On Our Radar, July 2024

Burning Foot Festival

Get your feet in the sand!

The Lakeshore Brewers Guild’s Burning Foot Festival, now in its ninth year, promises to be bigger, bolder, and more memorable than ever in 2024. In addition to being the lakeshore’s beer fest extraordinaire, Burning Foot now has partnerships with the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, Michigan Cider Association, and the Michigan Wine Collaborative. The festival takes place on Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon August 24, blending craft beverages, with art and live music. “We’re not just a festival; we’re a community of craft beverage enthusiasts, artists, and music lovers who come together to celebrate the best that Michigan has to offer,” said Festival Director Allen Serio. For those who wish to extend their Burning Foot experience, camping options will be available on the shores of Lake Michigan. Tickets are available on the fest’s official website, burningfoot.beer.


Wings Over Muskegon

Winging it!

Following a successful 2023 inaugural show, Wings Over Muskegon aerial entertainment show is back, August 9–11. “We were thrilled with the overwhelming engagement of the community in terms of spectators, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors. It is clear that West Michigan embraces an air show,” said Event Director Ashley Myers. A Twilight show that incorporates live music, lights, and pyrotechnics kicks off the airshow opening night. Both civilian and military aircraft will be featured in the air and on the ground throughout the three-day spectacle. For more information, visit wingsovermuskegon.com.


Adelaide Pointe Marina

New slips for ships

The first new marina to open in Michigan in almost 30 years did so in May on picturesque Muskegon Lake. Adelaide Pointe Marina promises a blend of quality services, public access, and unforgettable experiences for boaters and enthusiasts alike. The new marina partners with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, providing space to its marine patrol unit. In addition to seasonal rentals, the marina offers 60 transient slips – a convenient and welcoming stopover for boaters from across the region.

Some dates to save: July 25-28, Adelaide Pointe Pro-Am Fishing Tournament;
August 13, Adelaide Day; and August 16-17, Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Pointe Boat Show.


Michael T. Naess

A warm welcome!

For three decades Michael T. Naess has been involved in marketing and professional fundraising for organizations such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Carnegie Hall, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, and most recently as Vice President of Development at the Grand Rapids Symphony. On June 1, 2024, he became the new President & Chief Executive Officer of the Holland Symphony, one of the city’s most esteemed cultural institutions. “Holland Symphony extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kay Walvoord for her invaluable contributions and leadership during 36-year tenure,” the organization stated in a press release. Walvoord will continue to support the orchestra during the transition period to ensure a seamless handover.


Nick Sanchez, Shannon Stratton and Holly Anderson display an Old-Growth Forest Network sign.
Photo by Kate Nguyen

Historic hemlocks!

Tallmadge Woods of Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency was recently inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network. The nature preserve co-owned by Ox-Bow and the City of Saugatuck provides a natural buffer to coastal wetlands and the Kalamazoo River near the confluence with Lake Michigan, and serves to protect hemlocks that are more than 170 years old. “Recognition of the importance of these woods, their rarity and impact, helps to bring attention to the need to protect our forests for generations to come,” said Ox-Bow Executive Director Shannon Stratton. “The woods continue to provide inspiration and respite to Ox-Bow artists, our neighbors, and visitors.” The forest’s Crow’s Nest Trail, which includes an incredible view of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, is open to the public year-round. For more information, visit oldgrowthforest.net.