DeVries Nature Conservancy • Steam Railroading InstituteShiawassee Arts Center • Owosso Community Players • Friends of the Shiawassee River

Owosso Historical Commission • Shiawassee County Historical Society

This booklet is your passport to fun, FREE adventures for the entire family – adventures with a focus on water, including

our beautiful Shiawassee River, and the amazing, local, cultural institutions that enrich all our lives.

You Up To This Weekend?WaTer

May 17, 18, & 19Join Us!

history

trains

natureriv

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visual arts

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eater

gene

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rvat

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water

DeVries Nature Conservancy Activity 2635 N. M-52

Friends of the Shiawassee River Activity Voight Loop Park trail head, east side of S. Washington St., between the bridge & the Steam Railroading Institute

Owosso Community Players Activity 114 E. Main St.

Owosso Historical Commission Activity 224 Curwood Castle Dr.

Shiawassee Arts Center Activity 206 Curwood Castle Dr.

Shiawassee County Historical Society Activity 1997 N. M-52

Steam Railroading Institute Activity 406 S. Washington St.

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Visit us on Facebook at Owosso’s Culture Fest or email us at owossoculturefest@gmail.com

Map of Owosso

FRIDAY, MAY 17

7 p.m. Owosso Historical Commission……………...page 7 Bonnie Jo Campbell Book Reading

SATURDAY, MAY 18

9 a.m.- noon Friends of the Shiawassee River…………...page 5 Native Planting/Invasive Species Removal 10 a.m.- noon Owosso Community Players………………...page 6 Theater “Behind the Scenes” 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Steam Railroading Institute………………...page 10 Trains and Tours 1 - 3 p.m. DeVries Nature Conservancy………………..page 4 Fishtastic Adventure

SUNDAY, MAY 19

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Steam Railroading Institute………………...page 10 Trains and Tours

1 - 4 p.m. Shiawassee Arts Center……………………...page 8 Painting Along the River 1 - 4 p.m. Shiawassee County Historical Society…....page 9 Artifact Treasure Hunt

Welcome to

Culture Fest 2013 is a collaborative celebration of some of our area’s amazing non-profit, cultural organizations. Each of these organizations will provide exciting, FREE activities geared primarily to youth and families with an overarching theme of the importance and beauty of water, including our very own Shiawassee River.

You are encouraged to attend any or all of these events. Use this “passport” to help guide your cultural exploration.

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Why Culture Fest?The cultural institutions of Owosso help to preserve our area’s history by sharing our past, encourage us to help protect our environment by revealing nature’s hidden treasures, and, through the arts, expand our imagination, and push us to view our world in new and very unexpected ways.

This is the first year that Culture Fest will be presented to our community. In addition to encouraging youth and families to engage in any number of free, learning-oriented activities, other goals of the event include:

Culture Fest is being supported by grants from the Cook Family Foundation and the Russell and Annabelle Woodard Memorial Fund

(administered by the Shiawassee Community Foundation).

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Encouraging participants to learn more about local cultural/educational institutions/organizations which help create civic pride in our community and greatly add to our quality of life.

Introduce Owosso’s rich cultural heritage to regional audiences looking for a reason to explore our area.

Enable local cultural organizations and their employees to learn more about one another, enlarge their audiences, and continue to work together in a symbiotic way.

Our hope is to put on a resoundingly successful event which helps to spark the interest of youngsters and their families to discover the many benefits of our cultural organizations and encourage them to step away from TV and video games. This collaboration has already provided an opportunity for employees and volunteers of our cultural institutions to learn more about one another and is ripe to inspire additional collaborations throughout the year.

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Do Water and Culture Really Mix?This question actually sounds like something out of a sourdough bread experiment. However, we found it really did have something to do with bringing the DeVries Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Owosso Community Players, Owosso Historical Commission, Shiawassee Arts Center, Shiawassee County Historical Society, and the Steam Railroading Institute together for this weekend of fun and exploration – Culture Fest!

One of several Merriam-Webster dictionary definitions of “culture” reads:

More simply put, it’s how we learn who we are, what we believe, and how we present ourselves to the world from those people who came before us. We use cultural organizations (museums, nature centers, visual and performing arts centers, historical landmarks, etc.) to help construct our national, regional and local identities. They are showcases where we feature our lives according to us.

The first meeting of the Culture Fest participants had us asking a lot of questions. What can we do to encourage folks to learn more about what we do? Was the word “culture” exciting enough to inspire families to use what precious time they had together to discover our facilities/activities? The answer was a resounding – maybe. How could we help equate CULTURE with FUN?

