Tag: Fallasburg village bazaar

Chief’s suggestions include the need for more vendors

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, UncategorizedLeave a comment
A letter from Larry Roslund aka Chief BirdBrain on the improvement of the Fallasburg village bazaar
Emma,
As I discussed with you at the show, the venue is a wonderful place to spend two days but only if there are customers there to look at the booths. Obviously, those customers are close by at the Arts Festival but were not enticed to come over to the Village. I sold $133.00 of items and a normal two-day show would be $500.00 to $1,000.
In talking to a number of customers who visited the Arts Festival, they commented on the lack of knowledge about the Village, did not know there were more booths across the bridge and in a few cases stated that they had driven by but there were not enough booths to entice them to stop.
The Arts Festival is a large, and expensive, gathering of mainly high-priced art. As a juried show many crafters do not make the cut to the final 100 vendors. It is a great draw but many people do not buy.
I believe there is a distinction that can be made that would allow a Village “Craft” Bazaar to be successful. 
To do so, there must be “draws” that get people to drive over. Having the houses and museum open would be one, food vendors would help, maybe a Model T car show or even music or demonstrations.
I am not sure what your organization currently has within its membership but if not currently there then maybe some non-members can help. Better signage would also be needed. To be enticing, at least 25 craft booths will be needed. These should be hand-made items that are priced under $100.00.
The parking situation also needs to be more clearly defined and restrooms must be provided.
The vendors were also discussing a horse and buggy to bring people from the Arts Festival or golf carts. Maybe someone should be in the parking lot of the Arts Festival handing out brochures about the Village Craft Bazaar. Better signage is a must.
You need to play up the historical aspect of the Village since that appears to be what you are trying to preserve. The ball game seems to be trying to do that but there were no people watching and it was not publicized to the general public. The time of the game seemed to be early and there were no signs to direct people to it.
We discussed your Facebook postings but the vendors were not added to your Facebook page. This should happen automatically upon getting an application submitted. In addition, brochures should be available to be handed out at earlier craft shows to get the 25 plus that you need. I would be willing to help with that effort.
The Arts Festival is in its 42nd year, I am sure they had growing pains to get there. You have much more land to work with, a beautiful shady spot for vendors and can keep prices down to attract more vendors. All of that should make for a successful event.
Larry
Chief BirdBrain
BirdBrain Enterprizes
Note: Larry said he was coming back next year, much like the majority of the current vendors.

Copyright (c) 2017. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

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FHS president’s message for fall

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I heard someone say it just the other day, “summer has just flown by,” and it’s true.  The silver lining in that cloud is the onset of fall.  Hard to argue it’s not the most beautiful season in West Michigan.

fallas ken headshot
FHS president Ken Tamke

A big thanks to our volunteers

Cooperative weather patterns have facilitated much-needed village maintenance projects.  Volunteers and jacks-of-all-trades, Mark Kuzee and Alan Rumbaugh, have spearheaded the effort with preparing, patching, painting, carpentry, and electrical work on a variety of FHS properties.  Frank Brechbiel often lends a hand, even yours truly on occasion, and hard not to acknowledge Tina Cadwallader who has been a pretty good sport about cleaning up the messes we make.

A job well-done

 

 

Murray Lake Elementary students at Fallasburg

 

Our flagship museum, the schoolhouse

Our Schoolhouse has been kept busy.  She saw two wedding ceremonies, a book signing, Murray Lake Elementary’ s first grade classes, the Fallassburgh Flats Vintage Base Club, and a steady stream of Sunday drivers.

Fallassburgh Flats
Fallassburgh Flats vintage baseball team

 

 

Wedding

Of special note…One of those weddings joined Doug Wilbur, 47-year superintendent of Fallasburg Park, and patron saint of Fallasburg Village in holy matrimony.  Congratulations! Doug & Lori!

Book signing

The book signing, introduced our own Emma Palova’s first book, a collection of short fiction, “Shifting Sands Short Stories,” which Palova describes as “magic realism.”  There’s still a chance to get your own personal signed copy.  Emma will be at our Schoolhouse once again on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, September 17, from 1-4PM on the big weekend.

