Melon Festival

Schedule of Events

Event Date Time
The Melon Ball- the Official Kick-off to the Howell Melon Festival (McPherson Mansion)

Advance $30 ticket - day of $35/ticket includes commemorative champagne glass, drink ticket, and food stations Dueling Pianos-Aces Wild Entertainment Summer Cocktail Attire Crowning of the Melon King &amp Queen Sponsored by Ballard Benefit Group and Hubbell, Roth & Clark and Grownow and Myers

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Thursday August 19 2010 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Used Book Sale (Howell Carnegie District Library)

Sponsored by the Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library

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Friday August 20, 2010 10am to 6:30pm
Melon Wine Tasting (Howell’s Main Street Winery)

Sponsored by the Howell's Mainstreet Winery

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Friday August 20, 2010 12pm to 9pm
Information Booth Open (Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
Anniversary Alley Open & Melon Merchandise for Sale (Peanut Alley)

Historical presentation of the 175 years of Howell and the 50th Anniversary of the Melon Festival. Come see historical photo exhibits, a Melon Run historical t-shirt collection, vintage Doc May Melon Festival Signs, and more! Also, buy your Howell Melons, official Melon Festival merchandise, Melon Candy, roasted almonds/cashews/peanuts, and the newly re-printed Howell historic walking tour book: "A Walk Through Time."

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
Howell Melon Carts selling Howell melons at the 4 corners (downtown Howell)

Sponsored by Meijer

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
Melon Ice Cream (Courthouse Lawn)

It wouldn't be Melon Festival without the authentic Howell Melon Ice Cream. Howell Rotary will be selling melon ice cream prepared by the MSU dairy in single serving cups and pints to take home.

Sponsored by the Howell Rotary Club

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
“Made in Michigan” Arts and Crafts Opens (County Parking Lot behind Courthouse)

No additional information for this event

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
Amusement Rides and Inflatables-Tickets Req'd (N. Walnut Street)

No additional information for this event

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
BBQ on State Street

Pulled pork sandwiches, sides, and drinks available.

Sponsored by Medilodge

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Friday August 20, 2010 3pm to 9pm
Summer Reading Program Party (Howell Carnegie District Library)

snow cones, moon walk, gladiator joust, rock climbing, bubbles, mini-golf and more.

Sponsored by the Howell Carnegie District Library

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Friday August 20, 2010 4pm to 6:30pm
33rd Annual Howell Melon Run (Start and Finish Line at Clinton & State Streets)

  • Diaper Derby
  • Melon Roll
  • Tot Trot
  • Melon Dash
  • 1 Mile Fun Run
  • 5K
  • 10K
Sponsored by the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority

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Friday August 20, 2010 6pm to 9pm
AM910 Radio Disney Road Crew (Parking Lot Behind 204 W. Grand River )

Join the AM910 Radio Disney Road Crew as they rock the house at the Howell Melon Festival Friday night from 7-9. It’s music, games and your chance to win prizes that ROCK, Powered by Citizens Insurance!

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Friday August 20, 2010 7pm to 9pm
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast (Howell Masonic Lodge)

$6 for adults, $4 for children under 12 and free for 5 and under

Sponsored by the Howell Masons

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Saturday August 21, 2010 8am to 12pm
“Rhythm Society Orchestra-17 piece big band Las Vegas review”; Concert at the Courthouse (Amphitheatre)

Sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council

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Friday August 20, 2010 7pm to 9pm
Information Booth Open & Picnic Area (Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
Anniversary Alley Open & Melon Merchandise for Sale (Peanut Alley)

Historical presentation of the 175 years of Howell and the 50th Anniversary of the Melon Festival. Sales of Melon Candy, Peanuts, Walking Tour Books, T-shirts, Vintage Photo's, Melon Cart

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
Farmer’s Market (State Street only)

Sponsored by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 3pm
Howell Melon Carts selling Howell Melons at the 4 corners (downtown Howell)

Sponsored by Meijer

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
Melon Ice Cream (Courthouse Lawn)

It wouldn't be Melon Festival without authentic Howell Melon Ice Cream. The Howell Rotary Club will be selling melon ice cream prepared by the MSU dairy, in single serving cups, and pints to take home.

