Flags, Freighters, Festivals, and ... Movies

Patriotic Bluffton.

Well, Muskegon, for Flag Day, I went on a little adventure around town to see what kinds of flags I could find - both patriotic and otherwise. I found lots of fun things I was looking for as well as some nice surprises, like a Great Lakes freighter...

Before I get to the pictures, I have to recommend this way of exploring your town. Pick something you'd like to see or an area you'd like to go, then just go ... It's such a fun way to not only explore your own city, but to see it in a new light. If you do it on foot or by bike, as I did, you're creating your own, natural exercise machine - and it beats the heck out of the gym, especially in this beautiful weather...

One other thing: Today, yet again, is full of fun things to do around the area. For starters, the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park at Rowan Park and the Miss Michigan Pageant at the Frauenthal Center continue through Saturday. The Heights Festival will feature one of Muskegon's favorite pastimes: a beer tent, from 1 p.m.-2 a.m. This one will have a DJ (DJ Ray J) and host a stepping contest. The celebration also will feature a concert, All White Jazz with Sunshine Anderson, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $15... 

Around the same time (5-9 p.m.) in Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon, the weekly Parties in the Park will feature the Buster Blues Band... 

And at sunset at Pere Marquette Park, the inaugural Movies on the Beach Muskegon event will kick off with the classic "Back to the Future." The viewing is free, but donations will be accepted to offset the cost and, the organizers hope, to put on future movies on the beach. Also, MOTBM will be collecting nonperishable food and personal hygiene items for the Muskegon Rescue Mission at a time of year when donations go way down...

If you'd rather be on the water to watch a movie, the LST 393's "Movies on Deck" will show "Run Silent, Run Deep" starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster at 10 p.m. on the ship. "Movies on Deck" is in the same situation as Movies on the Beach Muskegon: Free, but in need of donations to keep it going...

I hope you take advantage of at least one of these awesome options, Muskegon, and if not, I really hope you have something better planned. It's summer in Muskegon (or wherever you are). Don't take it for granted.

See ya out living the good life...

--Imaginer

United Nations.

Something for all of us...

Scandinavian pride.

No sails? No problem. There's still colorful flags...

Gone to the beach...

At the beach...

Sparty on...

Hail to the victors...

Lakers on the lake...

Celebrating our Heritage (Landing).

Big ship, small sailboat...

Why, hello, Ohio!

Comin' through!

Eclectic tastes of the Muskegon area...

Kinda neat, kinda freaky ... Definitely random.

 "Choose the World You See, and See the World You Choose" --Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Of course, Muskegon, there are lots of ways to sample the area. I’ve captured just a handful of the eclectic things around town in my photos here. And the area doesn’t disappoint when it comes to unique events, both for kids and adults. Today’s docket starts out with a fitting one, having to do with water: 

The Muskegon Family YMCA will take part in the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” today at 11 a.m. Along with waterparks, pools, and aquatic facilities around the country, the YMCA will attempt to create a Guinness World Record while teaching kids 6-12 that “Swim Lessons Save Lives.” The lesson is free, for members and non-members, but kids must be registered before 9 a.m. via the YMCA’s front desk or by calling 722-9322.

If you’d like to explore the land, you can take advantage of two of the Gillette Nature Association at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park’s free outdoor education summer programs: Terrific Turtles at 1 p.m. and Feeding Frenzy at 3 p.m. Though the programs are free, you need your annual $10 Recreation Passport. Meet at the park’s Visitor Center.

There's something fun that will appeal to everyone at the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park, which runs through Saturday at Rowan Park in downtown Muskegon Heights. Today's events begin at 1 p.m. and include carnival rides and games, and arts and crafts and food vendors. A Gospel in the Park event happens at 5:30 p.m. The festival is in its 30th year, which has given organizers plenty of time to perfect it and grow its offerings. What a great base for exploring the charming downtown of Muskegon Heights and its cute shops and buildings ...

If you’re more north or east, you can check out ventriloquist Vikki Gasko-Green at the North Muskegon library at 10:30 or at the Egelston library at 1 p.m. Seriously, how often do you have the option of being entertained by a ventriloquist?

For those who want to see downtown’s offerings – an ever-increasingly good idea – there’s live entertainment as well that of the film variety: The Miss Michigan Preliminary, a show that includes singing, dancing, and a host of other talents, happens at the Frauenthal Center. Tickets are $30 and are available at the box office. The 54-minute film “All About Prints: 500 Years of Prints and Printmaking” will be shown at 12:15 p.m. at the Muskegon Museum of Art as part of the museum’s free Brown Bag Film series. The MMA will provide coffee and cookies while you learn about this fascinating process during the 54-minute film. Stay awhile afterward and check out the museum's offerings: Thursday is free admission day.

See ya out creating, appreciating, or capturing a taste of Muskegon.

--Imaginer

Pirates!

King of the mountain...

Canadian invasion...

Why, hello there, little guy...

Just hangin' out above ground (you probably need to click on this one).

Tasting Muskegon...

Ahhh ... and awww...

Food, to a large extent, is what holds a society together, and eating is closely linked to deep spiritual experiences. --Peter Farb

The fifth annual Taste of Muskegon happens this weekend (I know: already?!) and you really should attend, if you're anywhere near, as it's a great way to sample the cuisine of a place known for an intensely local variety of restaurants...

Not only will there be goodies from local restaurants and bakeries, a Taste Garden will offer samples of craft beer and wine. Michigan is well-known for both its wine and its beer around the country, even in areas world-famous for these libations (this surprised me somewhat, but it's true), and the West Michigan area alone has sprouted a host of good breweries in the past several years. Taste of Muskegon will feature a Food Expo stage with demonstrations as well.

