A Blast in the Moonlight

Meadows Celebration Winners

2011-07-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

There was a fair amount of healthy competition at this year's Meadows Celebration. All winners were announced the night of the event at the Sledding Hill Stage, but in case you missed them, here's a quick recap.

Dodgeball Tournament
1st Place—Blue Team (Corey Ergen, Don Swathwood, Anthony Swathwood, Devyn Ordiway, Jacob Lintner)

2nd Place—Lower Power (Bryce Richardson, Emmanuel Richardson, Caleb Lower, Alivia Lower, Allyson Lower, David Fielder)

Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race
1st Place On-site Build—S.S. Guppy IV (Duane Fritz, Randy Peters, Cletis Richardson)

2nd Place On-site Build—PC Enterprise (Max Calder, Steve Pasikowski, Wesley Pasikowski, Jason Pasikowski)

1st Place Off-site Build—Zurbee's (Chris Pugh, Jamie Pugh, Kennedi Pugh, Avery Pugh)

2nd Place Off-site Build—DARA Double Digit Day Camp (Jack, Kira Horn)

Most Creative—Zurbee's (Chris Pugh, Jamie Pugh, Kennedi Pugh, Avery Pugh)

Watermelon Eating Contest
1st Place 6-9 Years—Trevor Dennis

2nd Place 6-9 Years—Maliya Korte

1st Place 10-15 Years—Domonic Dye

2nd Place 10-15 Years—Leila Fitchett

1st Place 16-19 Years—Karly Fitchett

2nd Place 16-19 Years—Jeremy Braska

1st Place 20+ Years—Sarah Surline

2nd Place 20+ Years—Mike Kluck

Poker Walk
Rachel Hodges

Looking for an Inexpensive, Family-Friendly Evening? Look No Further than the Meadows Celebration!

2011-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Meadows Celebration is upon us! This fun event begins at 4 p.m., tomorrow, July 15. There will be activities for the whole family, including inflatables, the Great Lakes Timber Show, face painting, a watermelon eating contest, a dodgeball tournament, bubble station, SierraRose Farms miniature horses and more!

What makes it even better is that all these activities are free to DeWitt area residents, due to the generous sponsorship of local businesses. In addition, there are free sno-cones and free popcorn while supplies last, as well as hot dog meals with a drink for only $2.50.

And when the sun starts to set, everyone can take their chairs and blankets down to the West Park to enjoy the hula hoop contest, super ball drop and fabulous entertainment from local band The Usual Suspects. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale.

So, come at 4 and spend the entire evening, come for a couple of hours or just drop in for the fireworks. We'll see you there!

Coloring Contest Winners

2011-07-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the great entries for this year's coloring contest! It made it really difficult to choose the winners.

Preschool 1st Place—Maggie Kromer

Preschool 2nd Place—Stephen Fair

K-1st Grade 1st Place—Cassia Wood

K-1st Grade 2nd Place—Caiden McDonald

2nd-3rd Grade 1st Place—Janiya Williams

2nd-3rd Grade 2nd Place—Tatiana Strong

4th-5th Grade 1st Place—Allana Loyd

4th-5th Grade 2nd Place—Ian Williams

Tips for a Great Meadows Celebration Experience

2011-07-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Meadows Celebration, coming up this Friday, July 15, is bound to be a good time, with all its family-friendly activites. But following these tips can help make your experience run a little more smoothly.

What to Bring

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

Chairs and/or blankets to enjoy the concert and the Timber Show

What Not to Bring

Alcoholic beverages

Glass containers

Pets

Parking/Transportation Info

The main parking area is the grass lot at the East Park.

The West Park parking lot is restricted to special use permit and handicap parking only.

Parking is also available at the DeWitt Township Community Center. The evening activities at the West Park are easily accessible from the Community Center lot with a short walk on the Walking Trail. This is probably the easiest way to get in and out if you are only coming for the band and/or fireworks.

A handicap shuttle will be available to transport those with special needs.

Buses will run from the East Park to the West Park from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will provide transportation back to the East Park parking lot at the conclusion of the fireworks.

Due to safety concerns, Granger Meadows Lane will be closed at 10 p.m. until the fireworks conclude. Buses will resume service at the end of the fireworks and quickly transport attendees back to the East Park lot.

