Arts and Crafts--to buy and to do!

The Richland Area Community Center will hold its gala Richland Community Craft Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists and crafters will be selling their wares--wonderful gifts and holiday decorations. A silent auction of some of their best items will benefit the Community Center. You don't have to be present to win! Meanwhile, crafty classes will be taking place in the sun room. You can make your own holiday decorations, and there will be creative projects for kids, too. And high school students from the Gay-Straight Alliance will hold a bake sale to raise money for their winter dance. So that's food, art, shopping, creativity, and fun. Check. Come get in the holiday mood!

Boo!

Happy Halloween! Bring the kids for a safe evening of trick-or-treating at the Richland Village Green, in front of the library, on Friday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It's all fun and it's all free, sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association.

Hoot Owls!

The Hoot Owls will play their great mix of traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country music this Sunday, October 26, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, next to the library on the village green in Richland. The performance is part of the Village Green Arts series, so admission is free, but donations are welcomed. After the show, you can meet the Owls--including PAF's own Robin Nott--at a reception with lovely refreshments. What could be more fun on a fall afternoon?

Richland is Hopping!

Have you noticed that the second Friday of the month has become a Richland Art Hop night? It's happening again from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 10, when the Blue Water Gallery hosts an opening reception for its new exhibit, Stolen Souls. The show, which runs through November 12, features metal work by Pam Nivala, paintings by Michael Dunn, and photography by T. C. Nihart. Music for the festive opening will be provided by DJ Chris Pappas. The Blue Water Gallery is at Clocktower Green, 8860 North 32nd Street, just north of the village of Richland.

And there's more . . .

Don't forget the last few sessions of the Richland Farmers' Market, every Wednesday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. The Market continues on October 15, 22, and 29, when it wraps for the season. The weather may be chillier, but there are plenty of apples, squash, gourds, mum plants, jam, honey, greens, beets, and more.

Speaking of the Community Center, RACC has a great ballroom dance session two Sunday afternoons a month, from 2 to 5 p.m. There's live music by the Swing Masters and lessons available before the dance. You don't need a partner--just come and dance! Admission is $7. Upcoming dates are October 19, November 2 and 16, and December 8 and 22. On Sunday, October 19, you can help to decide what kinds of dance lessons you'd like to see offered at RACC. Come from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a demo of different styles: line dancing, ballroom, Latin, and square dancing. Then cast your vote!

Finally, be sure to make a special note on your Halloween agenda to visit the annual safe trick-or-treat in the village park, sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association.

Share the Harvest at Kellogg Biological Station

It's supposed to be a cool and crisp fall weekend, so why not spend your Sunday afternoon (1-5) enjoying all the fabulous outdoor and indoor resources of MSU's Kellogg Biological Station? The Bird Sanctuary, the Dairy Center, the Farming Systems Center, Kellogg Forest, and the Manor House will all have great activities and tours--hay rides, milking demos, cider and doughnuts, crafts, pumpkin decorating, duck banding, face painting . . . they've got it all going on. Bring a food item to donate and they'll give you some corn to feed the birds at the Bird Sanctuary. Go here for more info, and then have yourself some fall fun!

A Chorus Line at the Civic, featuring PAC folk

You'll want to see the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning musical A Chorus Line at the Civic Theatre downtown, and, when you do, don't miss the Gull Lake connections. Performing Arts Company alumna Stacy Bartell is the props master for this production, and Hannah Homnick plays the role of Tricia. The production opens Friday, September 19, at 8 p.m. and runs through a final matinee performance on Sunday, October 5, a 2 p.m. Check the Civic's website for the full schedule and ticket info!

Whistlestop Barbershop

You're in for a harmonic treat this weekend at the Kalamazoo Barbershop Harmony Society's 67th annual show, Whistlestop Barbershop. Featured performers include the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus, under the direction of Gull Lake High School's own vocal music teacher, David Woolf. Also performing will be Wildcard, the 2004 Pioneer District barbershop champion group, and Go4it! You have two opportunities to enjoy this great show: 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, at the Comstock Community Auditorium. Tickets are $12, only $10 for students and seniors. And there's an afterglow, too ($8). Don't miss this opportunity to hear some of the best voices around!

Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus is always looking for men who enjoy singing--no experience necessary! Check their website for more info.

Postscript to all Performing Arts Foundation members: Don't forget that we'll be meeting this Thursday, September 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center!