Spring Celebrations

It’s going to be a very colorful Spring along the lakeshore, with plenty of festivals to celebrate whatever floats your boat! On that note, the 21st Wooden and Classic Boat Show kicks off the weeklong Spring Lake Heritage Festival on Saturday June 8. From teak to antique, these vessels will be on view 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Mill Point Park. Next up is Senior Day, Monday, June 10, held at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. – noon. The festival’s annual Artisan Market offers a treasure trove of unique finds over a two-day period at Spring Lake Harvest Church June 11 and 12, noon – 6 p.m. The festival concludes with the SL Heritage Festival Car Show at All Shores Wesleyan Church, June 14, 5 – 9 p.m. The night’s fun includes trophy and door prize presentations, karaoke, concessions and more!  Family Fun Night on June 12, 3–8 p.m. and a Corn Hole Tournament scheduled for June 13, 4 – 8:30 p.m. are also on the docket (location TBD). Past years’ activities have included fireworks, a 5k and a fun run. For updates to the festival schedule, visit slheritagefestival.com.

On June 8 and 9, a heritage celebration of a different type takes place on Grand Haven’s Harbor Island. The Feast of the Strawberry Moon is organized by the West Michigan Historical Alliance. The two-day festival offers insights into the region’s past and celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Visitors can experience hands-on activities such as woodcarving and blacksmithing demonstrations, explore vendor wares, taste authentic 18th-century cuisine, and participate in traditional Native American games like lacrosse. There are also historical reenactments, musical performances, and a great number of attendees immersed in and 18th-century living and attire. 

To the south, Pride celebrations abound. Commencing on May 30 in Douglas with Pride in the Park 2024, the festivities feature an LGBTQ Political Update session and a Pride Bowling Party. Subsequent events in Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Holland promise a vibrant tapestry of inclusivity, education, and celebration, showcasing the region’s commitment to diversity and unity. See this magazine’s calendar section for specific dates and times.