WATER!Why is water so important? Water is necessary for life to exist. Every single life form on earth relies on water for sustenance. The planet is 75 percent water. Your brain, and trees, are both about 75 percent water. While a person can live for a few weeks without eating any food, that same person can only live a few days without water. And, it is very easy to take water for granted. We felt that although culture may not be quite as important to our daily biological lives, it certainly was important to nurturing our spiritual and emotional well-being.

So WATER became the theme to this weekend’s many adventures – from the fishing activities at DeVries, to the tear-jerking drama of theater; from how steam makes train engines run, to producing art with water and color; and of course, how the beautiful Shiawassee River helped develop our town, helped inspire authors (and continues to do so), and encourages us to care, share and enjoy it everyday.

We hope you enjoy this weekend of culture, water, learning, and fun and would love to hear your thoughts. Visit us on Facebook at Owosso’s Culture Fest or send us an email at owossoculturefest@gmail.com. Want to help make Culture Fest 2014 happen? We’d like to hear that too!

the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations.

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DeVries Nature Conservancy2635 N. M-52, Owosso

989.723.3365 • Free Admissionwww.devriesnature.org

Culture Fest activityJoin in on a Fishtastic Adventure! Kids of all ages are welcome to try out all the facets of fishing, from casting, to knot tying. There will be 10 stations of activities to choose from including: fly fishing practice, gyotaku fish painting, and tackle crafting. This event is free! Raffle tickets are available to win fishing poles and stocked tackle boxes.

Become a Member of DNCName ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone __________________________ Email ___________________________________________________

Membership Level (Please Circle):

Student $10 Individual $15 Family/Grandparent $25 Corporate $100 Lifetime $500

For an updated list of member benefits, visit www.devriesnature.org. Mail this form and payment to: DeVries Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 608, Owosso, Michigan 48867

DNC’s 4+ miles of trails through 136 acres of farmland, forest, restored prairie, and floodplain along the beautiful Shiawassee River are just five minutes from downtown Owosso. It’s a great place to hike, cross-country ski, learn more about Michigan’s natural history, or find a quiet place to commune with nature.

Saturday May 18th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

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P.O. Box 402, Owosso989.723.9062

www.shiawasseeriver.org

Culture Fest activityJoin the Friends as they plant native wildflower seeds and plants, and remove invasive species such as garlic mustard at Voight Loop Park. The Loop Park trail head is on the east side of S. Washington St., between the bridge and the Steam Railroading Institute. Participants will be inspired to learn more about the native and invasive species that livealong our riverbanks.

Bring a picnic lunch and make a leisurely day of it!

Become a Member of FOSR

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Membership Level (Please Circle):

Mail this form and payment to: Friends of the Shiawassee River, P.O. Box 402, Owosso, Michigan 48867

The Friends of the Shiawassee River helps people care for, share, and enjoy the Shiawassee River. They promote good stewardship of this precious aquatic resource, and have fun in the process! FOSR members help protect our fresh water and support the Friends’ programs and educational efforts.

Saturday May 18th, 9 a.m. - noon

Friend $25 Supporter $35

Benefactor $35

Blue Heron $100

Walleye $250 Bald Eagle $500

Friends of the Shiawassee River

114 East Main Street, PO Box 606, Owosso989.723.4003 • 989.723.1488

www.owossoplayers.org

Culture Fest activityThe Owosso Community Players will be hosting a free workshop for families showing the fun, behind-the-scenes secrets of what goes on when making their theater productions come to life! There will also be a production of the tear-jerker “Steel Magnolias” – with performances

on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon (tickets will be available at the box office at the standard rate).

Become a Member of OCP

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Membership Level (Please Circle):

Student/Senior $10 Individual $20 Family $35 Green Room $50 Angel $100 Director $250 Golden $500 Platinum $1,000 Ruby $2,500 Signature $5,000

The Owosso Players have provided live theater in Owosso since the 1950s. The Players are committed to educating, entertaining, and inspiring Mid-Michigan audiences by presenting four productions a year during its nine-month season. Other special workshops and productions are often scheduled throughout the summer and during the theater season.

