|
50th Annual National Blueberry Festival
August 8-11!
 | |
Photo by Jamie Garvison.
|
After the forests were cleared and lumber shipped to ports like Milwaukee and Chicago to build their cities, another industry took over in South Haven- agriculture. Due to the temperate lake breezes, it was discovered by world-renowned horticulturists like Liberty Hyde Bailey, a South Haven native, that this area was perfect for growing fruit, particularly blueberries, peaches and grapes. South Haven is proud to be known as the "Blueberry Capital of the World" because Michigan, and particularly Van Buren County, ranks as the nation's leading producer of the crop.
 | |
Rotary Club Fly-In at the South Haven Regional Airport! Photo by John Davidson.
|
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the National Blueberry Festival will be August 8-11, 2013. This four-day festival will be held in various locations in and out of doors in the Lake Michigan Beachtown community of South Haven, Michigan. Many events take place overlooking South Haven's picturesque harbor, our 110 year old Lighthouse and Lake Michigan.This is a very family-friendly event with activities for all ages to enjoy! Plus, due to so many dedicated sponsors, many events are free and open to the public.
 | |
Music in Riverfront Park! Photo by Jamie Garvison.
|
|
|
Quick Links
 | |
South Haven Pier Head & Lighthouse. Photo by Craig Gardiner.
|
 | |
The Organic Gypsy at South Haven's Farm Market. Photo by Eric Signs.
|
 | |
South Haven's Pier Heads and Lighthouse. Photo by Joshua Nowicki.
|
|
|
 | |
A storm rolling into South Haven over Lake Michigan. Photo by Tim Thurman.
|
 | |
South Haven's tall ship, Friends Good Will, sails into the harbor. Photo by Joshua Nowicki.
|
|
| |
South Haven's dog friendly Deer Lick Creek Beach. Photo by Sheryl Piedt Kaptur.
|
 | |
South Haven's 110 year old Lighthouse! Photo shared by instagram user @Jewelinda.
|
To request an Official Visitors Guide with a complete listing of lodging members contact us at 269.637.5252/1.800.SO.HAVEN.
|
|
YouTube Channel!
 Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel & send us your favorite South Haven video footage! |
|
|
Greetings!
National Blueberry Festival is finally here! Celebrating 50 years in South Haven, this much anticipated event runs today through Sunday. Here are just the highlights ... check our events calendar at www.southhaven.org for complete times, locations and details.
Today's Highlights, August 8th
Join the fun with a blueberry pie social from 5 to 7pm today, everyone looks forward to a slice of blueberry pie with local favorite Sherman's Ice Cream! This event is located under the Huron Street Pavilion.
A short walk away at Riverfront Park, take in local favorite, "Black River Band."
Tomorrow's Highlights, August 9th
A can't miss photo op. worth seeing whether you have kids or not is the Kid's Blueberry Pie Eating Contest at 2pm in Riverfront Park!
If you've never had Blueberry BBQ Pulled Pork, this mouth-watering experience from 4 to 8pm can be found under the Huron Street Pavilion.
Bring your lawn chairs or blanket early, top evening entertainment at Riverfront Park features a Beatles look alike contest at 7pm and tribute band gets underway at 9pm.
Saturday's Highlights, August 10th
Start your Saturday off with the 5k/10k Run/Walk at 7am, followed by a much deserved Blueberry Pancake Breakfast 8am to Noon!
National Blueberry Festival Parade steps off at 1:30pm!
At 7pm top notch "Heart" and "Rolling Stone" Tribute Bands hit the stage at Riverfront Park!
Sunday's Highlights, August 11th
Make it a point to visit the Fly-In and Classic Car Show at the South Haven Regional Airport - begins at 7am.
Help blow out the candles for the National Blueberry Festival 50th Birthday Party at 4pm in Riverfront Park!
Still time to take in the Arts and Crafts Festival at Stanley Johnston Park from 10am to 4pm.
We hope you enjoy your visit and come back for many more!
Your friends in South Haven!
South Haven/Van Buren County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
|
|
Wild & Wooly: The Art of Barb Bare
at the South Haven Center for the Arts
August 9-September 22, Mon-Fri
10am-4pm,
Sat & Sun
1-4pm. This collection of work by fiber artist Barb Bare is comprised of traditional wet felted wall pieces and primitive rug hooking that are both abstract and realistic in style. Barb Bare has worked in fiber for over 30 years, taking her first weaving class at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the 1970's. Bare works the entire process from raising and feeding the sheep on her farm, to sheering them for the wool; the wool is then cleaned, spun into yarn or hand pressed into felt and then dyed by hand using a variety of natural and acid dyes.www.southhavenarts.org
|
|
Sunrise Beach Yoga by the Pier
Every Saturday in August, 8-9am.
Start your Saturday with a sun inspired flow class on the beautiful South Beach. This class will leave you with a clear, peaceful mind and a stronger, more flexible and relaxed body. This is an all levels class and all are welcome! For more information, please contact Cindy Adams at gocladams@gmail.com or 616.264.8035.
|
Saturday Night Comedy
at Black River Tavern
Every Saturday,
doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.
Professional stand up comedy with nationally touring comedians.
Different comedians each week. Lighter menu available downstairs with full menu available upstairs.
Reservations and early arrival suggested!
$10 tickets on sale at bar or by calling 269.637.4837.
www.blackrivertavern.com
|
Bailey's Budding Naturalists at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
August 15 & 22, 9:30am-12pm.
Join us at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum as we host the Kalamazoo Nature Center for an exciting outdoor exploration! This FREE program is designed especially for young children, ages 6-11 (1st-5th grade), to experience the many wonders of nature through hands-on projects and activities. If you would like to register your child or get more information, please contact Lauren Denny: ldenny@south-haven.com or call 269.637.3251.
|
|
Tunes & Tastes at St. Julian Winery
August 10, 17, & 24,
1-5pm.
Enjoy free summer music on the patio and wine by the glass for $6! August 10: Baroque Pop (Indie Pop), August 17: Exit 41 (Acoustic Soft Rock), & August 24: Treading Bleu. www.stjulian.com
|
|
37th Annual All-Crafts Fair
at Stanley Johnston Park
August 31 & September 1,
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.
South Haven's scenic Stanley Johnston Park hosts hundreds of exhibitors of fine arts & crafts this weekend! Interspersed are food booths with gourmet selections & other more casual fare. The event is hosted by the Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.
www.southhavenmi.com
|
Lawrence Ox Roast
in Downtown Lawrence
August 31-September 2,
times vary.
Join us this Labor Day Weekend for the Annual Ox Roast and Homecoming Festival! Held in our picturesque Village Park, Lawrence's signature annual event is fun for the whole family.
If you're in the mood to shop, check out what local farmers and artisans have to offer this fall and enjoy the freshest produce at the Farmers' Market in the park, held throughout the morning on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Also all weekend there will be: various booths to explore, food vendors, Lawrence Lions Club Bingo Tent, Lions Club Beer Tent, The Knightwinds Renaissance Group exhibition, music performances at the Pavilion.
www.lawrencemi.org
|
|
