Spring is almost upon us and that means special events at Nub's Nob! Check out the Volkl/Marker/Sunice Speed Series Race, Friday March 6th at 7:00 p.m. Giant Slalom Racing on Scarface. The Seven race series open to advanced skiers age 9 and up.  Prizes at the end of the series for top three in each age class and top three overall. Registration at the front desk until 6:20 p.m. Then on Saturday March 7th it's The Dynastar/Lange Challenge, a Giant slalom racing for skiers of all ages and abilities. $8 entry fee. Sponsored by Dynastar Skis and Lange ski boots with a grand prize drawing for a pair of Dynastar skis! For more information call 800-SKI-NUBS.

The Mardi Patty Gras Crawl and it's coming to Downtown Petoskey TODAY - Friday, March 6! A fresh take on the always popular progressive dinners, this foodie crawl consists of an hors d'oeuvre crawl through 22 participating Downtown stores, followed by an entrée and dessert in Downtown restaurants. There are two choices for the restaurant crawl; you can either purchase the Mardi Package which is an entrée at Palette Bistro and dessert at Whitecaps or you can go with the Patty Package- entrée at Tap 30 and dessert at the Perry. Tickets for the Mardi Patty Gras Crawl are just $30 and are on sale now and available at the Downtown Office. To make reservations or for more information visit www.petoskeydowntown.com or call 231.348.0388.

Retro Weekend at Boyne Highlands Resort is March 6th - 7th. Pull out your vintage gear for a weekend long celebration of an era gone by. Come celebrate Retro Weekend, March 6th-7th, at Boyne Highlands Resort with a weekend full of events celebrating decades of winter fun! Saturday night's Retro Party in the Zoo Bar features The Breakfast Club Band, one of Chicago's top 80s tribute bands. Doors open at 5pm, come dressed in your best retro gear for complimentary admission and to be entered into a raffle for Boyne Highlands gift cards. Details

View the Underwater Crucifix on Saturday March 7th on Little Traverse Bay. The only freshwater shrine of its kind is submerged in 22-feet of water and can be viewed between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The shrine will be back lit with a big tent enclosing the hole cut through the ice so that guests may see the crucifix. Park at Bayfront Park in Petoskey and walk out from the playground. Be sure to dress accordingly. This event is held weather permitting only - look for a red tent and a black tent out on the ice. No tent means conditions have been deemed not safe and the event is cancelled.

Bear Creek Organic Farm is hosting a two hour workshop on Saturday March 7th from 3-5 p.m. that is aimed to help fellow farmers navigate Facebook and social media as marketing strategies. Cost is $20 in advance or $25 on arrival. Speakers will be Anne Morningstar and Cyndi Kramer. Visit www.bearcreekorganicfarm.com to register or get more information. Workshop will take place at Bear Creek Organic Farm on 4012 Atkins Road in Petoskey and a light snack will be provided.

Friendship Centers of Emmet County is hosting a walk-a-thon on Saturday, March 7th at the NCMC Walking Track to raise funds for Meals on Wheels. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration can be done ahead of time by contacting Char at (231) 347-3211, ext. 24. Visit www.emmetcoa.org to print a Walk-A-Thon Pledge Form. Giveaways available to all who attend, and prizes will be given to the oldest walker, whoever walks the most laps, and the person with the largest amount of pledges. You do not have to walk to be eligible for all prizes. FCEC's Meals on Wheels program currently serves over 150 homebound seniors in Emmet County with a hot, nutritious meal five days a week.

Sturgeon River Pottery is having their Annual Studio Seconds Sale, this Saturday & Sunday, March 7th and 8th from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The annual Seconds Sale will include live studio demonstrations throughout the weekend. Come visit the artists and creators, tour the studio and pick through hundreds of our pottery, jewelry and other studio seconds in this rare opportunity to shop from our glaze samples, tests and other experiments. It only happens once a year, so don't miss it! This event is free and open to the public and no reservations are required. Contact Sturgeon River Potter for more information at 231.347.0590

Local Foods Alliance Potluck and Monthly Meeting will take place on Wednesday March 11th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at North Central Michigan College in the Iron Horse Café Conference, Room 4. This is a FREE event and open to the public. Come for delicious food and engaging discussions about how to bring healthy, locally grown food into our schools, stores, restaurants, and homes. Join a group of interesting folks who get things done and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Make plans for the 2015 Northern Michigan Home Show Preview Party, "Streets of Dreams" on Thursday March 12th from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. at North Central Michigan College. Year after year, local business and community leaders flock to this popular social event to get a sneak-peak of the Home Show and mingle with familiar faces. Your $15 cost of admission and proceeds from the Silent Auction will go to various causes that the Northern Michigan Home Builders Association supports, including Habitat for Humanity, High School Building Trades Programs and Home Builders Educational Classes. Don't miss out on the opportunity to give back to the community while having fun! Buy your tickets online: www.hbanmpreview2015.eventzilla.net. For more information contact the HBA at 231-348.9770 or visit www.hbanorthernmichigan.org 

The Northwest Michigan Industrial Association will host its annual Safety Awards Meeting on March 12th at Boyne Mountain in Room Vienna A, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The featured program will be "Boride - Our Safety Culture Makes Us Who We Are".  In addition, the Boyne City Robotics Team "The Blaze" will also present their award-winning robot.  Online registration is available HERE. For more information, please visit www.nwmia.org or contact Chris Etienne at 439-2031.

