September and October bring exciting months of festivals and craft fairs in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Whether you’re looking for food, family fun or fine art, these festivals have something everyone will enjoy.
Nothing says “Fall” like apple cider. Although many of Michigan’s orchards were hit hard by spring frosts that destroyed much of the crop, Leaman’s Green Applebarn in Freeland will have apples and cider to enjoy. The Apple Country Craft Show, held September 8-9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. features over 50 crafters; only handmade items are allowed. Kids will love hayrides, pedal tractor race track, the Apple Barrel Express and playing in the vineyard maze. Visit www.greenapplebarn.com for full details.
For a festival of legendary proportions, visit Ocsoda’s 19th Annual Paul Bunyan Festival September 15-16. Enjoy a classic car and motorcycle show, Timberjack show and craft show. Play Paul Bunyan themed games such as axe-throwing, pole climbing and relay races. Watch in amazement as chainsaw carvers from across the nation turn ordinary logs into works of art. Click www.oscodachamber.com for more information.
Visit Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, September 20-21 for a weekend full of German-themed fun during Oktoberfest. The only city outside of Munich, Germany to have an officially sanctioned celebration, Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest is as authentic as it gets outside of Germany. Learn how to polka and eat authentic fare. Join revelers in the German beer hall and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Frankenmuth. See http://www.frankenmuthfestivals.com for more details.
Pumpkins take center stage at the Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival, held in downtown Caro, October 3-7. Craft shows are featured Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, look forward to the car show, horse-drawn carriage rides in the afternoon and fireworks at dusk. Enjoy homemade pumpkin pie while taking in the sights of pumpkins painted and decorated by area schools. Stay for the Grand Parade starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. See www.tuscolapumpkinfest.com for details.
If you prefer doughnuts over pies, check out the Clare Fall Doughnut Festival, October 19-20. The third annual festival held in Clare, MI, has plenty for the whole family. Activities include a lock-up, arts and crafts bazaar, pumpkin carving, live music, chili cook-off, doughnut eating contest and much more. Top off your visit to this delicious festival by the joining in the fun at Main Street Spook-Tacular and Fall Doughnut Festival Parade on Saturday. Costumes are encouraged for all. For additional information, click www.claremichigan.com.