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Volunteers Doty Blain & Addie Abel during Emma’s book signing

The big weekend of the 3rd annual Fallasburg village bazaar

The Big Weekend?  Saturday & Sunday, September 16 & 17, of course!  The Fallasburg Bazaar in the heart of Fallasburg Village, the John Wesley Fallass Invitational Vintage Base Ball Tournament, Saturday on Fallas Field, “Shifting Sands Short Stories” book signing with Emma Palova, on Saturday and Sunday at the Schoolhouse.  Fallasburg Village Museums open both days, and oh yeah, that little, old art fair across the Covered Bridge, LowellArts’, Fallasburg Fall Festival of the Arts-the Granddaddy of them all!  No better time to come out to Fallasburg and explore.

 

 

Nancy Price Stroosnyder of the Whites Bridge historical society at the first annual Fallasburg village bazaar.

Brand new website

For you “virtual” explorers, FHS is very happy to announce the completion of our website upgrade project, the address, www.fallasburg.org .  Thank you to the Lowell Cable Television Fund for your financial support.  Thank you to Betsy Davidson and Addorio Technologies LLC of Lowell for your know-how.  Please check it out, all the pages, pretty cool?  We still have a tweak or two to make, a picture to change, but Betsy has done a phenomenal job.  Then, she says she’s going to teach FHS how to maintain it…  She doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into!

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History’s Mysteries

To join, to donate, to volunteer.  For events, information, or just a trip down memory lane…

www.fallasburg.org

Our next event:

Christmas in Fallasburg, Saturday, December 9, 2017

 

 

Copyright (c) 2017. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Pure Fallasburg village & bazaar

On By emmapalovaIn book signing, Covered Bridges, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized2 Comments

Get ready for an action-packed fun-filled weekend in the pioneer village of Fallasburg on Sept. 16 & Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The third annual Fallasburg village bazaar is this weekend.

Attention vendors: the set-up starts today Friday, Sept.15 from noon to 8 pm.

If setting up tomorrow, you must be done by 10 am when the village bazaar officially opens.

Below is just a sampling of the treasures ahead of you.

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We Anticipate good weather and fun treasure seekers.

The village will be decked out in its autumn glory. Come and experience history of the 1850s village founded by John Wesley Fallass.

Once you enter the Fallasburg Park on Fallasburg Road hang a second right at the Covered Bridge Road, and mainly cross the iconic Covered Bridge into the village that nestles on 42 acres on the banks of the Flat River.

 

 

 

The vendor booths will be located along the Covered Bridge Road between the historical buildings. That is on the lawn in front of the Tower Farm and by the Misner House with abundant parking.

Following is a list of vendors:

 

 

 

Nancy Price Stroosnyder of the Whites Bridge historical society at the first annual Fallasburg village bazaar.
Fallassburgh Flats vintage baseball team
Rock art by Doug & Marcia

Non-profit vendors:

Lowell, Crew, Whites Bridge Historical Society group and metal detecting outfit.

Profit vendors:

Rock Art, Sandy’s Fudge, Anna Maria with gnome and fairy houses, Shabby Chicnaniggans signs and furniture, soaps & sachets, greeting cards, Thunderstorm Metal Art, James $ Heather Babala, metal, stone and glass.

The new vendors include Susan Clarke with silk scarves dyed organically in leaves and berries, Larry Rowland with birdhouses, Bettany Tania with jewelry made from guitar strings and antique vintage tins.

You can still get a spot by contacting Michelle Emas at michelle_emaus@yahoo.com or by calling 1-616-648-0048.

The 12 by 12 feet booths are $50, and 12 by 24 are $100 for both days.

The Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) requests that you set up on Friday between noon and eight. Same day set up should be complete by 10 a.m. prior to the opening of the Fallasburg bazaar event.

“I hope that the weather cooperates,” liaison Michelle Emaus said. “Colbie will have her lemonade stand with pink, yellow and pomegranate lemonade.”

Emaus said the camaraderie among the vendors is fantastic.

“We hope to grow the event,” she said. “We want to encourage people to cross the Covered Bridge. It is growing with vendors and attendance.”

As with any event, Emaus said it’s the people who make is so great.

The vintage Fallasburg Flats baseball team will hold a tournament on Saturday from 10 a.m. at the Fallas Field across from the one-room schoolhouse.

“No fear.” They play baseball without gloves. Check them out.

Local author Emma Palova will have her book signing of Shifting Sands Short Stories inside the schoolhouse from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Come and chat with the author about the egotistical characters in the book like the perfect math professor Martin Duggan.

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We will have refreshments.

Also the Fallasburg Historical Society will have an informational table at the shelter during the Fall Festival for the Arts. Stop by and say hi.