Lunch is on US!  Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is hosting a "Lunch & Learn" free community seminar on "How to Do Your Housework without Getting Hurt" on Thursday, March 12th at 12:30 p.m. with a light lunch and refreshments. The presentation will be held at the Harbor Springs Clinic located in the Harbor Plaza, next to the Harbor Springs Airport.  Space is limited; please call for registration 231-348-7002. Hannah Armantrout, Physical Therapy Assistant, will provide an overview of your everyday activities, and how you can do them efficiently and safely. Our professional staff will be available for consultations after the presentation. Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers are dedicated to providing high quality rehabilitative and preventive care to enhance the active lifestyles of Northern Michigan.

Beginning Genealogy Workshop with Donna Johnson on Friday, March 13th at 1:00 p.m. The Petoskey District Library is excited to welcome Donna Johnson as part of Hobbies in the Lobby. Donna is a founding member of the Emmet County Genealogical Society and was born and raised in Petoskey. Join Donna as she shares her knowledge and research and take home a packet of resources to help start your very own research. Hobbies in the Lobby is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call the library at (231) 758-3111.

Kids' Festival Weekend at Boyne Mountain Resort March 13th-15th. The only rule during Kids' Festival Weekend is...KIDS RULE! The fun kicks-off with a Welcome Party on Friday and flows right into Saturday with a snowman building contest, rock climbing wall, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, Splatmaster paintball, and more. Kids can try their hand at painting a canvas with a professional artist during Cookies & Canvas from 2-4 p.m. in the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa.  Reservations are required, 231.549.6860. Saturday evening features a Kids Tubing Party and Sunday, kids can hit the slopes to compete in a variety of fun races. Also on Sunday, kids' mini spa services are just $10 each at Solace Spa. All kids are invited to this weekend of fun!

Don't miss the 2015 Northern Michigan Regional Home Show 'Streets of Dreams' March 13thand March 14th. This year's show features 100+ exhibitors representing area businesses, raffles and contests for prizes like a new garage, a Kids Corner, a 'City Park', children's book signing, monster truck display, massages and much more! Whether you are building a new home or interested in the latest products and services in the home industry, this is always a fun event for the family. Admission is $5 at the door and FREE for kids 12 and under. Proceeds for the Home Show will go to support our local HBA and High School Building Trades Programs and more. Check out the event on Facebook or visit www.hbanorthernmichigan.org  for more information.

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra announces its forthcoming jazz concert entitled "Jazzed Up." The concert is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 7 p.m. and will be held at the Petoskey Middle School located at 801 Northmen Drive. Jazz takes center stage with works including Stravinsky's Ragtime for 11 Instruments, Gershwin's Lullaby for Strings, and tributes to Copland and "Duke" Ellington. In addition the Petoskey High School Jazz Band will perform the Ellington tribute with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. In a truly brilliant finale solos are passed around the orchestra and everyone swings! Tickets are available at area chambers of commerce including Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Harbor Springs and East Jordan, online at www.glcorchestra.org or by calling the orchestra office at 231-487-0010.

North Central Michigan College and Crooked Tree Arts Center is offering an "afternoon in Japan" on Wednesday, March 18th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a Japanese luncheon in North Central's Iron Horse Café. The public is invited to come early to purchase lunch and reserve seating for the noon presentation. No reservations are required. Participants will then drive to Crooked Tree Arts Center for a special gallery tour beginning at 1:30 p.m. This will be a private tour of the Gallery Terakoya collection by Visual Arts director and Gallery Curator Gail DeMeyre. These events are free and no RSVP is required. Call 231-348-6613 or 231-348-6705 for more information.

The 2015 Project Connect will be held on Wednesday, March 18th from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Odawa Casino in Petoskey. Project Connect is a day of service for those in need right here in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. If you or someone you know is struggling with financial problems, housing issues, employment challenges or health concerns please join us for a day of free services! Free transportation is available to and from the event, call your local transportation agency to schedule a ride. Volunteers are also needed to help with Project Connect. You can register to help and find more information on United Way's Volunteer Connections, go to www.charemunitedway.org and click on the Volunteers link.