Be Prepared

Download a brochure containing a map and complete schedule of activities so you are sure not to miss anything.

Since space is limited for many of the activities, plan to arrive early, and pay special attention to any early registration that may be required.

Fun Activities in Store for Meadows Celebration Attendees

2011-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

A variety of activities will provide fun for the entire family at the Meadows Celebration on July 15.

From 4 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., attendees can take part in the Walking Trail Poker Walk, which gives participants a chance to explore the park by visiting locations on the walking trail and recording their numbers. When the player has all the numbers, he or she can return to the Welcome Tent to draw a poker hand. (Sponsored by Advanced Dust Control, Mega Mall Antiques and Collectibles, Meijer, Mohre Soft Water and EGI)

Also from 4 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., contestants can challenge themselves in thge DARA Minute to Win It Contest, based on the popular t.v. program. Minute to Win It takes place in the Basketball Court Area. (Challenge #1 sponsored by Airway Oxygen; challenge #2 sponsored by Priority Auto Body, Inc.; challenge #3 sponsored by McDaniels Kitchen and Bath, challenge #4 sponsored by Meijer)

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., families can make bubbles at the Bubble Station (sponsored by Northsidetowing.net) in Pavilion #3, visit SierraRose Farms Miniature Horses (Pavilion #3 area), show their creative side at the Craft/Art Area (sponsored by MSUFCU) in the East Park Parking Lot or check out the four Inflatables (sponsored by Arctic Glacier, Carl Schlegel, Delta Electrical Contractors and Redline Auto Service) in the Pavilion #3 area and near the Welcome Tent.

From 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., the DeWitt Library hosts Story Time at Pavilion #3.

Face Painting is available from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Pavilion #3. (Sponsored by LAFCU)

A Dodgeball Tournament starts at 6 p.m. at the Softball Field. (Participants should register by 5:30 p.m.)

Apples the Clown will delight children from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Look for her at various locations throughout the East Park and West Park.

Click here for a brochure which includes a full schedule of events and a map of the park.

Get Your Team Together for the Cardboard Canoe Race!

2011-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race is always one of the Meadows Celebration's most popular activities, and this year will be no exception. Seeing the creativity and innovation of the participants in their eclectic designs is almost as much fun as watching them race across the Koi Pond. The race brings lots of excitement, as inevitably some boats make it to the finish line intact, while others are towed behind swimmers, having fallen apart along the way.

Again this year, teams are encouraged to build their crafts ahead of time or on-site the day of the event.

Off-site teams who wish to build their boats in advance can pick up two sheets of cardboard and a roll of packing tape at the DeWitt Township Hall. (Please call the Township at 517-668-0270 before picking up your supplies to ensure they are ready when you arrive.)

Racing will be conducted in timed heats with the winners determined by the best time. Off-site builds and on-site builds will race in separate heats. The fun begins at 6 p.m., Friday, July 15, at the east park parking lot. After on-site building, all teams will transport their boats to the Koi Pond for the races at 6:30 p.m.

Creativity will also win the contestants some points. The team with the most creative canoe will win a prize.

Participation in the Cardboard Canoe Race is limited to the first 20 teams and registration by July 8 is strongly recommended.

The Cardboard Canoe Race is made possible by sponsorship from Loretta Spinrad, Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood.

Click here for a complete list of rules and a registration form.

View videos from last year's competition:

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

Video #4

Video #5

Video #6

The Usual Suspects to Provide Entertainment at Meadows Celebration

2011-06-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

The evening performance by a band is always a highlight of the Meadows Celebration, and this year will be no exception. Local band The Usual Suspects will entertain the crowd at the event with contemporary country/rock music. The band just released their newest album, 2:45, backing national recording artist Brian Lorente.

The Usual Suspects has performed with such national acts as Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and Uncle Kracker.

Their show will begin at 8 p.m., July 15, at the Main Stage in the West Park. The performance is made possible by sponsors Astera Credit Union and Golder Associates.

For more information on the Usual Suspects, visit their Facebook page.

Great Lakes Timber Show Will Be a Highlight of Meadows Celebration

2011-06-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Bring the family to the Meadows Celebration on July 15 and get ready to be wowed. The Great Lakes Timber Show will be there all the way from the Upper Peninsula just to entertain you.

