Make that New Year’s resolution to get out, get moving and get healthy as a family in the Winter Wonderland that is our Michigan.
Happy Shoe Year
Ludington State Park, 8800 W. M-116, Ludington
Jan. 2, 9, 23 and Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m.
FREE with Recreation Passport, which is required for entry
(231) 843-9261
Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the family to cross-country ski, snowshoe or hike the lantern-lit trails at Happy Shoe Year, held at Ludington State Park. The hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative happening in all 50 states. Revisit the park’s sand dunes, shoreline vistas, ponds, marshlands and forests amidst wintertime quietude. The lighted trails begin at the park warming shelter where 40 pairs of snowshoes will be lent out. Park staff will be on hand to help visitors get started. Remember to dress in layers. Along the trail, a campfire will be available where trail-lovers can warm themselves and enjoy a hot beverage. That’s where you will find this writer.
The Bremen Town Musicians: Nothing is Worthless
Lowell Performing Arts Center, 11700 Vergennes, Lowell
Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
$5, FREE for children 2 and under
lowellartsmi.org
The LowellArts! Players Youth Theater presents the comedy The Bremen Town Musicians: Nothing is Worthless. It’s directed by Brent Alles and was written by playwright Ric Averill of the Lawrence Arts Center in Kansas. Featuring a dozen young actors, the play spins a classic fairy tale with four farm animals (a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) who are kicked out of their homes for being worthless. Instead of giving up, they put on a concert that scares off a robber and they live happily ever after. The same story turns into an urban fairy tale, where four homeless people play junkyard instruments. They prove their worth to city officials who look beyond the junkyard to see a sculpture park. Music, costumes and a love of art that brings people together — what’s not to like?
Yoga Fever
1154 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
$5 introductory classes from Jan. 18–31
yogafevergr.com, (616) 805-3603
Oh, my goodness it’s hot in here! Parents and their older children (18+) can get fit at Grand Rapids’ newest hot-yoga studio. Owner Shannon Austin opens Yoga Fever Jan. 15 in the Wealthy Business District and is offering $5 classes for the first two weeks. “We promise to provide a positive hot yoga experience from head to toe,” Austin said. The studio offers a balanced, alignment-based yoga practice where old-school traditions are combined with contemporary hot vinyasa classes. You will detox, de-stress, tone-up, find inner peace and, of course, sweat. Look for beginner and lunch hour classes, sun-salutation flows, slow flows and — you guessed it — hot-and-sweaty flows. The studio boasts state-of-the-art heating, humidification and an energy recovery system with natural cork floors that are easy on the joints.
Southwest MI Family Wellness Expo
Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground, 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo
Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
FREE, VIP $10 (early entry and special drawings)
(269) 383-8778
Get a jump start on the healthy new you at the Southwest MI Family Wellness Expo. This five-hour expo features a wide variety of experts in the areas of health, fitness, wellness and holistic and homeopathic approaches. Get ready to be pinched, poked, twisted and turned for the sake of physical and mental well-being. Organized by Jeff Weber of Gingerbeard Events, the show is for everyone from seniors and teens, to children and adults. It hosts speakers and demonstrations, plus showcases new and proven health care products. Medical, fitness and holistic professionals will personally answer your questions and concerns. The expo benefits Mended Little Hearts of West Michigan, which supports children born with congenital heart defects.
