It’s something my dad (Vokal) wanted to o er,” said general manager Danielle Nichols. “It’s something he likes.”

“We get a lot of people that are just passing through,” Nichols said. ey can count on regulars and newcomers to drop in.

Crockery Creek Saloon

17044 Main St, Nunica (616) 384-3702

crockerycreeksaloon.com

11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday

11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Noon – 8 p.m. on Sunday

Closed on Monday

Deep fried perch — one of many “homestyle features” on the restaurant’s menu.

The CC burger, served with fries and slaw.

Rob’s CC Pizza.

The Biggest Geraniums

Bursting with color choices of SunPatiens

When it’s time toBloom

Best Macho Ferns & ClimbingVines (Diplodania, Morning Glory, Mandevilla, Black Eyed Susan)

Robin’s is your garden success spot!

Locally grown for over 20 years offering the HIGHEST QUALITY annuals, hanging baskets vegetables & perennials Pick up ONLY THE BEST for Mother’s Day Memorial Day Cemetery Planters

Open May & June – Look for the Pink Canopy

URBAN ST. READS

Located at 205 W. Main Street in Fennville, The Book Warehouse of West Michigan is open to the public by appointment, and every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Book donations are welcome as they are used to stock this used bookstore with unbelievable prices!

Shop owner Amanda Green reached out to patrons— in-person and digitally— for this issue’s Urban Reads recommendations. As the survey shows, West Michigan readers don’t seem to shy away from heavy themes. If you’re looking to stimulate your emotions this season, check out these serious reads.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that recounts how she and her siblings survived their parents’ dysfunctional style of living. is is a story of childhood neglect-turned-motivation for Walls to outlive her awed home circumstances.

An autobiographical account of a life lived through an unstable childhood, the spotlight, addiction, and its cost to opportunities comes through the late Matthew Perry’s comedic voice in Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

“An honest look at addiction.” — Cindy D.

In Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash, eleven-year-old Bea is shipped overseas away from World War II London where her biological family lives. A er the war, her life story is detailed as she navigates living with sentimental ties to both the families that raised her.

“Beautifully written. Shows the vulnerability of those displaced and affected by war and how they cope. Made me cry.” — Amy D.

Western novel Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry follows a group of retired Texas Rangers as they journey from Texas to Montana to start over with a new cattle ranch. (Violence throughout the book.)

“McMurty makes you care for all the characters and deeply understand them in almost a personal level. It’s a very devastating book but also a very beautiful one that really resonated with me.” — Meredith S.

A two-perspective historical ction, Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner starts with teenager Roseanne’s story in the 1930s. e second half of the book focuses on Helen, whom Rosie knew from childhood. In 1947, a er returning to California from Austria, Helen nds out what happened to a pregnant, displaced Rosie and the cruelties that extended back home.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is a fantasy story following the character January as she nds a strange book that tells of secret doors to other worlds. Borrowing Harrow’s words from a passage: “I hope you will run through every open door and tell stories when you return.”

The Book Warehouse of West Michigan • 205 W Main St, Fennville thebookwarehouseofwestmichigan@gmail.com

urban kitchen

CHEESY CAULIFLOWER ‘BREADSTICKS’

This keto-friendly recipe requires an oven, baking sheet, and food processor.

Ingredients

1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets

1 small garlic clove

2 teaspoons Fustini’s Tuscan Spice blend

2 teaspoons Fustini’s Tuscan Herb olive oil*

2 large eggs, beaten

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

5 ounces shredded parmesan

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Marinara sauce for dipping

*As a tip, substitute with your favorite herb-infused olive oil, like garlic, basil, or pesto.

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Add cauliflower florets and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground and the consistency of couscous. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add olive oil, seasonings, 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup parmesan, salt and pepper. Combine until the mixture holds together when squeezed.

Step 3

Spread mixture on parchment into an 8 by 12-inch rectangle, about a quarter inch thick. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown all over.

Step 4

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Lay another piece of parchment paper on top of the crust, with the bottom of a second baking sheet on the new parchment paper. Using oven mitts, hold both the baking sheets together and flip them over so the crust is now on the parchment, on the upside-down baking sheet.

Step 5

Remove the first parchment paper from the crust and cut it into 1-½ inch wide strips. Separate the strips and sprinkle them with the remaining cheese. Bake on the upside-down baking sheet until the cheese is melted and turning brown, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 6

Allow the “breadsticks” to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer sticks to a serving plate and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Cheesy cauliflower “breadsticks” served with marinara sauce for dipping.

