Pumpkinfest in South Lyon

Travel 20 minutes to the North of Ann Arbor this weekend to South Lyon for one of the early harvest celebrations in the area. The 28th Annual Pumpkinfest in South Lyon, September 29-30 has plenty of  family fun planned. From the parade to craft shows, a pancake breakfast, entertainment and plenty of kids activities. I'm sure your family is bound to find a few pumpkins and wonderful fall decorations too!

For a full list of events, be sure to check the South Lyon Pumpkinfest website, however here are some of the highlighted family-friendly events for the weekend!

Saturday Events:
10:00 a.m. - Fun Run and Pumpkinfest Parade
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Craft Show
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Inflatable Bounce Houses
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kids Game booths supporting non-profits
Noon - 5:00 p.m. Lord of the Gourd
11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Family Stage and Activity Tent
Noon - 11:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Garten food and beverage tent open
Noon - 11:00 p.m. - Main stage entertainment.
7:00 p.m. - Movie Night at the Lyon Theater

Sunday Events:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Craft Show
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Kids Game booths supporting non-profits 
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Inflatable Bounce Houses
11:00 - 4:00 p.m. Lord of the Gourd
11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Family Stage and Activity Tent
Noon - 5:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Garten food and beverage tent open
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Main stage entertainment
4:00 p.m. - Movie Night at the Lyon Theater

Free Movies: MJR's Canned Film Festival

On Thursday November 10th, MJR theartres will give FREE movie admission to anyone bringing in 5 canned goods for movies showing 4:00-10:00 p.m.

The nearest locations to Ann Arbor are:

Brighton Towne Square Digital Cinema 20 | 810-227-4700
8200 Murphy Dr.
Brighton, MI 48116

Westland Grand Digital Cinema 16 | 734-298-2657
6800 N. Wayne Rd.
Westland, MI 48185

You can find a full list of area theatres at the MJR Theatre website. All food donations will benefit the Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival

South of Ann Arbor families wil find another great festival celebrating fall this weekend during Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival. On October 8-9th throughout Tecumseh and at the west end of downtown families will find an Antiques Street Fair, Arts & Crafts, live entertainment, a haunted house, and FREE children's activities. Really, it's an event for the entire family with midway rides, carnival games and let's us not forget plenty of great eats!

Do you need a scarecrow for your front lawn? Well you’re in luck, you can make your very own at the Appleumpkin Festivaldowntown. That’s right, spend a little quality fun time with your family, and craft your own scarecrow, all for free! You’ll find everything you need under the Make-it-Take-it Scarecrow Tent.

New in 2011 is the expansion of the festival to the west end of Tecumseh – Appleumpkin Westfest. There will be additional general, food and activity vendors, as well as activities including inflatables, kids games and more! On Saturday we are featuring a bike show, chili cook-off and waterball tournament and Sunday will be highlighted by an antique tractor show. A free shuttle service is planned to run between downtown and the west end to assure visitors can conveniently visit both festival locations.

Free Teacher Appreciation Day at the Henry Ford

April 16 is teacher appreciation day at The Henry Ford.
Teachers get FREE admission for themselves and guests!

On Saturday April 16, 2011, teachers and educators can get FREE admission to Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI) for teacher appreciation day, plus they can receive the added bonus of a free Ford Rouge Factory Tour and IMAX Theatre ticket when they attend one 20-minute educator session at 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. - The museum is open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for your enjoyment.

Perfect for teachers planning future field trips, The Henry Ford offers a wide variety of educational adventures for you and your students. Visit one of three educator sessions to learn how to connect your students to The Henry Ford online and onsite resources in the areas of history, science and technology. Also learn about professional development opportunities which include educator workshops, networking opportunities, and FREE educator events including an upcoming preview and lecture on the limited-engagement exhibit, “Discovering the Civil War” from The National Archives.

Attend an educator session and you will be eligible to win a $500 prize package that includes: A FREE field trip for your class, an Annual Family Membership, and a handmade item from one of the Artisans in Greenfield Village. (Must be a certified K-12 teacher with a classroom to win)

IMAX and Ford Rouge Factory Tour tickets will be distributed to teachers and educators after each session on a first-come first-serve basis.

All participants and their guests must check-in at the registration desk in the IMAX lobby as early as 8:30 a.m. bringing their credentials. - For more information, please contact the Henry Ford call center at 313-982-6001.