Guestbook

Events Related to Blacksmithing,The traditional arts, Historical sites & reenacting

DATE	EVENT

1st full weekend in May 1st full weekend in Aug	Grand Valley Cap N Ballers Rendezvous ------ Blackpowder shoots, Traders, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers Frontier Shoot:---- reenacters, Blacksmiths, ------ 26th st. Dorr MI ------------------------------- Gunsmiths, and much more.
Sept through Oct	Bowens Mill historical site:---------------Hammer in first weekend in oct Say YES TO YESTERDAY with a visit to Historic Bowens Mills and Pioneer Park. Each "It's Cider Time Festival" features LIVING HISTORY. Every weekend, starting September, features Living History Encampments, and Old-Time Music and hay rides along with many other history related activities. Cider, donuts, hot apple dumplings as well as other good food are available also. The fun starts at 12:00 p.m. and lasts until 5:00. The 17 acre Pioneer Park consists of an 1840's two story Plank House, an 1850's One Room School and a 10-room Victorian House built in the 1860's. A post and beam barn is home to two teams of Belgian Horses (used for hay rides). A quaint covered bridge crosses the old Mill Stream and there is a picnic area. A 17 foot Water Wheel is being constructed. The Old Mill was built in 1864 and is a Michigan State Historic Site. Its mission is to preserve the history of days gone by for future generations to learn from and enjoy. The antiquated four-story building's main floor houses a Water Powered Cider and Grist Mill and a Museum plus a Gift and Antique Shop. There is a working Blacksmith Shop, a Water Powered Machine Shop, and a Coopers Shop in its lower level. The third floor has been transformed into a quaint and cozy living quarters. The top floor is an Art Gallery, an old Cobbler's Shop and a Sewing Room. A lot of old machinery and gears and pulleys are still in that area. Historic Bowens Mills is a non-profit work and has no state funding. All restorations and upkeep depend upon gate fees and donations. The Festival Gate for adults is a $5.00 donation, $2.00 for kids. Seasonal passes are available. (Group leaders, teachers and clubs may call for appointments for special tours.) The Mill is also open through the summer months by appointment. Folks are encouraged to call or write for the date sheet and information and confirm special events dates. The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. One could take the 131 expressway to the A-42 Bradley Exit (midway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo), east to Briggs Road, then north 1-1/2 mile to the The Mills entrance. Watch for the huge Grindstone Marker on Briggs Road. Bring Cameras! 616-795-7530
June 3rd weekend Sept 3rd weekend	Howard city rendezvous exit 120 off US131 turn west on M-46 right on Amy school rd and left on Tamarack.