You

You Gotta Try hibachi and fried sushi!

Story and Photos by Jessika Cesilia Perez

No need to drive into the big city for a deliciously grilled dinner. While you won’t get shrimp tossed at you, Lucky Sushi Cafe in Grand Haven has the freshly grilled meat, noodles, and rice to capture the “hibachi” feel.

Not far from downtown Grand Haven, o of US-31, Lucky Sushi Cafe at 1705 South Beacon Blvd. has delightful sushi options and savory hibachi. A er missing the lunch menu—available every day until 4 p.m— a friend and I enjoyed dinner at Lucky Sushi Cafe.

We started with a classic soup and salad. Customers have the option of a mushroom or miso soup. e miso soup was avorful with tofu and scallions oating through every sip. A er sampling the mushroom soup, we both agreed the broth tasted reminiscent of the miso, with a more intense and earthy avor, this time with mushroom slices instead.

An orange, house-made ginger dressing was atop the house salad, the avor of which made for a very bright mouthful. e dressing was obnoxiously good. As a fan of ginger dressings, this one was well-balanced while still ringing high in citric avor. e avorful experience from the starters only continued as we enjoyed our main entrees.

“Well-seasoned.” My friend shared between bites. e vegetables, elected noodles and chicken were tossed in the same savory, not-quite-spicy sauce that received head nodding praise.

A er swapping the salmon for tamago (egg) omelet, my fried hot pepper roll arrived with cream cheese, avocado, and jalapeno. Finished with spicy mayo and eel sauce, each bite was just crunchy enough, warm, and creamy. Depending on your sushi preference, the menu has both raw and cooked meat options. Soy paper, vegetable and à la carte rolls are an option.

Lucky Sushi Cafe is regularly posting new sushi rolls and specials online.

Lucky Sushi Cafe

1705 S Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven

luckysushicafe.com

facebook.com/luckysushicafe

The hearty chicken hibachi dinner.

Fried hot pepper roll tempura sushi.

Giving Back with  Holland Hospital volunteers

Urban Street spoke to Jessica Meldrum, the lead communications and public relations coordinator at Holland Hospital regarding the logistical needs addressed by its 200+ volunteers.

Q: What needs do hospital volunteers address?

A: Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of the hospital and alleviating some of the workload on paid sta , contributing to a more positive patient experience.

Q: What can a shi look like for a volunteer at Holland Hospital?

A: Volunteer shi s may involve guiding patients and visitors by assisting with directions, answering questions, helping navigate the hospital, escorting patients by helping patients reach appointments, tests, or other destinations within the hospital, and supporting sta by assisting with clerical tasks or retail operations.

Q: Besides interest, what qualities do you look for in a volunteer?

A: Whether being a listening ear or doing hands-on tasks, all our volunteers make a genuine impact on our patients. We seek compassionate, reliable team players with positive attitudes who are open to learning. ese qualities, alongside a strong work ethic, are key for making a di erence with us.

A patient and his caretaker smile during conversation.

Providing companionship, a volunteer reads to a patient.

Q: Are all volunteers working on-site at the main campus?

A: [Other] opportunities include assisting patients and sta in specialized care settings and contributing to initiatives at the main campus such as opportunities in the emergency department, Co ee Cove, gi shop, patient transport, information desk, same-day surgery, and security assistance.

Q: In your experience, how long does the average volunteer contribute to Holland Hospital?

A: Volunteers typically dedicate an average of 4.5 years to their service, which indicates a strong commitment from volunteers and the value they place on their experience at the hospital. During 2023, volunteers ranging from 16 to 94 years old volunteered a total of 19,000 hours at the hospital, saving the organization $470,455.

Q: Do you have a story of a long-time returner?

A: Long-time volunteer Brian Bosch has clocked more than 7,500 hours of service to Holland Hospital since beginning in his teens. He currently volunteers in our lobby, assisting the information desk, and in the hospital’s errand and escort service. His unwavering commitment is a true testament to the power of long-term volunteerism. He embodies the spirit of sel essness and compassion that continues to enrich the lives of countless individuals within Holland Hospital.

Q: What would you say to a prospective volunteer who is thinking about applying?

A: Holland Hospital encourages any interested individuals to reach out! To learn more, visit hollandhospital.org/volunteer-resources.

