Melon Festival

News

    • Scoop Up Great Deals with the Melon Festival Shop Club Button
    • 08/17/2011

    • HOWELL, MI - Downtown Howell will host the 51st Annual Howell Melon Festival this weekend, featuring the unique Howell Melon, and a whole weekend packed with something for everyone.  Local retailers have teamed up to offer savvy shoppers some great deals, too, with the Shop Club Button Promotion.

       “Festival attendees and downtown shoppers may join the exclusive Shop Club by purchasing a $5 button from www.howellmelonfestival.com, or participating retailers, and take advantage of some fantastic deals,” says Nathan Voght, Howell Main Street/DDA Manager. “If your a regular downtown shopper, or coming in for the Melon Festival, you'll discover some great deals at some of our finest retailers and restaurants.

      GO HERE TO BUY YOUR BUTTON.  The list of participating retailers and their offers includes:

      Pur-Se:  Get an extra 10% off, storewide, including sales.  This offer excludes troll beads.

      Bead Gallery 2: 25% off jewelry.  15% off Vera Bradley.

      Cleary's Pub: 10% off food bill (does not include alcohol)

      Where the Wild Things Grow:  10% off of total purchase.

      Carriage House Designs:  20% off of one item, extra 10% off of clearance items.

      Diamond's Steak & Seafood: Free melon dessert with purchase of an entree.  Drink Special.

      Razzmatazz Toys: $5 off purchase of $25 or more.  Not valid on clearance or book signings.

      Heart of Michigan: 50% off any Ice Cream.

      Simply Charming: Take an additional 15% off sidewalk sale merchandise.

      Sunny J's Lingerie and Leisure: 10% off your total purchase.

      LeBoutique, Upscale Resale: Take 20% off any one item and get a free gift.

      Howell Area Parks & Recreation:  $5 off any class registration.

      Home Sweet Home Boutique: 10% off any purchase $50 or more.

       

    • Annabelle Road to Headline Howell Melon Festival, Joined by an Array of Local Acts
    • 08/17/2011

    • The Howell Melon Festival is set to be more musical than ever in 2011 as event organizers add a new live music venue and welcome Michigan’s hottest country band, Annabelle Road to the Main Entertainment Stage.

      The musical extravaganza will begin on Wednesday evening with a Summer Concert on the Beach featuring local artists Jeff Pianki and Mike Vial. Howell Main Street has partnered with Fusion Shows and the Grand Princess River Boat to bring live music to Thompson Lake.

       “The Summer Concert on the Beach is going to be tons of fun,” says Howell Main Street/DDA Director Nathan Voght. “Partnering with Fusion Shows helps us bring some really hip, independent acts to a younger crowd."

      Saturday’s lineup at the Melon Festival Main Entertainment Stage will flood Downtown Howell with great live music from 10 a.m. until the sun goes down. Local performers such as the Lamp Lighter Barbershop Quartet, the Livingston County Concert Band, and previous Livingston Sensation winners The Sundowners.

      “Without a doubt, Anabelle Road will be the highlight of the weekend,” says Voght. “We’re honored to host such a talented, sought-after group. No one is going to want to miss them.”

      Anabelle Road will take the stage at 7:00pm Saturday. The Main Entertainment Stage will be located on North Michigan Avenue at Clinton Street. Live music will be found in other locations during the Howell Melon Festival as well, including the Festival Tent on S. Walnut, and Concerts at the Courthouse sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council.

      To learn more about the Howell Melon Festival and view the entire schedule, visit: http://www.howellmelonfestival.com.

    • 34th Annual Melon Run
    • 08/12/2011

    • 34th Annual Howell Melon Run

      Friday, August 19th

      6:00pm

       

      Join the community tradition of the 34th Annual Melon Run on August 19. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful run/walks through residential streets, historic Lakeview Cemetery, and Howell City Park. The race starts and finishes in Downtown Howell. Onsite registrations, post race awards, and refreshments (like melon ice cream) will all take place on State St. Bring the whole family to enjoy all the special events including the Melon Roll, Tot Trot, Melon Dash, and the One Mile Fun Run/Walk. Parking is available at the Barnard Community Center and on residential streets surrounding Downtown.  Early entry fee deadline is midnight on 8/18. Mailed applications must be postmarked by 8/15.

      Site: Downtown Howell, Corner of State and Clinton Streets

       

                  Melon Roll (ages 2-5) $2 per child                 6:00pm

                  Tot Trot (ages 8 & under) Free (1/4 mile)       6:15pm

                  Melon Dash                 $2 per person               6:30pm                                   

                  1 Mile                          $10 early/$15 late        6:45pm

                  5 K                              $25 early/$30 late        7:00pm

                  10 K                            $25 early/$30 late        7:00pm

       

      We are also in need of volunteers to help with the run. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.

       

      For more information or to register, please contact the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority at 517/ 546-0693 or visit our website at www.howellrecreation.org.

