As always, Labor Day Weekend will be full of fun events in the Boyne Area. Here are the highlights: 

Thursday, Aug. 29 - Boyne City hosts Essexville Garber in high school football, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 30 - Stroll the Streets, 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Boyne City.

Saturday, Aug. 31 - Kiwanis Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Veterans Park.

Saturday, Aug. 31  - Farmers Market with 65 vendors in Veterans Park, 8 a.m. to noon , 

Saturday & Sunday - Sons of the Never Wrong perform at Lavender Hill Farm, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday - Hundreds of DALMAC bicycle riders will be passing through town or spending the night here. 

Saturday & Sunday -  Red Fox Regatta, Veterans Park

Sunday, Sept. 1 - Boyne City Triathlon, 8 a.m. at Peninsula Beach Park. 

Sunday, Sept. 1 - Drag Races, noon to 5 p.m. at the Boyne City Airport. 

Monday, Sept. 2 - Horton Bay Pig Roast at 4 p.m. and Candlelight Bridge Walk , 7 p.m. 

> For details, see our Labor Day stories below. 

> NICE WEATHER forecast Friday through Monday, high temps of 70, 72, 75, 78.

> LIVE MUSIC at 6 restaurants this weekend, see our Live Music listings below.

> CLOSINGS - The Boyne Area Chamber, Main Street, City Hall, banks and the post office will be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

Stroll the Streets returns for the final night of its 16th season this Friday from 6-9 p.m. Stroll the Streets is a signature summer event for downtown, organized by Boyne City Main Street.  Musical entertainment ranges from contemporary, country, bluegrass, traditional, folk, jazz, to rock. Special activities include magicians, caricature artists, face painting, balloon twisting and more fun activities for kids. Thanks to event organizer Karen Guzniczak of Country Now & Then and map designer Robin Lee Berry of Freshwater Art Gallery. V isit  www.strollthestreets.com   for the full summer schedule and updates. 

  

> Here is the entertainment lineup for this Friday:

• Coldwell Banker Real Estate - Jon Archambault Band 
• Harbor House - Northern Nites
• Country Now & Then/Parkside Grill Driveway - Boyne Library Bookmobile
• Parkside Grill - Twister Joe
• Boyne City Hardware - Painted Lady Face Art
• Pat O'Brien Real Estate - Craig Cottrill Band
• Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen - Pistil Whips
• The Lawn at Lynda's - Full Circle
• Kilwin's - Holly Keller
• Kidd & Leavy - Dos Hippies
• Old Sportsman - Tribe of Chiefs 
• Freshwater Art Gallery - Joe Shields
• Lady Barber Shop - Pooch the Magician

	Past scarecrows at Red Mesa Grill.

Here's your chance to help Boyne City, win a prize and get into the spirit of the Harvest Festival season. The Boyne Chamber is inviting you to create and display scarecrows that are funny, scary, cute and most of all, original. This year's Scarecrow Contest theme is "Animals." Pick your favorite or maybe your scariest - just have fun!  New this year: judging will be done by the public via Facebook during the Sept. 28th Harvest Festival on September 28th.

Click here for fillable PDF registration form with rules. Prizes will be awarded. Here are some of the rules:

The Scarecrow Contest is open to any business, organization, student/kids, and resident/individual.  Entry forms should be received by Friday, September 13th to determine the location of your scarecrow in downtown Boyne City.  Entrants are responsible for installing their scarecrows beginning the week of Monday, September 16th and must be completed by 9 am Friday, September 27th. Entrants are responsible for removing their scarecrows by Nov. 4th.  Email a photo of your completed scarecrow to the Chamber at info@boynechamber.com . The winner of each category will be determined by the most votes on the Chamber's Facebook page.

> For more information, call the Boyne Area Chamber at 582-6222.

The next Boyne Housing Solutions Forum on September 13th will discuss the Land Bank as a tool to support housing development. The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of Boyne City Hall. The presenter will be James Tischler, development director of the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority. The morning will be an educational session, discussing:

 - What is a Land Bank Authority?

 - What is a Brownfield Authority?

 - How do they work together to develop attainable housing?

The afternoon will be a work session to discuss how to implement land bank tools for housing in Charlevoix County.

The goal of the forum is specific action items, tasks and responsibilities. 

> Meeting agenda PDF.

	The Flywheelers Museum

The Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers will host the Boyne Chamber's Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, September 17th. The Flywheelers show grounds are located at 145 US-131, north of Boyne Falls. Business After Hours is the Chamber's monthly business networking event, held at member businesses. There is no charge for admission or refreshments. 

