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Next Stop: Fall Fest Weekend

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This has already been a huge weekend with the Tri-State Regatta in town, the Craft Fair and Farmers Market, today's Antiques on the Bluff, live music in the bandshell and perfect beach weather, but Tuesday's return to the classroom doesn't even begin to mean the end of outdoor fun. St. Joseph Today is joining efforts with the city, regional wineries, the team at the Sunrise Rotary and many others to slate a tremendous party weekend on September 23rd and 24th. 

That's when St. Joe Today Executive Director Whitney Behnke says everyone’s favorite fall activities are coming together in downtown St. Joseph. The weekend planned by St. Joseph Today includes a Fall Festival, Wine Festival and the City of St. Joseph’s Public Art Auction of its giant beach bug sculptures. There is so much autumn fun planned in the community, that visitors will want to spend the night so they won’t miss any of the sunrise-to-sunset entertainment.
 
Activities include:
 
Fall Festival: Sept. 23-24

On Friday, the 4th Annual Rotary and Slumberland Great Bed Race will get rolling at 4:30pm on Lake Boulevard. Onlookers can cheer teams as they race bed frames to the finish line. This fundraiser benefits Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary youth programs and the Slumberland Furniture 40 Winks Foundation that provides mattresses and beds to children who need them.
  
Saturday marks a Day on the Farm sponsored by United Federal Credit Union, bringing rural living to the city. Families can gather up just-harvested fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, cider and fall decorations at the downtown Farmers Market from 9am to 2pm, along Lake Bluff Park. A Musical Instrument Petting Zoo from the Benton Harbor Citadel Dance & Music Center’s collection will also be along the bluff from 10am to 4pm as well as the Critter Barn petting farm, featuring goats, rabbits, ducks and more animals from 11am to 3pm. Other activities include face painting at State and Broad Streets from 11am to 3pm.
 
The Great Pumpkin Festival, sponsored by the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary, runs 10am to 1:45pm. This fun-filled event includes pumpkin carving and decorating contests and culminates with the Great Pumpkin Race at 1:45pm. Participants will cheer on a flotilla of mini numbered pumpkins dropped in a pool on site. The first five pumpkins to cross the finish line will win $1,000, $300, $200, $100 and $50. A $10 entry fee will benefit Benton Harbor youth programs. All tickets will be sold by 1:45pm and entrants do not need to be present to win.
 
St. Joseph Wine Festival: Sept. 24

One of the finest backdrops to taste Michigan wines is Whirlpool Centennial Park overlooking Lake Michigan’s Silver Beach. This 4 to 9pm event presented by Lake Michigan College’s Wine and Viticulture Technology program features vintages from state wineries, local cuisine, live music and front row views of the sunset. Admission is free. Wine tasting starts at $10 and includes five drink tickets and a souvenir wine glass. A small selection of craft beer and cider will also be available. Music will be provided by Traverse City based, Medicinal Groove. For an updated list of participating wineries and restaurants, visit the events page at Facebook.com/stjoetoday.
 
Sponsors for the Fall and Wine Festivals include United Federal Credit Union, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, the City of St. Joseph, and Lake Michigan College’s Wine and Viticulture Technology program.
 
City of St. Joseph Live Public Art Auction: Sept. 24

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Since mid-May, the City of St. Joseph has been abuzz with its annual public art display of sculptures painted by regional artists. This year’s theme has beach bugs featuring bumble bees, caterpillars, snails and ladybugs. Returning this year for bidders who are unable to attend the live event to participate is a silent auction. To participate, bidders are asked to submit their contact information, the name of the art piece and the bid amount to ssolon@sjcity.com. All silent auction bids start at $500 and a bid of $1,500 guarantees ownership to the bidder. The Silent Auction will end at 11:59pm on September 23rd. A live auction will be held on September 24th at Whirlpool Centennial Park on Wine Festival grounds at 6:00pm. Professional auctioneer Jerry Glassman will manage the auction for these original works. Bids will start at $500. Registration for paddle numbers runs from 4 to 5:45pm. For more information, contact: Susan Solon, ssolon@sjcity.com or 269.983.5541.
 
To learn more about these and other fall events, contact St. Joseph Today, at www.stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call 269-985-1111.

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