Lake County Annual Events

See Our Calendar of Events

Blessing of the Bikes May 13th - 15th

The Blessing of the Bikes is organized by the Para-Dice Motorcycle Club of Grand Rapids. The "Blessing" started in 1972, when four bikes and eight riders gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church in Baldwin and received a blessing for a safe and happy riding season. Today, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gather here to have their bikes blessed, and every year it grows larger. Organizers said in 2003 that the crowd had tripled from 2002, and less than half an hour before the Blessing was to begin, Sheriff Bob Hilts received a report from his deputies that, "there are still bikes lined up all the way to the Lake County line," (five miles south of the Baldwin Municipal Airport where the event is held). After opening both the South and North gates to the airport, riders stream in two abreast for a blessing. The proceeds from the event go to Baldwin's St. Ann Senior Nutrition Program. 

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 5th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Market Place. The Market will be held in downtown Baldwin in the area immediately behind the Baldwin Business Center. Come in and check out the dealers at the Market Place. There will be food vendors, clothing, bike accessories, and tattoo artists. For dealer information please contact the Chamber Tourist Center at 231-745-4331 or 800-245-3240.

Irons Flea Roast & Ox Market June 23rd - 26th

Sponsored by the Irons Area Tourist Association, this annual family-fun event will be held Jun 23 – 26 at Skinner Park, just east of downtown Irons. The parade begins at 3:00 p.m. at the Irons Union Church and goes one-half mile to the park. 

There will be amusement rides, a flea market, live music, a food/beer tent (serving the famous flea burger!), bingo, and various tournaments (softball, volleyball and horse shoes). The complete Program will be available as the event dates near. (231)266-8217. More information on the web at www.ironsarea.com

Luther Logging Days July 4th

Make plans to join us on July 4th weekend for the annual Luther Logging Days, a celebration of our community’s rich lumber and logging heritage. Fun for the whole family, events include an international lumberjack competition, a car show, kids games, a parade, greased pig contest, softball tournament, outhouse race, and a horse pull along with music and other entertainment. 

Idlewild Music Fest 2011 July 7th - 9th

Join us in Idlewild for the 2011 Idlewild Music Fest featuring the best of gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and soul. Thursday night, July 7th is our free Gospel night. Call 231-745-7724 for Friday night tickets ($15), Saturday night tickets ($15) or Friday-Saturday night combo tickets ($25). Scheduled performers include Priscilla Price, Maurice Davis, Lady Sunshine and X Band, Serieux, and the Noteworthy Soul Band.

For more information, go to www.idlewildmusicfest.com

Trout-A-Rama July 20th - 23rd

Since 1957, thousands of people have annually met in Baldwin to enjoy themselves at the Troutarama festival featuring our Grand Parade, Arnold Amusements Carnival, Youth Fishing Derby, the DARE Car Show, and our Entertainment Tent including Casino Nights (lic. tba) and live Musical Entertainment. The 6th annual Lake Co. D.A.R.E.Car Show will be held on Sunday at the AMVETS Post. The Miss Lake County Contest is Friday evening. The Grand Parade is Saturday, July 23rd @1 PM, in downtown Baldwin.

For a detailed schedule, go to www.troutarama.com