MAY 1  OPENING DAY OF THE GRAND ROGUE 2008 CAMPING SEASON.  WELCOME BACK!!!

 

MAY 2 - 4  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS QUAD CITY @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.

 

MAY 3 & 4  BONSAI SHOW AT THE MEIJER GARDENS!  Six Michigan Bonsai Clubs will gather to display some of the finest specimens from their collections.  Featuring exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and sales of the bonsai.

 

MAY 5 - 7  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS KANE COUNTY @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE. 

 

MAY  9 - 11   GRAND ROGUE WELCOME BACK WEEKEND/MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL!  Our always popular Picnic Table Shuffle, FREE French Toast Breakfast to honor our Moms and to kick off the new camping season.  And our Mary Kay friend Mo’ will treat Moms and Daughters to a FREE no obligation “FOREVER YOUNG” facial and girls fun gathering.

 

MAY 9 & 10  MEIJER GARDENS ANNUAL PERENNIAL PLANT SALE!  This spectacular sale includes over a thousand varieties of specialty, hard to find and new variety perennials as well as annuals that you can be the first to purchase.  Master Gardeners from MSU Extension Services will also be on hand to answer questions.

 

MAY 10 - 11  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS LANSING @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.

 

MAY 10   FIFTH THIRD RIVER BANK RUN!  The 25K National Championship Road Race.  Downtown Grand Rapids hosts 10,000 runners from around the world in several different events.  Can anyone beat the Kenyan’s? 

 

MAY 11   THE POLICE @ THE VAN ANDEL!  With special guest ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS.

 

MAY 15 - 18  GRAND ROGUE WELCOMES “BUSES BY THE BEACH!”   Grand Rogue hosts --NOW A THREE DAY EVENT --this gathering of VW BUS ENTHUSIASTS in conjunction with the ANNUAL BURN SURVIVORS BENEFIT CAR SHOW for the benefit of THE PHOENIX SOCIETY FOR BURN SURVIVORS.  We will be expecting upwards of seventy of these classic camper buses of various vintages and styles from throughout the Midwest and Canada.  GRAND ROGUE WILL BE DONATING A PORTION OF THIS WEEKEND’S CAMP FEES TO THE PHOENIX SOCIETY.

 

MAY 16 & 17  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS LANSING @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

MAY 19  FULL MOON!   The FLOWER Moon   In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.  FA = FARMERS ALMANAC

 

MAY 21 & 22   KENNY CHESNEY’S “POETS & PIRATES SUMMER TOUR 2008!” With special guest LE ANN RIMES.  The Hottest Country, in the Country @ the VAN ANDEL.

 

MAY 21 - 31 SPRING PARADE OF HOMES!  Nearly 200 homes are annually on tour, highlighting new construction trends, design ideas and tips for your home projects.

 

MAY 23 - 26  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS DAYTON @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

MAY 23 - 26   MEMORIAL WEEKEND!  Hello Summer Camping Fun!  Make your Reservations Early.  Get a start on that summer tan and listen to the 500 Race. FEATURING:  FREE TOUR TRAIN RIDES - PADDLESPORT SPECIALS - FREE FAMILY BINGO - BAR-BE-CUED RIBS - HOT FUDGE BROWNIES - CHAIR MASSAGES

 

GRAND ROGUE CAMPGROUNDS  TENTATIVE

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2008

SATURDAY    9:30 AM--KIDS (OF ALL AGES)  ACTIVITIES ON THE PAVILION

SMALL CHARGE FOR MATERIALS BUT IT WILL BE A GREAT VALUE

 

11:AM--CANOE TRIP SPECIAL  $26.00 PER CANOE FOR TWO HOUR TRIP--RESERVE EARLY

 

NOON--KAYAK TRIPS    A GREAT NEW ADVENTURE

BEAUTIFUL 2 HOUR TRIPS ON THE ROGUE RIVER $18.00

 

1-5 PM --CHAIR MASSAGES     OUR GOOD FRIEND  & LICENSED MASSUSE STEPHANIE

 WILL PUT YOU AT EASESIGN UP IN THE OFFICE  

10 MINUTES -- $12.00   20 MINUTES -- $24.00

 

6 PM--DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR RIBS SO WE KNOW HOW MUCH TO PUT ON THE GRILL

FOR TOMORROW   (SEE 1 PM SUNDAY)

 

6:30 PM--FREE FAMILY BINGO ON THE PAVILION  FOLLOWED BY THE TRAIN RIDE

FOLLOWED BY OUR SATURDAY NIGHT $2.00  ICE CREAM SOCIAL..

