Spring is officially here, in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.  The famous, yellow ”Cottage 20 Crocus” has come up through the cold earth, to let us know that we can start planning for warm weather!  It’s always exciting to see this little glimpse of color, when the snow begins to melt away. 

I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but it just reminds me of the fun we’ll have this summer…music on the Left Foot Charley patio, outdoor festivals galore, watching the community garden flourish, the Bocce Tournament & Frisbee on the Front Lawn.  Ahhhh.  I can’t wait!

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons & the Great Indoor Farmers Market present “You Art What you Eat” Edible Art Show on Saturday, March 6th during market hours, from 10am to 2pm in The Mercato. View displays of outrageously delicious art, made entirely of edibles, created by local farmers, Village merchants, artists, and chefs. Enter your silent-auction bids to take home select consumable artwork, and purchase tickets at $1 each to cast votes for Best in Category and Best of Show. ALL proceeds benefit local food banks.

From 11:00 to 1:00, Grand Traverse Pie Company presents “Kids Make & Take” Road Show in Suite 25. Children learn about local agriculture, while handcrafting their very own pie! Donations (optional) support our local foster youth. Also bid on a gigantic GTPC Pie, a 7-pie equivalent, and either take it home or we’ll happily bring it to our local Goodwill Inn! Great fun for the entire family!

All together, now.

You (all of you) are invited to The 2nd Annual Great Indoor Folk Festival…and best of all, IT’S FREE!

Last year’s fest was a ball…we had folks of all ages roaming The Mercato halls, listening, singing along, and dancing to the merry tunes.  It was quite a spectacle.  We are expecting tomorrow’s event to be even better; an additional stage has been added at Left Foot Charley, so more great musicians will be able to play.  60 musicians, to be exact.  The rest of the stages (Soloist, Duo, Band, Kids, & Open Mike) will be scattered all along The Mercato in Building 50.  Food & beverages will be available for purchase from Cuppa Joe, The Silvertree Deli, TASTES of Black Star Farms, Trattoria Stella, Sweet Asylum, Pleasanton Bakery, The Underground Cheesecake Co, Left Foot Charley, and Higher Grounds.  We will also be hosting “Hotdogs for Haiti,” which will benefit the people of Haiti (of course.)

So, for all of you with Cabin Fever, or just a hankering for some good, organic music, come on over to The Village this Saturday, 12-5:30pm.  It will be  fun, free, and family friendly :)

Facebook Event Page  -  Musician Schedule (See page 37)

Pac Choi, Bok Choy, & Pak Choi are all different spellings for the same vegetable. Whichever name you use, it's the ultimate green veggie for stir-fries.

Cooking Demos @ TASTES (11am & Noon)
Stop by TASTES of Black Star Farms, during the Farmers Market for free, farm-fresh cooking demonstrations!  Their visiting chef will be preparing a delectable dish using local ingredients, with a recipe to go.  Taste test the dish with a wine sample for $3.  231.944.1349

Come visit Kevin @ TASTES...he's always good for a story, and he can tell you exactly how they get those pears in the bottles.

Essential Oil & Aromatherapy Class (3-4pm)
Anna Sangemino from Creation Farm is offering a free class, to educate you in the use of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.  Normally these free classes are held on Friday, but due to popular demand, Anna had decided to offer an encore presentation!  The topic:  Coping with the dryness of Winter heating, and comforting all your body’s systems during the dry, indoor winter season.  Class will be held in Suite 25 in The Mercato, by The Silvertree Deli.  231.352.9600

Lavender is one of the many essential oils for health & well being, that Creation Farm offers.

 See you in The Mercato!

Recess Time!

This Wednesday (Jan 27th) from 5-8pm,  is Recess in The Mercato! Come on over for an evening of relaxation, networking, and socializing at the Traverse City Business News‘ monthly Recess. Enjoy great food from Village eateries, vino from the Wineries of Leelanua Peninsula, and live music with Ronnie Hernandez, plus the chance to win some great Village prizes, including a “Tunnel to Spires” Tour! $5 Cover.

Our old calendar was clumbsy (not to mention hideous), but the new one is user-friendly and printable.  Best of all…it was free!  Thank you Google & thank you Andy, for suggesting it.  Now, it’s easier than ever to find out what’s happening around B50.