*Summer Events for 2012*

Visit our Calendar for more events and details. 

Summer Weekly Repeats for 2012

4th-Friday-of-the-Month Gallery Stroll

May-Sept at 6pm-9pm

Enjoy an evening of Art as you stroll through downtown Pentwater.  Pick up your stroll guide from one of our several downtown galleries.

Pickin’ in Pentwater

June – Aug

Tuesdays at 7pm

On the Village Green

Musicians and music lovers are invited to a relaxing evening on Pentwater’s beautiful Village Green listening to local musicians.  Show off your musical talent or just lie back and enjoy the view of Pentwater Lake and Channel as you listen to local musicians “Pick’n the Park”.  Bring lawn chairs or a blanket every Tuesday evening all summer long on the Village Green.

Contact DeeDee Nelson at (231)869-4095.

Pentwater Farmer’s Market

June 4th – Sept 6th

Mondays and Thursdays

At 10am-2pm

On the Village Green

The best of our local farmers have to offer all you want in one place!  From fruits and vegetables to baked goods & preserves, fresh cut flowers and more. Come take a look, we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll love.  Join us at the Pentwater Farmers’ Market on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm June through September 6^th on the Village Green in Downtown Pentwater.  Rain or Shine.

Farmer registration forms are available as a downloadable at www.Pentwater.org

COVE Women's Benefit Scramble

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

Location: 2501 N. Wilson Road, Mears,Michigan

Help COVE drive out domestic violence by playing in the COVE Women’s Benefit Golf Scramble to be held on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Golden Sands Golf Course in Mears, Michigan.  Enjoy playing a 9-hole two-person scramble with breakfast and lunch provided and prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and last place teams. For only $40 you can enjoy golf and raise money for COVE.

To register contact Lynne Cavazos at (231) 869-5939 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Make your reservation by June 20th to ensure your place in this exciting golfing event.

Proceeds go to support Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (C.O.V.E.) – a non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and women and children who are homeless.

Civic Band Concerts – 65 Year Tradition

June 23 – August 30

Thursdays at 8pm

Bring your blankets, chairs, families, and friends every Thursday starting June 23 through August on the Pentwater Village Green at 8pm.  Sit, relax, and enjoy the music as the band plays marches, show tunes, old-time favorites, patriotic marches and melodies.  Each concert is closed with Good Night Ladies.

If you play an instrument and read music, bring your instrument along and you can join the band.  Band musicians are local residents and visitors.  Therefore, arrive a few minutes early to be given music.  Music selected based on who arrives prior to the concert starting.  Band size varies along with the selection played.

 7th Annual Fusion Fashion Show

June 29 at 8pm

On the Village Green

Join us for a celebration of Fashion.  Craze, contemporary women’s boutique of Pentwater, is proud to present the sixth annual “Fusion Fashion Show.” In the Village Green.  The show will feature fresh new clothing and styling ideas for Summer 2012.

Fusion Fashion Show is scheduled for Friday, June 29 at 8pm.  The event is free to attend and provided seating is limited.

For more information please contact Laura Nugent at Craze: 231.869.2200 or 1.231.907.0515

July 2012

Hart Sparks

July 2 at Dusk

Fireworks over Hart Lake will start at dusk, Music, Dining, and more!

Marine VFW Pancake Breakfast

July 3 at 8am-6pm

 Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast at the Pentwater VFW Hall with proceeds going to Marines Helping Marines.  We’ll be serving Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Bacon, Fruit, and Coffee.  All you can eat!  Costs: Adults: $7.00, Children (5-12): $3.00, and Children under 5: Free.

The Miller Scholarship Pie Contest

Sunday, July 3 at 8am to 6pm+

8:00am to 10am - Pie Registration

3pm – Pie Auction

Location: Village Green, 321 S. Hancock Street, Pentwater, MI

Anyone is welcome to enter!

You’re invited to a very special, fun filled day in Pentwater.  On Sunday, July 3^rd the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce, Pentwater’s Own House of Flavors and Cosmic Candy Company will be hosting the 12^th Annual Pie Contest and Auction on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.  Once again, 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit kids heading to college with $500 scholarships!  Thirty-four (34) scholarships were given to College Students in 2011 with over 200 pies entered in the contest or donated for eating.  It’s a great way to make a huge difference in helping educating our young men and women.

Enter Scholarship Drawing:  You may enter one college student’s name into the drawing.  Scholarships are open to any student who will be attending college during the 2011/2012 school year. 

• One Scholarship entry for each pie baked.
• One Scholarship entry for each pie purchased in the auction.
• One Scholarship entry for every $50 spent for on each pie purchased in the auction.