Learn how to Start & Grow Your Own Business on Thursday March 19th from 5-7 p.m. at the Petoskey District Library. Get practical information from those who have done it! This seminar will help you evaluate the potential of your business idea, obtain helpful ideas and methods to grow your existing business, learn the process of putting a business plan together and more. This is a FREE no cost seminar. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. Call the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce to reserve your space today at 231.347.4150. This event is brought to you by SCORE and the PRCC.

The Manna Food Project invites you to join them for an evening of Food and Wine at Chandler's Wine Cellar on Thursday March 19th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. There will be hors d'oeuvres, games, and a cash bar. Tickets are $30 and benefit The Manna Food Project. RSVP by calling 231.347.8852 or get more information at www.mannafoodproject.org

Petoskey area businesses and employers are invited to a free "working lunch" March 19th to learn about and discuss solutions to the region's labor shortage. The lunch will run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Stafford's Perry Hotel, 100 Lewis Street in Petoskey. The event is being hosted by Networks Northwest and Northwest Michigan Works. The lunch meeting will give local businesses an opportunity to learn about the region's labor shortage, and how it is impacted by skills gaps and barriers to employment. Businesses will also be able to share their experiences, ideas, and solutions for the labor shortages. There is no cost to attend the lunch, but RSVPs are required at: www.nwm.org/talentlunch or by calling 231-929-5000. 

Community Awareness Seminar on Concussion Treatment and Challenges. Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is collaborating with Bayside Family & Sports Medicine to host a free seminar on "Concussion Treatment and Challenges that Face our Young Athletes". The presentation will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 p.m. at the Harbor Springs clinic of Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center, located at 8452 M-119, Harbor Plaza, Harbor Springs. Dr. Todd Sheperd, from Bayside Family & Sports Medicine, and Julie Slifka, Athletic Trainer, from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center will be presenting the latest return to play protocols, the importance of concussion testing, and symptoms for recognizing mild to severe concussions. Seminar is free to the community. For information, contact Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-348-7002.

Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain Resort, March 20th-22th. The biggest and best spring celebration in the north is back, Carnival Weekend. Nearly every establishment at offers a party with free entry to ages 21+. From the Wig & Crazy Hair Party in the Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria to the Foggy Googles Pool Party and an evening with The Breakfast Club, an 80s tribute band from Chicago, in the Civic Center, the party never ends. Sunday's Last Man Standing Breakfast and Bloody Mary Bar in Stein Eriksen's will have you walking straight in time to plunge into the Slush Cup. Skim, soak, or spectate on lower McLouth starting at 11 a.m. Carnival Weekend isn't recommended for kids, just adults that want to act like kids!

Presentation on the American Kestrel and National Research Surrounding its Population Decline on Saturday March 21st from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Building in Petoskey. Learn more about how to get involved in studying this bird on LTC nature preserves. Be part of the national movement led by the American Kestrel Partnership. Kestrels are the smallest of the falcon family, and should be arriving soon. Check out the 5 chicks that hatched last year in the photo to the right, taken by Lynn Walters Fraze at the Black Hole Nature Preserve. There is no charge for this program, but please call Cacia at 231.344.1002 for more information or to register or visit www.landtrust.org

Join the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) for a Princess Playdate Fundraiser on March 21st  at the Zion Lutheran Church in Petoskey from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MYOI is a program to help support foster youth successfully transition to adulthood. Activities include games, prizes, dancing, singing, story time, snacks, and silent auction for the chaperones. Ages 3-10. Tickets are $10 for each child as well as their chaperone. Tickets are available at the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, Charlevoix Emmet Department of Human Services, and OsborneKlein in Petoskey. Contact Darcie Sevenski at SevenskiD@michigan.gov or 231-342-5117 for more information.

The Emmet County Road Commission will be hosting a Public Forum at the Emmet County Fairgrounds on March 26, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on the May 5th ballot Proposal 1 (road funding initiative). Senator Wayne Schmidt and Representative Lee Chatfield are scheduled to be in attendance along with representatives from the City of Petoskey, City of Harbor Springs, Petoskey Schools, Harbor Springs Schools, and numerous townships. Be an educated voter.  Learn about the most important transportation funding plan in Michigan History.

Save The Date! Here's your personal invitation to The Not So Real Castle Wedding at Castle Farms on Saturday, May 9, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. The Not So Real Castle Wedding is the hottest way for brides and grooms to experience Castle Farms and top Northern Michigan wedding vendors. You'll participate in an actual wedding ceremony of a couple's vow renewal, followed by cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Witness firsthand how professionals handle each aspect of a wedding, including catering, ministerial services, photography, transportation, entertainment, and more. See, taste and experience everything that would take place at a real wedding - such as your very own! $30 per person. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix, Michigan. (231) 237-0884.

