Festivals in Northwest Michigan

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Record-Eagle/Tyler Sipe
Ritter descends the ride 'Sea Ray' after securing a sign to the ride Wednesday afternoon at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds.

APRIL 24-29
Trout Fest packed to the gills with fun
KALKASKA — Festival goers will get a chance to demonstrate their singing pipes, catch a $1,000 fish and help a motorcycle club plant pine trees at the National Trout Festival. The 71-year festival began Wednesday with an adult fishing contest. Jack's Bait Shop owner Dan Doherty said he's starting to catch some customers, as pike and walleye fishing also opens this weekend.

National Trout Festival: April 24-29, Kalkaska; Click here for schedule »

Mesick Mushroom Festival: May 11-13; Celebration of the morel mushroom harvest. Flea market, arts/craft show, live music, carnival, baseball tournament, horseshoe tournament, parade on Saturday, mushroom contest and food wagons. Mesick. 885-2679.

Lake Leelanau Walleye Festival & Car Show: May 12-13; events include the fishing tournament, antique car show, kids games, parade, craft booths, and food booths. For information regarding the Fishing Tournament please call Dicks Pour House at 256-9912. Sponsored by the Lake Leelanau Community Association. 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lake Leelanau; 256-9912.

Festival of Tables: May 12; celebrating the art of home entertaining with food and wine tastings, creative table designs, interesting demonstrations, a silent auction, gourmet lunch, and fabulous raffle packages. Luncheon from 12:30-2 p.m. Table Viewing from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $50; the festival is a benefit for Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Governors Hall, in Acme. 946-8975.

4th Annual Empire Asparagus Festival: May 18-19; The Spring Asparagus Harvest will be celebrated with festival in the Village of Empire on Friday and Saturday. Events include: a fun run/walk at 9 a.m. at Wilco Hill, kids games, a car show, a parade starting at 2 p.m. on Front Street on Saturday, cooking contest, an Ode to Asparagus poetry reading/reception on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Empire Town Hall, Lions Club Asparagus Dinner, dance from 8-11 p.m. at Empire Town Hall and much more. Downtown Empire. For more information call the Empire Chamber of Commerce at 326-5922

Blossom Days: May 19-20; It began long ago when the cherry and apple farmers of the Old Mission Peninsula would gather each spring to pray for a safe and plentiful harvest. Today Blossom Days is a time when residents and visitors enjoy good food, wine and fellowship amid the peninsula's blossoming vineyards and orchards. (800) 969-4009.

Second Annual Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival: May 26; Antrim County is holding a Petoskey Stone Festival from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Barnes Park in Eastport. 533-6265 or visit www.petoskeystonefestival.com

Fourth Annual Interlochen Wine, Food & Fine Arts Festival: May 27; Upscale wine festival will feature jazz entertainment, Michigan wines plus many regional talented artists, and great food. Admission for adults will be $10 which includes a logo souvenir wine glass and 2 drink tickets. Hours: noon - 6 p.m. Held at Frog Pond Village, US 31 South at Ellis Lake Road, Interlochen. Hours: noon - 6 p.m. Held at Frog Pond Village, US 31 South at Ellis Lake Road, Interlochen. 276-7141.

Check back soon for more festivals.