Latest news with #WinterFest
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Belleville didn't always have a lake, but it is a central feature of the town now
There's no shortage of unique and inviting places to live around metro Detroit. To highlight them, the Detroit Free Press is profiling neighborhoods in our state and region to offer some insight into what makes them stand out. This week, we're exploring Belleville in Wayne County, a small city that blends lakeside beauty with small-town charm along the shores of Belleville Lake. Appeal today: Belleville sits along the scenic shore of Belleville Lake, Wayne County's largest inland lake, which spans 6 miles and covers 1,200 acres. The city has about 1½ miles of picturesque lake frontage, providing residents with opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Belleville's pedestrian-friendly downtown is another highlight of the community. Downtown streets are lined with decorative streetlights and brick paving. Belleville is part of the Belleville Area, which includes Van Buren and Sumpter townships. Local facts: Belleville is 2.2 square miles with a population of 4,008. Originally established as a village in 1905, it officially became a city in 1946. Belleville Lake was not there initially. It was created in 1925 when the French Landing Dam and Powerhouse were constructed on the Huron River in neighboring Van Buren Township. The project, led by Eastern Michigan Edison Company, which became the Detroit Edison Company, was designed to generate more electrical power in the region. The city is less than a mile from Interstate 94 and roughly 3½ miles from I-275, putting both Ann Arbor and Detroit within a 30-minute drive. Detroit Metro Airport is about a 10-minute drive. For more information, go to the city's website. (US Census) Neighborhoods: Belleville's housing landscape is diverse, from Victorian-era styles and mid-century ranches and bungalows to modern subdivisions and lakefront properties. There are also condos and apartments in Belleville. In the past year, single-family home sales ranged from $80,000 to $480,000, according to Therese Antonelli of Moving The Mitten Real Estate Group in Belleville. Parks and recreation: The city is home to four parks that offer such things as playground equipment, walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, an inline skating-hockey court and ponds. New pickleball courts are under construction at Village Park, according to city officials. Water sports are available on Belleville Lake. Two community events offering fun for residents and visitors include Lake Fest, featuring live music, lakefront activities, a kid zone, and more, scheduled for June 28-29; and Winter Fest, held the first full weekend in December each year. More: Grosse Ile: Downriver's island community offers waterfront living, small-town charm Taxes: $45.30 per $1,000 of a house's taxable value in the Van Buren Public Schools district. A $162,700 (median price) house with a taxable value of $81,350 would have property taxes of $3,685. Shopping and dining: Shopping and dining are available downtown and in neighboring Van Buren Township, which has strip malls with large stores and additional restaurants. Industries and employers: In the city proper, most employers are small and/or locally owned, according to city officials. Public safety: Belleville police reported eight burglaries, three vehicle thefts, six cases of criminal sexual conduct, zero robberies and no homicides in 2024. Public transportation: Wheels for Independence, 734-697-3733. More: Rochester neighborhood snapshot: Victorian-era and Craftsman homes coexist with condos Community insight: Therese Antonelli, a longtime resident and owner and broker of Moving The Mitten Real Estate Group, describes Belleville as a 'hidden gem.' "We're downtown on a lake. How many towns can say that?' Antonelli said that she is often seen cruising around town in her golf cart with her goldendoodle, Luckey. From live music to markets and festivals, 'there's something to enjoy every night of the week,' Antonelli said. Highlights include the Monday night car shows on Main Street to the farmers market, and Thursday night lakeside music sponsored by the Belleville Area Council of the Arts. 'You can enjoy music from land or water by boat,' she says. Antonelli said she is especially fond of supporting local businesses. 'I shop at the shops and boutiques such as BB's Belleville Boutique, Twisted Willow, Garden Fantasy on Main, and Crafted Modern Handmade! The best pizza is Rusted Crow on the Lake, best smash burger at Baitshop Bar, corned beef galore at Egan's Pub, and Johnny's on the Lake. She added: 'Sometimes, I pinch myself because I can't believe how lucky I am to call this little quaint town home.' Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@ Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Belleville didn't always have a lake, but it is a central feature now
Daily Tribune
23-02-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Winter Fest 2025 by ICRF: Celebrating Workers' Day with Games, Music, and More
The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) celebrated Winter Fest 2025 on Friday, 21 February, in honor of Workers' Day, with a vibrant event aimed at boosting the morale of low-income workers in Bahrain. Held at the Kerala Catholic Association's (KCA) premises, the celebration attracted around 250 workers from various labour camps. The Winter Fest featured an exciting lineup of activities, including games, sports, and performances by the workers themselves, showcasing their talents through dancing and singing. The event not only provided a festive atmosphere but also aimed to raise awareness about the support systems available for workers in the community. ICRF's Workers' Day initiative continues to focus on creating a sense of unity and well-being among workers, reinforcing the importance of community and mutual support.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate the magic of winter at Amherst's 2nd annual WinterFest Games
