Michigan Journal

Issue date: 4/3/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Courtesy michigan.org Michigan's Tulip Festival is a highly anticipated event that draws thousands into the Holland area.

With Michigan's notorious winter winding down, as the days grow longer and warmer, the arrival of summer, with all of its freedoms and possibilities, is a welcome change. But we all know the summer around here is fleeting. Making the most of the time we have - including finding ways to enjoy the current spring/winter hybrid season - is what every Michigander knows all too well.



Fruits, flowers and more

Springtime festivals celebrating nature are abundant throughout all of Michigan. Most famous is the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan. The one-week event, from May 5-12 celebrates Dutch heritage with unique presentations of dance, theater and art. There are Trolly Tours and parades highlighting the festival's main attraction, the millions of tulips that are grown from across the world.

Another tribute to the rebirth of springtime is the Blossomtime Festival, taking place April 29 to May 6 in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area. The event encompasses 24 communities in southwest Michigan who all participate in the nationally-televised Grand Floral Parade, held on the first Saturday in May when all of the fruit trees are in bloom. The festival kicks off with the Blessing of the Blossoms, the opening ceremony held in an orchard. It is Michigan's oldest and largest multi-community festival. For more information call (269) 926-7397.



Arts, literature and music

The Birmingham Fine Arts Festival features 250 North American artists showcasing works in various media including ceramics, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, painting and photography. The event takes place May 12 and13 in Chene Park, and is free. For more information call (248) 644-0866 or visit www.bartcenter.org.

Another festival featuring national artists is Fine Art at the Village of Rochester Hills. The corner of Adams and Walton is the starting point of the outdoor art gallery, taking place May 22 and 23. The admission is free, as is the parking and strolling entertainment. For more information call 248-689-8734.

While art festivals are a summer staple, a nice alternative is a literary festival. The fourth annual Ann Arbor Book Festival features meetings with various authors, panel discussions and readings, book signings and sales. There are events for all ages, with emphasis on children's literature. The event takes place May 17 to 20. For more information, call (734) 369-3366 or visit www.aabookfestival.org.

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