The last weekend of August 2022 found the Rollin’ On the River and Good Times at the Gazebo presenting their final Summer 2022 concerts. The Fire Department offered breakfast to hundreds while musicians offered music to shoppers at Village Market. The visual arts held activities across the city, and the Allegan Antiques Market reminds everyone that there is only one more show for this season.
Riverfront Zip Line
Throughout the weekend, the Allegan Event’s Zip Line was busy with customers taking advantage of the BOGO special. The specials have ended, but it should be noted that Labor Day will be the last day the Zip Line will operate on the Riverfront. The towers will be dismantled and the Line will become part of a new outdoor attraction added to the Allegan Event complex on River Street. The Zip Line will be missed, but many are wondering how it will be utilized in the future.
Happy Hour Networking
The weekend for local businesses began with an Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce networking event at the Regent Arcade hosted by Matt Adams and Erin Dewey. Business owners and organization representatives spent an enjoyable late afternoon/early evening making connections with local leaders and checking in with friends.
As summed up by Library Director Pam Armstrong, “It was fantastic. I was able to make connections with people from businesses and organizations who I had never met. Matt and Erin were fantastic hosts.”
Art on the Riverfront
Friday evening, August 26, 2022, at 5pm, a variety of artists gathered on the Allegan Riverfront and enjoyed capturing pictures on canvass. The event led into Rollin’ on the River and was open to anyone who wished to try their hand at the Arts. Paulette Carr brought extra materials should anyone want to just drop by and try.
Rollin’ on the River
At 7pm, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish offered the audience Rock N’ Roll Blues. Some in attendance just sat back and enjoyed the music while others sang along or even danced to familiar tunes. The duo capped off the summer seasons of Rollin’ on the River that will return in the summer of 2023.
Allegan Fire Department Community Breakfast
Saturday morning began at the Allegan Fire Department with a fabulous breakfast. The firefighters treated area residents and visitors to a fare of pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage and beverages. This was the department’s 6th annual breakfast, and Fire Chief Nick Brink felt that they served a record number of meals.
Assistant Chief Derek Pullen reviewed how the Allegan Fire District has used the contributions to purchase large training equipment like the inflatable smokehouse and trailer. These facilitate taking educational programs to schools and community events. The fire departments across Allegan County share their resources, which expands programming for children and their families.
Folklife Music Festival Pop-up Fundraiser
Throughout Saturday morning, shoppers at Village Market could enjoy the music of local musicians. The Allegan Chapter of K’Zoo Folklife is gearing up for their first Folklife Music Festival. The gathering will offer workshops and concerts at Allegan High School. In order to bring in high quality musicians and instructors, Folklife will sponsor a number of fundraisers throughout the fall.
Art in the Garden
On the outskirts of Allegan, Art in the Garden at Brave Art Studio and Gallery highlighted the work of local artists. In addition to offering paintings, photographs, sculptures and other items for sale, demonstrations were given which enabled participants to watch Silk Scarf Dyeing with Salt, dabble in photography and marvel at hydro-dipping.
The next Art in the Garden will be at Brave Art Studio on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
Allegan Rotary Chicken Dinner Fundraiser
The Allegan Rotary Club offered a simple solution for dinner on Saturday, August 27th. Jim Hoyt of Hoyt’s Barbeque Specialties from Zeeland turned 200 chicken halves into the main dish of the Rotary’s fundraiser. Customers lined up to obtain a ¼ or ½ chicken dinner or called in for drive up delivery. Many enjoyed their leisurely dinner with family and friends as preparations were made for the Good Times at the Gazebo concert. The Rotary uses the funds to support events like Good Times at the Gazebo, Wings Home and scholarships for local youth. This year’s fundraiser garnered $2500.
Good Times at the Gazebo
Good Times at the Gazebo featured a Celtic vibe in the music of The Founding during the Allegan Chapter K’zoo Folklife Organization’s final concert of the summer. Hundreds of audience members enjoyed the balance of tradition and innovation through the use of a wide variety of instrumentation and vocals.
Organizer Leah Ward shared that even though the previous two concerts were weathered out, both the Calawbogie Road Bluegrass Band and Natchez Trace with oldies and classic rock will be featured during the winter series offered at the First Presbyterian Church.
Allegan Antiques Market
The weekend offerings continued into Sunday as antique vendors and thousands of customers invaded the Allegan County Fairgrounds for the August rendition of the Allegan Antiques Market. There will be only one more opportunity to take advantage of this amazing gathering on Sunday, September 24, 2022.
Robinson Manor Artisan Market
For those wishing something a bit less daunting than the Antiques Market on Sunday, Robinson Manor hosted the Artisan Market. Artists and crafters delighted customers with a variety of treasures. The highlight of the day may have been the donation of historic pictures that will hang on the Manor’s walls.
