Grayling Visitors Bureau

The AuSable Artisan Village Gallery is proud to present a showing of Barbara Weinsenburg’s watercolor paintings. An opening reception will be held at the Gallery at 108 Michigan Ave., Grayling MI on Friday, July 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m. There is no fee to enter the Gallery which will be open from July 2-15 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

On Wednesday, July 7, she will be teaching a “En Plein Air Painting” workshop from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for adults, $20 per person.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (989)348-2921.

And a bit more information about Barbara…

Biography as posted at www.blackberrymountainstudio.com

From a love of painting at an early age came a passion for art that transformed into a fulfilling career. Located in Milford, Michigan, Blackberry Mountain Studios and Barbara Weisenburg have been a part of the local art scene for many years. As a talented artist whose patience and skill make her a natural teacher, Ms. Weisenburg’s presence in Milford has made an impact both on students and those who appreciate fine art.
A Bachelor’s from Michigan State University, a Master’s from Oakland University, studying at universities in Santa Fe and Cranbrook and an interest in lifelong learning helped develop Ms. Weisenburg’s natural ability, and her desire to show others ways to express themselves through art, helps her enjoy new students of all ages.
A fine arts teacher in the Waterford School District for many years, Ms. Weisenburg has much experience working with children and bringing out the natural ability of any artist. Apart from being an instructor, she has also owned her own studio for 20 years, and is a musician who plays guitar and clarinet.

On Saturday, August 21, the community of Lovells will hold their Annual Bridgewalk event. Be part of the exciting, exhausting walk across the North Branch of the AuSable River and support area charities. (This event is patterned after the Labor Day Mackinac Bridgewalk, but is designed to be easier for the less-adventuresome, with a total walk time of minutes.)

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. with a breakfast, the event offers not only the famous bridgewalk/parade at noon, but also a quilt show & sale, children’s activities and a potluck lunch. This community event is sponsored by the Lovells Township Volunteer Fire Department.

GRAYLING – A new art gallery in downtown Grayling will feature the works of local artist Jackie House from Thursday through Saturday, June 17-24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

House said, “I am thrilled to be selected as the first artist for the summer 2010 season, to be featured at the gallery.”

House is a natural artist, who has worked to develop her talent. Her love of art at an early age blossomed into a fulfilling career as an artist and a teacher. She received her bachelor’ degree in art education from Wayne State University and has continued with lifelong learning at Chicago’s Institute of Art, Northern Michigan University and Interlochen.

A retired art teacher, House excels in watercolor, color pencil and pottery, and has carved both wood and stone sculptures, as well as having numerous craft projects to her credit.

House earned the “Juror’s Choice Award” for her entry in the MEA Annual Art Purchase Exhibition in Lansing, March 2000, for her watercolor, “Aurora Daydream.” She was also awarded “Best in Show” for the Watershed Art Project Spring Art Walk in 2008 and an “Honorable Mention” for the Gaylord Council for the Arts, fall 2008 show, for her color pencil painting “

House’s artwork has been featured in Detroit, Gaylord, Grayling, Highland, Lansing, Mackinaw City, Milford and Waterford. She lives near Frederic with her husband, where she has her studio, and is a member of the Watershed Art Project of Grayling and the Northern Michigan Artists Guild.

Organizers for the Weyerhaeuser AuSable River Canoe Marathon are well into plans for hosting another record field for this year’s race scheduled for July 24^th and July 25^th.  The returning champions of 2009, Andy Triebold and Steve Lajoie, are looking to defend their title against teams from all over the U.S. and Canada.  Teams have entered from as far west as Washington to the east coast states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  As of June 28^th, 2010, there are 85 teams entered in this race, leading organizers to anticipate a record number of teams. Eighty nine teams participated in the 2009 race.

The Weyerhaeuser AuSable River Canoe Marathon is the richest canoe race in North America.  The $50,000 purse will be up for grabs by expert paddlers from around the world.  The racecourse runs almost the entire length of the AuSable River, 120 miles.  Paddlers begin by running LeMans style, carrying their canoes on their shoulders, on Saturday, July 24^th at 9:00 p.m. near The Old AuSable Fly Shop with thousands of spectators cheering them on. Prior to the start of the marathon, the paddlers will be introduced and live entertainment will be provided. On Sunday morning, the Avita Water Black Bear Bicycle Tour will depart for Oscoda in time to catch the paddlers at the end of their overnight adventure.  The race ends Sunday, July 25^th in Oscoda, MI on the shore of Lake Huron.

The primary sponsor remains Weyerhaeuser Structurewood Mill of Grayling.  The continued support of the marathon by this local mill continues to place the AuSable River Canoe Marathon as one of the premier paddling events in the world.  “It’s a tribute to the race communities and sponsors of this event  to see continued growth and success in North America’s longest, toughest, richest non-stop canoe race,” says Phil Weiler, marathon spokesman.

Sponsors for the Time Trials, July 22^nd and 23^{rd ,} held at Penrod’s Canoe Livery of Grayling, include Basic Communications Inc. and Kirtland Community College.  Associate Sponsors of this event include Citizens Bank of Grayling, Ramada Inn of Grayling, Bader Company, and Charter Communications. The Time Trials are the preliminary races which place paddlers in a starting order for the main race, similar to that of car racing.

