America 250 Festival – MidMEAC & NEA Big Read

Saturday May 9, 12 noon to 2:00 pm.

Come out to Ranney Park, east of Frandor, and enjoy…
– Music
– Storytelling
– Art Stations – Bring the kids (any age) for nature journaling
– Native Plant Sale – Don’t miss – locally supplied from Bendy Stem Farms
– Watershed Science Activities
– Tour of the Montgomery Drain stormwater features, lead by Ingham County Drain Commissioner Patrick E. Lindemann. NOTE: Tours start at the Davis Amphitheater, south of Michigan Avenue.

FREE EVENT and FREE PARKING – All are welcome!

NEA Big Read Community Events

In partnership with Arts Midwest, National Endowment for the Arts, and Capital Area District Library, MidMEAC will host events focused on “Our Nature: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection”.

About the Titles

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law explores conflicts and resolutions resulting from humans and wildlife sharing the same habitat. Author: Mary Roach.

The Great Lakes Fact or Fake delves beneath the surface of the world’s largest chain of freshwater lakes, confirming truths and debunking myths in an effort to protect this unique watershed. Author: Dave Dempsey

Community Events Schedule

All Events are Free and Open to All (Past Events have been archived.)

April 28 – 6:00 pm start, Poetry Writing Workshop, led by Lansing Poet Laureate Ruelaine Stokes, at Allen Neighborhood Center, 1611 E Kalamazoo St Lansing
May 9 – 12 noon to 2:00 pm. America 250 Celebration: Public Readings, Music, Native Plant Sale, EnvironmentalWalking Tour led by Ingham County Drain Commissioner Patrick E. Lindemann, Thematic Art Workshop / Competition, and more at the Montgomery Drain / Ranney Park.
June 13 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Book Swap and Panel Discussion, The Reading People, 1028 E Saginaw Ave. Lansing

Authors and Artists – Submit Your Work

Explore The Big Read Theme “Our Nature” in your writing and art. Tell us about your work using this submission form.

Resources from Capital Area District Library to help you get started on your writing project:

Authors may be invited to read selections at an upcoming community event for The Big Read. Stipends to selected works.