During three shows (5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), the performers will showcase their lumberjack skills with chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one- and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing and log rolling.

So head to the east park basketball court at Granger Meadows Park for some Timber Show fun.

For more information on the Timber Show, visit their website.

Thanks to Cooper Body Shop for sponsoring the Great Lakes Timber Show!

An Evening of Fun Planned for Meadows Celebration

2011-06-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Plans for the Seventh Annual Meadows Celebration: A Blast in the Moonlight are ready for you to mark on the calendar. There will be plenty of activities to entertain the entire family. A schedule of events follows.

4 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Walking Trail Poker Walk
DARA Minute to Win It Contest

4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Bubble Station
SierraRose Farms Miniature Horses
Craft/Art Area
911 Booth and DNA and Fingerprinting Kits
Inflatables

5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Great Lakes Timber Show

5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Library Story Time

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Face Painting

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Watermelon Eating Contest

6 p.m.
Dodgeball Tournament (Register by 5:30 p.m.)

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Annual Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race
(pre-registration recommended)

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Apples the Clown

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fire Extinguisher Training

8 p.m.
Live Entertainment by The Usual Suspects

8:15 p.m.
Hula Hoop Contest

9:15 & 9:30 p.m.
Super Ball Drop

10:30 p.m.
Fireworks

Submit Your Coloring Contest Entries!

2011-05-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

Kids from preschool to fifth grade can show off their artistic ability by participating in the Meadows Celebration Coloring Contest. Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each of the following categories: preschool, K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade and 4th-5th grade. To enter, simply print the coloring contest page from the link below and be sure to include your name, address, phone number and grade level on the reverse side. Entries should be returned to DeWitt Township, 1401 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt, Michigan 48820 by July 8.

Winning entries will be chosen the week of July 11, and will be displayed at the Meadows Celebration. All winners will be notified to claim their prizes. (You do not need to be present at the Meadows Celebration to win.)

Download coloring contest form

Popular Watermelon Eating Contest Returns!

2011-05-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

What's more fun than eating watermelon on a summer's day? Racing to try to eat your watermelon the fastest, of course!

One of the Meadows Celebration's most popular events, the Watermelon Eating Contest, returns this year. The contest offers some tough competition, which makes it a blast for the participants and even more fun for spectators.

First and second prizes will be awarded in each of the following categories: ages 6-9; ages 10-15; ages 16-19; and ages 20-49.

So, get your mouth ready to make speedy work of your slice of watermelon! Not much of a competitor? Just come out to watch every minute of messy fun, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the stage in the East Parking Lot.

Mark Your Calendars for July 15!

2011-04-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Plans are in the works for the 2011 Meadows Celebration, set to take place on Friday, July 15. The popular Great Lakes Timber Show, which last wowed attendees at the event in 2008, is set to return this year. Other returning favorites include the Watermelon Eating Contest, Cardboard Canoe Race, and inflatables. Mark your calendars to attend this fun-filled celebration, and plan to bring the entire family. More details about the event will be posted as they become available, so check back frequently.

Coloring Contest Winners

2010-07-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

1st Place Preschool

Ashton Taylor2nd Place Preschool

Tessa Boyle
1st Place K-1st
Irish Phinney

2nd Place K-1st

Evan McMullen

1st Place 2nd-3rd

Mikayla Umpstead

2nd Place 2nd-3rd

Lauren Kreuer

1st Place 4th-5th

Kara Bolenbaugh

2nd Place 4th-5th

Jarred Wey

Granger Meadows Park Celebration Showcases Fitness Fun

2010-06-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

This year's Meadows Celebration will have an emphasis on fitness and being active. The following are just a few of the attractions designed to encourage participants to get moving:

Bring your family for a turn on the YMCA Obstacle Course. Teams will compete at any time between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the playground area in the east park.

Kids will have a blast with a choice of four Inflatables—moon walk, giant slide, basketball and rock wall. The inflatables will be available in the east park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

DARA will sponsor Family Backyard Games for enjoyment of the entire family. The games will be available at the softball field from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Prefer something a little less competitive and more casual? Drop in at the softball field between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to play Lawn Games like bean bag toss, chuck-a-chicken and bull pull.