 

SUNDAY   10 AM—MAKE & TAKE ADULT WORKSHOP  WITH  “THE SECRET INGREDIENT’S,” JEANNE HAWKINS.  MAKE 3 LAVENDER ITEMS TO SOOTH AND RELAX W/JEANNE.  ENJOY LEARNING THESE GREAT CRAFTS WHILE SIPPING REFRESHING BEVERAGES AND MUNCHING ON LAVENDER COOKIES.  PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE OFFICE FOR THIS 2 HOUR WORKSHOP. 

COST IS $5.00 PER PERSON.

 

11 AM--CANOE TRIP SPECIAL  $26.00 PER CANOE FOR TWO HOUR TRIP--RESERVE EARLY

 

NOON--KAYAK TRIPS -A GREAT NEW ADVENTURE

BEAUTIFUL 2 HOUR TRIPS ON THE ROGUE RIVER $18.00

 

1 PM--FAMOUS RED ROCK GRILL RIBS AVAILABLE FOR $6.75 PER SLAB. 

SOME OF THE TENDERIST, BEST TASTING RIBS YOU WILL EVER TRY.   

FINISHED ON THE PIT RIGHT HERE AT THE PARK.   

SIGN UP BY 6 PM SATURDAY IN THE OFFICE SO THAT WE KNOW HOW MUCH

TO PUT ON THE BARBIE

 

7:30 PM--TOUR TRAIN RIDES

 

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL--ABSOLUTELY NO FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED

INCLUDING SPARKLERS

 

 

MAY 28 - 31  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS SOUTH BEND @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

MAY 30   TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS AT THE VAN ANDEL!   Multi-grammy nominated and Rock and Roll Inductee Tom Petty kicks off his summer tour with superstar special guest, STEVE WINWOOD.

 

MAY 31   BILL GAITHER & HOMECOMING FRIENDS “GIVE IT AWAY TOUR 2008” @ VAN ANDEL ARENA!  Gospel music favorite Bill Gaither and his Homecoming Friends invite you to 'Throw Your Heart Wide Open' at the 'Homecoming Give It Away Tour 2008.' Singers, musicians and comedians currently scheduled to join Bill Gaither include the Gaither Vocal Band; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Linda Randle; Ivan Parker; Gordon Mote; Janet Paschal; & Kevin Williams.

 

JUNE 4   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2008 BEGINS WITH CAKE! Audiences always join in on the choruses of a variety of original tunes and cover songs by this popular band’s quirky blend of funk, soul, pop, jazz and alternative rock.  Listen for tuneful guitar bursts, mariachi-derived trumpet and funky rhythms.

 

JUNE 6 -8  GRAND RAPIDS ARTS FESTIVAL!  The largest annual festival on the downtown streets with local entertainment, ethnic foods, crafts & arts competition and sales. THE AREA'S LARGEST FESTIVAL.

 

JUNE 7  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JUNE 7 & 8   FREE FISHING WEEKEND!  No licenses needed for fishing in Michigan waters.  A popular promotion by the Michigan DNR.

 

JUNE 9 - 12  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS LANSING @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE. FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY’S GAME.

 

JUNE 12   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY!  Boasting a modern swing vibe and big band sound – BBVD is renowned for their impeccable performances and 40s era zoot suits.

JUNE 13 - 15  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS FORT WAYNE @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

JUNE 13 - 15   START OF SUMMER CELEBRATION in the VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD!  Home of Squires Street Square as well as unusual shops and quaint restaurants dotted along the Rogue River.  Street vendors and crafts, carnival and fireworks.

 

JUNE 14   REEDS LAKE CLOTHESLINE ARTS FESTIVAL!  This is a juried arts festival known throughout the Midwest for its paintings, photography, sculpture, garden art, fiber, jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, clothing and leather. 

 

JUNE 14  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JUNE 14 & 15  THREE FIRES INDIAN POW WOW!  Annual Spring gathering to celebrate unity of three nations of the Great Lakes--Ojibwe, Ottawa & Potawatomi. Food, Crafts and Dancing on the City's North side Riverside Park.

