May 17-20, 2012

Spring in Northern Michigan means plants and wildflowers popping up from the ground–and of course, it means morel mushroom time. Northern Michigan is a fabulous place to hunt for morels and many conversations during this time of year revolve around the ‘secret spot’ and how many pounds of the tasty mushrooms are found.

The morels are so popular in Northern Michigan that there is even a festival to celebrate them. The 52nd Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City will take place May 17-20.

At this festival, hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the country come to seek that elusive delicacy-the marvelous morel. Found in nearby woods and clearings, morels are favored by those who know their mushrooms and during the festival, hunters hit to Northern Michigan woods to take home the top prize for the most mushrooms found.

During the festival, everything is all about mushrooms. Restaurants prepare exotic, morel-laden entrees, local songsters sing of the morel, secret hunting places are discussed–but not shared. Recipes are definitely shared and everyone goes hunting. In a good year, hunters can find thousands of the mouth-watering treats.

If you love morels, don’t miss this unique–and tasty–festival! Here are the events for the 2012 Festival:

Thursday, May 17
3pm, Schmidt Amusement Carnival opens in Veterans Park
5:30 Showcase of Local Musicians! Local talent in Veterans’ Park. (Sponsored by the Jordan Inn)

Friday, May 18
1-6pm Craft Show in Veterans Park. Showcasing crafters with unique, hand-made items.
1-6pm Michigan Outdoor Recreational Experiences & Living Show in Sunset Park. Businesses & organizations showcase their products & services.
3pm Schmidt Amusements Carnival opens in Veterans Park
4pm Morel Seminar Featuring local morel expert Anthony Williams. Purchase morel soup from local restaurants. Beer & Wine available.
4:30pm Festival “Guided” Morel Hunt Departs from Veterans Park Visit a nearby forest to look for the elusive morel & other edibles! Transportation provided (space is limited). Register in advance $12.00 registration fee. (Will hunt for 1 hour and return by 6:30pm)
5:30pm Morelfest “Wine & Dine” 5:30-7:30pm,the Beach House Restaurant. $40.00. Advance reservations required, 231-582-6222.
8:30pm Thornetta Davis Band performs under the tent Veterans Park.

Saturday, May 19
7-10am Morel Breakfast in the tent in Veterans Park.
7:30am Boyne Valley Lions’ National Mushroom Hunt Registration. Leave at 9am with winners announced at 3pm
10-6pm Michigan Outdoor Recreational Experiences & Living Show in Sunset Park.
10-6pm Craft Show in Veterans Park. Showcasing crafters with unique, hand-made items.
11am Schmidt Amusements Carnival opens in Veterans Park
12-3pm Taste of Morels. Purchase taste tickets at the door. Area restaurants & chefs providing morel infused delicacies!
4pm Great Morel Giveaway: Downtown Boyne City sponsored by the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce.
4:30pm Private Property Morel Hunt leaves from Veterans Park. Register in advance $25.00 (limited to first to first 50 guests).
8pm The Rock n’ Roll Band! Audio Circus performs under the heated tent in Veterans Park. Admission is $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door.

Sunday, May 20
11-4pm Craft Show in Veterans Park. Showcasing crafters with unique, hand-made items.
11-4pm Michigan Outdoor Recreational Experiences & Living Show in Sunset Park.
12pm Schmidt Amusements Carnival in Veterans Park
1-5pm TNT & Northern Nites presented by the Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders.

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