Festivals and Activities in Benzie

Tee up on the Mountain Ridge Golf Course at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Four-player scramble with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Players will also have an opportunity to celebrate, or commiserate, their golf scores at the cash bar cocktail party and dinner immediately following the game. Tickets $100, include green fees, cart, prizes, and dinner.  For tickets, registration or other information, please call Judy Caris at (231) 882-5866.

Through a display of artifacts, letters, and photographs, the exhibit demonstrates how the Civil War (1861-1865) impacted the lives of the people who came to live in the Benzie Area, and explores how our understanding of the Civil War is influenced by the Grand Army of the Republic and Bruce Catton.

Kick off the summer with this Memorial Day Weekend tradition at Crystal Mountain. Enjoy live entertainment while sampling 99 of Michigan's finest microbrews, local hard cider and mead, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Held outdoors, slopeside. Hours: 3-4pm - VIP Access. 4-8pm - Beer and Brat Festival. 8pm-Midnight - After Glow Party in the Vista LoungeAdmission: $10, includes commemorative drinking glass to the first 1,000 tickets sold! For more info call 800-968-7686

Memorial Day Commemoration at the Benzonia Township Cemetery with The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Robert Finch Camp 14. Flag raising, laying of lilacs at the Grand Army of the Republic EP Case Civil War Memorial, GAR dedication cemetery, and tour of Civil War veterans' graves.

Everyone, residents and non-residents alike, can fish without a license, all other fishing regulations apply. It is a way to promote awareness of the state's vast water resources. "This summer’s Free Fishing Weekend is a great way to get outdoors and experience some of the best freshwater fishing in the world," said DNR Director Keith Creagh. "There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved, as it’s an inexpensive activity and readily accessible – so get out & try it yourself, for free!" Organized activities are scheduled across the state. Visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing for all things related to this weekend, including help with event planning, promotion, registration form for official events, and a chart identifying activities in areas throughout the state. Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more info, www.michigan.gov/dnr.

In his 2011 landmark study of the Civil War Centennial, American Oracle, David Blight took fellow Michigander Bruce Catton to task for his troubling omission during the heart of the civil rights movement of the African-American dimension to the conflict. Jack Dempsey, former chair of the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, will present a spirited defense of America’s greatest Civil War historian and put Catton’s work in a more balanced framework. Jack Dempsey is author of the 2012 Michigan Notable Book Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice, published by The History Press. He and his brother Dave co-authored the 2013 Michigan Notable Book Ink Trails: Michigan’s Famous and Forgotten Authors, published by MSU Press. In addition to various legal articles, he is a history book reviewer and author of several articles on Michigan history subjects.Jack is president of the Michigan Historical Commission, former chair of its Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, and past Chairman of the Michigan History Foundation. He is also a past member of the board of the Historical Society of Michigan, a life member of the Plymouth Historical Society, a regular member of the Ann Arbor and Abraham Lincoln Civil War Round Tables, and contributor to the Civil War Trust.

Presented by Big Bob's Outfitters.

Big Fish Bonus, 100% Payout Plus Added Prizes. Friday Ladie's Battle
- Saturday/Sunday Battle at the Betsie

Commemorate the Civil War in America through the music,words, experiences, humor, dance and sports which illuminate the four years of war. Join The Dodworth Band for a musical experience featuring period music, songs and vignettes highlighting mid-19th Century America, Abraham Lincoln,
The North and the South, The Soldier's Life, Women of the Civil War, Base Ball, Dance, The Making of America, Stephen Foster, Temperance and more.

The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is America's Premier 19th Century Brass Band;Committed to Bringing America's Musical Past to Life. The DSB presents a variety of performances which feature nostalgia and virtuosity on 19th century brass instruments.

Give & Get! Give $10 and get a great meal; homemade pasty, coleslaw, beverage & ice cream sundae. You'll also get the knowledge that you are helping the seniors of Benzie County. It's a win-win! Individual pasties available for $5 each.

Commemorate the Civil War in America through the music,words, experiences, humor, dance and sports which illuminate the four years of war. Join The Dodworth Band for a musical experience featuring period music, songs and vignettes highlighting mid-19th Century America, Abraham Lincoln,
The North and the South, The Soldier's Life, Women of the Civil War, Base Ball, Dance, The Making of America, Stephen Foster, Temperance and more.

The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is America's Premier 19th Century Brass Band;Committed to Bringing America's Musical Past to Life. The DSB presents a variety of performances which feature nostalgia and virtuosity on 19th century brass instruments.

By Prof. Mike Nagel
Michigan’s residents were opposed to slavery and supported the union strongly during the Civil War, but not all of the state’s residents were equally united in their support of equal rights or the forced conscription of its male citizens to fight in the war.  West Shore Community College Professor of History, Michael Nagle, will speak about Michigan’s home front during the Civil War and the racial conflict which erupted in the city of Detroit in March 1863.  Detroit was not the only northern city to experience racial violence during the Civil War, but it foreshadowed conflicts which would emerge in the city’s future; particularly during the Second World War and decade of the 1960s.

Almost 100 artists, lunch available, no admission charge. Proceeds go towards scholarships.

