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Boardwalk Beautification Days
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 THURSDAYS
- JUNE 19th & 26th 6-8 PM - Roll up your sleeves and
meet us at the boardwalk. This spirited volunteer effort to ready
the area for the upcoming July
3 Jubilee is sponsored by the newly formed Allegan NOW organization.
Allegan NOW members welcome all who wish to make a
difference in their downtown. For more information regarding
Boardwalk Beautification call 269-288-2993.
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We are Going Green...
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 You
may notice in the days ahead (especially Thursdays) there is a new
addition to downtown Allegan. "Green" canvas-like
Farmer's Market bags have made their appearance. The
"Green" Bags are being offered by the Downtown Development
Authority to help promote the Market, Allegan, and to show support for
the eco-friendly movement.
"Green"
Bags have been showing up all over the state and the country in the past
few years. These bags are used as an alternative to plastic bags at
many nationwide and even local retail establishments.
"Green" Bags are reusable shopping bags that help cut down on
the amount of typical plastic shopping bags.
Here are some
interesting facts about the use of "Green" Bags. It can
take a single plastic bag up to 1,000 years to break down in the
environment, and between 4-5 trillion plastic bags were
manufactured globally in 2002. By using a "Green" Bag we
can all help to reduce the amount of trash that goes into our landfills
each year. It takes just 11 uses of a "Green" Bag for that bag
to become more ecologically friendly then using plastic shopping bags.
To get your very own
Allegan Farmer's Market "Green" Bag you'll need to visit
the Market located at the corner of Water & Cutler Street
each Thursday morning from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm through
October. You will be able to purchase the bags at some of the
friendly Vendors who are excited to join in on this shift in shopping
trends. Keep your eyes open because there may be other
opportunities in the future to obtain a FREE Allegan Farmer's Market
"Green" Bag.
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Artfully Done
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Those who support the mission of the Arts Council, as well
as members new and old, should mark their calendars for Wednesday, June
25, at 6:30pm. That is the date the AAAC will host its Annual Members Meeting
in the Marilla Room of the Griswold Auditorium to discuss and
review the past fiscal year's activities and vote for the 2008 -
2009 Board of Directors. Input from friends and members of the
organizaiton will be invaluable in selecting projects for the upcoming
fiscal year. A formal notice was recently sent to all registered
members. If you would like to get involved with the Allegan Area
Arts Council as a volunteer or have questions regarding this meeting,
please contact the AAAC Hotline at 269-823-88865
Returning this summer to the Griswold Auditorium will
be Summer
ARTcamps. Camp runs from August 18th through the
22nd. With and expanded program this summer to let the older kids
in on the fun there are 5 camps to choose from. Let your child
expand their imagination with creative programs designed just for them.
The six to ten year olds will be exploring ways to celebrate the
earth through art. The 11 to 16 year olds will have the ability to
choose classes that interest them including: Batik & Tie Dye,
Mosaics, Cartooning, and Drawing. Applications MUST be turned in by the 18th
of July and classes fill on a first come first serve basis. Camp
applications are available in the Griswold Auditorium or contact Linda
Clark at tcandlc7@yahoo.com and by phone at 269.673.7080.
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Good Times
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For more than 20
summers, the Mahan Gazebo in Downtown Allegan has been the home of the
free summer concert series, "Good Times at the Gazebo".
Each year, the lineup of performers changes to bring a variety of musical
performers to the gazebo. Over the years, Good Times has
provided high quality, extremely successful entertainment for the whole
family and this year will be no exception.
This summer's lineup contains gazebo favorites, The Williams Family,
Otsego Jazz Ensemble, Thornapple Valley Dulcimers and The Johnny Cash
Tribute Show featuring Cal Klokkert. New this year, the Allegan
Rotary will host a variety show on July 25.
Look for the the Rotary Frozen Yogurt cart to make an appearance at some
of the evenings. Also on August 23rd, The Allegan Rotary will be
serving a Chicken BBQ prior to the Williams Family performance.
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at the Mahan Gazebo
Saturday nights at 7:00 pm July 5 - August 23. The Mahan Gazebo is
located on the Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Allegan. For more Good
Times at the Gazebo information, please visit 2008 Good Times Line Up or call
269.673.3456.
All performances at 7:00 pm :: No rain location available
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New Business Spring Spotlight: Boardwalk Ice Cream
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Just in time for summer Boardwalk Ice Cream has
opened up by the Riverwalk Parking Lot at 223 Riverfront Plaza. The
shop is owned and operated by the Father/Son team of Al and Dan.
Al says that he has enjoyed working in the shop because of the
ability it allows for him to meet and connect with the people of Allegan
and those who come to visit. Al has worked in the Allegan area for
many years and is enjoying once again working in Downtown
Allegan.
The choice to locate the store in Allegan was an easy
one. With the desire to open up the store and with the connections
that the family had they were able to get the space and equipment needed
to start the ice cream shop. The duo has been working the
shop by themselves but anticipate the need to hire help as the summer
continues to warm up. They are looking forward to excitement of the
July 3 Jubilee and the festivities that surround it!
