Friday, May 25, 2018

2018 Paradise Spring Showcase


Thursday, May 10, 2018 the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Spring Showcase at the Whitefish Township Community Center in Paradise, Michigan.  The Spring Showcase has been a common practice of the chamber over the past 10 years.  It is an opportunity for area businesses, whether members of the chamber or not and local non-for profit organizations, to meet with area residents and visitors.  Businesses, both new and established, are given a chance to share with residents new ideas and advancements that have been made at their establishments and take applications for employment. Area attraction managers and local non-for-profit organizers have the ability to recruit volunteers for the coming season/event.  During the busy tourist season, it is helpful for businesses and area attractions to have local residents familiar with local amenities with the hopes of passing that information along to area visitors.  
1999 - 2017 Display of Haunted Trail Posters

By special permission from Eve Talbert of Cloud 9 Cottages,  Sonny Skeans, 2017 Haunted Trail Chairperson, set up a collection of Haunted Trail posters dated 1999- 2017.  The Haunted Trail has been a favorite, second weekend in October event in the Paradise area since 1999.  It was simply a treat to see the variety of the posters that had been used over the years.  The 2018 Haunted Trail is scheduled for October 12 and 13th.  If you are interested in volunteering to work this event, ask for Sarah at the Paradise Food Pantry.   Thank you, Eve, in sharing that collection with us; your work on the Haunted Trail over the years is greatly appreciated.
 
2018 Quilt Raffle
Village Fabric’s and Crafts is again submitting a handmade quilt for a raffle to raise additional funds for winter decorations.  This year’s quilt was debuted at the Spring Showcase and tickets made available for sale.  Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00.  The winner does not need to be present at the drawing, September 15 to win the quilt.  The quilt is on display at Village Fabric’s and Crafts where tickets may be purchased.  Tickets will also be available at various events and other businesses throughout the summer.  It is a keeper, ideal for your davenport or guest bed.

Several times throughout the 7 – 9 pm open house, representatives from several area attractions spoke briefly to share with everyone present updates and changes to their programs.  Marge Ellenberger, Michigan Lighthouse Festival Director, shared with the audience information regarding the event scheduled for August 3 -5, 2018 in Paradise showcasing Crisp Point Lighthouse, PointIroquois Lighthouse, and Whitefish Point Light Station.  The Michigan Lighthouse Festival is a traveling event; next year it will be held in the Lower Peninsula.  Bruce Lynn, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society President updated the audience as to updates completed at the Shipwreck Museum and new concepts on the horizon.  Kevin Dennis, newly appointed Tahquamenon Falls State Park Director, introduced himself to the audience and was available individually at his display table.  During his presentation, Kevin shared with the audience updates over the past year and future plans for the park.  John Texter, North CountryTrail/Hiawatha Shore To Shore Chapter Volunteer shared with the audience information about the Park to Park trail (Muskallonge to Tahquamenon) and other updates in progress.  John encouraged people to take advantage of this incredible trail this summer.  Whitefish Township School Superintendent, Tom McKee greeted the attendees of the open house, thanked the parents and grandparents of the students that worked the table at the show and shared with the audience the intrinsic value of the Green House Program at the school and the value that could be shared with others in the community.   Chelsie Hart with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Early College Program expressed her appreciation to participate in the showcase and summarized their program and its partnership with Lake Superior State University.

Hand Crafted Burl Black Spruce Lamp Donated by North Country Trail

Before the door prize drawing finale, Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Wendy Skeans and Secretary, Nikki Craig recognized the 2018 PACC Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.   The PACC Volunteer of the Year Award is a process where each event committee nominates a recipient based on that person’s contributions to the success of the program.  There are many volunteers that contribute to the success of the community beginning with the Whitefish Point Marathon, Music on the Bay, Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise Tahquamenon Wilderness Canoe Race, and Haunted Trail.  Historically, the chamber has reserved this honor for a member of the community that is not usually associated with the chamber.   But over the last few years there have been those members that have contributed time and energy for each event in the season.  The 2018 PACC Volunteer of the Year has dedicated hours to accomplish tasks, brainstormed problem solving strategies and is Chamber President Joanne Cook.
This year’s event was overshadowed by the generosity of area businesses and organizations in donating many prizes, listed below.  Three grand prizes were offered and all tickets that had been pulled throughout the evening were resubmitted for a chance to win the grand prizes.  Marge Ellenberger with Michigan Lighthouse Festival won the Yard Wheel Barrow donated by the Falls Building Center.  Mary Wozniak of Hiawatha Shore to Shore won a Hand Crafted Lamp made of Burl Black Spruce and donated by North Country Scenic Trails.  Jody Laub of A Piece of Paradise won the picnic table-sized propane gas grill donated by the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce.  Thank you to each business and community organization that shared an appreciation to area residents and visitors that attended the show.
 
Moose Print Sewing Basket Donated by Village Fabrics & Crafts
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