Check out the walking trail with the ever-popular Poker Walk. Sign up at the Headquarters Tent in the east park to receive your instructions. The Poker Walk will run fron 4 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Explore the park on foot by participating in the Amazing Meadows Scavenger Hunt. Sign up at the Headquarters Tent and receive your first set of clues. The Scavenger Hunt runs from 4 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Schedule Set for Meadows Celebration

2010-06-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

With the sixth Annual Meadows Celebration only a month away, the planning committee has the event schedule close to being finalized. Many returning favorites are featured, as well as some new activities. See the schedule that follows, or download the brochure.

Shows

4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
Rise Above BMX Stunt Show

8 p.m.
Live Entertainment by Soulstice

10:30 p.m.
Fireworks

Activities

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Art of Ishi Demonstration

4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sparrow Life Net Helicopter on Display

4 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Walking Trail Poker Walk
Amazing Meadows Scavenger Hunt

4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Bubble Station
SierraRose Farms Miniature Horses
YMCA Obstacle Course
Craft/Art Area
Safe Kids Bike Helmet Giveaway
911 Booth and Fingerprinting Kits
Inflatables
Face Painting
Lawn Games (open play)

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Kids Prize Bingo

5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
DeWitt Twp Fire Department Vehicle Extrication Demonstration

5:30 - 7 p.m.
Annual Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Library Story Time

6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
DARA Family Backyard Games

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Watermelon Eating Contest

8:15 p.m.
Hula Hoop Contest

9:15 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Super Ball Drop

Cardboard Canoe Race Returns with New Twist

2010-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Jeff Baumann Annual Cardboard Canoe Race will be held during the Meadows Celebration. As in previous years, teams will have to assemble a seaworthy vessel using corrugated cardboard. This year, however, each team, consisting of between two and four people, will have the choice of constructing their crafts ahead of time or on-site the day of the event.

Those who wish to build their boats in advance can pick up two sheets of cardboard and a roll of packing tape at the DeWitt Township Hall. Additional tape and cardboard will not be supplied, but may be used. No other materials are allowed. After assembly, canoes should be brought to Granger Meadows Park the day of the event.

Participants who choose on-site building will be provided with cardboard, packing tape and a razor knife and will have half an hour to construct their boat using those materials.

Racing will be conducted in timed heats with the winners determined by the best time. Off-site builds and on-site builds will race in separate heats. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, July 16, at the Koi Pond, with on-site boat building first and races to follow at 6 p.m.

Complete Rules and Registration

2010 Celebration Will Feature SierraRose Farms

2010-03-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

A popular attraction at the 2009 Meadows Celebration, SierraRose Farms, will return to Granger Meadows Park this July. SierraRose Farms is a local business that offers camps, special events and lessons that allow kids to connect with both miniature and full-size horses.

Last year, attendees of the Meadows Celebration were wowed by the up-close and personal interaction with several miniature horses and even a few babies. At the 2010 event, children will again have the opportunity to meet the miniature horses as they roam around in their mini corral for everyone to enjoy.

More information about SierraRose can be found on their Web site. Further details about this and other attractions at the 2010 Meadows Celebration will be posted as the event nears.

Rise Above BMX Show to Return to Meadows Celebration

2010-03-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand, Rise Above BMX show will again dazzle attendees at the Meadows Celebration. Due to the inclement weather during the 2009 event, some performances had to be cancelled, to the great disappointment of the crowd. But the group has committed to return, and they will be giving away a BMX bike to one lucky spectator.

The 2010 Meadows Celebration will take place on Friday, July 16, and will feature some new events and activities, in addition to old favorites. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend. Visit the Meadows Celebration blog often for updates on this year's fun.

We Want to Hear from You!

2009-07-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

Tell us about all the memorable moments from the Meadows Celebration. Let us know what you'd like to see again. Submit your favorite event or activity from this year's Meadows Celebration by leaving a comment below.

Winners Announced!