Sponsored by the Howell Rotary Club

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
“Made in Michigan” Arts & Crafts (County Parking Lot behind Courthouse)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
Art Show & Tours at the Opera House

Sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council

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Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 10pm
Sidewalk Sales and Non Profit Booths in downtown Howell

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am to 9pm
Scribble the Sidewalks (Amphitheatre)

Sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council

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Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 12pm
Doc May's 2nd Annual Commemorative Melon Ride 2010 (Begins and ends at the Courthouse Lawn)

A 15 mile bike tour through Howell culminating with a festival favorite: half-a-Howell Melon with a scoop of Melon Ice Cream inside. T-shirt included in price. $15 pre-registered, $20 on site

Sponsored by the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9am tp 11am
Classic Diesel Train Rides from Howell to Bryon Station (Howell Depot)

Take a 1 hour classic diesel train ride in vintage passengar cars to historic Byron train station and back to the Historic Howell Depot. Rides start at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21st, and 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 22nd. Follow this link to reserve your tickets: http://www.mstrp.com/tickets/ticket_type.php?mid=93336179&

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Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 4pm
Carousel Acres Petting Farm and Butterfly House (Clinton St., West of Michigan Ave.) Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 5pm
Home Depot Workshop (Clinton Street, West of Michigan Ave.)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21,2010 10 am to 5 pm
Howell Nature Center "Nature Bus"- Interactive zoo mobile (Clinton Street, West of Michigan Ave)

Sponsored by Art Van

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Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 2pm
Rain House (Clinton St., West of Michigan Ave.)

Come and cool off as you walk through the rain house, in case of sweltering heat.

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Saturday August 21,2010 10 am to 9pm
Used Book Sale (Howell Carnegie District Library)

Sponsored by the Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library

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Saturday August 21, 2010 10am to 4pm
Activities on the Courthouse Lawn

  • 11 am: Bubble Gum Blow — children come and compete against others your age to blow the biggest bubble.
  • 12 noon: Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest Top finisher in each age category (under 10, 10-19, 20-39, 40-59, 60-79, over 80) win a prize.
  • 1 pm: Biggest Howell Melon Weigh-in Sponsored by VG's, Howell
  • 2 pm: Melon Recipe Contest Judging and Awards Sponsored by VG's, Howell
  • 3pm: Watermelon Eating Contest Love watermelon and think you can eat more than anyone else. Here is your chance to prove it. Sponsored by VG's, Howell
  • 4pm: Modeling, Judging, and Award Presentation for the most creative "Melon Head" Painting Contest and Melon Face Painting Contest

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Saturday August 21, 2010 11am to 5pm
Vintage Trolley Tours of Historic Howell (last trip leaves at 3 p.m.) $10/person, $8/children 12 and under, 4 and under free on lap

In partnership with the Howell Area Historical Society, enjoy a 45 minute tour of Downtown Howell and surrounding neighborhoods in an open-air vintage trolley. Five trips on Saturday and Sunday of Melon Festival, leaving promptly every hour starting at 11:00 a.m., last trip leaving at 3:00 p.m. All tours leave from the Historic Howell Depot at 128 Wetmore St. in Downtown Howell. Seating is LIMITED on the trolley, so don't wait to register for this tour! Register online NOW by clicking on the "Merchandise" link from the home page.
Sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society and ChemTrend

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Saturday August 21, 2010 11am to 4pm
Agritour: Dinkleville Melon Farm Tour

1006 W. Schafer, Howell (6 miles south of downtown Howell D-19, 1/2 mile west of Schafer).

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Saturday August 21, 2010 1pm to 2pm
Melon Games - Melon Toss Competition using homebuilt Trebuchets and Catapults (Located NE corner of Clinton and Center Streets)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 11am to 2pm
Deadline for Voting in the "Beautiful Baby", "Kute Kid" and “Precious Pet” Contest (Citizens Bank-611 E. Grand River)

Sponsored by Citizens Bank

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Saturday August 21, 2010 12 noon
Tours of the Historic Howell Depot

Sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society

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Friday August 20, 2010 3 pm to 6pm
Official Welcome and Dedication of Anniversary Alley by Mayor Geri Moen Anniversary Alley Open until 9 pm & Melon Merchandise for Sale (Peanut Alley)

Historical presentation of the 175 years of Howell and the 50th Anniversary of the Howell Melon Festival Sales of Melon Candy, Peanuts, Walking Tour Books, T-shirts, Vintage Photo's, Melon Cart, and information on a new Howell public art initiative.

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Friday August 20, 2010 5:45 pm
Festival Tent - A sampling of Michigan Micro-Brews and Tastes (Walnut Street next to Opera House)

What: Michigan Micro-brews and tastes in the Festival Tent next to the Opera House. Included in pre-order purchase is entrance to the Festival Tent, (6) 2 - 3 oz. micro-brew tastings from Dark Horse, Shorts, Founder's, Arcadia, Jolly Pumpkin and B. Nektar Meadery, a commemorative Melon Festival Pint Glass, food sampling from Michigan companies, and 1 complimentary bottled water. Special Savings! Only (5) tastings are included with tickets purchased at the door. You get an extra tasting if you pre-order, so buy your tickets today! When: Saturday, August 21st, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Melon Festival Weekend. Where: Next to the Opera House in downtown Howell. Click on the "Merchandise" link from the home page to get to all of your ticketed events!