Q: Are any areas in the hospital in need of more volunteer help than others?

A: All departments at Holland Hospital bene t from volunteers. e hospital’s current focus is on nding individuals who are the right t for various roles rather than prioritizing speci c areas.

During the orientation and training process, the volunteer coordinator works to understand the volunteer’s interests and skills. is allows them to match the volunteer with the most suitable opportunity — aligning both the individual’s preferences and the hospital’s needs.

Q: Can you share any acts of compassion that you’ve witnessed done by volunteers, outside of assigned work?

A: From serving as a listening ear for patients and their families to holding someone’s hand during a di cult moment, these small gestures make a huge di erence in our patients’ experience.

Q: Lastly, is there anything regarding Holland Hospital’s volunteer program you would like to touch on?

A: Holland Hospital also has a dedicated Volunteer Council that manages the Co ee Cove and Gi Shop, with proceeds funding special projects throughout the hospital. In 2023 alone, the Council distributed $88,000 to support these initiatives, highlighting the signi cant contributions of volunteers beyond their direct service roles.

For more information, contact: Megan Cadle, Lead Volunteer Coordinator (616) 394-3140

volunteers@hollandhospital.org

PHOTOS FROM ADOBE STOCK

A patient is receptive as a volunteer assists her.

A volunteer improves quality of life by dedicating the time to play cards with a patient.

Resale Trail

June 21 & 22, 2024

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN

Traditional Irish and Scottish foods

Friday, June 21, 2024 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Irish/Scottish Cèilidh (party!) in the Pub Tent with Live Music!

Music begins at 7:00 PM

$22.50 Admission

Cash bar

Saturday, June 22, 2024 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Highland Games begin 9:30 AM

Festival grounds open until 8 PM (Music continues until 11:00 PM)

$12 (16 & older)

Celtic Genealogy Assistance | Vendors of Celtic goods

Irish Pub tent | Scottish Clan Tents | Kids area

FOR TICKETS, VISIT: HollandCelticFestival.org

Are you interested in being a part of the festival? We welcome inquiries from Celtic Merchandise Retailers, Irish & Scottish Food Vendors, and Scottish Clans. Visit our website!

15 & under - FREE COME JOIN US FOR ALL THE FUN, FOOD, AND HIGHLAND GAMES!

www.HollandCelticFestival.org

info@HollandCelticFestival.org

Facebook.com/HollandCelticFestival

HOLLAND CELTIC FESTIVAL

Ottawa County Fairgrounds

Grand Haven & Spring Lake

Carlyn & Company

205 Washington Ave., Grand Haven

Local Artist Karen McCann Infused Glass $425

121 Washington Ave., Grand Haven Cotton Slub Women’s Tee $29, Classic 3⁄4 Women’s Tee $26

Barefoot Dave’s

104 Washington Ave., Grand Haven Watercolors Sunset T-Shirt $22

MACkite

106 Washington Ave., Grand Haven Stomp Rocket NASA Gliders $29.99

FAB FINDS

Holland & Zeeland

Borr’s Shoes and Accessories

51 E. 8th St., Holland Archies Arch Support Flip Flops $40

Huisman Flowers

11595 E. Lakewood Blvd., Holland

Hobnail Mister $28.50, Small Blooming Planter $7.50, Large Blooming Planter with Plant $35

Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars

24 E. 8th St., Holland

Gremolata Olive Oil $17.95-$37.95, Citrus Oregano Balsamic $16.95-$36.95

Perfect Summer Pairing!

FAB FINDS

Saugatuck & Douglas

Santa Fe Trading Co.

Lucia’s World Emporium

421 Water St., Saugatuck

Phone Stand $36 Handmade in India

325 Butler St., Saugatuck

The Big Lebowski T-Shirt $28

The Owl House

303 Butler St., Saugatuck Fused Glass Vase $32.50-$37.50

For the Love of Shoes

119 Butler St., Saugatuck

P.J. Salvage Lemon Print Cami and Shorts $50 each

Button Gallery

33 Center St., Douglas Hope Olson, “Color Planning” $2,500

Lulu Cadieux

3480 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck

Hands-On Cooking Classes $135 per person

Classes include hand-made pasta, Spanish paella, Moroccan couscous, Asian cuisine, soufflés, fish 3 ways, chicken cordon bleu, and more!