Saturday, May 18th, 10 a.m. - noon

For an updated list of member benefits, visit www.owossoplayers.org. Mail this form and payment to: Owosso Community Players, P.O. Box 606, Owosso, Michigan 48867

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Owosso Community Players

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Owosso Historical Commission301 W. Main Street (City Hall), Owosso

989.725.0599 http://ci.owosso.mi.us/Government/HistoricalCommission.aspx

Culture Fest activityThe Owosso Historical Commission will kick off Culture Fest at Curwood Castle, 224 Curwood Castle Drive, with a reading and book signing with noted author Bonnie Jo Campbell and her book “Once Upon a River”.

Donate to OHC

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

I would like to donate $____________ to assist the Owosso Historical Commission.

Mail this form and payment to: Owosso Historical Commission, 301 W. Main Street, Owosso, MI 48867

The purpose of the Historical Commission is to recognize, preserve, and bring public attention to the historical treasures of the City and to promote a historical interest in the Arts. The Commission is responsible for the permanent perpetuation of the history of Owosso.

Friday May 17th, 7 p.m.

The New York Times Book Review writes “Campbell has a ruthless and precise eye for the details of the physical world...An excellent parable about the consequences of our favorite ideal, freedom.”

This event is geared to ages teen through adult.

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Shiawassee Arts Center206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso

989.723.8354 • Free Admissionwww.shiawasseearts.org

Culture Fest activityChildren and adults are invited to a Passport of Creative Fun for a “Yes I “Kan” painting session along the river by the Shiawassee Arts Center. Create mini paintings in the style of Wassily Kandinsky’s “Different Strokes”. Easels will be set up in Curwood Castle Park for anyone wishing to sketch or paint.

Bring whatever supplies you may have or just come with your creative juices flowing and SAC will supply the rest. Beginners to advanced students are welcome! In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Arts Center.

Become a Member of SACName ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Membership Level (Please Circle):

For an updated list of member benefits, visit www.shiawasseearts.org. Mail this form and payment to: Shiawassee Arts Center, 206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso, Michigan 48867

The Shiawassee Arts Center (SAC), celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2013, is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to encourage participation and appreciation of the arts. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5pm and features the artwork of local and statewide artists in eight galleries and a specialty gift shop. SAC also offers year-round art classes for children and adults and many special events.

Sunday, May 19th, 1 - 4 p.m.

Student $15 Senior (62+) $25 Individual $30 Family $50

Patron $75 Benefactor $100 Contributor $250 Founder $500

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email __________________________________________

Membership Level - Annual Dues are due on October 1st (Please Circle):

For an updated list of member benefits, visit www.shiawasseecountyhistsoc.org.

Mail this form and payment to: Shiawassee County Historical Society, P.O. Box 526, Owosso, Michigan 48867

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Shiawassee County Historical Society1997 North M-52, Owosso

989.723.2371 • Free Admissionwww.shiawasseecountyhistsoc.org

Culture Fest activityStart with a map of Shiawassee County from the past to learn how Owosso’s “Water Street” got its name. Then enjoy a free, self-guided treasure hunt to discover many of the artifacts housed in the museum. Professionals will be on hand to answer questions about how the County Historical Society can help document family archives, provide primary sources for student school projects, offer group tours, and much more!

The Shiawassee County Historical Society is responsible for highlighting and preserving the lifestyles of our ancestors for future generations. They operate the Shiawassee County Historical Society Archives and Museum, which houses a number of historical documents as well as personal, professional, technical and agricultural artifacts from the 1800’s to the present.

Sunday, May 19th, 1 - 4 p.m.

Become a Member of the SCHS

Individual $12

Family $15

Supporting $25

Contributing $50

Sustaining $75

Life $200

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Steam Railroading Institute405 South Washington Street, Owosso

989.725.9464 www.michigansteamtrain.org

Culture Fest activityCulture Fest participants can obtain free admittance to the Steam Railroading Institute these two days. Tours will be provided from 10 a.m. to 4.p.m. both Saturday and Sunday – featuring the history of steam power. Visitors can see a steam train operating on the grounds, with 7 ½ gauge train rides available free of charge. Steam Train rides will be available for $10 to all passport holders.

Become a Member of SRI

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Membership Level (Please Circle):

Individual $45 Two People $55 Family $80 Donor $200

For a list of member benefits, visit www.michigansteamtrain.org. Mail this form and payment to: Steam Railroading Institute, P.O. Box 605, Owosso, Michigan 48867

May 18th & 19th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Steam Railroading Institute houses two steam locomotives, two diesel locomotives, and a fleet of passenger cars, plus numerous pieces of rolling stock. SRI offers visitors a firsthand look at the intricacies of working steam locomotives and the equipment that operated with them. It is, perhaps, best known for offering locomotive excursions all over Michigan. The North Pole Express is a favorite of many.