2009-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Meadows Celebration gave attendees the chance to have fun and engage in some friendly competition. Several participants scored Meadows Celebration prizes and bragging rights. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Pie Baking Contest

1st place: Mary Crowley
2nd place: Susan Simmer

Poker Walk

1st place: Deb Blake

Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race

1st place: S.S. Guppy (Duane Fritz, Randy Peters)
2nd place: Pond Skimmer (Neil Parsons, Alicia Taylor, Angie Carter)

Dodgeball Tournament

1st place: Team of Dylan Morris, Chris Loveatt, Tim Rupert, Jarrad, Shema Ljubic, Kasey Allen

Mini Sailboat Contest

3-5 year olds: Sydney McDonald
6-8 year olds: Alex Markcum
9-11 year olds: Lauren Payne

Guitar Hero Contest

8-10 year olds: Devin Miller
11-13 year olds: Matt Price
14-16 year olds: Ashlee Smith
17+: Todd McLouth

Coloring Contest

2-3 year olds, 1st place: Tessa Boyle
2-3 year olds, 2nd place: Jake Cooper
4-5 year olds, 1st place: Jack Trent
4-5 year olds, 2nd place: Kaylie Naimy
6-7 year olds, 1st place: Brendan Naimy
6-7 year olds, 2nd place: Lauren Kruer

Another Successful Meadows Celebration

2009-07-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Even the wet and chilly weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the attendees at the Fifth Annual Meadows Celebration: A Blast in the Moonlight. The event, which took place Friday, July 17, offered free fun for the entire family. This year's celebration brought back some all-time favorite activities, as well as brand new events and attractions.

One of the highlights of the event, as in previous years, was the Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race. The 2009 race was the most successful ever, with nine teams participating. The competitors had 40 minutes to build their watercraft while sheltering their cardboard from the pouring rain. Brave spectators cheered them on as they built and launched the fleet in timed heats.

Some of the boats took to the water skillfully and held up for the entire race. Others sank quickly and were abandoned by their paddlers. The ingenuity and creativity of the participants certainly made the watercraft an amusing sight to behold as they raced across the pond. The S.S. Guppy team, the winning team from 2007, brought home a repeat victory.

The Guitar Hero Tournament attracted the under 18 crowd. Participants had the chance to test their skill in a qualifying round and single-elimination tournament. Others just played for fun during the open play period. Local celebrity DJ Mojo was on hand to emcee the tournament and present the winners with their prizes.

The Rise Above BMX Stunt Show was a true crowd pleaser. Oohs and aahs could be heard echoing through Granger Meadows Park as the riders flipped, turned and soared high above ramps. Audience members were invited to join the show by acting as a prop. The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief as a rider cleared the jump over the volunteers with room to spare.

For the little ones, Apples the Clown was present to delight youngsters with balloon shapes. Face painting, candy bar bingo and library story time were ever-popular returning favorites. The inflatables, as always, were popular attractions. This year kids could joust, fly down the inflatable slide, try out the inflatable obstacle course or bounce inside Thomas the Tank Engine.

Another new attraction was SierraRose Farms Miniature Horses. Youngsters had the chance to get up close and personal with these gentle animals. Learning opportunities abounded, with informational booths for 911 and the MSU Cyclotron, as well as fire extinguisher training and the Sparrow Life Net Helicopter. The DeWitt Township Fire Department showed their skill by staging a vehicle extrication demonstration.

For those with a competitive spirit, there were plenty of opportunities, including the Family Dodgeball Tournament, Pie Baking Contest and Watermelon Eating Contest.

The evening wound to a close at the sledding hill in the West Park as cloudy skies began to clear. Entertainment was provided by local band Sea Cruisers. Glow necklaces illuminated the hill as the band belted out familiar oldies tunes. During the band's break, kids were treated to the fun-filled Super Ball Drop. Excited participants scrambled around the inline skating rink, scooping up the bouncing balls. The finale to the event was a fabulous fireworks display.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Fifth Annual Meadows Celebration, including the sponsors and volunteers. And thanks to all of you who braved the weather to take part in this outstanding community event.

Meadows Celebration Coloring Contest Winners Announced!

2009-07-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of great entries for the coloring contest. Here are the first and second place winners for each age group. Prizes will be awarded at the Meadows Celebration. If you are not able to join us, you'll be contacted to make arrangements to receive your prize after the event. Thanks to everyone who participated!

2-3 Year Olds

1st place Tessa Boyle

2nd place Jake Cooper

4-5 Year Olds

1st place Jack Trent

2nd place Kaylie Naimy

6-7 Year Olds

1st place Brendan Naimy

2nd place Lauren Kreuer

Meadows Celebration Right Around the Corner

2009-07-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

DeWitt Township, Granger and DeWitt Area Recreation Authority are working hard to wrap up details for the fifth annual Meadows Celebration, to be held this Friday, July 17. The event, which takes place at Granger Meadows Park in DeWitt Township, will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude around 11 p.m., following a spectacular fireworks display. As we complete last minute planning, we wanted to share a few reminders to make sure you have the best experience possible.