A prelude to the marathon is the Spike’s “Tougher than Nails” race held July 17^th and 18^th, which also should have a record number of entries. This race gives paddlers and fans an opportunity to experience a portion of the race during the daylight hours.  The race is named for sponsor, Spike’s Keg of Nails.

Marathon program books and merchandise are ready for this year’s event and available in businesses around the community as well as at the marathon office located in the Grayling Mini Mall.  More information can also be found on the marathon website, www.ausablecanoemarathon.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2010

Contact: Rob Burg 989-348-2537

Celebrate a 19th-Century Independence Day at Hartwick Pines State Park

On July 4, Hartwick Pines State Park will observe Independence Day as it would have been celebrated in the 1890s. In the 19th century our nation celebrated its independence with baseball games, field games and contests, oration and picnics, in addition to fireworks. The Hartwick Pines celebration kicks off at noon on Sunday with events concluding at 4 p.m.

Children’s games and activities begin at noon at the picnic area. At 1 p.m., the park’s historian, Rob Burg, presents a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and at 1:30 p.m. the Hartwick Pines Swampers vintage base ball club will play an exhibition match according to 1860s baseball rules. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the day. Lemonade and iced tea will be available while supplies last.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located at 4216 Ranger Road in Grayling. For more information on this event or any of the other programs at Hartwick Pines State Park, please call (989) 348-2537 or email burgr@michigan.gov.

This event is free of charge; however, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the Recreation Passport will be available to Michigan residents for $10 per registered vehicle, or $5 per registered motorcycle. This will replace the resident annual state park and boating access site permits. By checking “Yes” on your vehicle registration form, Michigan residents will realize a 58 percent savings in exchange for unlimited access to all Michigan state parks and boating access sites. This money will also help support Michigan state parks, boating access sites, state forests and local parks. For more information about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Hartwick Pines State Park’s historic programs are administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

On  Friday evening, June 26, Wellington Farm, USA will present an old fashioned event that has not been held in Crawford County for many years, if ever – a horse pulling contest.  Teams of pulling horses from all across Michigan will begin to congregate at the historic farm southwest of Grayling on Friday afternoon.  Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the pulling contest will begin at 7.  There is no extra charge for the horse pulling event.  Regular park admission will be charged and because of the event, park buildings and tours will remain in operation until 6:00 p.m.   An opportunity to visit the historic farm and see an exciting event all for one admission!

On Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, Wellington Farm, USA will present its annual Dairy Day event.  This event provides visitors an opportunity to witness how the farmers of 1932 processed the milk which they produced on their farm.  Demonstrations in butter churning, cheese making, milk separation, custard making and ice cream making.  Demonstrations will continue throughout the entire weekend.  In addition many park buildings will be in operation and guided tours will be ongoing both days.

Wellington Farm, USA is a true working farm, complete with traditional and not-so–traditional animals, gardens, farm buildings, nature trails, forests and fields.  Trained interpreters are available to assist with the exploration of the farm and to portray life as is was lived 78 years ago. Six major buildings are available for exploration including a Blacksmith Shop, Carpenter Shop, Sawmill, Grist Mill, Summer Kitchen and the Stittsville Church which was built about 1882 and moved to the farm in 2005.

Wellington Farm, USA is within easy reach of Exit 251 of I-75 and Exit 206 of US-127.  This historic agricultural complex is open from 10 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.  Reservations are now being accepted for the July 10 Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. More information can be obtained by calling the farm at 989 348 5187 or visiting the website at www.wellingtonfarmpark.org.     Wellington Farm, USA is owned and operated by Wellington Farm Park, Inc., a 501©3 non-profit corporation.

Grayling Rotary Disc Golf Course “GRAND OPENING”
Hanson Hills Recreation Area

June 12th, 2010 9:00am-4:00pm
Course Record Challenge Tournament
Registration Begins 8:30am.  Tee Off 9:00am

Beginners Learn to Play Disc Golf FREE!!
Grayling Rotary Club Ribbon Cutting: 9:00am
Open Round Golf: 10:00am No Charge
Open Play… Play a round, Play ½ a round or just throw a few Discs.. Turn in a score card with your name on it for a chance to win prizes in our grand opening raffle.
BEGINNERS…No Discs No Problem. Demo Sets Available:
Limited Supply of Starter Disc available for Use
Starter sets available for Purchase
Limited Edition Collector Discs available for Purchase
Demo/Clinic:
PDGA Professional Clinics

Raffle Prizes:
Disc Golf Discs, MINI’s, Clothing, and much more….
Contact:
Justin Andre 989-348-9266   Email: hansonhills@hotmail.com
www.hansonhills.org

Course Record Challenge Tournament
JUNE 12, 2010
Registration Begins 8:30am.  Tee Off 9:00am
1 Round 19 Holes
Players Pack to First 50 Registered (Custom “Grand Opening” Disc)

$20 Registration (Advanced=Long Tees Record) Cash Payout Top 3
($50 BONUS for Establishing Course Record)

$20 Registration (Intermediate=Short Tees Record)
($20 BONUS for Establishing Course Record)
Tee off Begins 9:00 am Groups of 3-4 players (6 min Interval Start) Long Tee Competitors Start First followed by Short Tee Competitors.