This Business After Hours will have a fall harvest theme with exhibits and demonstrations such as the sawmill, grist mill, one-room schoolhouse, museum, and wagon rides. They will serve fall foods including cider and donuts. Several prizes will be given away in addition to some club freebies for all attendees.

> Fall/winter schedule of Business After Hours:

  September 17 (Tuesday) - Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers

  October 17 - Challenge Mountain Resale Store, 1100 Boyne Avenue

  November 1 - Business & Community Expo at Boyne City High School Gymnasium

  December 12 - Resort Rentals North

Boyne City will celebrate its autumn bounty at the Harvest Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.  This family fun day will include music, crafts, children's activities, food and fall produce in the downtown area. Portions of Water and Lake Streets will be closed to traffic, as the extended Boyne City Farmers Market will be moved downtown from Veterans Park.

There will be children's games and activities including pumpkin painting, face painting, hay rides, a scarecrow contest, and live musical performances throughout the downtown. Local churches and non-profit organizations that would like to participate by organizing children's activities or harvest crafts are encouraged to contact Boyne City Main Street.  Join us as we shop the market and arts and craft vendors and spend time enjoying all that the downtown area has to offer.

> VENDORS -  The festival is supported by Boyne City Main Street . Click here for vendor registration .

>  SCARECROWS will be displayed around downtown from mid-September until Nov. 4th. Details and contest entry form .

> FUN RUN WITH YOUR DOG - The Charlevoix Area Humane Society is sponsoring their annual 5k Great Pumpkin Run at 8 a.m. Bring your friendly pets in costume for fun and a great cause.  Details. Entry form.

	William Michael Morgan

The Boyne City Firefighters Association is proud to present the 37th Annual  Country Music Spectacular featuring Michael William Morgan. This year's show will be held Sunday, September 29, at the Boyne City High School Performing Arts Center, with shows at 3 and 6 p.m. 

The Taste of Country website says, "The 25-year-old Morgan is a celebrated country music singer in the style of legends like George Strait, Tracy Lawrence and more. 'I Met a Girl' (written by Sam Hunt) was a Top 5 hit from his Vinyl album. The album produced one more Top 40 single, 'Missing.'"

Each year the country concert proceeds are used for updated advanced safety equipment and training for the Boyne City Fire Department. Past shows have helped replace shocks, front and rear springs, brakes, roll bars, lettering, striping, back end of  fire engine, light bars, a brand new grass fire truck and new additions to the fire house. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating.

> TICKETS are available at the Boyne Chamber office, 115 S. Lake St. or by calling 231-225-0275.

Independence Village is planning a major Aging Gracefully event including 8 seminar topics and free lunch at the Boyne City Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 21. Check-in starts at 8:30 and the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVPs are requested for the lunch provided by Independence Village's Executive Chef Andy Colvin; call 231-348-8498 by Sept. 16 to reserve your seat.  Presenters and their topics include:

Leadership Charlevoix County (LCC) is now accepting proposals for its annual Community Service Project from local nonprofit organizations. The program is starting its ninth year as a comprehensive training experience for community members seeking to play a more active role in leadership and their communities.

The Community Service Project is an integral part of the hands-on experience of LCC participants. Each year, the class decides on a Community Service Project, which will benefit an area of Charlevoix County. The project involves all members of the leadership class and focuses on team building, project management, and leadership skills. The proposals will be reviewed by the LCC Executive Board of Directors and then distributed to the Class of 2019-2020 at their opening session in September.  The new leadership class has been selected and will participate in an orientation session tonight. Their first class session will be a Beaver Island Overnight Retreat on September 8 and 9.

> More information, a full description of the proposal guidelines and a list of past projects.

This year's Boyne Area Chamber Business & Community Expo will be held Friday, November 1st, in partnership with Boyne City High School in the school gymnasium. The Expo will be held from 3-7 p.m. with exhibitor networking from 3-4 p.m. before opening to the public from 4-7 p.m. More details and registration info will be announced soon.

Other upcoming Chamber events include:

The Boyne Area Senior Center will be holding special veteran-oriented presentations during the Veteran Appreciation Socials and Lunches. Ed May will present a slideshow on the Brave Heart Estates on Tuesday, Sept. 24th.