Scholarship Drawing: July 4 at noon on the Village Green

Enjoy the Venues:

Pie Contest - Enter your pie between 8-10am at the band shell on the Village Green. 

Raffle Table: Items provided my local merchants and tickets on sale from 10am to end of Auction.  Raffle tickets drawn immediately after Pie Auction

Village Green Children’s Activities from 11to 3pm

Lemonade Stand 11-4pm

Hot Dog Stand: 11-4pm

Buy-a-slice of pie between 11am-4pm. 

Pie Judging will be between 11am-2pm.

All-age-crazy pie eating contest at 2 pm.

Pie Contest Auction starts at 3pm

Fantastic Fireworks will cap the day just after dark at Charles Mears State Park. 

Venue donations counted after the Pie Auction 

Pie Contest Scholarship Drawing takes place in Chamber Office.

More venues may be added as the year progresses

Please thank our Activity, Red, White and Blue Sponsors cover expenses of the event.

We are accepting Sponsors until 8am on Wednesday, June 15, 2012.  Please contact John Nagel or the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce. 

Activity Sponsor - $250: name on banner, event links, mention in print ads, Radio Ad, Your Sign at Activity

Red - $150:  name on banner, event links, mention in print ads, Radio Ad

White - $125: name on banner, event links

Blue - $75 ­: name on banner

Sponsors from 2011

Activity Sponsors

The Brown Bear

Cosmic Candy Company – The Home of Pentwater Popcorn

Gale’s Agency and Shelby State Bank

Hamlin Grocery

Huntington Bank

Red Sponsor:

The Antler Bar

Courtland Carriage House B&B

Lake Michigan Camp

Pentwater Chamber of Commerce

Silver Hills Antiques at Gustafson’s

The Village Café and Pub

West Michigan Restoration

White Sponsors:

Fresh Graphic Design

Ludington Beverage

www.hipsylake.com (Arts on You)

Blue Sponsors:

Amy LaBarge & Ron Beeber, Beckman Brothers, Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate, Driftwood Golf Course, and Pet Hollywood

“In Kind” sponsors provide time, material, and services to assist with cover expenses of the event.  Please thank these sponsors who make this event a success for a great cause.

Fireworks in Pentwater

July 3 at Dusk

Location:  Charles Mears State Park, 400 W. Lowell Street, Pentwater, MI

Pentwater Fireworks will be on Sunday, July 3rd over Lake Michigan off of the Pentwater pier.  Watch them from Charles Mears State Park, the Pentwater pier or from your boat in Lake Michigan.  Bring your lawn chair, beach blankets, friends and family.

The July 3^rd and Homecoming fireworks are made available for all to enjoy through donations from local businesses, friends and families who love Pentwater and fireworks.  Please look for donation cans within local businesses or contact the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce, Board Members or Jeff Hodges at Village Cafe.  Thank you for your support!  I know they are enjoyed by all that attend.

Fireworks in Silver Lake

July 4 at Dusk

Fireworks over Silver Lake.

Location: Silver Lake, Mears, Michigan

Watch the Fireworks over Silver Lake.  Bring your chairs, blankets, dune buggy, family and friends.  There are several spots around the lake to watch the celebration!

Coordinated by Silver Pointe General Store.  For more details call: 231-873-0873

Fireworks in Ludington

July 4^th at Dusk

The annual Freedom Festival Fireworks will shoot through the sky at dusk on July 4th over Lake Michigan! Grab your family and friends and head to the beach to cap-off Independence Day with a bang!  Watch from Stearns Park, the west end of Ludington Avenue, with over 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline.

St. Joseph’s Weare Ox Roast Dinner & Festival

Sunday, July 8 at 11:30am to 4pm

Location: 2349 W. Jackson Road, Hart (Air-conditioned Hall)

Come enjoy a buffet style dinner with Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Baked Beans, Asparagus, Cole Slaw & Pie with Ice Cream.  There will be Games, Bingo, Raffles, Silent Auction, Photo Booth, Baked goods, Crafts, Live Music, Classic Cars, Motorcycles, beverages.  Something for everyone!  

Boating Safety Course

July 12 & 13 8am to Noon

All classes are located at the Pentwater Yacht Club

To register or need more information call Dan VanZile at 231-869-4539 or Deputy Tim Simmon at 231-873-6771

48th Annual Fine Arts Fair

July 14 at 9am-6pm

On the Village Green, hosted by the Pentwater Junior Women’s Club.