Decorative, Whimsical & Wearable Art. 10am– 4pm. at the
Assembly Ball Field, M-22 at Crystal Lake, Frankfort. More than 100 artists participating from all over Michigan and beyond. Jewelry of all kinds, from adornment made with old silverware to those made with semi-precious stones; Decorative art, from pottery wall hangings to oil paintings, watercolors and fine photography of local landscapes; Wooden objects of art – vases, bowls, birdhouses;
Children’s delights – American Girl doll clothes, books and handmade toddler outfits; Handcrafted herbal soaps, paper goods, baskets and furniture; Wearable art and much more.
Food tent with breakfast and lunch, including donuts, pizza, snacks and beverages. Bake sale will offer an array of homemade goodies. The Cottage Treasures sale will take place from 9am to 2pm inside the CSA assembly building adjacent to the ball field where the FAIR will be held, rain or shine Sponsored by the CSA Woman’s Association to raise funds to support local charities and projects to enhance the CSA.

Family friendly atmosphere with lots of great Music, Arts and Crafts, Food and Fun. Various stages accommodating an all Michigan line up with workshops and activities to promote a strong emphasis on encouraging youth and family nvolvement. We are bringing many new talents to the spotlight and promoting local artist aswell. We intend on creating a lasting impression that will keep you and the family exited for the future of Dunesville. Our volunteer staff looks forward to helping us to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.

Benzie Area Historical Museum and Darcy Library of Beulah invite you to join in a discussion about local historian Bruce Catton and his impact on our understanding of the Civil War. We'll be using Mr. Catton's memoir, Waiting for the Morning Train, as a guide, so please stop by Darcy Library this summer to reserve a copy. Catton artifacts, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, will be on display in the library on August 2.

Put your best foot forward! Join us for a beautiful morning walk along the shores of Crystal Lake, enjoy a delicious brunch and help Benzie Home Health Care provide care for Benzie County seniors. Join a team, pledge a walker, donate time or resources. You can make a difference!

We have always known that women played an important role during the Civil War serving as nurses and with the Sanitary Commission and on the home front caring for the family and managing farms and plantations while adult males were off fighting the war.  But more recently historians have identify well over 200 female combat soldiers who served in the Civil War armies.  That documented revelation is a very intriguing story, how they hid their identify yet still experienced all that the men experienced and more.  The other side of this story involves the relationships among soldiers and women in general, members of their beloved families and in the case of Union soldiers, their encounters with Southern women whom they often referenced as “she rebels.” Dr. Anderson is the former president of West Shore Community College, the author of many articles and two books on the Civil War, and chaired Michigan's commemoration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Begins at 10am with the cancer survivors ceremony and celebration lap at Benzonia twp. Park (behind McDonald's).

All cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters are welcome to kick-off this year 's event which will extend until Sunday morning. Family fun, games, food!

Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War with this unique one-man play that is entertaining and educational as it combines literature, drama and history. Jim Ribby has gathered poems by various authors or the era
and recites them to tell the story of the Civil War, from its optimistic opening to its weary conclusion. Wearing a Union uniform, Ribby gives listeners the opportunity to hear language usage of that era and see the war through the eyes
of those who witnessed it.

A dramatic reading of letters exchanged between a husband and wife during the Civil War. Also available for viewing is the Civil War collection of Dave Jackson.

Local author Frank Slaughter speaks about his latest Civil War novel. Echoes of Distant Thunder tells the compelling story of a Michigan artillery soldier and his struggle returning to civilian life after the horrors he experiences the last day of the Battle of Chickamauga. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Frank has spent many enjoyable hours sailing on the Great Lakes and flying over them as a private pilot.  He is a gun corporal in the Battery D first Michigan Light Artillery reenactor group and produces a weekly radio show on Interlochen Public Radio. He and his wife of 27 years Maurine live in the northern Michigan countryside with their three terriers.

The bazaar will include Arts & Crafts and resale items. Lunch will also be available. The church is located at 8190 Lincoln Rd, Beulah, MI 49617.

In 2011, the nation began commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Although no actual battles were fought in Michigan, men—and women—from the state served throughout the war in more than 50 Michigan regiments of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and engineers, as well as in regiments of other states. These Michigan citizens were vital to the Union cause, and President Abraham Lincoln is quoted as exclaiming, “Thank God for Michigan!” when the state’s first troops arrived to serve. During the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, MSU has brought together many of its valuable resources and made them easily available for research and teaching about the Civil War. These can be found at the Civil War sesquicentennial: MSU resources web site. As part of this sesquicentennial commemoration, University Archives & Historical Collections staff are transcribing and digitizing its collections relating to the Civil War. These materials—including hundreds of pages of correspondence, diaries, musters, reminiscences, and photographs—will be made available online for public use. This talk will discuss the content of these letters and diaries; from the personal to the professional, as well as discussing the huge amount of work that goes into the creation of digitization projects such as this one. Benjamin Dettmar holds a B.A. Hons. from the University of Wales and an M.Phil from the University of Glasgow. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in American Studies from Michigan State University where he is also an editorial assistant for the Journal of Popular Culture and a member of staff at the University Archives & Historical Collections.

Commemorate the Civil War in America through the music, words, experiences, humor, dance and sports which illuminate the four years of war. Join The Dodworth Band for a musical experience featuring period music, songs and vignettes highlighting mid-19th Century America, Abraham Lincoln,
The North and the South, The Soldier's Life, Women of the Civil War, Base Ball, Dance, The Making of America, Stephen Foster, Temperance and more. The Dodworth Saxhorn Band is America's Premier 19th Century Brass Band; Committed to Bringing America's Musical Past to Life. The DSB presents a variety of performances which feature nostalgia and virtuosity on 19th century brass instruments.