Boardwalk Ice Cream serves "Plainwell Ice Cream" exclusively
which has been a big draw for the clientele. "Plainwell Ice
Cream" is a local company and a favorite among many because of the
increased butter fat in the ice cream. Al's favorite flavor is the
"Key Lime Pie" because the flavor is refreshing and a perfect
match for summer. Along with the ice cream the shop also has Hot
Dogs and Potato Chips.
Open from 11 am - 9pm every day except Sundays when the
hours are 1 pm - 9 pm.
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Allegan
Idol
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 The
Allegan County Fair has an opportunity for you to let your
"Star" shine. The second annual Allegan Idol
competition will take place during the Fair. Warm up your vocal
cords and get your act together! There will be two age categories
this year. 5 year old through 17 year old and the 19 year old and
over category. All contestants must be availailable to perform the
evenings of September
6, 8, 9 & 13, 2008.
Prizes this year are
bigger and better! The winner will perform on the Grandstand stage
at the beginning of the Demolition Derby as well as other prizes.
Entry forms are available at NAPA Auto Parts Store in Downtown Allegan
located on Brady Street. All
entries must be recieved by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the
Allegan County Fairground Main Office. For more information contact
Collen at 269-673-3080.
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Event Spot Light: July 3 Jubilee!
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The
July 3rd Jubilee
sponsored by the City of Allegan will be the one party you and your
friends won't want to miss this summer. Fireworks will begin at
dusk (appoximately 10:15pm), but the real party begins at 5:00pm with the
Liberty Parade.
All parade participants should assemble in the County parking lot at the
corner of Cutler and Water Street at 4:30pm. The parade route -
along with a complete entertainment schedule -- is clearly marked inside
the July 3rd Jubilee tri-fold brochure available at most downtown Allegan
businesses.
Following the parade, Ronald
McDonald will be the sparkler on the Children's Stage in
the Mahan Park Gazebo followed by Magician
Extraordinaire - Alan Kazam at 7:00pm and the firecracker
sounds of the Southwest
Express band at 8:00pm.
New this year will be a Center Stage along the waterfront featuring local
disc jockey, Rooster,
who will blast-off at 6:00pm with favorites from the 60's to the 80's.
He'll be tossing summer-fun prizes to winners of his on-going
trivia game until just prior to the start of the fireworks when talented
Allegan teacher, Cath
Hellmann, will sing the National Anthem.
Also added to this year's entertainment line up, is a stage rocking with
young-adult music behind the Griswold Auditorium. Wayland
sensation, Big
Doody Roo & the Raptors, will invite the crowd to
rocket along at 6:30pm followed by Allegan's own Uncommon Good at
8:00pm. Keep an eye out for Allegan Community Players dressed as
historical figures and Strong Man showman, Dan Drenth, as you stroll
along the boardwalk on your way to hear the music.
Brady Street will be filled with the aroma of Rotary grilled chicken.
Carts featuring sausage and elephant ears will keep everyone fed
while inflatables entertain the kids and adults ponder the possibility of
an airbrush tattoo. Down on the riverfront, artist Chris LaPorte
will draw your caricature, while you feed on pizza, delicious Bugs
Bar-B-Q and Rotary frozen yogurt.
July 3rd Jubilee - where the fantastic fireworks signal the end of
a great, patriotic party!
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All the World's A Stage..."Little Women"
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"All the
world's a stage" are the infamous words written above the stage at
the Griswold Auditorium. But on the evening of Saturday August 16th
all the focus will be in one spot. Downtown Allegan and the Griswold
Auditorium have the pleasure of hosting "Little Women, the
Musical". Performed by a respected theatre company from
Illinois they are one of the first production companies outside New York
City to be allowed to present this wonderful, musical story adapted from
the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Allegan resident Martha Hesse
directs a seasoned company of actors in a story that follows Amy, Beth,
Meg and Jo March during their growing years in Civil War America.
This is an exceptional opportunity to expose children to live theatre, as
it is a familiar tale told in an entertaining new way. Tickets are
on sale now at the Griswold, 401 Hubbard Street, for this one-night-only
live performance.
Little
Women, the Musical
Griswold Auditorium
Saturday, August 16th
Doors open at 7:30pm
Adults $18; Students $15
Meet the
Performers Benefit Reception
Private residence
Allegan Dam Road
Fri., August 15 at 7:30pm
$30 per person in advance
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Upcoming
Events & Happenings
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Friday June 20
:: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Uncommon Threads Espresso Cafe
111 Locust Street, Allegan, MI 49010
Featuring alternating sets of
the writing of Cheryl Peck, and the
music of Martha Meek!
Every Thursday thru
October
Corner of Cutler &
Water St
Regent
Theatre FREE Summer Shows!
Mid
Michigan Hitch Classic
Allegan County
Fairgrounds
Cindy Walburn -
260.350.0988
Behind Downtown
Bakery & Deli
For more info:
269.655.7491
5 PM - Dark ::
Downtown Allegan
Every Saturday Night
Juy 5 - August 23
Allegan Annual
Garden Tour
For more info:
269.650.9160
Broadway:
The Big Picture
Griswold Auditorium
- 401 Hubbard
allegancommunityplayers@gmail.com
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Ideas, Suggestions
or Comments. . .
If you have article
ideas, suggestions, upcoming events or would just like to comment on
the Downtown Connector, please do! Feedback about the Connector or
how to make it better is appreciated and can be emailed to vknuckles@cityofallegan.org
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