Get those motors running… for this weekend in Battle Creek! With so much to do, the calendar is already full! Saturday morning, the Farmers Market will be Downtown… and I am hoping to pick up some deliciously red tomatoes and spicy ingredients for salsa; the perfect summer treat!

Speaking of salsa and spices, the International Summerfest takes place Downtown at Mill Race Park. This festival celebrates Battle Creeks diversity with tasty ethnic food and entertainment. Food is served until 5pm, with children’s activities until 4pm.

But don’t be ready to pack up just yet, be sure to stay downtown for Cruise the Gut; an old fashioned cruise in for vehicles vintage 1972 or earlier. The cruise route runs along Michigan Avenue between Division and Carlyle Streets with vehicle entry points for qualifying cars along the route. The Cruise goes from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

And don't forget, GREASE, will be playing in the Semco parking lot (next to Mill Race Park) at 930 pm; bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show!

To complete the perfect day, be sure to stay Downtown and socialize with everyone at one of the many establishments. My husband and I will probably stop by the new Cricket Club or walk from place to place catching up with neighbors and friends!

Ever lived your most dreaded horror story? I have…and just about everyone else’s out there as well.

So, the story goes…I love my kids more than anything in this world, but I do need to go out and have adult (or young adult) fun from time to time. So, last weekend, with the children at their grandparents, my husband and I met up with some friends. We decided to feel a little younger for the night and enjoy the haunting season… so we drove out to the Homer Mill; the very Mill where Alice Cooper went last year.

Along with the Haunted Mill, they have a haunted-themed-restaurant and bar where we began the evening. The menu creatively reflected the theme and the food was to-die-for (thought you’d enjoy that one).

As the evening became lively (or deadly) we decided to stand in line with the other scare-seekers. From an outside perspective, the Mill is covered in commercialism for the season. However, looking at the establishment, without all the lights and smoke, a real shiver ran down my spine; the place just looks haunted.

My heart began to race as we walked in the Mill. Now, I will not give you the horrific details of the evening, that you will have to discover for yourself, but my husband will say that I left permanent marks in his arm and his ear-drums ringing.

As we left we walked past the ticket counter. Now, being who I am, I had to stop and talk with the employees. They shared horror stories of other guests and I realized what a fantastic job they do; one guest suggested using the restroom before entering, but that she will, of course, be back.

As will I. What’s been your experience?

So we survived the floods of 2008! After raining for days upon days, my family and I are ready to spend every minute we can outdoors. Thankfully this coming weekend poses the perfect opportunity to be out and about and even enjoy a piece of Michigan heritage.

Albion's Festival of the Forks will take place in Downtown Albion Friday thru Saturday (September 19-20th).

There's SO much to and so much going on that I won't have to worry about finding something else for the kids this weekend. The festival kicks off with a spaghetti supper (and I don't have to cook!) a 5k run/walk and a Lobster Bash among other scheduled events. Then, on Saturday, the parade will entertain, the food will stuff, and the ballets and concerts will excite. Summer may officially be over, but the variety of things to do in the area are still going strong. Hope to see you in Albion this weekend! Post for more information!