For more info about Fallasburg go to: http://www.fallasburg.org

For more info about author Emma Palova go to http://emmapalova.com

 

 

 

Copyright (c) 2017 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg Village Bazaar

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized3 Comments

Pure Fallasburg in its autumn glory

The 3rd annual village bazaar set for Sept.16 and Sept.17 from 10 am to 5 pm is still open to vendors.

For info contact Michelle Emaus at michelle_emaus@yahoo.com.

This is the map of the Fallasburg pioneer village. Just cross the Covered Bridge into the past.

The house museums are located along the Covered Bridge Road.

Watch for full post this weekend. Mark your calendars for Sept.16 & 17 from 10 to 5 pm both days.

Join us for a weekend of fun and shopping @Fallasburg.

Copyright (c)2017. Emma Blogs LLC. All rights reserved.

Partners in history

On By emmapalovaIn book signing, Covered Bridges, events, fall color tours, Fallasburg Historic Village, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized2 Comments

Local author book signing at the Fallasburg pioneer village during Fall Fest for the Arts and Fallasburg Village Bazaar

By Emma Palova

Lowell, MI -I find history being the biggest Partner
on my life’s journey. I have to  think back to the Soviet invasion of former Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968, which has formed my life and the career of a writer all the way to the present author.

If it wasn’t for the Soviet invasion, my father former professor Vaclav Konecny would not have defected the occupied country for the USA. He was one of thousands of expatriates who illegally left the country in protest of the suppression of the Prague Spring reformist movement led by Alexander Dubcek.

I write about this in the Greenwich Meridian where East meets West memoir about the Konecny family immigration saga spanning three generations.

My writing has been inspired by the leader of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, late president Vaclav Havel. I embarked on my professional writing career as a correspondent for Czechoslovak Newsweek, based in New York City.

History continues to inspire me, because I find in it similarities to today’s problems and solutions in the society.

“I have a lifelong passion for history & politics which in turn fuel my writing,” Emma Palova said in a recent interview for the Lowell Ledger.

Palova has been writing about the Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) events since mid 2000s. In 2015, she designed the “The next 50 years of Fallasburg” campaign for the FHS.

FHS president Ken Tamke commented about the collaboration between the historical society and Emma Palova of Emma Blogs, LLC.

 

Murray Lake Elementary students at Fallasburg

FHS’ collaboration with Emma Palova was born out of necessity.  Our website was old, outdated, and had too many people trying to fix it.  Realizing the importance of a viable website integrated with social media, but also realizing that a re-design and launch of something new and fresh would take time and money, FHS sought to take an intermediate step so as not to lose our cyber presence completely.  We were familiar with Ms. Palova’s writing as a reporter for the Lowell Ledger.  A proposal was drafted.  Ms. Palova was able to help publicize ongoing FHS events through social media sites and through a blog she created, “Fallasburg Today,” in this interim period.  The same charming coverage present in her writings for the Ledger helped Fallasburg engage its followers and supporters by keeping them informed and up to date while undergoing our website remodel.

 Now, three years later, with a sparkling new website, FHS found Ms. Palova’s work to be indispensable.  Lacking familiarity and comfort with technology aside, Ms. Palova captures nicely the feeling of Fallasburg and its residents.  Her coverage of events attracts people to become involved as volunteers, donors, and participants.  Her knowledge of social media fills a gap that in today’s world, is integral in communicating our message.  FHS could not be happier with Emma Palova and the contribution she makes to the Fallasburg Historical Society.

In the spirit of collaboration, FHS vice-president Tina Siciliano Cadwallader offered that Emma could use the Fallasburg one-room schoolhouse museum for her book-signing events.

A  successful first book signing was held at the museum on July 16.

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First book signing of Shifting Sands Short Stories at the one-room schoolhouse on July 16, 2017

“I couldn’t be happier, so many of my fans from the newspaper years came to the event,” she said. “Moreover, my parents, whom I write about the Greenwich Meridian saga also attended.”

Emma Palova’s next book signing event of Shifting Sands Short Stories will be held during the Fallasburg Fall Festival for the Arts and the Fallasburg Village Bazaar on Sept. 16 & Sept. 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the one-room schoolhouse museum. Everyone is welcome.

Come and explore the ambiance of the 1850s Fallasburg pioneer village and chat with the local author and journalist, who has been covering area events for more than two decades.