       

      Contact us:  parksandrec@howellrecreation.org

                            517-546-0693 ext. 0

                            fax: 517-546-6018

      # # #

       

      The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority was formed in 2006 and serves residents in the City of Howell, Oceola, Genoa and Marion Township. Our mission is to bring communities together to enrich lives by promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

    • Howell Melon Festival Visitors Will Be Going Places With Transportation Entertainment
    • 08/08/2011

    • August 5, 2011


      Contact: Nathan Voght - 517-540-6727

      HOWELL MELON FESTIVAL VISITORS WILL BE GOING PLACES WITH TRANSPORTATION ENTERTAINMENT

      HOWELL, MI - The Howell Melon Festival is the event of the year for people who love to go places. The 2011 event begins August 18 and will feature historic steam locomotive rides, boat cruises and trolley tours.

      “Transportation is a part of our culture here in Michigan, and right here in Howell,” says Nathan Voght, Howell Main Street/DDA Manager. “It’s fitting that during this celebration of our local history we have so many fun transportation experiences.”

      The Howell Melon Festival will partner with the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to offer hour-long rides on historic diesel engines. Come ride with the SRI on their vintage coaches through the Mid-Michigan countryside to Byron Station operating over the tracks of the Great Lakes Central Railway.

      "Every once in a while, something comes available to you that you only have that special time to experience," says SRI Executive Director David Shorter. "Riding the diesel-pulled train at the Howell Melon Festival will be one of those experiences."

      Summer fun doesn’t get much better than a boat cruise! The Thompson Lake River Boat Melon Cruises will feature food, relaxation and entertainment during lunch, dinner and moonlight hours. Enjoy summer the way it’s meant to be enjoyed and benefit the Humane Society of Livingston County along the way.

      Finally, locals and visitors alike will enjoy the Melon Festival Trolley Tours. Join the Howell Area Historical Society on trolley tours of Historic Howell all weekend long.

      “No one will have grass growing under their feet at Melon Festival this year, that’s for sure,” says Voght. “Wherever you want to go around Howell, we have a fun way to get you there.”

      Tickets for all transportation events are available the Howell Melon Festival Website, howellmelonfestival.com/ticketed-events. All events are made possible by the Howell Melon Festival, event partners and Citizens Insurance, this year’s Signature Sponsor of Howell Melon Festival.

      Learn more about the Howell Melon Festival at www.howellmelonfestival.com.

    • My Adventure Theater brings Magic to the Melon Festival
    • 08/05/2011

    • Calling all maidens, knights, scallywags, mermaids and barnacle lovin’ souls: My Adventure Theater is coming your way and we need you to be the STAR of the show! Characters are chosen from the audience, costumed up and narrated through an action filled; laugh packed adventure complete with songs, dancing and a keg full-O-fun. With photo opportunities galore, a treasure chest full of souvenirs and memories of a life time in the making.

      Hop on board the boat with Barnacle Bean and be a part of Pirate Island----the crew aboad Fortune’s Sloop have been searching for the lost treasure of Pirate Island for years—when they think they’ve found it, an epic battle ensues when the monkeys of Deadman’s Sand Bar decide to make ‘em fight for the treasure!

      Join Lady Lavender and her band of silly knights in Nottingham Forest as they embark on a quest to free the Forest King and defeat Zantorian the Dragon---the lovely forest fairies use their magic when the Knights get lost. Everything is righted once the King is found in Nottingham Forest!

      Get on board the USS RabbleRouser, stardate 253545 with Corporal Major General BubbleLove as we explore the 4th quadrant in Galactic Voyage. Allow us to take you to another time and place. As the story unfolds, there’s intrigue, catastrophe and aliens. Once the furballs are trapped in a sticky plasma web, who can save them and stop the Cyber Dancers from stealing all their oxygen? If only the Sky Rangers could hear the distress calls and come to the furball’s rescue!

      My Adventure Theater should not be missed. Don’t be late, don’t be shy, be sure to join us at the 2011 Howell Melon Festival on N. Michigan Avenue on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.  www.myadventuretheater.com.

       

    • Melon Ball to Kick Off Melon Festival with High Class Fun
    • 08/04/2011

    • Back for a second year of fun, the Melon Ball will come to the McPherson Mansion on August 18. The night of entertainment includes dueling pianos, catering by Jonna’s, cocktails and the crowning of the Melon King & Queen.

      “Melon Ball was a blast last year,” says Howell Main Street/DDA Board Chair Stephanie Schlittler. “And it’s going to be even more fun this year. It’s a great opportunity for al the locals to get together and celebrate before the big weekend begins.”

      In addition to being a great time, the Melon Ball also raises funds for the Howell Melon Festival. Tickets, which include food, one drink ticket and a commemorative pilsner glass, are $45 in advance and $50 the day of the event. Ball goers will also enjoy complimentary Howell Melon Ice Cream from the Howell Rotary Club. The ball is sponsored by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Ballard Benefit Group, and the Gronows and Myers.

