Traverse City, Michigan – Travel and Lodging

The NMC Barbecue is one of northern Michigan’s most popular and enduring traditions. The annual event brings thousands of people to NMC’s main campus for an old-fashioned picnic and a chance to see their community college, with a grand total of 9,040 people attending the 59th annual NMC Barbecue in 2014.

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continue to donate the food, and hundreds of volunteers turn out to make the event happen.

When is the Barbecue?

The Barbecue is always on the Sunday before Memorial Day Weekend — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To plan ahead for future NMC Barbecues, save these dates on your calendar:

Sunday, May 17, 2015
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Sunday, May 21, 2017

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Visit NMC Barbecue Website >>>>

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The Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival celebrates one of Michigan’s finest natural resources – the unique Petoskey Stone, Michigan’s official state stone.

8:30 a.m. Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival 5k Fun Race – Register here

Enjoy the flora and fauna of the hiking trails in Antrim County’s Barnes Park! No race fee, pre-registration required or register at race time. Sponsored by Shanty Creek Resorts and the Antrim Conservation District.

9:30 a.m. 10th annual Commissioner’s Kids’ Stone Skipping Contest 

Sponsored by Antrim County Commissioner Mike Crawford and Crawford Builders, LLC. Pre-registration required at PSF registration booth in festival area.

10:00 a.m. Let the fun begin – the festival officially opens!

Fun for everyone all day long, with the best gem and mineral vendors in the Great Lakes, a free Kid’s Trout Fishing Pond sponsored by the Bellaire Conservation Club, the antics of Albo the Clown and well-known juggler Tommy Tropic, great food and entertaining music provided by our beloved Danny Bellenbaum!

11:00 a.m. 10th annual Petoskey Stone Hunt

Keep the stones you find on Barnes Park’s beautiful Grand Traverse Bay beach and win great prizes, too! Pre-registration required at PSF registration booth in festival area. Open to children and adults.

strong>12:00 p.m. 10th annual Betty Dinger Memorial Award

Our annual tribute to the great lady who inspired us and those who have contributed so much to our festival, Antrim County’s tourism industry, and the preservation of Michigan’s natural resources.

1:00 p.m. Rebecca Lessard and the Wings of Wonder

A very special presentation of birds of prey native to our great state of Michigan by one of Michigan’s best known wildlife rehabilitators. Sponsored by Alden State Bank.

2:00 p.m. Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Schaub and “Ruslan”

A very interesting presentation of a law enforcement canine search and rescue team at work! Sponsored by Armor Express.

3:00 p.m. GT Band of Odawa & Chippewa Indians Dance Group 

Watch, learn and enjoy the native music, dances and customs of those who gave Michigan’s state stone its name-a presentation not to be missed! – Sponsored by Dewey Insurance

4:00 p.m. – Festival closes. See you next year!

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Visit the Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival Website >>>>

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Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival on Facebook

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