You May Want to Bring

Chairs or blankets for seating during the concert and fireworks
Insect Repellant
Sunscreen

What Not to Bring

Alcoholic beverages
Glass containers
Pets

Other Reminders

Consult the event brochure.
Note the location of the first aid tent.
Take note of events that may require pre-registration (e.g., Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race, Family Dodgeball Tournament).
Plan your time appropriately to enjoy the entire experience and fit in activities that have a more limited time period.
Through traffic on Granger Meadows Lane will be restricted from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. for fireworks.
Parking is limited to the main parking area on the south side of Granger Meadows Lane.
Handicap parking is available in the West Park.
Be sure to register to win 4 tickets to Michigan's Adventure. Sign up at the Headquarters tent.

Meadows Celebration to Wrap Up with Live Entertainment and Spectacular Fireworks

2009-07-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

As the evening winds down at the Meadows Celebration, attendees will gather near the sledding hill in the West Park to enjoy the music of popular local band Sea Cruisers. Sea Cruisers will hit the stage at 8 p.m. With music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, they'll have the young and young at heart dancing into the night.

The Sea Cruisers include the Dove brothers, Don on drums and Kenny on lead guitar; Rick Hansel on bass; and John Campbell on guitar.

When the band breaks at 9:30 p.m., children will be entertained by the ever-popular Super Ball Drop. The kids will gather in two separate groups in the inline skating rink and wait for the balls to be dropped. When the balls rain down from above, the youngsters will have fun scrambling to contain them and collect as many as they can.

After the conclusion of Sea Cruisers' second set, the evening wraps up with an amazing fireworks display. Adults and children alike will enjoy a fantastic view from the sledding hill as they gaze up at the fabulous show.

Meadows Celebration Offers Fun for All Ages

2009-06-29T14:04:00.001-07:00

This year's Meadows Celebration will feature a wide range of activities and events for the whole family. The chart below indicates which attractions may be suitable for each age group. For more information on a specific activity and for times and locations, download a copy of the event brochure.

	Under 5	5-7 years	8-12 years	13-17 years	Adults
Coloring Contest (entry forms available from DeWitt Township Hall or DeWitt Public Library, must be submitted by July 9)	X	X
Face Painting	X	X
Bubble Station	X	X
SierraRose Farms Miniature Horses	X	X	X	X
Library Story Time	X	X
Super Ball Drop	X	X	X
Live Entertainment by Sea Cruisers	X	X	X	X	X
Fireworks	X	X	X	X	X
Candy Bar Bingo	X	X	X	X
Oreo Eating Contest	X	X	X	X
Mini Sailboat Race	X	X	X	X
Watermelon Eating Contest	X	X	X	X	X
Safe Kids Information Booth	X	X	X	X	X
Rise Above BMX Show	X	X	X	X	X
Sparrow Life Net Helicopter	X	X	X	X	X
YMCA Obstacle Course		X	X	X
Family Dodgeball Tournament		X	X	X	X
Inflatables		X	X
Vehicle Extrication Demonstration		X	X	X	X
Pie Baking Contest					X
Poker Walk			X	X	X
Fire Extinguisher Training					X
Cardboard Canoe Race (registration form)					X
MSU Cyclotron		X	X	X	X
Guitar Hero Contest			X	X	X

Are You Up To the Challenge?

2009-06-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

The popular favorite Jeff Baumann Annual Cardboard Canoe Race returns to the Meadows Celebration again this year. In this event, teams are tasked with building a seaworthy craft using only the tools provided to them—cardboard, packing tape and a razor knife. Each two- to three-person team has 40 minutes in which to construct their canoe.

When the building is done, that’s when the fun really begins. Teams are pitted against each other in timed heats. Spectators cheer them on as they battle to be the first to make it to the other side of the pond. The team with the best time wins first prize—and all the glory!