See class options at lulucadieux.com

American Spoon

308 Butler St., Saugatuck

“Grill Master” Basket $60

Use from the Grill to the Crockpot

Calendar of Events

APRIL

April 25

Zeeland: A Bird in the Hand: A Michigan Big Year, Stories from the Road, North Activity Room, Howard Miller Library and Community Center, 6 – 8 p.m. — This program will be about Terry “Birdman” Grabill who set out to see as many species of Michigan birds as possible in 2021. cityofzeeland.com

April 27

Holland: Night at the Opera with Holland Symphony and Marina Harris, Jack H. Miller Center, 7:30 p.m. — An operatic “Four Last Songs” of Strauss with two preludes: Die Meistersinger and Carmen will end the Holland Symphony Orchestra’s concert season. hollandsymphony.org

April 27 – May 2

Holland: “Marqueetown” Film Tour, Sperry’s Moviehouse, 7 p.m. — Donating 100% of all the ticket sales to each art house or theater venue “Marqueetown” screens at, this movie tells the history of motion pictures and Bernie Rosendahl’s story for the preservation of Marquette’s iconic theaters. Cast and crew will be in attendance the first night. marqueetown.com

April 28

Holland: Park Theatre Open Mic Jr, Park Theatre, 6 p.m. — Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kids and teen performers are invited to share 15 minutes of their artistic talents on the Park Theatre stage. All talents and forms of self-expression are welcome. facebook.com/parktheatreopenmic

April 28

Saugatuck: Kalamazoo’s Gilmore Piano Festival presents Kasey Shao, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 2 p.m. — Part of the Gilmore Piano Series in Kalamazoo. A er debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 12, Shao has continued her piano studies at Princeton University and founded their Doctors without Borders chapter. csc4a.org/event/gilmore-young-artist

Kasey Shao

Holland Symphony

5.10.24 | NEW VINTAGE PLACE

Grand Rapids Magazine presents the inaugural Best of Grand Rapids Party on May 10, 2024. This can’t-miss event will kick off the summer in style with three floors of food, drinks, live music, and entertainment. Experience the best that Grand Rapids has to offer in one unforgettable celebration!

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Apple Spice Catering

Bistro Bella Vita

Brass Ring Brewing Company

Buddy’s Pizza

Condado Tacos

Donkey Taqueria

Field & Fire

Madcap Coffee

Noco Provisions

Nonla Burger

Van Eerden Food Service

Plus many more..

Music on every floor featuring the Brena Band.

PURCHASE TICKETS

TODAY!

Major Sponsors Gold Sponsors

Beverage Sponsors Floral Sponsor

Calendar of Events

FARMERS MARKETS

May

Grand Haven: Grand Haven Farmers Market, Chinook Pier, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Open on Saturdays beginning with May 4, and will include Wednesdays & Saturdays beginning on June 5 until October 28. facebook.com/grandhavenfarmersmarket

May

Holland: Farmers Market, Holland Civic Center, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Wednesdays and Saturdays, times may vary.

May

Saugatuck: SCA Outdoor Summer Market, 400 Culver St, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — From May 24 through September 27.

May

Muskegon: Summer Farmers Market, 242 West Western Ave, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Open from May through November on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays.

June

Spring Lake: Farm & Garden Market, Tanglefoot Park, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Every Thursday beginning in June through mid-October.

MAY

May 3 – 12

Holland: Tulip Time, Downtown Holland, hours vary.

May 7

Zeeland: Adult Beginners Watercolor Flowers Painting Class, Howard Miller Public Library, 6 – 8 p.m. — Learn how to paint watercolor flowers step-bystep. Located in the East Activity Room. No experience necessary, supplies will be provided. Registration required. cityofzeeland.com

May 7 – 10

Holland: “Victorian Garden” Tulip Time Flower Show, The Holland Armory, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The first show on May 7 will be from 3 – 6 p.m. Visitors can view the botanical entries, table arrangements, educational exhibits, and spring-blooming plants. The theme is in honor of Holland’s historic Cappon House which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. hollandgardenclub.org

May 14

Zeeland: “Historic Geography and Early Industry in Ottawa County,” New Groningen Schoolhouse, 2 p.m. — Presented by Bill Martinus, this installment is a part of Zeeland Historical Society’s Spring 2024 School Bell Series. zeelandhistory.org

May 15 – October 26

Holland: Farmers Market, Holland Civic Center Place, every Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — The regular 2024 season starts and continues until the holiday season shortens the schedule. holland.org

May 18

Grand Rapids: Barley, BBQ & Beats, DeVos Place, 5 – 9 p.m. — Proceeds will benefit Hospice of Michigan.

