Boo!

Get in the spirit tonight, Saturday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 with the seventh annual Trick or Treat in the Park! The Richland Area Business Association (RABA) sponsors this fun and safe evening of trick-or-treating on the village green in Richland.

PAF meeting October 13

The Gull Lake Community Schools Performing Arts Foundation will meet Tuesday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue.

All are welcome to join us as we make plans for this school year and consider grant requests.

Community Harvest Sampler

Wish I could promote your purchase of a ticket to this event, but I happen to know that they are completely sold out! But for those of you lucky enough to be in possession of a ticket already, tonight should be a fun night at the Richland Area Community Center, where the Community Harvest Sampler will bring together great, fresh, local food and the music of the Hoot Owls, featuring Robin Nott. Chef John Merucci of Brook Lodge will offer a delicious entree made from local ingredients, the farmers of the Richland Farmers' Market will offer tastes of their homegrown and homemade goodies, a century-old cider press will be in operation, the Hoot Owls will play bluegrass, old-timey and gospel favorites, and there will be a pick-your-prize raffle going on throughout the evening. It's all to benefit the Richland Area Community Center.

Hope to see you there--if you already have a ticket in hand!

Fiddler on the Roof at the Civic

I have a feeling they'll go fast, so be sure to get tickets now to see Fiddler on the Roof at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Shows start Friday, September 25, and run through Saturday, October 10. It's your opportunity to see--and hear--Mary Teutsch in the role of Hodel. And, backstage, Mary's Gull Lake classmate Stacy Bartell will be wrangling props. You can call 269-343-1313 for tickets, or buy them online. Just don't wait too long!

Open Mic Night at RACC Sept. 12

On Saturday, September 12, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue, will host another great Open Mic Night. You're invited to come read your short story or poem, sing or play, or tell a story; reserve your time at the mic by calling RACC exec director Bonnie Feldkamp at 629-9430, or e-mail her at Bonnie@RichlandAreaCC.org . The rest of us can show up and enjoy the entertainment and a cup of Biggby's coffee. Sales of coffee will benefit RACC, and proceeds from the "tip" jars on each table will benefit the GLCS Performing Arts Foundation. Come on out for a really fun evening in a coffeehouse atmosphere!

Art in Richland

Don't miss the beautiful visual arts that are on display right now in Richland. At the Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street in the Clocktower Green complex, the current exhibit is "Heartland," beautiful and functional porcelain pieces by Young Ae Park and paintings by Alec Hall. Two magnificent 8-foot-tall horse sculptures by Holly Fisher are also on display. Blue Water Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Heartland" is on exhibit through September 12.

Richlandfest!

A near miss . . . but do not miss Richlandfest, which is going on even as I type, in Richland Village Park--you know, in front of the library. Tonight, Saturday, August 29, the Douglas James Band plays until 11 p.m., and there's great food and drink to be had from the Richland Meat Center and Mission Point Restaurant. Admission is $5 for the evening. The expected rain seems to have held off today, so head on over and enjoy the mild weather!