 

JUNE 16   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  ROBERT RANDOLPH REVIVAL  Randolph’s string wizardry made him one of the most popular performers at the Gardens in 2007.  He returns with inspiring pedal steel guitar blending the sounds of rock and blues with soulful gospel groove.

JUNE 18  FULL MOON!  The STRAWBERRY Moon  This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!  FA

 

JUNE 21  EASTOWN BIZARRE BAZAAR!   A celebration of quality craftsmanship and artisan-made goods with over 60 booths featuring especially quirky, unpredictable, and fresh fare of even produce, flowers and food. Acoustic musical groups will also perform throughout the day with eclectic sounds of jazz, folk, children’s tunes, rhythm and blues.

 

JUNE 21  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JUNE 27   BARD’S BONFIRE!   It’s the oldest form of entertainment.  The first Summer gathering for a magically unique after dark activity at a nearby county park where stories, songs, poems and scary tales are performed around a roaring fire.  From 9:00 pm- until the last owl hoots!  Bring something to sit on and a flashlight. Long sleeves or insect repellent is suggested. Sponsored by our local county parks department, the Nature Society of West Michigan and the Story Spinners of Grand Rapids. FREE

 

JUNE 27 - 30  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS LANSING @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

JUNE 28  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JULY 1 - 4  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS FORT WAYNE @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY’S GAMES.

 

JULY 3 - 6   FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!   It’s also Grand Rogue’s 33^rd Birthday.  We’ll be celebrating with Cake & Ice Cream, Red Rock Ribs, Paddlesport Specials and more.  GRAND ROGUE WILL BE TEAMING WITH MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTERS FOR A BLOOD DRIVE DURING THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.     FULL SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

JULY 5  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JULY 9   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES! DEREK TRUCKS & SUSAN TEDESCHI - SOUL STEW REVIVAL.  The multi-talented and Gardens favorite,  Susan Tedeschi has a formidable reputation as a deeply expressive singer and her husband Derek Trucks who returns to Grand Rapids following his stop here as a band mate of Eric Claptan, has a passion for improvisation and musical exploration.

JULY 9 - 11  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS GREAT LAKES @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE. FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY’S GAME.

 

JULY 10   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  LYLE LOVETTE has become a favorite at the Gardens over the years. The four-time Grammy winner returns with his collection of songs, everything from traditional country styling to a mix of gospel, blues, confessional rock, swing and Americana.

JULY 10 & 11  GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S PICNIC POPS SERIES!  This is a VERY COOL place to be on warm summer nights.  It’s an outdoor music series of Light Classical, Jazz, Broadway, and Popular Music, just four miles up the road at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The annual series lights up the season featuring one of the most popular concerts of every year.  It’s Classical Fireworks, this year with concertgoers will hear much-loved classical works by composers such as Copland, Sousa, and Dvorak. The final piece of the evening, Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture,” will be immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

JULY 12  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JULY 12 - 14  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS PEORIA @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

JULY 11 - 13    micro camping show at GRAND ROGUE!  One of our LOCAL RV DEALERS will have a small selection of RV units available for your inspection this weekend at the Grand Rogue.

 

JULY 17 & 18   GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S PICNIC POPS SERIES!  This is a VERY COOL place to be on warm summer nights. It’s an outdoor music series of Light Classical, Jazz, Broadway, and Popular Music, just four miles up the road at Cannonsburg Ski Area.  The second week of our out-door series features Mariachi Cobre, with its pulsating rhythms and vibrant harmonies.  A crowd favorite at Disney’s EPCOT Center, the group features a dozen amazing musicians singing and performing on violins, guitars and trumpets. They have a way of lifting the soul and conveying the richness and emotion of mariachi music.

JULY 17 - 19   OLDE FASHION SIDEWALK SALES IN ROCKFORD!  Annual Sidewalk Sales in the Village of Rockford.

 

JULY 18  FULL MOON!   The BUCK Moon.  July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.  FA

 

JULY 18 - 20    micro camping show at GRAND ROGUE!  One of our LOCAL RV DEALERS will have a small selection of RV units available for your inspection this weekend at the Grand Rogue.  A Free Camping Show at a Campground?  What a concept.

 

JULY 19  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JULY 23 - 25  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS WISCONSIN @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE. FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY’S GAME.