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – In Amherst, the annual WinterFest Games will be held on Saturday. UMass opens multipurpose space in downtown Amherst This day is full of family fun and friendly competition, complete with snowball fights, street hockey, and a Frosty Fun Carnival. There will also be the return of the Atkins Farms Cider Donut Eating Contest. The WinterFest Games, which is organized by the Amherst Recreation and sponsored by Amherst Innovative Living and The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery, will be held at the Mill River Recreation Area in Amherst. It runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. This is in part of eight day long celebration, with festivities running until February 23rd. Some of the other events are as follows: 5th Annual Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria on the Town Common – Saturday, February 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Educational Experiences – Embark on a WinterFest Story Walk with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, take a 'Step Back in Time' at the Beneski Museum of Natural History, explore art and activities at the Mead Art Museum, learn how residents kept warm through the centuries at the Amherst History Museum, and discover the science behind ice cream with Herrell's Ice Cream. Free Performances – Live music will be performed throughout the week from Roger Tincknell, Chhandika Chhandam Institute, and Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpy Time Band. 'Whether you're looking for active fun, educational experiences, or ways to enjoy the coldweather, WinterFest has you covered,' said Becky Demling, Amherst Recreation OutreachDirector. 'Most events are free or have minimal admission fees, making it an affordable way toenjoy the winter season with friends and family.' For the full schedule of events, visit their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fifth annual Fire & Ice Festival returns to Amherst
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Amherst Recreation, has announced the return of the fifth annual Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria. Diana's Bakery in Agawam announced closure, hundreds to lose jobs The festival serves as the grand finale of Amherst's week-long WinterFest and has become a signature event for the town, drawing over 2,000 attendees each year. It is set to take place on Saturday, February 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Amherst Commons. 'The Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria is a cherished tradition that brings our community of local families and residents, students, and seniors together to celebrate the beauty and excitement of the winter season,' said Sarah Barr of Amherst College, which presents the event. 'We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon filled with art, performances, and delicious treats, all while supporting our local businesses.' Festival-goers can enjoy hot cocoa and s'mores by open fire pits, as well as witnessing ten intricately designed ice sculptures scattered throughout Amherst Commons. Other activities include winter tie-dye crafting with Amherst Recreation and live artistic demonstrations, including metal sculpting by Hampshire College alum Kamil Peters and wood carving by local artist Cody Stosz of Kodiak Carving. Entertainment will feature a fire arts performance by Matica Arts, bringing high-energy juggling and flame-based artistry to the festival. Guests can also indulge in special menu items from the Inn on Boltwood, including seasonal food and cocktails. The Amherst Fire Department will be in attendance, offering fire safety information and giving visitors the chance to meet Spark the Fire Pup. 'This festival not only celebrates the winter season but also highlights the vibrant community spirit of Amherst,' said John Page, Executive Director of the Amherst BID. 'We encourage everyone to explore downtown Amherst's unique shops and restaurants before and after the event.' The Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria is made possible through the support of local businesses and community partners, including presenting sponsor Amherst College, with additional sponsorship from Summerlin Floors, Encharter Insurance, and Amherst Innovative Living. For more information and event updates, visit their website or follow @amherstdowntown on social media. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘WinterFest' coming to Coopers Rock Feb. 8
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) — Snow or no snow, the Coopers Rock Foundation will be hosting its 'WinterFest' fundraiser at the state forest on Feb. 8, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. When: Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Coopers Rock State Forest at Pavilion 1 near the main overlook The event itself is completely free, but is intended to raise money for improvements to the nearby Rhododendron Campground according to a press release from the Coopers Rock Foundation. During the event, visitors will be able to take swings at a 'snowman piñata,' join guided hikes, or even participate in a women's frying pan toss. A full list of events can be found below, but weather or the presence of snow may affect the available activities: Cross-country skiing with gear & instruction provided — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sledding — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snowman Zone near Pavilion 1 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Slingshot Paintball Target Shooting — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 'Cool Spots In The Cold' hike — 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Snowman piñata — noon Winter Tree ID Hike — noon to 1 p.m. Kids' Chasms And Corridors Crawl — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. How To Measure A Tree workshop — 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Women's Frying Pan Toss — 3 p.m. For the most recent updates on WinterFest, you can view the Coopers Rock Foundation Facebook page here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