      “Everyone knows how important the Melon Festival is to Howell,” Schlittler says. “We’re so excited to have a new way for the community to support it, as well as have an opportunity to kick off the festival together with style.”

      The Melon Ball will take place from 7:00-11:00pm on Thursday, August 18 at the McPhearson Manson. Advance tickets are available at http://www.howellmelonfestival.com/ticketed-events/.

    • Howell Melon Festival to Feature More Arts, Entertainment and Fun for 2011
    • 07/20/2011

    • July 20, 2011

      Contact: Nathan Voght, Howell Main Street Manager - 517-545-4240

      Howell Melon Festival to Feature More Arts, Entertainment & Fun for 2011

      HOWELL, MI - The challenge of hosting a festival that is known for summer fun, is how to go even bigger and better each year. The Howell Melon Festival has done just that this year, featuring even more cultural events, food and entertainment than ever before.

      “There will be many new things happening this year,” says Howell Main Street Manager Nathan Voght, "and we'll also be expanding on many of our events that were new last year. It’s going to be one fun weekend.”

       

      The new features will begin on Wednesday, August 17 with a Summer Concert at the Beach organized by Fusion Shows. Also debuting this year will be the Fine Arts and Wares Show, which will include more than 50 juried fine artisans. Expanded events will include the Festival tent’s showcase of Michigan breweries, live music and barbeque.

      “Of course the crowd favorites will be there as well,” says Voght. “The Melon Run, Classic Diesel Train Rides, Thompson Lake Boat Cruises and main entertainment stage will be back.”

      Returning for a second year is the Melon Ball, which became an instant tradition in 2010. This official kick-off to the Howell Melon Festival take place on Thursday, August 18 at the McPherson Mansion with dueling pianos, food, drinks and the crowning of the Melon King & Queen.

      “This year is going to be like none other for the Melon Festival,” says Voght. “It is going to be a weekend of family fun and entertainment to be talked about all year. We absolutely can’t wait.”

      Howell Main Street is thankful to Signature Sponsor Citizens Insurance. To support the growth and expansion of Howell Melon Festival, Citizens Insurance increased their support of the event this year to benefit the entire Howell community. For a full schedule of Howell Melon Festival events and for tickets to the Melon Ball, visit www.howellmelonfestival.com.

      The Howell Melon Festival is always seeking more help! Volunteers can register atwww.howellmelonfestival.com. For more information please contact the Howell Main Street Office at info@downtownhowell.org or phone 517.545.4240.

    • Antique Tractor Show Announced
    • 05/04/2011

    • The Howell Melon Festival is seeking antique tractors for a tractor display on State Street from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20th, during the Melon Festival.  There is no cost to enter, and "Best in Show" awards will be given.  Contact the Howell DDA at 517-545-4240 for more information.  Download a flyer here.  Your reservation must be made by August 12th!

    • Fine Arts and Wares Show Announced!
    • 03/03/2011

    • The 2011 Howell Melon Festival is excited to introduce the Fine Arts & Wares Show, as a new event added to this year's festival. A minimum of 62 booth spaces will be available for artists of all types to showcase their paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, woodwork, and mixed media works. This juried show will feature only hand-made and non mass-produced or imported items. Fine arts and craft vendors will be located adjacent to each other but not mixed. 

      Booth fees are $200 for one 12'x12' booth space, or $350 for two spaces. A non-refundable jury fee of $25 is also required.

      Cash prizes to be awarded to three top artists, by official event jurors, in the amount of $100, $50, and $25!

      Download the informational brochure and application by clicking here, or on the image at left.

       

       

       

    • 2011 Howell Melon Festival Dates Set
    • 01/24/0011

    • The 2011 Howell Melon Festival will be held August 19, 20, and 21st.

      Don't forget the 2nd Annual Melon Ball on the McPherson Mansion Lawn on Thursday, August 18th!

    • FREE Melon Festival Shuttle
    • 07/28/2011

    • The Howell Melon Festival has again partnered with L.E.T.S. Transportation to provide a FREE shuttle route every 20 minutes to area parking lots during the Melon Festival.  Just park in one of five outlying parking lots located on the shuttle route map, and grab a FREE shuttle every 20 minutes, right downtown to the Melon Festival.  The L.E.T.S. shuttle will run continuously during the following hours:

      FRIDAY: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

      SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

      SUNDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

      NOTE: The last time noted for each day is LAST PICK-UP time.

      Special thanks to the Parking Shuttle sponsor, Paulson's Construction!

       

      DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE SHUTTLE MAP HERE

    • The Melon Festival goes GREEN!
    • 07/29/2011

    • Think twice this year before tossing your water bottle or pop can in the trash during Melon Festival!  The Howell Melon Festival has again contracted with Schupan Recycling this year to bring green recycling containers on every street downtown.  Now you'll be able to recycle your #1 Plastic Containers and Aluminum cans in convenient containers, to be located adjacent to trash cans during the event. Also look for the large trailer on Clinton Street where you'll find it easy to recycle.