The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is excited to collaborate with Great Lakes Ear Nose & Throat Specialists, which will be offering free audiology services for adults ages 60 and older. This includes hearing screenings, hearing aid cleanings and ear wax checks at the Boyne Area Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, September 23. Appointments are required;  so call (231) 582-6682 if interested.

The final Wednesday night dinner of the summer will be Sept. 25th. Wednesday meals will be served at lunch beginning in October. The center features live music on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Commission on Aging will be participating in the upcoming 25th Annual Human Services Information Summit on Friday, September 27, from 8a-12:30pm at Genesis Church in Petoskey. We will have an information booth at the Resource Fair and director Amy Wieland will be available to answer questions that day.

>  The COA Office and all of the Charlevoix County Senior Centers are closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day.

> Print our calendars, like our Facebook Page and check out our Menus/Calendars, Senior Hi-Lites newsletter and more on the Commission on Aging website. 

Everyone is invited to a Superintendent Coffee Talk with Boyne City Public Schools Superintendent Patrick Little from 8 to 9 a.m. on August 30th at Lake Charlevoix Coffee and  September 6th  at Water Street Cafe. The Coffee Talks continue on the first Friday of every month through next June 5th, rotating locations each month. Join Pat for casual conversation about the school topic of your choice, stay as long as you like or just stop in for a chat. The coffee is courtesy of the superintendent.

Charlevoix County entrepreneurs and new businesses two years old or less are invited to apply to compete for startup cash toward their business in the first county-wide pitch night, "Ignite Charlevoix County," scheduled for October 9th at Castle Farms. The winner advances to the finale competition, Grand Event, to compete for more startup funds.

Here is the application, which is due by midnight of September 15th. Admission is free, so everyone is encouraged to come and cheer for your favorite entrepreneur - reserve your spot here.

Competitors will receive business counseling from professionals to help in preparing a 4-minute business pitch for the panel of judges on the night of the competition. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded as well as an audience selected People's Choice Award.

There will also be time for competing businesses to network and make connections with other business professionals and angel investors in the audience. 

Doors open at 5 pm and the event starts at 5:30 on the night of the competition, October 9th. For more information visit www.charlevoixignite.com.

Charlevoix Ignite is sponsored by Consumers Energy and DTE Energy Foundation and various local sponsors, including Boyne Area Chamber, Boyne City Main Street.

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark at Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting a school supply drive in partnership with the 12th Annual Char-Em United Way Stuff the Bus campaign. From now through September 2, park-goers can receive $5 off a single-day pass with the donation of two or more school supplies. 

Recommended school supplies include #2 pencils, colored pencils, pencil boxes, art supplies, backpacks, construction paper, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue bottles and sticks, highlighters, dry erase markers, notebooks, rulers, scissors, and tissues. Items should be new and in original packaging.

School supplies will be donated to students in need within the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District. Each year the program delivers over 10,500 items to help students prepare for the new school year. 

   2 Boyne City school buildings to start year with entrance changes  - Story

   Longtime Camp Daggett director Brent Marlatt to retire Nov. 12 - Story.

   Volunteers needed for Boyne City Drag Race -  Story

    Ramblers motivated to shake disappointing 2018 season - Story

The Chamber/Main Street E-News comes to your inbox each Thursday morning. If you submit news for next week, please send it by Tuesday to jim@boynechamber.com. More than 1,300 people open our newsletter each week, and you can reach them with your news release (no cost for Chamber members) or advertising message and a link for as little as $50. We have ads available starting Sept. 19, and we are  taking reservations through the end of the year.

> SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you and your friends the weekly Boyne Business News. To subscribe, just  email us .

	Triathlon bling

A beautiful venue, incredible cause, and a significant prize purse await you at the 7th Annual Boyne City Triathlon-Duathlon on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Peninsula Beach. You'll also meet 4-time US Olympic Triathlete Hunter Kemper. This course will take your breath away the first time you see it. Athletes will start out swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Charlevoix before skimming the coastline on their bike and passing through town on their run. Last year this race brought you the largest cash prize purses in Michigan... stay tuned for this year. Funds raised from this event support Team Lucky Seven, Inc. and its mission of "Racing to Fight Brain Disease." In the first five years more than $25,000 was granted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for the express purpose of research into MS, ALS and Alzheimer's.

Here is a summary of the USA Triathlon Certified Races: 

> Olympic Triathlon: 1,500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run

> Sprint Triathlon: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run

> Sprint Duathlon: 5km run, 20km bike, 5km run

Events can be completed INDIVIDUALLY or as a RELAY team. Register here.