Mark your calendars now for the Bay View Cottage Walk 2015 taking place on Tuesday, July 14th  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit historic Bay View where nine private cottages will be open for tours plus four campus buildings. Music and dramatic performances throughout the day. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, $35.00 day of event. Parking available at Petoskey High School and shuttles to the event. Visit www.bayviewassociation.org for ticket and other information.

The Inn at Bay Harbor's culinary tour around the world makes its final stop in the United States. During the month of March, dine on classics from the Midwest, Southwest, East Coast and deep South. Enjoy regional variations on macaroni and cheese, specialties like barbecue, spicy flavors and seafood delicacies. There's even apple pie for dessert! Take advantage of our prix fixe menu through the end of March, three courses for only $26.  For reservations, call 231.439.4059. To view the menu visit innatbayharbor.com

102.9 Big Country Family Fun Night! 102.9 Big Country Hits and Boyne Highlands are teaming up to bring you BIG FAMILY FUN NIGHT every WEDNESDAY! Lift Tickets - $10.29, Equipment Rentals - $10.29, and 2 Twin Zip Rides - $10.29 Per Person. Plus Wings and a Pint of Dos Equis in the Slopeside Lounge - $10.29. Bring the entire family out and enjoy what winter has to offer at BIG FAMILY FUN NIGHT with 102.9 Big Country Hits and Boyne Highlands every "WEDNESDAY" 4 p.m.-9 p.m.!

Check out the great specials going on now at Whitecaps. For the entire month of March Whitecaps will be featuring Sautéed Lake Perch Meunière - Seasoned and complimented with fresh herb lemon butter, saffron basmati rice and fresh vegetable. Lunch: $12 - Dinner: $18. Friday Night Rib Night - Indulge in a full rack of our amazing slow-roasted Northern Michigan cherry chipotle glazed BBQ Ribs accompanied by homemade cornbread and sweet potato fries. Featured on Friday Nights in March for just $21. All day, every Wednesday, is Wine Wednesday! Take advantage of half priced bottles of wine with the purchase of two entrees. 

Rock the Slopes 2015! ROCK 105 and Boyne Mountain are teaming up to bring you Rock the Slopes. Lift Tickets - $10.50, Tubing - $10.50 Per Person and 2 Twin Zip Rides - $10.50 Per Person. Plus Wings and Pint of Dos Equis in the Snowflake Lounge - $10.50. Bring the entire family out and enjoy what winter has to offer at ROCK THE SLOPES with ROCK 105 and Boyne Mountain EVERY Friday 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.!

Thinking of buying a boat? Don't! Enjoy all the fun of being on the water without all the headaches. Freedom Boat Club of Lake Charlevoix is the affordable, hassle free alternative to boat ownership. We believe your time is best spent on the water making memories, not towing, cleaning, maintaining, repairing and storing your boat. As a Member, you have access to our fleet of boats whenever you wish. Members also receive access to the beach and pool at Sommerset Pointe as well as reciprocal access to over 80 Club locations across the country. Put the enjoyment back into boating at a lower price tag than owning. For information, visit our website or call 231-582-1540. See you at the dock!

Government Changes to Water Heaters; Prices to Rise. In case you're not aware, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has put into effect new regulations regarding water heaters. These new mandates require higher energy efficiency ratings on virtually all residential water heating products. This will create significant changes to water heaters manufactured after April 15, 2015, including:Higher priced units - up to 35% more expensive, Larger units, More complicated installation requirements, Possible significant home remodeling costs if your water heater is located in a small space like a closet or attic. How does this affect you? Visit MacGregor Plumbing & Heating's website to learn more by clicking here.

Conway Professional Services is excited to announce it has added carpet cleaning services to meet the ongoing requests of its current and future clients. State of the art equipment for both residential and commercial needs. Free demo/quotes. Call to learn more about special rates available until March 20. Make sure to mention the chamber email.  Call today (231) 487-9300. www.conwayprowash.com.   

Exceptional Venue, Affordable Pricing; Sommerset Pointe! Consider booking your prom, wedding, private party, non-profit, corporate or social event at Sommerset Pointe. Our exclusive venue, located just 5 minutes from downtown Boyne City, overlooks beautiful Lake Charlevoix. Choose from the main dining area, deck, private party space or all three. We can accommodate 25 to 150 guests in the Yacht Club and up to 200 in our lakefront tent. On-site catering is provided by our own Porter Creek Fish House. Our full service banquet facilities can be customized for your particular needs and our Event Coordinator's dedication to detail ensures the best possible experience for you and your guests. For a personal tour and more information contact Event Coordinator Jenna Koeller at 231-582-2833 or jenna.koeller@sommersetpointe.com.