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Fall in Western Michigan

Michigan Irish Fest
Michigan Irish Fest

Fall in western Michigan is always a big shock.  After the relaxed lazy hazy days of summer, characterized with very long days and oodles of time hanging out at the beach or on the many small inland lakes, September hits with with a Massive Burst of Events.  Really jam packed.

The head spins, the calendar gets jammed,  the invites on Facebook pop up and, well, its really fun in this part of the world when the air chills and the leaves begin to change color.  This blog post aims to hit at a few of the highlights.

ARTPRIZE

First of all, ArtPrize is the big draw.  Hundreds of visitors , artists, and pieces of art clamor for attention.  What to look at first? Where to go?  Mostly people meander around, amazed with the creativity.  Here’s a sampling.

Kendall College of Art and Design
Be sure to push the button when you visit this piece. HINT: THE PLANTS DANCE AND SING!

 

Meandering Art prize
Meandering Art prize

 

Women's City Club Art Prize
Women’s City Club ArtPrize–Dianne Carroll Burdick

 

GRAM Art Prize
GRAM ArtPrize

 

GRAM Art Prize
GRAM ArtPrize

 

GRAM Art Prize
GRAM ArtPrize

 

GRAM Art Prize
GRAM ArtPrize

And then there’s the Irish Festival.  I’ve always wanted to go to this and finally this year my husband and I snagged our oldest grand daughter and headed to Muskegon to enjoy a bit of the toe tapping Emerald Isle.  It was quite an event and I’d go back.

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Happy face
Looking out the window of an Irish Cottage
Michigan Irish Festival
Swinging the hammer
Michigan Irish Festival
Highland Games
Michigan Irish Festival
Highland Games
Michigan Irish Festival
Children’s Irish music
Michigan Irish Festival
Michigan Irish Festival

And to round out this post here are a few random scenes that speak to me about the season.

Scene from the Varnum ArtPrize Party
Grand Rapids from Bridgewater Place

Looking for food for winter on my deck

 

 

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

2 Comments
  1. posted by
    Mary Kathryn Boland
    Oct 12, 2016 Reply

    Hi Susan, love your view of West Michigan as summer moves on and fall enters the scene.
    Also loved the Caohagen quilts… simply beautiful!!! Thanks. Kati.

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Oct 13, 2016 Reply

      Thanks, Kati, I appreciate your kind words and your comment. I love seeing friends show up in the comment section. Glad you are enjoying.

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