> VOLUNTEER - The Triathlon can always use local volunteers to help with various aspects of this event. You'll get an event gear bag and some great food! Volunteer here. 

> SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES are available. Contact event founder and organizer Rob Swartz at  rob@teamluckyseven.org.

Kiwanis Club of Boyne City is hosting their annual Labor Day weekend car show. They are having a "Friday Night Preview" during Stroll the Streets, free to participants on August 30. The next day, August 31, is the Saturday Car Show in Veterans Park with oldies music all day on the lakefront. Thick 'N' Juicy will be serving lunch on site. The show has 21 registration classes, with trophies awarded to registered participants.

There will be drawings throughout the day for door prizes. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Judging begins at 10 a.m. and awards start at 3 p.m. For more information contact Ken Visser, visserk@charter.net, phone 231-582-7649, or Syrina Dawson, syrina@charter.net, phone 231-582-2492. 

> Click here for registration form.

The 16th annual Boyne City Drag Race returns to the Boyne City Airport on Sunday, Sept. 1. Side-by-side, eighth-mile drag races will run from 12 noon-5 p.m. at the airport, 1048 E. Main St. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boyne City Airport and the Boyne Valley Lions Club. The event is organized by the Lions and a committee of drag race enthusiasts. Entry fees are $25 in advance and $30 on race day for cars, trucks and motorcycles, while pit passes are $15. Spectators pay a $10 admission fee; children under 12 years are admitted free. Gates open to racers at 8:30 a.m. for registration and tech inspections. For information and registration forms visit www.bcdragrace.com. 

> VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Anyone interested in helping should call Mike Cain at 231-582-0377 or mcain@boynecity.com . Volunteer help is needed on Saturday, Aug. 31, with set-up from noon until done and then on Sunday, Sept. 1, the day of the race, from 8 am until 8 pm.

	Kirt Ploe makes an omelette for the cafe's Sunday buffet.

Now that summer is ending, Water Street Cafe is adjusting its hours to be open five days a week. The cafe will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Their hours are now 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, which includes a breakfast buffet. 

The cafe has been a big hit since new owners took over May 1st. The new proprietors are all members of the same local family. Jim and Kirt Ploe are the chef and front of house manager, spouses Jennie and Stacy are the servers, and their kids are helping out too.

Kirt Ploe commented: "I want to start with a huge thank you to everyone for making this a first great season for us. We far exceeded our goals and are grateful for the acceptance in the community. As the busy season draws to a close and life in Boyne city returns to a bit of normalcy our families are excited to start school and get a little R&R, so our hours will change in the slower months. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your continued support."

Hotel Walloon is the winner of 2019 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel award for Best Wine Country Hotel. Hotel Walloon is nestled in the Petoskey Wine Region offering rich, robust grapes that thrive in cold temperatures to produce deep, inviting flavors that win acclaim along with national and international awards. For the wineries that make up the region, each started with a family's passion to create one-of-a-kind tastes and deliver unique experiences - all of which reflects their growing craftsmanship and genuine Midwest hospitality. 

Nominees for this category were chosen by a panel of experts, which include a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both the media and other Gannett properties. Hotel Walloon was ranked among competition in places such as Napa and Willamette Valley; further establishing the credibility and wine experiences in the Petoskey Wine Region.

Teri Rounds

Everyone is invited to come join the fun for "Pint and Paint" on the first Thursday of the month in the lower level of Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen. The first event of the fall will be from 6-9 p.m. Thursday Sept. 5th. You'll be painting with local artist Teri Rounds. Class fee is $25, which includes supplies and a pint from the bar. Proceeds will be donated to Create Community Arts Center to provide art scholarships for area children. 

Participants will have fun meeting new people and creating a work of art to take home. Teri Rounds is a self taught artist who has been painting for 7 years. Her work can be seen at Crooked Tree Art Center in Petoskey, Boyne Art Collective in Boyne City, and Art on the Lobby in Walloon.

> To register, contact Sue Metzger at (231) 582-7567 or email susanmetzger@gmail.com . Flyer to print.

Boyne District Library welcomes September with events and programs for all ages. Most events are free and open to anyone interested in attending. Information for all library events and programs can also be found at www.boynelibrary.org. To RSVP/register for events, visit www.boynelibrary.org/programs, choose Children, Teen, Adult and then select RSVP for the event from those listed. 

CHILDREN'S READING programs will start on Mondays, beginning September 16th at 10am with Toddler Tales and Tunes, and then Tuesdays, beginning September 17th at 10am for Storytime.