Each year the Pentwater Junior Women’s Club has a juried Fine, Art and Craft Fair. We have artists from all over the country.  The event is on the beautiful Village Green in Pentwater, Michigan.  The only food vendor is the Pentwater Service Club, a local group that supports our area through donations and services.

We are accepting applications and have a history of a wait list, so complete and turn in your applications soon for Summer 2012 Fair.  For more information, go to: www.PentwaterJuniorWomensClub.com or e-mail us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sandwich Luncheon

July 14^th at 11am-2pm

Location: Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 S. Hancock Street, Pentwater,MI

The women of the United Methodist Church will hold a Soup and Sandwich Luncheon from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, July 9^th in the Pentwater United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall featuring home-made soups, sandwiches and pies.  There will also be “white elephant” sale table.  The church is located on the corner of Hancock and First Street, across from the Post Office.

Pentwater Ladies' Classic Tournament

July 14

Weigh-in at 1:00pm

Location: Village Marina Pavilion

Cost: $10.00 per boat

This Pentwater Sportfishing Association event is open to the public and will be held this year on July 14.  Entry fee of $10.00 per boat gets the gals in charge of handling fish on the rods and netting the fish.  The entire crew can drive the boat, rig, and change lures.  Weigh - in is at the Village Marina Pavilion at 1:00 p.m.   

Prizes are 1st place - Big Fish, 2nd place - Most Fish, and third place is Mystery Weight.  Mystery weight is a random weight determined before weigh-in.   There are also categories of biggest Salmon, Coho, Lake Trout, Brown Trout and Steelhead.  Fish weighed in are eligible for the PSA Big Fish awards held at year end for PSA members.  

Each boat can win only one prize and each boat will win a prize.  Many prizes are donated from local merchants and are provided for the lady anglers.  This is a very fun event and the only time the gals start those engines up before dawn willingly.

Pentwater Garden Walk & Blooming Art

July 21 at 1-5pm

Enjoy our gardens and lovely art work created.

The Garden Club of Pentwater and The Pentwater Arts Council present their third annual Garden Walk/Blooming Arts on Saturday, July 21st, 2012 from 1-5 p.m.  Artists will be painting/doing artistic work at each of the gardens as well as on the Village Green that afternoon.  From approximately 5-6:30 p.m. the artist's work will be available for purchase at a silent auction on the Village Green.  Come and enjoy an afternoon in the gardens and stay to see the lovely work that was created.

Tickets will be available at the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce office, as well from Garden Club members in early July and at the top of the hill at the Village Green the day of the walk.

Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12.  For more information, please contact Elaine Curtis, Garden Club President at 869-8221.

Mear Art Fair

July 21st in downtown Mears

For more details call 231-873-4413

16^th Annual Back from the Mac Party

Friday, July 27^th 5:00pm to midnight

Location: Pentwater Yacht Club, 205 Dover Street, Pentwater, MI

Open to the Public. Pentwater Yacht Club invites you to join us to welcome the boats that competed in Chicago to Mackinac race earlier that week. In 2011, 38 sailboats joined the party. Cost is $15.00 per person for dinner/music package that includes both buffet dinner (big roast, brats, grilled corn on the cob, salad bar, and dessert for 5 to 9pm and music by Mid-Life Crisis from 8pm to midnight. Music only cove charge is $5 beginning at 8pm. Cash bar (21yrs and over) from 5pm to midnight.

Limited Edition 2012 Back from the Mac t-shirts are $15 each. It features an original design unveiled by Pentwater Yacht Club on the day of event.

For details information, contact Pentwater Yacht Club 231-869-8921

Whitey Wegner Memorial Take a Kid Fishing Day

Saturday, July 28

22^nd Annual Pentwater Sportfishing Association Take-a-Kid Fishing Day

Contacts: Pentwater Sportfishing Association--231-425-7866 or Joy Hamilton, MSU Extension Office--231-873-2129

This year will mark the 22^nd Annual Pentwater Sportfishing Association Take-a-Kid Fishing Day in honor of Whitey Wegner, who started the event in 1990. This year's event will take place on Saturday, July 28.  To register for the event, children must be between the ages of 10-16 years old and must register with Joy Hamilton of the MSU Extension Office in Hart, Michigan.

On the day of the event, the group will meet in Hart at the MSU Extension office to board a bus, and the bus will transport the kids to Pentwater Municipal Marina.

Ken Wegner, of the Pentwater Sportfishing Association, will meet the group there

and match the kids up with the captains who will take them out fishing. They will be back in port by noon to weigh in fish and get pictures taken. From there, they will reboard the bus, which will take them to the Oceana Eagle's Club for an afternoon picnic.  Prizes will be awarded at the picnic, and everyone will have fish to take home.

