Great Summer Activities at Fort Custer Recreation Area

July 26, 2011

Michael Delaware Parks & Venues, Places To Visit , , Leave a comment

You can rent canoes for the day at Fort Custer Recreation Area.

If one is looking for fun things to do this summer, then consider availing oneself of all the outdoor activities one can engage in at the Fort Custer Recreational Area.  The Fort Custer Recreation Area is just outside of Battle Creek, Michigan off Dickman Rd or M-96 within 1/4 mile of the Village of Augusta. 

The park offers boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and just a good afternoon at the beach.  One can even play a round or two of disc golf on their 18 hole course.  In the winter, you can take part in hiking, cross-country skiing, snow mobiling, and ice fishing. 

Fort Custer Recreation Area was originally farmland that was acquired by the federal government to establish Camp Custer, an induction and military training center for the US Army during WWII.  The land was deeded to the State of Michigan, under President Nixon’s Legacy of Parks in 1971.

Today the Fort Custer Recreation Area is a popular location for mountain bikers, and the trail system is just over 28 miles in total length.  Michigan residents pay just $10 annually for a passport for a vehicle, and $5 for a motorcycle to enjoy the area.  It a fee one pays for when they renew vehicle tags annually.  Non-residents pay $29 for a vehicle passport, and $8 for a daily passport to the Recreation Area.  Funds go towards maintaining the park.

The Fort Custer Recreation Area has over 28 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking and running. A great way to spend a weekend outdoors.

The 4th of July Fireworks Show Re-Visited

July 10, 2011

Michael Delaware Festivals & Events , , , Leave a comment

Fireworks are still a popular tradition on the 4th of July.

Last weekend out nation celebrated the 4th of July, Independence Day holiday over a traditional three day weekend. 

No such event would be complete without a fireworks show, and this year the place to be in Battle Creek was at the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival at the W.K. Kellogg airfield.  This show was by far the largest in the area, and when viewed from the airport, it was nothing short of spectacular. 

This year I attended the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival to see the featured fireworks show that I have heard so much about over the years, and I brought my camera.  I filmed the show in two parts, and could have merged the videos into one, but decided to keep them separate when I posted them on YouTube.  I suppose I was concerned that people would not watch it if it was too long.  However, I have learned this does not seem to be the case when it comes to fireworks shows.

Historically, I think that everyone loves fireworks to some greater of lesser degree.  This would of course account for the fact that shows like this draw huge crowds all over the nation every year, and I do not think the tradition would remain if if a majority of people did not like them. 

Anyway, I have included my video here on this blog post of the first part of last weekends show.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

‘Balloon Illume’ Still a Local 4th of July Favorite in Battle Creek, Michigan

July 5, 2011

Michael Delaware Festivals & Events , , , Leave a comment

The 'Hot Air Balloon Illume' is a popular attraction at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival each year.

One of the local favorite events every fourth of July weekend is the ‘Balloon Illume’ held at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival.  This is annual event on the Independence Day weekend each year, and hot air balloons are part of the major draw.

Hot air balloons flights are seen across the skies on a typical fourth of July weekend in Battle Creek, when the weather conditons are perfect.  However, even if the balloons do not get a lot of air time, you can still enjoy them by attending the festival and being there for the ‘Balloon Illume’ which is held right at sunset. 

Balloon Illumes are a popular feature on the 4th of July weekend.

The hot air balloon pilots and crews set up the balloons on the airfield in close proximity to each other and light them up for a spectacular colorful illuminated evening.  The announcer gets crowd participation by having those in attendance shout ‘Light ‘em up’ and the balloons all attempt to blow their torches simultaniously for a unified illumination. 

It is one of the most beautiful features at the festival, and definitely one worth attending.  On July 3rd, 2011 when the video below was filmed, there also followed a night time air show and fireworks celebration.  So there is no more exciting way to experience the fourth of July than by attending the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival.  The annual event it the largest Independence Day Celebration in Southeast Michigan, and draws well over 100,000 people each year for the 4 day event. 

 

Night Air Show at the Battle Creek Field of Flight & Balloon Festival

July 5, 2011

Michael Delaware Festivals & Events , , Leave a comment

The night air show is one of the exciting events at the Battle Creek Field of Flight annual Festival.

One of the most exciting annual events in Battle Creek is the Field of Flight Airshow & Balloon Festival that was just held this past weekend.  It is the largest 4th of July festival in the Southwest portion of Michigan, and with good reason. 

The festival boasts not only an amazing airshow, but a carnival, music, fireworks and hot air balloons.  It is a fabulous way to enjoy your fouth of July weekend with your family.

One of the exciting features of the event is the night time airshow.  This year it was held right before the fireworks show on Sunday evening July 3rd.  It features aerobatic stunt flyers shooting flames and fireworks from their wings in a dramatic crowd pleasing performance. 

It was the first time I had attended this event, and I found it to be incredibly entertaining and beautiful to watch.  I shot a video of a large segment of the performance, and have included it here.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

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