Presented by the Livingston Arts Council, Downtown Development Authority, and exclusively sponsored by the Lake Trust Credit Union

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Saturday August 21, 2010 12pm to 8pm
Melon Wine Tasting (Howell’s Main Street Winery)

Sponsored by Howell Main Street Winery

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Saturday August 21, 2010 12pm to 9pm
Amusement Rides and Inflatables-Tickets Req'd (Walnut Street)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 12 noon to 9pm
Children’s Entertainment Stage (Stage on Michigan Ave. at Clinton St.)

  • 9:30am to 10:30am: High Flyers Exhibition
  • 11am to 12pm Drummunity
  • Sponsored by the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council
  • 12:30pm tp 1:30pm Mad Science Show: Mad Science Shows are spectacular, interactive, science-themed shows designed to amaze and entertain young audiences of any size.
  • 2pm to 3pm Drummunity
  • Sponsored by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9:30am to 3pm
Entertainment Stage at the Courthouse Amphitheatre

  • 1pm to 2pm:Livingston County Concert Band
  • 2pm to 3pm:The University of Michigan Pompom Team (19 member performance dance team)
  • 3pm to 5pm:Scottville Clown Band Concert
  • 7pm to 9pm:Jill Jack

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Saturday August 21, 2010 1pm to 9pm
7-11 Summer of Slurpees (Clinton, East of Walnut)

Free slurpee samples, key chains, footballs, play Wii and Playstation video games! Sponsored by 7-11

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10 am to 2 pm
Scottville Clown Band (State Street and Clinton Street)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21, 2010 3pm to 5pm
Pajama Party & Outdoor Family Movie – “Bedtime Stories” (State Street) FREE POPCORN!

Sponsored by Flagstar Bank

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Saturday August 21, 2010 9:15pm to 11pm
Information Booth Open & Picnic Area (Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Anniversary Alley Open & Melon Merchandise for Sale (Peanut Alley)

Historical presentation of the 175 years of Howell and the 50th Anniversary of the Melon Festival. Sales of Melon Candy, Peanuts, Walking Tour Books, T-shirts, Vintage Photo's, Melon Cart

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Sand MelonBall (volleyball) Tournament (West Street Park)

Sponsored by the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 2pm
Howell Farmers' Market (State & Clinton Streets)

Sponsored by the Howell Chamber of Commerce

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Melon Ice Cream (Courthouse Lawn)

Sponsored by the Howell Rotary Club

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Food Vendors and Eating Area (Michigan Ave. and Clinton Street)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Sidewalk Sales and Non-Profit Booths in downtown Howell

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
“Made in Michigan” Arts & Crafts (County Parking lot behind Courthouse)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9am to 5pm
Art Show and Tours at the Opera House

Sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 4pm
Children’s Entertainment Stage (Stage on Michigan Ave. at Clinton St.)

  • 10am to 11am:Mad Science Show: Mad Science Shows are spectacular, interactive, science-themed shows designed to amaze and entertain young audiences of any size.
  • 11:30am to 12:30pm: Drummunity                         Sponsored by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council                      
  • 1pm to 2pm:Animal Magic

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Lance Sherwood Concert at Farmer’s Market (West Courthouse Lawn Tent)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Home Depot Workshop (Clinton Street, West of Michigan Ave.)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Howell Nature Center "Nature Bus" - Interactive zoo mobile (Clinton Street, West of Michigan Ave.)

Sponsored by Art Van

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Rain House (Clinton St., West of Michigan Ave.)

Come and cool off as you walk through the rain house, in case of sweltering heat.