Pentwater Township Library – 50th Annual Used Book Sale

Saturday, July 28 at 9am-2pm

At Pentwater Friendship Center (Adjacent to the Pentwater Township Library on Rush Street)

Attend our 50^th Annual used books sale.  There is something for everyone!  Books for children to adults, videos and audio books.  Proceeds go towards the Pentwater Township library general funds.  On average the event raises around $1500 for our library.

3rd Annual Antique and Appraisal Fair

July 28 at 9am-6pm

Location: Village Green, 321 S. Hancock Street, Pentwater, MI

Come join the 3rd Annual Pentwater Antique and Appraisal Fair on Saturday, July 28^th.  Sponsored by Silver Hills Antiques and the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce.

We will have many dealers from West Michigan and professional appraiser from Muskegon West Michigan Liquidators will be on site.  In addition there will be music, and food within the area.  Hours will be 9:00 am to 6:00 pm rain or shine.  Antique appraisals will be $5.00 an item to cover the costs of the event.

If you would like to be part of this event as a dealer or volunteer, please contact the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce at 231-869-4150, or Silver Hills Antiques at 231-869-5026.

Take It To Hart

July 28 at 10 am to 3pm

Hart Hometown Festival and Car Show

For more details call: 231-873-4413

August 2012

Annual Chicken Dinner

Aug 5 at Noon

Location: St. James Episcopal Annual Chicken Dinner is Sunday. 

We start serving dinner at 12:00 noon.

Contact Ruth Bailey at 231-869-8031 for more information.

2nd Annual Pig Roast

August 6^th at 6pm

Tickets are available at: Pentwater Friendship Center

Come to our Second Annual Pig Roast at the Pentwater Friendship Center on August 6th at 6 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the center Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 2 pm. There will be entertainment : Al Mahan  Door prizes and 50/50 drawing.  The menu is Roasted Pig, corn on the cob. potato salad. tomatoes, baked beans, dinner rolls, red raspberry & blackberry pie, watermelon. Drinks of refreshing lemonade & iced tea.

Boating Safety Course

August 12 and 13 (Monday and Tuesday prior to Pentwater Homecoming)

Homecoming Celebration Events

August 9-12

Les Bailey Memorial Band Concert

August 9 at 7pm

On the Village Green

Teen Dance

August 9 at 9pm-12am

There will be music and dancing for teens behind The Village Café under the tent.  This event is sponsored by The Village Café and Pub.  The entry fee is $5.00 per person.

Sand Sculpture Contest

Aug 10 at 8am

In Charles Mears State Park.  Open for all ages! Our theme is Year Round Fun!

Story Telling by Storybook Village

August 11 at 1 PM

Location: Village Green, 321 S. Hancock Street, Pentwater, MI

Mason/Oceana County MSU Alumni Golf Scramble

August 11 at 9am

Location: Oceana Golf Course

To participate, contact Marc Ingis at 231-861-4211 

Ray Spychal Invitational Softball Tournament

August 10 at 6pm

August 11 at 9am

August 12 at 10am-3pm

Location: Pentwater High School

Register your softball team in our tournament by contacting Dugan Hartsuiker at 231-869-5711

Horseshoe Tournaments

August 11 registration starts at 9am with tournaments starting at 10am

Location: The Art Ardrey Memorial horseshoe pits by the Fire Barn on Park Street

All ages may participate in the horseshoe tournaments. There have been as many as 21 teams.  Contact Dennis Veine at 231-869-4169 if you need more information.

Sponsored by: Direct Advertising

Birds of Prey – Live Exhibit

August 11 at 10am-2pm

Location: Village Green, 321 S. Hancock Street, Pentwater, MI

Come view hawks, owls, and falcons in a live exhibit on our Village Green from 10am to 2pm.  Presenter is Jamie Krupka, Program Director with Outdoor Discovery Center of Wildlife Unlimited out of Holland, Michigan.  Hosts: Air Fun Kites & Pentwater Toybox

PYC Ensign Race

August 11 at 11am

Pentwater Yacht Club Ensign Race will be held (if weather is permitting).

Dunk Tank at Pentwater Dari-Creme

August 11 at 11am to 7pm

Come dunk Pentwater Dari-Creme staff.  Cost is $1 a ball.

MSU Pre-season Tailgate Party

August 11 at 12pm - 8pm

Location: The Village Café and Pub

Cost: Donation at the door

Public welcome! Many MSU Alumni, administrators, coaches, and staff will be present along with MSU “Sparty”, Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Zeke the Wonderdog, “Strolling Spartans”, and a special appearance of the Scottville Clown Band. 