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Kids Page

We hope you and your family will have fun and learn a lot during Culture Fest. If you want, you can use the space below to draw pictures or take notes on what you did.

tar __________________ lastec ________________ishyort_______________ cat __________________utaner _______________ nagitpin _____________

Can you unscramble these words? What do they have to do with Culture Fest?

stiran ________________ pettroc _______________reathet _______________ trawe _________________virre __________________ relan _________________

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Thank You!Without the hard work and support of a LOT of people, Culture Fest 2013 would not have become a reality.

THANKS to the Cook Family Foundation and the Russell and Annabelle Woodard Memorial Fund (administered by the Shiawassee Community Foundation) for their grant funding, program ideas, and encouragement throughout the event development process.

THANKS to the planning committee of Culture Fest 2013 including Arlene and Charles Wascher, Christine Mitchell, Clark Shanahan, Dave Acton, Karen Kong, Kit Kuhlman, Linda Keenan, Linda Ruehle, Lorraine Austin, Mike Erfourth, Piper Brewer, Rachelle Hollabaugh, Susan Newcom, Terry Bush, Tracy Page and others who may have been left out of this list (we love you too!).

THANKS to Kim Springsdorf, Executive Director of the Shiawassee Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, for her guidance, the CVB ad, and for making our Facebook page, Owosso’s Culture Fest, happen.

THANKS to Owosso Mayor, Benjamin Frederick, for his inspirational words, his work to tell the world about Culture Fest, and his continued dedication to our cultural institutions.

THANKS to Jeff Deason, President/CEO of the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, for his belief in Culture Fest and for his long-term support of all of the cultural organizations that make our area special.

THANKS to Heather Brooks for designing our passport booklet, thanks to Tracy Page for creating the branding and logo for Culture Fest, and thanks to Robert Meihls for printing our passport booklets.

THANKS to all who are not listed here but also helped to make this event a reality – especially the staff and volunteers who work with our cultural organizations and inspire us all each and everyday.

AND, OF COURSE, THANKS to all of YOU who participated in Culture Fest 2013. We hope that you will continue to explore our cultural community and support the work we do.

For Information about area activities or for assistance planning your next event or special occasion please call us!

Shiawassee County Convention & Visitors BureauKimberly Springsdorf • kspringsdorf@shiawassee.org

989-723-1199 • 215 N. Water Street, Owosso, MI 48867www.shiawassee.org

Shiawassee County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Proudly Supports Owosso’s First Culture Festival

Great Things are Always Happening in Shiawassee County!

Durand May 17-19 Durand Railroad Days Festival 989-288-4080 May 18 Durand Family Bike Tour, NRMI 989-288-2378Perry May 17-19 City Sidewalk & Yard Sales 517-625-6155Corunna Shiawassee County Fairgrounds 989-743-3611 May 17-19 Genesee Co. Kennel Club Dog Show May 18-19 CMHA Horse ShowOwosso May 17-19 Culture Fest 2013 May 18 Downtown Owosso’s Farmers Market 989-413-3728 May 19 6th Annual Mid-Michigan Custom Car Show 989-666-3107

While in Town Enjoying Culture Festival Check out the other activities going on locally

FRIDAY, MAY 17

7 p.m. Owosso Historical Commission Bonnie Jo Campbell Book Reading (additional details on page 7)

SATURDAY, MAY 18

9 a.m. - noon Friends of the Shiawassee River Native Planting/Invasive Species Removal (additional details on page 5)

10 a.m. - noon Owosso Community Players Theater “Behind the Scenes” (additional details on page 6)

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Steam Railroading Institute Trains and Tours (additional details on page 10)

1 - 3 p.m. DeVries Nature Conservancy Fishtastic Adventure (additional details on page 4)

SUNDAY, MAY 19

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Steam Railroading Institute See Saturday’s description

1 - 4 p.m. Shiawassee Arts Center Painting Along the River (additional details on page 8)

1 - 4 p.m. Shiawassee County Historical Society Artifact Treasure Hunt (additional details on page 9)

Get a stamp at each Culture Fest event. The more stamps you get, the more chances to win a culture-related prize!

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

STAMP HERE

After you attend your last Culture Fest event, complete the form below and submit this entire page at that event.

Winners will be notified by phone and/or email.

PLEASE PRINT

Name _______________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ______________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________

Phone ___________________ Email ______________________________________

STAMP HERE