The feature photo shows FHS volunteers Addie Abel (right) and Dotty Blain (left) doing what they do best. That is assisting at most of  the events held at the Fallasburg one-room schoolhouse, including Emma’s book signing.

“I share the same passion for history with all the FHS volunteers,” Palova said.

Follow Emma’s author journey on Amazon on

https://www.amazon.com/Emma-Palova/e/B0711XJ6GY

Watch for a story about the 3rd annual Fallasburg village bazaar that features local artists, crafters and artisans set in the pioneer village.

 

Natures Serenity by Linda Krops Phillips & Jerry Kropf.
Becky Hubbert mixes Unicorn Poop kettle corn.
Nancy Price Stroosnyder with Whites Bridge Historical Society
Map of the pioneer Fallasburg village.

Below is an example of a few artifacts at the Fallass House, which is a part of the 1850s Fallasburg pioneer village.

 

Artifacts at Fallass House
History’s Mysteries
Accession forms

 

Copyrights (c) 2017. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg bazaar vendors

On By emmapalovaIn Covered Bridges, events, Fallasburg Historical Society, Fallasburg village bazaar, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized1 Comment

Here is a detailed list of vendors of the 2nd annual Fallasburg Village Bazaar to be held on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the pioneer village across the covered bridge.

Thunder Storm Rose Metal Art – Robert Rose – recycled metal welded together to create yard/lawn art and sculpture (return vendor) See featured cover photo.

 

Rock Art – Doug and Marcia Alkema – shale and gypsum rock drilled to hold candles – oil burning rocks – jewelry (return vendor)

Map of the pioneer Fallasburg village.
Rock art by Doug & Marcia

Sandy’s Fudge – Sandy Van Dyke – fudge and hot fudge sauce

Crafty Couple – Roberta Hulber – embroidered masks, capes, dolls, bibs, headbands, mittens, etcetera

Ana Maria Pimentel – sustainable handmade gnome and fairy houses, organic accessories, stone jewelry and glass

Rebecca Ueberroth/Theresa Broom – fused glass bowls, garden stakes, wall decor, christmas ornaments, etcetera

Lady K Chimes – Karen Roden – lake superior driftwood with glass chimes and picket fence chimes called “Fency Fish”

Shabby Chicnanigans – Michelle Emaus – upcycled furniture, handpainted signs, handmade soaps, seedballs,  lavender sachets, homemade dog treats and a child-run lemonade stand (return vendor)

Non-profit organizations:

White’s Bridge at http://www.whitesbridgehistoricalsociety.org

Lowell Crew Boats

Share our event with your friends. Follow us on all social media.

Copyright (c) 2016 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg village bazaar

On By emmapalovaIn events, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized1 Comment

The 2nd annual Fallasburg village bazaar will be held on Sept. 17th & Sept.18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historical village located in the northeast corner of Kent County.

Fallasburg Covered Bridge connects to the past.
Fallassburgh Flats vintage baseball team

Cross the covered bridge into the 1850s pioneer village founded by John W. Fallass. You will immerse yourself in historical atmosphere of a time gone by. Get your Christmas shopping done early here at the village bazaar.

“In my opinion, the village is a more relaxed atmosphere.  One of my favorite parts of last year’s event, was the camaraderie among the vendors – most of us had not met prior to the event!  I am happy to share that a number of vendors this year, were vendors last year,” said bazaar organizer Michelle Emaus.

Fallasburg village bazaar partners are Whites Bridge historical society and Fallasburgh Flats vintage base ball team.
Nancy Price Stroosnyder of the Whites Bridge historical society at the first annual Fallasburg village bazaar.

The Fallasburgh Flats vintage base ball team will play the last game of the season on Sept. 17th.

Share the Fallasburg Historical Society message with your friends. Follow us on social media, sign up for the Fallasburg Today E-newsletter to stay in the loop.

Watch for full story with a list of vendors coming soon. What would you like to see at the village bazaar?

Visit our partners Whites Bridge historical society at http://www.whitesbridgehistoricalsociety.org

Fallasburgh Flats vintage base ball team at

http://www.fallasburghflats.com

For open slots at the bazaar contact Michelle at michelle_emaus@yahoo.com

Copyright (c) 2016 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg one-room school.

In search of the Fallasburg past online

On By emmapalovaIn Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, social media, travel Michigan, Uncategorized1 Comment

Searching for the Fallasburg past online

By Emma Palova

Note: This is the second part of a story about a former Calvin College history intern Katelyn Bosch. Bosch completed her internship at the Lowell Area Historical Museum and the Fallasburg Historical Society this summer.