Taste of Muskegon will run from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (the Taste Garden will stay open until 10 p.m.) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event itself is free; food will cost $1-$5, and beer and wine will be $1 per taste. Are you a parent? There will be a kids' area open all weekend. Come early Sunday to watch the Muskegon Main Street Car Show at 9 a.m.

See ya out sampling Muskegon; in the meantime, here's a taste of the area's offerings...

--Imaginer

You can't literally taste these turkeys ... but they are a taste of what's around town...

A taste of the fun street names...

Muskegon food in its beginning stages...

People come a long way for this, Muskegon...

A scene fit for a movie...

Seriously, Muskegon, the Getty 4 Drive-In is something you shouldn't take for granted. People drive hours to experience this nostalgic novelty. It's the sole remaining drive-in here in West Michigan, one of only eight left in the state, and the only one with more than two screens except for the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In all the way in Dearborn…

And it's a great deal – especially on Tuesdays, which are bargain nights: $5 apiece for everyone 6 and up, and free for the kiddies 5 and under (other nights, tickets are $9 each for those 12 and up, $5 for kids 6-12, and still free for those younger than 6). For this, you get to watch two new movies from the comfort of your own car, or outside it if you prefer... What else can you do for $5 per person, or even $9 each? It’s hard to eat at McDonald’s for that much anymore…

And it’s not just the movies: There’s an outside play area with swing sets, a slide, a merry-go-round, and other options for kids to have fun; an indoor arcade with several video games, an air hockey table, and other entertainment options; and a large concession area. It’s a haven in the middle of the city: a large, rustic piece of land ringed by dense woods where you get to experience pieces of Hollywood… 

Some years ago, the Getty 4 came close to closing, the land nearly developed into a subdivision. People from all around West Michigan came to show support for the beloved drive-in and help keep it open … It’s up to us to continue this tradition – and how fun is that?? Seriously, it’s hard to imagine having more fun doing your part in keeping an important part of history alive in your community.

See ya at the movies…

--Imaginer

 P.S. Bring cash – the old theater can’t accept credit, debit, or gift cards.

Playing under the big screen...

Meanwhile, up above...

Some options for the older crowd...

And some more...

Hollywood meets the woods ... Love Muskegon will be hanging out here soon...

Surround screens ... and sound.

Yes, it is a happy Monday, Muskegon...

A real-life painting.

"Summer afternoon – summer afternoon ... the two most beautiful words in the English language." --Henry James

Psst! People come here to vacation ... and they love Muskegon.

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment. Because it will never come again." --Jean-Luc Picard

Psst, psst! People stay here to vacation ... and they love Muskegon.

"Be an explorer. The universe is filled with wonder and magical things." --Flavia

Who wouldn't want to jump into this scene? Especially knowing it's never overcrowded?

"We are always getting ready to live but never living." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, Muskegon, we have the chance to live other people's idea of vacation every day. Yes, there's work, and obligations, and errands, but make sure to fit in some time to take advantage of our summer wonderland. If you can't today, enjoy the pictures and dream about tomorrow...
 

See ya in the sun.

--Imaginer

Happy Sun(set)day, Muskegon...

Life is good.

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." --Carl Sagan

Welcome, John...

Thanks for stopping by...

Giving us a reason to celebrate together...

And laugh at how small you make everything else seem :)

Just like the vast and awe-inspiring sunsets.

It's been a wonderful first month. Thanks for joining the journey. I can only imagine where it will continue to lead... 

--Imaginer

The best things in Muskegon are free...

It's different out here ... as these guys know...

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it's always ourselves we find in the sea.” –E.E. Cummings

“Stop being so impressed with what other people are doing and get impressed about yourself. You have a story that the world wants to hear. Go tell it!” –Stone Evans

You see, Muskegon, there’s plenty of fun and interesting stuff to do Saturday, too, and once again, it’s all free … from fishing to boat rides to a show of local talent…

Of course there’s a lot to love around here, as we’ve been learning and discussing this week, but the easiest thing to fall in love with is the water. It’s gorgeous and inspiring to enjoy from the shore, and even better to experience in a water vessel … and this is possible for anyone today, as Terrace Point Marina is offering several free activities as part of National Marina Day, including the following:

• Open house boat tours
• Pontoon rides along Muskegon Lake
• Kayak, bike, and paddleboat rentals
• Stand up paddleboard and demo lessons
• Marina cookout from noon to 2 p.m.

The marina also will hold raffles and giveaways, a facilities tour, and a marina scavenger hunt (and who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?).

If you’ve already got a boat, you might want to try to catch a glimpse of the first-ever Michigan Beach Polo event at Pere Marquette all afternoon. Tickets to the festivities (which were not free) are sold out, but it might be a nice view from the water…

Land- and water-lovers – and residents and non-residents – alike can take advantage of Michigan’s Summer Free Fishing Weekend Saturday and Sunday. This annual event allows fishing without a license in order to lure in more anglers.

As the day draws to a close, you can head inside to either participate in, or simply take in, Free Expression!, an open mic night at Red Lotus Gallery, 825 W. Western Avenue, from 6-8:30 p.m. Poets, musicians, authors, performers, and, hopefully, YOU will share your talent with the community. Or maybe you’ll just check it out this time … That’s what I usually do at first.

Express yourself...

There’s still time when you get out to catch the sunset over one of the lakes, then have one of those famous Muskegon bonfires with friends … or you could check out the Getty 4 Drive-In (more on that soon), or one of the many bars or restaurants with outside patios and seating to enjoy the beautiful weather…

Whatever you do today, remember to Love Muskegon or wherever you are. There’s only one today and there’s only one Skee-Town. See ya around.

--Imaginer