Activities include: Speeches, Live Music, Scottville Clown Band, Spartan Fun, Adult Beverages, food and more.

The event is co-sponsored by the MSU Alumni Club of Oceana and Mason County, and The Village Café and Pub.

A list of specific events will be released again after August 6^th.

Homecoming Grand Parade Registration

Saturday, August 11

Registration 2pm – 3:30pm

4pm Start Time

Registration Fee: $5.00 per entry (Non-profit registration fee waived)

Theme: Maritime Magic

Grand Marshal is TBD, Citizen of the Year.

Pre-Registration is highly encouraged.  Day of Parade registration is in front of the Pentwater High School.  Line-up will be based on registration date/time and entry type.

Parade rules are on the entry form.

Homecoming Grand Parade

Aug 11 at 4pm

Over 100 entry parade with floats and bands.  Plaque given to best float based on our theme - Year Round Fun.

Scottville Clown Band Mini Concert

August 11 at 5pm

Location: Behind the Village Pub

After the Parade the Scottville Clown Band will hold a Mini Concert behind the Village Pub. 

Homecoming Fireworks

Aug 11 at Dusk

Fireworks over Lake Michigan and Pentwater Pier, in Charles Mears State Park.

Marine Corps League Pancake Breakfast

Aug 12 at 8am-Noon

At VFW Hall, all you can eat.  Proceeds go to Marines helping Marines.

Shake, Wag, ‘n Roll - New!

Aug 18 & 19

On Village Green. Bring your dog, cat, you, and the rest of your family and friends! Run/Walk, Fair, Pet Contests, Blessings, Trial, Show and more.

Pleasant Afternoon Celebration

August 18 at 1-4pm

In Mears

Celebrating Historical Park & Museum in Mears.   

Host: Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society.

24^th Annual Hospice of Michigan Fish Fry/Boil

August 18, 2012 1:00pm to 7:00pm

Location: Ludington Boat Club

Join us for our annual fish fry/boil benefiting Hospice of Michigan.  Last year over 200 pounds of fish was fried or boiled for the event.  According to Jean Taylor of Hospice, the event raised nearly $21,000, which was a record for Hospice of Michigan.  They served 1,087 people meals and the auction netted more than $8,000.

Contact Jean Taylor for more information 231-845-3422

Merchant’s Sidewalk Sales

August 24, 25, 26

Pentwater Village merchants will have their annual sidewalk sale.  Bring your family and enjoy the sales.

141^st Annual Oceana County Fair

August 22-25

Location: Hart, Michigan at the Oceana County Fair Grounds

Gate Admission: Adults - $2.00, Children – $1.00, Under 5 free

Hours: 9am-11pm

Come enjoy the 140^th Annual Oceana County Fair Days.  Watch newspaper for other announcements and attractions.

For more details call: 231-873-2247

16^th Annual Wooden Boat Show

August 25 at 11am

The Pentwater Yacht Club will hold its 16^th Annual Wooden Boat Show on Pentwater Lake.

The show is open to the public and a buffet lunch will be available from noon to 2 p.m.  Boat exhibitor registration forms are available on the PYC website.

Dozens of beautifully built wood boats, vintage and new; powerboats, including Chris Craft, Century and Lyman, will be on display from 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

The public may cast their vote for a People’s Choice Award, which will be presented along with Best Century and Best in Show awards at 3 p.m.  At approximately 3:30 p.m., boat owners will form a boat parade touring Pentwater Lake followed by the Commodore’s review at 4 p.m.

Vintage boat parts and collectibles will be on sale, as well as souvenir show t-shirts.

For more information: www.pentwateryachtclub.com or Phone: (231) 869-8921

September 2012

Hart Hertiage Days

Sept 1-2

At Hart Historic District

Enjoy the weekend activities in the Historic District where buildings from the past have been moved and restored for all to view.

For more details call: 231-873-2488

17^th Annual “Honoring Our Elders”

Sept 1-2

Traditional Pow-Wow

At Oceana County Fair Grounds

Come to a traditional Native American Festival Pow-Wow at the Oceana Country Fair Grounds.  There will be traders, dancers, and food.

Marine Corps League Pancake Breakfast

Sept 2 at 8am-Noon

Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast at the Pentwater VFW Hall with proceeds going to Marines Helping Marines.  We’ll be serving Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Bacon, Fruit, and Coffee.  All you can eat!  Costs: Adults: $7.00, Children (5-12): $3.00, and Children under 5: Free.

 5th Annual Bridge Walk & 5K Run

Sept 3 at 9am

In Hart and it starts in Hart Historic District