Test your creativity, teamwork skills and paddling ability with this fun competition. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. The competition will be limited to the first 10 teams who register. Registration forms can be found at DeWitt Township Hall prior to the event or on the DeWitt Township Web site. The Headquarters Tent will also have pre-registration until 5 p.m. or until the limit has been reached, whichever comes first.

Participants must be 18 years or older. Complete rules are available at DeWitt Township Hall or on the DeWitt Township site.

Miniature Horses Will Make an Appearance at Meadows Celebration

2009-06-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

SierraRose Farms will offer children a chance to get up close and personal with miniature horses in a controlled setting at this year’s Meadows Celebration. A DeWitt area business that specializes in lessons, birthday parties and camps for kids, SierraRose will provide a unique experience for Celebration attendees.

Mini horses are less intimidating to children than full-size horses due to their smaller size and gentle nature. This activity will be an outstanding opportunity for children to begin to develop a greater comfort level with horses.

Seven miniature horses will be on display at the Meadows Celebration, including three babies. Kids will have the opportunity to pet the horses, as well as to ask questions about them from Sierra Rose representatives.

The miniature horses will be in the East Park from 4 to 8 p.m. Questions can be directed to Lee Ann Hull at SierraRose Farms at 517-668-0057.

Be a Guitar Hero at the Fifth Annual Meadows Celebration

2009-06-08T05:02:00.001-07:00

Attendees at the 2009 Meadows Celebration will have the opportunity to play the popular “Guitar Hero” game. Guitar Hero is a video game in which players use a guitar-shaped controller to simulate playing an actual instrument. Players match the notes that scroll on the screen to colored fret buttons on the controller, strumming in time to the music in order to score points and keep the virtual audience entertained.

Kids and adults alike will have the chance to compete or just play for fun. From 4 – 7 p.m., Guitar Hero will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for open play. Those in the open play who wish to have their scores recorded may do so and will have the chance to qualify for a single-elimination tournament to be held from 7 – 8 p.m. Participants will be separated into four age groups—8-10, 11-13, 14-16 and 17 & up.

The Guitar Hero activity will be held on the stage in the parking lot of the east park.

Prepare to Be Amazed!

2009-05-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Rise Above BMX, a group of BMX bike stunt riders who travel the country performing, will be a highlight of the Meadows Celebration this year. Riders will dazzle you with high-energy, choreographed performances set to music. These unique athletes perform all manner of stunts using ramps and specially-equipped bikes.

Shows will last approximately 30 minutes and will take place on the basketball court in the east park at 4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Click on the play arrow below for a preview of the show.

Returning Favorites and New Attractions Planned for This Year’s Event

2009-05-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Granger Meadows Celebration is jam packed with fun and activities for the entire family. Favorites like the cardboard canoe race and watermelon eating contest will return, along with the added excitement of a BMX stunt show and a Guitar Hero contest.

The schedule of events for July 17, 2009, is as follows*:

4 p.m.
Event Begins

4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Guitar Hero Contest

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Walking Trail Poker Walk

4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
BMX Stunt Show

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Face Painting

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bubble Station

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
YMCA Obstacle Course

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sailboat Race

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
911 Information Booth

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Safe Kids Information Booth with DNA Collection Kits and Fingerprinting Kits

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
MSU Cyclotron Display

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sparrow Life Net Helicopter on Display

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Inflatables: Moon Walk, Jousting, Obstacle Course & Giant Slide

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Candy Bar Bingo/Oreo Eating Contest

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fire Extinguisher Training

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Annual Jeff Baumann Cardboard Canoe Race (pre-registration suggested)

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Library Story Time

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pie Baking Contest

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Watermelon Eating Contest

8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Live Entertainment by Sea Cruisers

9:15 & 9:30 p.m.
Super Ball Drop

10:30 p.m.
Fireworks Display

*Schedule is subject to change.

Have a Blast in the Moonlight at the Fifth Annual Meadows Celebration!

2009-04-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Planning is underway for the Fifth Annual Meadows Celebration. This year's event will have many of the same family-friendly activities as in previous years, with some exciting new additions thrown in for good measure. A few of the highlights of the 2009 event:

BMX Bike Stunt Show
Guitar Hero Contest
Inflatables
Poker Walk
Super Ball Drop
Candy Bar Bingo
Fireworks

These are just a selection of all the fun that awaits you. Be sure to save the date—July 17—and check our blog frequently for updates and for more information on featured events.