GREASY PAGES BOOK CLUB: the Youth Department is sponsoring a youth book club for kids ages 11-17, meeting on the second Thursday of every month. Hang out at the library to talk about monthly book selections while eating pizza. For our introductory September meeting we will hand out the first book (TBD) to be discussed at the October meeting. RSVP. Limited space available.

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB - Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 24th at 12-1pm. Come late, leave early, bring your lunch, and plan to spend your lunch time with us to discuss our book of the month. September's book choice is "Outfox" by Sandra Brown.

CRAFTERS, SCRAP-BOOKERS, QUILTERS - On one Saturday every month from 9am-12 noon, BDL has reserved our Community Room as a Craft Open Lab. Bring your materials, spread out and enjoy conversation and complete some of those projects. September 14th is our next Craft Open Lab, RSVP online or call 231-582-7861 for more information. 

T-SHIRT QUILT-MAKING CLASS: also on Saturday, September 14th at 10am-2pm in the BDL Community Room join quilters Sharon Kane & Cindi Place as they teach participants how to create a t-shirt quilt. Class is 10am-12noon, lunch (on your own) 12-12:30pm and then workshop time until 2pm. Participants will provide their own t-shirts (do not cut), sewing machines, thread, scissors, and any border and backing material, as well as batting. BDL will provide the fabric needed to prepare the t-shirts, cutting boards and tools, irons, and our expertise. Class size is limited to 12 people. For more information or to RSVP go to www.boynelibrary.org/adult-programs or call 231-582-7861.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT: Like comics? Like to draw? Come to the library to make comics at a Comics Workshop on Wednesday, September 18th, from 6 to 7:30pm. Bring your collection, sketchbook, pens, and pencils to hang out talking about and making comics. Some supplies and instructions will be provided. All ages welcome. RSVP preferred, but not required.

On Saturday, September 21st at 10 am join us for Sensory Exploration for children ages 5 and under. There will be stations set up for children to wander between as they learn through play. Siblings are welcome.

There will be a Lego JAM Building Bonanza for three nights this fall as the library will unleash its entire LEGO collection. Yeeeeee-haw. RSVP preferred, but not required. Ages 6-12. First session is Wednesday, September 25th from 6-7:30pm.

On Thursday, September 26th at 3pm, join us for the class "Buying and Selling Clothing Online." Participants will learn about the many apps and websites where you can sell gently used clothing, or buy new and gently used clothing. RSVP required. 

MORE ADULT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS in September include:

* 9am, Mondays, free Yoga Class with Reb Andrews, No class September 2nd & 9th.

*  Beginning Computer Classes every Tuesday at 2pm. 

*  Tai Chi Class meets every Wednesday, 9am for beginners, 10am for advanced students, cost is $5 per session.

*  September's Sensory Storytime for our special needs adult patrons will take place Friday, September 6th at 10am. RSVP required & caregivers must accompany participants. 

*  The Library Book Club meets at 7pm on September 23rd. This month's book is Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood.

Provisions Wine Lounge, the new wine bar at 123 Water Street, will be opening soon. Owner Ed Brehm is hoping to open in mid-September, perhaps as soon as Sept. 10th. Brehm recommends following the Wine Lounge on their new Facebook page for updates. The Wine Lounge will be managed by Provisions employee Chloe Chaffee and is located next door with a connecting doorway to the Wine Emporium and Deli and Boyne Country Provisions.

Interested in learning more about gardening with native plants, and attracting pollinators? Join the Charlevoix Conservation District for an informative Native Plant Workshop on Thursday, August 29th, from 4-6pm with Vern Stephens of Designs by Nature. Learn the values behind planting native on local fauna, soil and your groundwater. Other interesting topics include site preparation, installation, maintenance and examples of different native plants. The workshop will also be an opportunity to pre-order your plants for the plant sale the following week.

The Native Plant Sale will be held on Friday, September 13th from 3-6pm.

Both events will be held in the Charlevoix Conservation District's Community Room. The workshop is free, but space is limited; RSVP by contacting Alison at 231-582-6193. 

PRE-ORDER YOUR PLANTS by Aug. 29 with this order form now or at the workshop. Prices are $6.50/qt for wildflowers, $7.50/qt. for woodland species, $70 for garden flats and $60 for single species flats. The plant sale is for those who pre-order, but the public is welcome to purchase any available extra items. For more information, stop by office or call 231-582-6193.