 

JULY 24   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!    SARA EVANS  the multi-platinum country superstar performs a collection of twangy retro and mainstream contemporary country songs.

 

JULY 24 & 25   GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S PICNIC POPS SERIES!  This is a VERY COOL place to be on warm summer nights. It’s an outdoor music series of Light Classical, Jazz, Broadway, and Popular Music, just four miles up the road at Cannonsburg Ski Area. In it’s third week The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings a bit of the Big Easy to West Michigan.  Playing it all from classic jazz, spirituals, Dixieland, gospel and ragtime, and of course an encore performance of When the Saints go Marching In!

JULY 25   BARD’S BONFIRE!  It’s the oldest form of entertainment.  The Second Summer gathering for a magically unique after dark activity at a nearby county park where stories, songs, poems and scary tales are performed around a roaring fire.  From 9:00 pm- until the last owl hoots!  Bring something to sit on and a flashlight. Long sleeves or insect repellent is suggested. Sponsored by our local county parks department, the Nature Society of West Michigan and the Story Spinners of Grand Rapids. FREE

 

JULY 25 & 26  THE TASTE OF GRAND RAPIDS & BAR-BE-CUE CHAMPIONSHIP!  The ninth annual Michigan Barbecue Competition at John Ball Park should garner some 40 teams going for the state title and at the same time The Fourth Annual Taste of Grand Rapids will feature over 20 area restaurants participating in this outdoor tasting festival.  There will also be several music acts performing both days.

 

JULY 25 - 27    micro camping show at GRAND ROGUE!  One of our LOCAL RV DEALERS will have a small selection of RV units for your inspection this at the Grand Rogue.

 

JULY 26  ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

JULY 26 - 28  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS KANE COUNTY @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY’’S GAMES.

 

JULY 31 - AUGUST 1  GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S PICNIC POPS SERIES!  This is a VERY COOL place to be on warm summer nights. It’s an outdoor music series of Light Classical, Jazz, Broadway, and Popular Music, just four miles up the road at Cannonsburg Ski Area.  SPECIAL EVENT!  ABBA – THE HITS.   Swedish cover band, Waterloo tells ABBA’s fantastic musical story with  greatest hits from the ‘70s Pop sensation, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and Take a Chance on Me, all performed live with your Grand Rapids Symphony.

AUGUST 1 - 3   micro camping show at GRAND ROGUE!  One of our LOCAL RV DEALERS  will have a small selection of RV units available for your inspection this weekend at the Grand Rogue. 

 

AUGUST 2   ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

AUGUST 7   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  LOS LONELY BOYS & LOS LOBOS ON THE BROTHERHOOD TOUR features musical melds built on rock, blues, jazz and Latin genres.

AUGUST 9  ANTIQUES ROADSHOW!  Get out the collectibles! The Antiques Roadshow PBS television program is stopping in Grand Rapids’ DE VOS PLACE CONVENTION CENTER, one of the six cities to make the summer 2008 tour. visit www.pbs.org/antiques

 

AUGUST 9   ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

AUGUST 9   CELTIC FEST!  A bit of the Celebratin’ O’ the Green in the Village of Rockford.

 

AUGUST 9 - 12  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS SOUTH BEND @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER SATURDAY’S GAME.

 

AUGUST 11   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  KT TUNSTALL, hailed a “folk rock goddess” by Rolling Stone.  Her music is a sonic mesh of heartfelt pop, rootsy electric blues and alternative folk.  Featured on the blockbuster film The Devil Wears Prada.

 

AUGUST 13 & 14   MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!  KEB MO & ROBERT CRAY have both graced the Meijer Gardens Amphitheater before, but never together and this season, two shows.  Two amazing evenings, promising blues, folk blues, contemporary rhythms, magnetic stage performances and exemplary guitar skills.

 

AUGUST 13 - 15  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS LANSING @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE. FIREWORKS AFTER WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY’S GAME.

 

AUGUST 16  FULL MOON!   The STURGEON Moon.  The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.  FA

 

AUGUST 16   ROCKFORD FARM MARKET!   Local growers, kitchen wizards & craftsmen avail their products.

 

AUGUST 21 - 24  WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS VS DAYTON @ FIFTH THIRD BALLPARK!  Ask to use our SEASON TICKET SEATS --FOR FREE.  FIREWORKS AFTER FRIDAY & SATURDAY’S GAMES.

 

AUGUST 22