"Walkin' in a winter wonderland..."

The sights may not be a Winter Wonderland in Battle Creek quite yet; however the holidays kick off this weekend! Driving down Michigan Avenue this morning I noticed the variety of lights and garland lining the way and can hardly contain my excitement.

However, I do not have to wait long! The International Festival of Lights (IFOL)kicks off Saturday with the Battle Creek Holiday Parade. The parade, beginning at 5:40 p.m.,will take place along Michigan Avenue downtown.

This year, the IFOL will have a Warming House located at 12 West Michigan Avenue (formerly Godfrey's Jewelers).The warming house will be every Friday - Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

All of this reminded me of the importance of updating the CVB's holiday page on our web site. So, of course, I had to begin playing Christmas music on Pandora to bring in the holiday spirit.

There are so many exciting things going on! I can just imagine all the amazing photos that will be taken! (I think I love photos of an event almost as much as I love experiencing it!)

Be sure to check out the holiday page and see why I am so thrilled for the season to begin!

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day is only one day away! My husband says he has the evening all planned, we'll see what he does! Blues artist, Clifford Babcock is playing at McCamly Plaza Hotel... I would love to hear live music!

Have you heard, Binder Park Zoo's, Zoorotica, has been all over the news lately! What a topic! I turned the TV on last night, and it made CNN! I wish my husband and I would have signed up for it. What a great concept! You can tour the zoo and learn of the animal's love lives... and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a DVD presentation. The event is only for participants 21 and older. Hopefully with this year's success, it will be back again next year.

Side note: a star was born out of the wildfires in Australia; Sam the Koala. She was the one the firefighter fed the water bottle... and out of it comes a love story, which I find perfect for Valentine's Day. She met boyfriend Bob, when he too, was hurt from the fires! Just another way proving we all meet our match one way or the other! Read the story here

Doing anything special this Valentine's Day? Did you go to McCamly or Binder Park Zoo?

There are many wonders of this world; some are man-made, while others are nature-made. Once a year THOUSANDS of Sandhill Cranes flock to one location in Calhoun County; the Michigan Audubon Baker Sanctuary. It is a spectacular sight to see! From my knowledge, there is no particular reason why they do! I have to watch in awe of the natural beauty of them, and my kids, they love it too! Not only do they love all the birds flying in, they also love all of the events that go along with it. They have an art show, guided nature trails, book singings,live raptors (birds of prey,) hay rides, and food! It's definitely a great weekend activity for everyone! With the Indian summer that's predicted for the next few days, I for one, know I'll want to be outside!! If you’d like to meet me down there be sure to check out www.bakersanctuary.org for more information.

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!

As Cassie is on one last vacation before school starts, Karen Hagerty from the Marshall Chamber of Commerce remarks on one exciting upcoming event!

The 45^th Annual Historic Marshall Home Tour will be Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7 in 2008. This Grand-daddy of home tours is sure to delight visitors with some never before seen homes. Ticketholders can enter seven private residences, seven museums, a church and the Madison Green Art Faire. New evening activities are sure to prove fun with the Kalamazoo Big Band playing Saturday evening from 6-8 PM and from 9-11 PM a Dueling Pianos concert right out front of the Honolulu House Museum by the Brooks Memorial Fountain. Other activities that weekend include the 7^th Annual Civil War Ball held downtown next to the GAR Hall Museum and Carver Park, the Calhoun County Quilters Show held at the Marshall Activities Center, KRMY Brook's Field Airport’s 77^th Anniversary Fly and Drive-In, Zion Lutheran Church's 23^rd Annual Taste of Germany Dinner, Trinity Episcopal Church's Salad Smorgasbord, a Needlework Show at the Marshall Distric Library, and a wonderful Evening Gallery Tour with the Blue Hour Gallery, Gallery 105, EastEnd Sudio & Gallery, and the Eclectic Gallery. All these events have a website on the Marshall Area Chamber's www.marshallmi.org so if you need times, places, cost, details, etc., you can find it all there under our "events" tab. Or, you can call the Marshall Area Chamber at 800.877.5163 and we'll be glad to answer your questions on these events or others happening in the Marshall area.

Cruise the Gut is coming to Downtown Battle Creek in T-minus 3 days. It will be this Saturday August 9, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will take place along Michigan Avenue.

Every year, it's marked on the calendar! I love seeing all the people Downtown! Everyone is checking out cars, socializing and enjoying summer in Michigan! I am always so impressed with the amount of people that come out.

While you're here, don't miss the chance to look into the local shops and stop for a bite to eat.

My husband and I are always looking for new cruises to go to, if you know of any, please tell!