May 18 – 19

Grand Haven: Annual Kite Festival, 1001 S. Harbor Dr. in Grand Haven, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday — Watch kites of all shapes and sizes float throughout the beach skies. World famous stunt kite fliers put on shows for spectators. facebook.com/KiteFestatGH

May 18

Grand Haven: Jeep Fest, 1 North Harbor in Grand Haven, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — GHJF 2024 will benefit the Ed & Nancy Hanenburg Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County. A kickoff party at Lucy’s will be on May 17. Tickets required for the kickoff party. facebook.com/grandhavenjeepfest

Holland Farmers market

Grand r apids Barley, BBQ & Beats

May 25

Calendar of Events

Zeeland: Spring Peddlers’ Market, Downtown Zeeland, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Walk downtown Zeeland’s Church St throughout this open-air market that has oneof-a-kind items and live music. Includes a Kids Peddlers’ Market. cityofzeeland.com

May 27

Zeeland: Memorial Day Parade, Downtown Zeeland, 9 – 10 a.m. — Locals and visitors gather to honor veterans and watch the annual parade. A Memorial Day Cemetery Ceremony follows the parade at the Zeeland Cemetery (Lincoln & Church St). cityofzeeland.com

May 27

Holland: Memorial Day Parade, Downtown Holland, 9:30 a.m. and an 11 a.m. remembrance ceremony — Beginning on 8th and Central, the parade will honor living and deceased veterans for their commitment to their military branch. holland.org

May 27

Saugatuck: Memorial Day Parade, Downtown Saugatuck, 9 – 10 a.m. The parade will begin on Culver Street, continue down Butler St, and through Mary St. saugatuck.com

May 30

Douglas: Pride in the Park 2024, event series will begin Thursday, May 30 with an LGBTQ Political Update happening at the Kirby Hotel — 294 W Center St in Douglas from 4 – 5 p.m. This free event will host speakers Jay Kaplan, from the American Civil Liberties Union, and Sara Ruiter from the Allegan County Community Foundation. Afterwards, a 6 p.m. Pride Bowling Party will be at Alley’s Pizza — Lakeview Lanes, 229 Center St.

May 31

Douglas: Pride in the Park lecture, “‘The Fight Isn’t Over’: How the History of LGBTQ+ Teachers Informs Current School Battles.” The lecture will be Friday, May 31 at the Saugatuck-Douglas Library, 174 Center St. The Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Society will host a reception with music and refreshments, 2024 Hall of Fame honoree, and LGBTQ and Women’s History Display at the Old School House, 130 W Center St, 6 – 8 p.m.

May 31

Holland: Dixon’s Violin, Park Theatre, 8 p.m. — Watch this “visionary violinist” play live in what some people would consider an interesting, “invented genre”. Doors open an hour prior. 18+ or entry with adult supervision. Ticket entry required. parktheatreholland.org

JUNE

June 1

Saugtuck to Douglas: Pride Care-A-Van, join the “Pride Care-A-Van” parade or spectate as participants ride on from Saugatuck to Douglas. The parade begins at 11:15. Line up begins at Saugatuck High School at 10:30 a.m.

June 1

Douglas: Pride in the Park, Beery Field, 8 Center St, in Douglas. From noon to 6 p.m., food and beverage, vendors, Random Play and NIAH Band, West Michigan Gay Men’s Chorus, and Michigan Drag Brunch Queens will be at this free event.

June 8

Grand Haven: Second annual PRIDE Festival and market will be happening June 8 near the Chinook Pier. More information can be found online at ghpride.org.

June 8

Zeeland: Out On The Lakeshore’s Run with PRIDE 5k, 9 a.m. — Sign up individually or as a team online or on the day of. Participants of all skill levels are invited to walk, run, or roll through the in-person and virtual race. outonthelakeshore.org/run-with-pride-5k

June 15

Holland: Juneteenth Freedom Festival & Market, Kollen Park, 2 – 7 p.m. — Hosted by I AM Academy, the annual I AM Festival’s 2024 theme is “I AM the Dream.” Community speakers, entertainment, food vendors and more will come together for this celebration in the spirit of Juneteenth. iamacademymi.org/juneteenth

Douglas Pride in the Park

Zeeland memorial Day Parade

Dixon’s Violin

Let your creativity shine and join us in celebrating the beauty of distinctive waterfront living through the Michigan BLUE Design Awards!