Bosch has laid a foundation for future organizing and computerizing of the FHS artifacts dating back to 1839 when John W. Fallass came to the site.

Fallasburg, MI -The internship has strengthened the bond between the two like-minded organizations, FHS and LAHM, while collectively taking part in preserving, and disseminating the knowledge of the local history, according to FHS president Ken Tamke.

Katelyn Bosch at Fallasburg.
Calvin College intern Katelyn Bosch assisted Fallasburg with computerization of artifacts.

It is the hope that the project of cataloguing and digitalizing the FHS artifacts will continue through another internship.

“It’s been wonderful to experience the whole process of accessing the artifacts and to be the person touching them,” said Bosch. “I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people like Ken and Lisa, who are passionate about this. They were mentors to me.”

Bosch, who will study public history at the West Virginia University in a two-year program views history as an intellectually dynamic field.

“I like to see how people interacted,” she said. “The public history field is very interdisciplinary. It’s about culture, economics and political systems.”

That fits in well with Bosch’s love to travel. She took an off-campus program in Great Britain about British film and media.

“The Internet is the key to get publicity and to find out about history,” she said.

Bosch said she would volunteer again at the local small town museums.

The Misner House
History intern Katelyn Bosch helped organize FHS artifacts.

The Fallasburg village, although frozen in time, is moving ahead with its artifacts and pioneer stories coming alive due to modern technology. As such, the village stands at the intersection of two major study disciplines: strategic communications and history.

“It’s interesting how people will be looking to find historical documents in the right place,” Bosch said.

“The Past Online” project is currently under development, according to LAHM director Lisa Plank. “We will be making an announcement when it’s ready.”

However, in the meantime, a lot of historical facts, documents and pictures can be found on social media like Pinterest. You can go to Pinterest and put in the keywords Fallasburg or Fallasburg Historical Village, and you will find a collection of information pertaining to the village. You can also contribute your news and artifacts pertaining to Fallasburg.

Fallasburg one-room schoolhouse.
Calvin College intern Katelyn Bosch in front of Fallasburg schoolhouse.

Bosch said that the FHS needs to be as interactive as possible with the public.

“It’s a neat set up here already, you have the main town street preserved and the museum buildings,” she said. “The covered bridge is a huge asset to the village.”

 

Follow the FHS on social media. Become a part of the movement into the future, as a member. Go to http://fallasburgtoday.org

Sign up for Fallasburg Today E-newsletter to stay in the loop. You can sign up either on the Fallasburg Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Fallasburg-Historical-Society-444666235652842/ or on the blog.

Join our Facebook public group Fallasburg Today.

 

Copyright © 2016 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour survey

On By emmapalovaIn Covered Bridges, events, Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, UncategorizedLeave a comment

FHS seeks input on annual Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour in a survey

By Emma Palova

EW Emma’s Writings

The enclosed link to the survey will help improve the Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) signature event. That is the annual Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour  (FCBBT) held mostly on the Sunday following the July 4th holiday.

Fallasburg bike tour 2016 registration with Tina Siciliano Cadwallader & Devon Siciliano.
Lunch stop at the Misner House museum.

 

The routes have been designed for all riders regardless the level of experience. The shorter 12 & 28 mile routes are great for families. The 12-mile route is a loop around the beautiful Fallasburg Park located in northeast Kent County. The 28-mile route goes from the Fallasburg Covered Bridge to the Ada Covered Bridge. All routes are on paved roads and they include public bathroom stops.

The FHS makes every effort to assist riders in need with SAG (supportandgear) aka broom wagon.

Mark your calendars for the next FHS event. The 2nd annual Fallasburg Village Bazaar will be held on Sept.17 & 18 in the historic village of Fallasburg. So, come and explore our house museums: the one room schoolhouse, the Fallass House & the Misner House.

Don’t forget to stop by the Fallassburgh Field to see the vintage Fallassburgh Flats base ball team play the game without gloves on Sept. 17.

Follow us on twitter @fallasburg, #fallasburg, #puremichigan, and on other social media.

