Grand rising, West Michigan. Happy Early St. Patrick's Day! May your weekend be full of luck and good cheer! ☘️ 🍻 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Best Towns In Midwest 🥇 

• Great Lakes Mushroom Company 🍄 

• Total Lunar Eclipse 🌝 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight

Skywatchers are in for a treat tonight with a total lunar eclipse, the first since 2022, occurring Thursday night into early Friday morning. This event will create a stunning Blood Moon, appearing reddish-orange to observers. According to NASA, the eclipse begins late on March 13 and concludes early on March 14. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. During this phase, the Moon takes on a reddish hue due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, reminiscent of a world filled with sunrises and sunsets.

The totality phase will last just over an hour, during which viewers will see the Moon transition from a shadowy bite to a deep crimson orb before returning to its normal appearance. If skies are clear, don’t miss this celestial spectacle! For more insights, check out the NASA video above.

New Ways To Navigate Michigan Boating Facilities

This summer there’s two new ways to reach your favorite boating spots. Find your ideal launch point with MiBFF. The updated Michigan Boating Facility Finder (MiBFF) simplifies the process of locating access sites. Utilize the interactive map to discover launch locations, review watercraft regulations, and stay updated on any closures. Explore with the new printed harbor guide. Pick up your copy of the Michigan Harbor Guide this summer at 19 state-managed harbors and select municipal marinas. Just ask the harbor staff for your guide! More information can be found here.

4 Michigan Towns Nominated Best In Midwest

USA Today’s expert panel explored Lake Michigan, starting in Saugatuck, celebrated for its art scene and coastal charm. They also highlighted Grand Haven, known for its iconic red lighthouse and musical fountain, showcasing Midwest charm. Northern Michigan's Petoskey was recognized for its natural beauty, particularly Sunset Park on Little Traverse Bay, and was previously voted No. 4 by readers in this category.

The panel then turned to Lake Huron, nominating Mackinac Island, which consistently earns accolades among readers. This year, its Lilac Festival is a contender for the nation’s best flower festival, and the island is also in the running for Best Historic Small Town. Mackinac Island has won Best Summer Travel Destination two years in a row and ranked No. 2 for Best Fall Travel Destination. Voting for the Best Small Town in the Midwest is now open, closing on March 31, with winners announced on April 9. You can see the whole list and vote here. Or maybe don’t vote if you want to continue to try and keep Grand Haven a secret. 🤫 😉 

Local Business

GE Aerospace Plans $70 Million Muskegon Area Expansion

GE Aerospace announced a $70 million expansion in Norton Shores as part of a $1 billion nationwide investment in its factories and supply chain. The expansion includes adding 16,000 square feet to an existing facility and modifying parking at an adjacent site. While the release did not specify new jobs for Norton Shores, GE plans to hire 5,000 workers across the U.S. for manufacturing and engineering roles. The company requested city approval for the expansion in September 2024. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., CEO, emphasized the importance of investing in manufacturing and innovation for the future of the aerospace industry.

Great Lakes Mushroom Company

Justin Sean founded Great Lakes Mushroom Company to promote healthy living after his grandmother's cancer battle inspired him to explore alternative medicines. Starting in 2019 and formalizing the business in 2020, Sean now offers gourmet organic mushrooms, microgreens, and dishes like Chicago-style pizza at his brick-and-mortar Norton Shores location at 3371 McCracken St. The company prioritizes quality, growing mushrooms in a non-polluted environment. Great Lakes Mushroom Company is customer-focused, educating on the medicinal benefits of mushrooms. They also sell products online and in 25 Michigan stores. Visit mushroomdeliveries.com for more details.

SPONSORED BY BETSI STONE REALTOR

Betsi leads her clients to success with a winning combination of skill, knowledge and persistence. She dedicates each and every day to making sure her clients have the best real estate experience possible on the lakeshore!

Check out this beauty in Zealand

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson - Indoor Cornhole 6:30-9pm

Friday - Lotus Room - St. Paddy's Party 9pm

Trinity Health Arena - Muskegon Risers vs. Wisconsin 7pm

Wonderland Distillery - Barrel of Laughs Comedy Night 8pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

Pigeon Hill - Run Muskegon's 10th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K 9am

Downtown - 12th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade 11-11:30am

Downtown - St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl 12-5pm

Trinity Health Arena - Muskegon Risers vs. Wisconsin 7pm

Bonfire & Brews Night at Muskegon Luge 5-8pm

Sunday - Pigeon Hill - Euchre Sundays 2pm

Monday - Pigeon Hill - Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Grand Armory Live Music 6:30pm

Lucy’s Ladies Night

Friday- Odd Side Live Music 8pm

Kirby - Music Bingo 6pm

Porto Bello - Storybook Dinner - A Princess Dining Experience 6pm

Saturday- Loutit District Library - Morning Meditation Meet-up 10:15-11:15am

Spring Lake Rotary Club - Shamrock & Roll 4-8pm

Sunday - Odd Side Ales - The Sunday Shakedown 5-7:30pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Irish Trivia Night 8pm

Friday - Curragh Irish Pub Saint Patrick's Day - Guinness Pour Competition 6-8pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Holland Civic Center Place - St. Paddy's Leprechaun Chase 5K and Wee Chase 8am

Curragh Irish Pub - Saint Patricks Day Celebration

Holland Civic Center Place - Saint Patrick's Day Parade 12-12:20pm

Big Lake Brewing - St. Paddys Weekend Bloody Mary Bar

New Holland Brewing - St. Patrick's Day Party

Sunday - Curragh Irish Pub - Saint Patricks Day Celebration

New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Saint Patricks Day Celebration

WEATHER

Thursday

60 🌡️ 43 | ⛅️ |

Friday

68 🌡️ 52 | ⛅️ |

Saturday

62🌡️ 36 | 🌦️ |

Sunday

41 🌡️ 29 | 🌧️ |

Monday

41 🌡️ 34 | ☀️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Tony Jarvis I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I Carl Webb Duo I 6pm

Friday

The Block I Tony Monaco Trio: Organ Jazz I 7:30pm

Grand Armory I Lynn and Ian the Moonshine Runners I 6:30pm

Odd Side Ales I Fool House I 9pm

Lucy’s I Nina Sofia I 6pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Off The LedgeI 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Decades I 7pm

Saturday

Grand Armory I Velvet Mushroom Syndicate I 6:30pm

Lucy’s I Irish Music/Bagpipers I 1pm

Lucy’s I TBA I 6pm

Kirby I Simply In Time I 9pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Trixy Tang I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I 10 Years Late I 7pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Randy Johnson I 5pm

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Lakeshore Current today. If you found something useful, please share with someone who is drinking a Guinness this weekend

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