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10 am to 2 pm
Carousel Acres Petting Farm and Butterfly House (Clinton St., West of Michigan Ave.) Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Amusement Rides and Inflatables (Walnut Street) Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Classic Diesel Train Rides (Howell Depot)

Take a 1 hour classic diesel train ride to historic Byron train station and back to the Historic Howell Depot. Rides start at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21st, and 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 22nd. Follow this link to reserve your tickets: http://www.mstrp.com/tickets/ticket_type.php?mid=93336179&

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10am to 2pm
Vintage Trolley Tours of Historic Howell (last trip leaves at 3 p.m.) $10/person, $8/children 12 and under, 4 and under free on lap

In partnership with the Howell Area Historical Society, enjoy a 45 minute tour of Downtown Howell and surrounding neighborhoods in an open-air vintage trolley. Five trips on Saturday and Sunday of Melon Festival, leaving promptly every hour starting at 11:00 a.m., last trip leaving at 3:00 p.m. All tours leave from the Historic Howell Depot at 128 Wetmore St. in Downtown Howell. Seating is LIMITED on the trolley, so don't wait to register for this tour!
Sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society and ChemTrend

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Sunday August 22, 2010 11am to 4pm
Agritour: Dinkleville Melon Farm Tour

1006 W. Schafer, Howell (6 miles south of downtown Howell, D-19, 1/2 mile west of Schafer).

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Sunday August 22, 2010 1pm - 2pm
Melon Wine Tasting (Howell's Main Street Winery)

Sponsored by Howell’s Mainstreet Winery

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Sunday August 22, 2010 12pm to 5pm
Entertainment at the Courthouse Amphitheatre

  • 2pm to 2:30pm:Winners Announced for the "Beautiful Baby", "Kute Kid" and “Precious Pet” ContestSponsored by Citizen's Bank and Pet Provisions
  • 2:30pm to 5pm:Livingston Sensation FinalsSponsored by the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus

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Sunday August 22, 2010 2pm to 5pm
7-11 Summer of Slurpees (Clinton St.)

Free slurpee samples, key chains, stickers, footballs, etc. Sponsored by 7-11.

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Friday August 20, 2010 3 pm to 9 pm
Fine Art Show & Tours at the Opera House

Sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council

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Friday August 20, 2010 5 pm to 9 pm
WHMI 93.5 "Box that Rocks!" (Clinton St behind Courthose)

Join radio personalities Jon King and Mike Marino from WHMI 93.5 as they provide commentary and serve as an information booth throughout the evening.

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Friday August 20, 2010 6 pm to 9 pm
Face Painting by Body Artist Andrea O'Donnell (State Street)

Sponsored by Eclectic Twist

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Friday August 20, 2010 6 pm to 9 pm
Tours of the Historic Howell Depot

Sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society

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Saturday August 21,2010 9 am to 5 pm
Display of Beds (Grand River Ave. in front of Courthouse)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21,2010 11 am
"Lord of the Gourd" Melon Carving (West Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday August 21,2010 12 pm to approximately 5 pm
WHMI 93.5 "Box that Rocks!" (Clinton St behind Courthose)

Join radio personalities Jon King, Mike Marino and Julie Wood from WHMI 93.5 as they provide commentary and serve as an information booth throughout the day and evening.

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Saturday August 21,2010 12 noon to 9 pm
Tours of the Historic Howell Depot

Sponsored by the Howell Area Historical Society

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Sunday August 22, 2010 9 am to 5 pm
"Lord of the Gourd" Melon Carving (West Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10 am to 2 pm
WHMI 93.5 "Box that Rocks!" (Clinton St behind Courthose)

Join radio personality Jessica Matthews from WHMI 93.5 as they provide commentary and serve as an information booth throughout the day.

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Sunday August 22, 2010 10 am to 2 pm
Lord of Gourd Melon Carving (West Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Saturday, August 21st 12pm to 5pm
Lord of Gourd Melon Carving (West Courthouse Lawn)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday, August 22nd 10am to 2pm
Kid's Pedal Puller Tractor Races (State Street, North of Clinton)

No additional information for this event

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Sunday August 22, 2010 12 noon to 3 pm
Thompson Lake River Boat Cruises (Thompson Lake Public Boat Launch)

Lunch, Dinner and Moonlight Cruises to benefit the Humane Society of Livingston County. Go to:  www.michiganprincess.com for tickets, or call (517) 627-2154 for tickets.

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Friday August 20, 2010
Thompson Lake River Boat Cruises (Thompson Lake Public Boat Launch)

Lunch, Dinner and Moonlight Cruises to benefit the Humane Society of Livingston County

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Saturday August 21,2010
Thompson Lake River Boat Cruises (Thompson Lake Public Boat Launch)

Lunch, Dinner, and Moonlight Cruises to benefit the Humane Society of Livingston County.  Go to:  www.michiganprincess.com for more information or to buy tickets, or call (517) 627-2154 to buy tickets.

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Sunday August 22, 2010
Classic Car Show

Just Announced:  The Howell Melon Festival has added a classic car show on State Street, north of Grand River, on Saturday from 4 to 7PM.  Please enter from Grand River to State St.

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Saturday, August 21, 2010 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.