Please fill out the survey by clicking on the link. The survey is a public document for anyone to see.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2syXCoI0o4_wSfIRs5nn4ghPURS7s8vdMMaxbvZrPdqTwCw/viewform

Copyright (c) 2016 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour

On By emmapalovaIn Covered Bridges, events, Fallasburg Bike Tour, Fallasburg Historical Society, historic preservation, history, Michigan historic sites, Pure Michigan, travel Michigan, Uncategorized3 Comments

Pedal through the beautiful countryside at your own pace

By Emma Palova

EW Emma’s Writings

Lowell, MI- The 22nd annual Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour is set for Sunday, July 10th with registration in person at the one-room schoolhouse from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Pre- registration online is at http://www.fallasburg.org or at the Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour page for $25 per individual, $35 for family before July 6th. After the deadline and in person, there will be an additional $5 charge.

There are several tour options ranging from 12 miles to 100 miles.

The most traveled route is the 28-mile route to Ada and back from the Fallasburg Covered Bridge to the Ada Covered Bridge , according to Fallasburg Historical Society (FHS) president Ken Tamke,“It is a reasonably flat and easy ride for families and casual riders,” said Tamke.

The second most popular route is the South 50, which travels along rivers and streams through  beautiful farmland.

Although the main reason to bike any of the routes is fitness, the camaraderie and feeling of accomplishment and adventure of a bicycle tour with friends or family is even better.
“It is exhilarating and exciting to set out on a journey and successfully attain your goal, whether it be 12 miles, 28 miles, 50 miles or 100,” said Tamke.
The Covered Bridge Bike Tour has grown from just a handful of registrants to 253 registrants last year. But, 250 registrants means 300 plus riders as family registrations can cover multiple riders.
Fallas CBBT
Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour
“We’ve had modest gains, with more people joining the fun each year,” said Tamke.
The riders can select the distance they wish to ride from 12 miles to 100. They can also combine routes to get some variety. The 12-mile route climbs up Covered Bridge Road, over MacPherson to Sayles, then along the Flat River into Lowell and back to the village via Lincoln Lake.
The 28-mile route travels into Lowell along Lincoln Lake, then west along Grand River to Ada Park. The half-way point and rest stop is at the Ada Covered Bridge. The route follows the same path back to Fallasburg.
The 50-mile route south follows the same route as the 28, but turns south at Buttrick and heads down to 100th, then back east to Alden Nash and back up to Lowell and Lincoln Lake.
The 50-mile north route follows briefly the same path as the 12, but continues on into Ionia with a rest stop at the Blanchard House, then on to Saranac and back to Lowell along Riverside and eventually to the Fallasburg Village.
Last year approximately 20 riders completed the 100. They do the South 50 in the morning and the North 50 in the afternoon.
Fallas bike tour reg.
Registration at the one-room schoolhouse museum.
All proceeds from the bike tour go for the continued preservation of Fallasburg Village. The historical society uses the funds to maintain properties and implement educational programs.  Fallasburg Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization so monies collected don’t pay a salary, but pay to  fix things and teach people about Fallasburg history.
All routes begin and end in Fallasburg Village. The Misner House is the command center and serves as an outdoor lunchroom.
Dorothy “Dottie” Blain cooks a country-style Italian spaghetti and meatball feast and its vegetarian version  with garlic bread and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
“Our riders absolutely rave about our food,” said Tamke. Additionally, all routes offer home-baked goodies, fruit and water or Gatorade at rest stops along the way.  Each route has a rest stop.
Late Priscilla Lussmeyer came up with the idea of having a bike ride as a fundraiser for the society 22 years ago. She enlisted the help of one of her many friends who was into biking as a means to raise money for the society. It has grown steadily from there.
Tamke is hoping for  275 registrants and over 300 riders, 75 degrees, sunny and no humidity or wind – a perfect West Michigan day.
“I hope no one gets hurt, everyone has a fantastic time and tell all their friends about it so they can participate in the 23rd annual Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour,” said Tamke.
Tour options (in miles): 12, 28, 40, 50, 62, 78 or 100.
Registration fee: $25 for individuals / $35 for families.
For more information, call Ken Tamke at 616-682-0785 or e-mail kentamke@comcast.net
Directions to Fallasburg
From Lowell: North approximately 3 miles to Fallasburg Park Drive.
Right to entrance of park. Angle right on Covered Bridge Road.
Over covered bridge to schoolhouse. Park in field across the street.
There will be county road signs on Lincoln Lake Road and Fallasburg Park Drive, alerting you to Park/Bridge/Historic Village.
Follow FHS and the Fallasburg Covered Bridge Bike Tour on twitter @fallasburg #fallasburg #fallasburgbiketour #fallasburghistory #fallas and other social media.

Copyright (c) 2016. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.