SUBMIT YOUR WORK BY July 1st, 2024 AT MIBLUEDESIGNAWARDS.COM

June 22

Calendar of Events

Zeeland: Farm the Zeel— A Community Tractor Show, First Reformed Church, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — The parking lot celebration will have tractors, food trucks, and other farm-related fun for the family. zeelandhistory.org

June 22 – July 14th

Saugatuck: “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Saugatuck Center for the Arts Theater, 2 or 7:30 p.m. — Watch a teenage songwriter Carole King grow up to be a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. sc4a.org

June 24

Holland: PRIDE Festival will be June 24 at Centennial Park from noon to 5 p.m.

June 28 – 30

Grand Haven: Grand Haven Art Festival, downtown, start until 5 p.m. — Friday’s event begins at noon and Saturday and Sunday’s at 10 a.m. Nearly 80 artists from across the country transform Washington Avenue into a chic, outdoor art gallery.

JULY

July 1

Zeeland: Zeelmania— Celebration Week, downtown, 6 – 8 p.m. — This free event will have food trucks, music, children’s activities and a petting zoo, live acts and more. A “Color Explosion” will be returning for this one Monday night at 6 p.m.

Grand

July 4

Fourth of July

July 8

Zeeland: Zeelmania— Summer Olympics, downtown, 6 – 8 p.m. — An obstacle course and rock wall will be set up for participants to try.

July 15

Zeeland: Zeelmania— Wild West, downtown, 6 – 8 p.m. — Week three of Zeelmania will include face painting, a petting zoo, and line dancing in the streets. Free mustaches will be given away.

zeelandfestivals.com/zeelmania

Haven art Festival

Calendar of Events

July 18

Grand Haven: Third Annual Java Jam Benefit Concert, Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 6 – 9 p.m. — Benefitting BErista Inc. and Kenzie’s Be Café, this year’s Java Jam entertainment will be a DJ, Dank HIll, and Domestic Problems. Doors, bar, and food trucks open at five.

July 22

Zeeland: Zeelmania— Heroes Night , downtown, 6 – 8 p.m. — Celebrate week four of Zeelmania with community heroes.

July 29

Zeeland: Zeelmania— Summer Finale, downtown, 6 – 8 p.m. — Dunk tank, returning surprise guests, face painting, and food will be closing out 2024’s Zeelmania summer event.

July 6

Saugatuck: Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair, Saugatuck Village Square, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Sixty-five artists will be displaying and selling their art to benefit the artistic Saugatuck and Douglas communities.

July 27

Saugatuck: Village Square Art Fair, Saugatuck Village Square, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair offers the work of 90 artists and crafters working in a variety of media: ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass, toys, paintings, gifts, mixed media, and fun foods. Proceeds from the fair go towards scholarships for students studying the arts as well as supporting the arts in Saugatuck and Douglas.

July 17

Grand Haven: Caring for Your Collection, Tri-Cities Museum, 6 – 8 p.m. — Led by Curator Jared Yax, participants will learn about deterioration agents as identified by museum and preservation experts and how to fight against them for personal items. Reservation required. tri-citiesmuseum.org

July 26 – August 4

Grand Haven: Coast Guard Festival — Mainstage events will be at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. coastguardfest.org

Grand Haven

Coast Guard Festival

July 30

Grand Haven: Coast Guard Community Picnic, Coast Guard Park, Mulligan’s Hollow, 1 – 4 p.m. — Usually held in Ferrysberg, this year’s Coast Guard Community Picnic will be held in Grand Haven.

July 12 – 13

Zeeland: 30th Annual Zeeland Show & Shine Car Show, downtown Zeeland — Cars will begin lining up Friday, July 12 at 5 p.m. (Zeeland Stadium parking lot) and begin the cruise at 6 p.m. Registration for the Saturday car show begins at 8 a.m. View more than 200 hotrods July 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. zeelandfestivals.com

July 18 – 21

Muskegon: Muskegon Bike Time, downtown Muskegon, hours vary. The 18th Annual Muskegon Bike Time is for those who love to ride or spectate motorcycles in motion. muskegonbiketime.com

muskegon Bike Time

Zeelmania

Saugatuck Village Square art Fair