Grand rising, West Michigan. This is Lakeshore Current, the newsletter that’s as exciting to open as the next number on the chocolate advent calendar 📆 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Ludington NYE Ball Drop 🪩 

• Snowy Owl Migration 🦉 

• Wesco Opens In Grand Haven ⛽️ 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Michigan Town Voted Best NYE Ball Drop In The Country

Ludington, Michigan, hosts the country’s top New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, recently awarded the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Award, surpassing even New York City’s Times Square event. The vibrant street party kicks off at 9 p.m. at Legacy Plaza, offering an outdoor beer garden, live DJ, outdoor fireplace, and a spectacular countdown featuring a ball adorned with 6,000 LED lights, culminating in fireworks at midnight.

For families, the New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at Sandcastles Children’s Museum runs from 5-8 p.m., while the Mason County District Library hosts a free party with snacks and games from 8:30-11:30 p.m. An after-party at Timbers Prime keeps the celebration going until 4 a.m. Safety is a priority, with free transportation services available. Plus, kick off 2025 with the New Year’s Resolution Run 5K at 11 a.m. the next day. More details here. 

Ways To Give Back Locally For The Holidays

During the holiday season, many in Muskegon are facing financial hardships. Here are some ways to give back to the community:

Chief Clinton Johnson Toy Drive: Join the 41st annual toy drive and children's party on Dec. 21 at Muskegon Heights City Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids up to 17 will enjoy snacks, gifts, and a photo with Santa.

Adopt a Working Family: The United Way of the Lakeshore invites you to "adopt a working family" for the holidays. Donors can shop for gifts and deliver them by Dec. 18.

YMCA Coat Drive: Support the Muskegon YMCA's Winter Coat Drive through Jan. 6 by donating coats for local schools.

Toys for Tots: Help the Muskegon County Toys for Tots program by donating toys for local families in need.

Angel Tree: Sponsor families through the Salvation Army Angel Tree by donating toys and clothing for children and seniors.

Animal Shelter Support: Contribute to Must Love Dogs' "giving tree" or donate cat litter at Heaven Can Wait Resale Store through Dec. 31.

Snowy Owls Traveling South

Michigan is anticipating an early influx of snowy owls this winter, as these Arctic visitors migrate south earlier than usual. According to Project SNOWstorm, a snowy owl research initiative, this year's migration is marked by a significant early push into the East and Midwest. While snowy owls have been sporadic in recent years, a boom in their primary food source—lemmings—could lead to a notable winter irruption, with sightings expected as far south as Florida. Researchers recently tagged ten fledglings from nests in Canada, and reports indicate juvenile owls have already been spotted in states like Virginia and Indiana. Michiganders are encouraged to watch for these beautiful birds in open areas such as airports and grasslands, where they hunt during the day. Given their inexperience and the exhaustion from migration, some owls may be found resting on roadsides, so it's important to contact rehabilitation centers if you encounter a distressed bird.

LOCAL BUSINESS

New Wesco Opens In Grand Haven

Wesco has opened its second Grand Haven location at 16770 Ferris St., announced via Facebook. Situated just off U.S. 31 and a 10-minute drive from downtown, the new site features 10 fuel pumps, a convenience store with a drive-thru, and a propane station. Customers can order fresh food, snacks, beverages, and tobacco products online for delivery or pickup. The Muskegon-based chain, which has over 55 locations in Michigan, confirmed its Grand Haven expansion in June, with construction managed by Grand Rapids-based Wolverine Building Group. The first Grand Haven store is located at 14750 Mercury Drive.

Food Hall Opens In Lumberman’s Vault

Downtown Muskegon has transformed from a hockey-only destination to a vibrant hub, highlighted by the new Lumberman’s Vault in a repurposed bank. Co-owner Troy Wasserman emphasized maintaining the bank's nostalgia, making the vault door a centerpiece of the bar. The former lobby is now a food hall featuring two open restaurants, with three more on the way. Local residents appreciate the revitalization, as it offers diverse dining options and community spaces, including a second-floor salon and retail. Chamber of Commerce’s Rachel Gorman views it as a significant addition, revitalizing the area and enhancing Muskegon's appeal.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Free Thursdays at Muskegon Museum of Art

Lakeside After Hours 5-8pm

Friday - Lotus Room - Comedy Night 8pm

Unruly Brewing - Comedy Show 9:30pm

Frauenthal Center - Home for the Holidays 7:30pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

Unruly Brewing - Santa's Pub Crawl 11am-4pm

Sunday - Unruly Brewing - Sunday Grooves 5pm

Monday - Pigeon Hill - Holiday Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Grand Armory Live Music

Friday- Odd Side Live Music 8-11pm

New Holland - Making Spirits Bright: Holiday Cocktail Class 6-9pm

Saturday- Coopersville and Marne Railway Santa Train 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm

Sunday - Grand Armory - Sunday Euchre 2pm

Coopersville and Marne Railway Santa Train 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Dueling Pianos 5:30-8:30pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - It's a Wonderful Life 7:30pm

Friday - Felt Mansion - Guided Candle Light Tours 5:30-8:30pm

Van Raalte Farm Park - Holidays On The Farm 5:30-8:30pm

Crane Orchards Lightshow 6-8pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday Kerstmarkt 3-8pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Downtown Holland Strolling Santa 1-4pm

Bowerman Blueberries - Donuts With Santa 10am-2pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday Kerstmarkt 9am-6pm

Crane Orchards Lightshow 6-8pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - It's a Wonderful Life 1:30, 7:30pm

Sunday - New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Crisp Country Acres - Meet Santa At The Farm 5-7pm

WEATHER

Thursday

33 🌡️ 28 | 🌨️ |

Friday

33 🌡️ 22 | ⛅️ |

Saturday

29🌡️ 14 | 🌧️ |

Sunday

32 🌡️ 24 | ⛅️ |

Monday

35🌡️ 30 | 🌨️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Gabrial James I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I BPM Jazz I 6pm

Friday

Grand Armory I Plain Jane Glory I 6:30pm

Off the Chain Brewstillery I Medicine Men I 6pm

Lucys I Geo Trio I 7pm

Oddside I Kyle Brown I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Momz Attic I 9pm

Hops at 84 East I Marlane Lewis I 8pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Wealthy Soul I 8pm

Saturday

Red Rooster Tavern I The Jess & Joe Duo I 8pm

The Valkyrie I Dave Burel I 7pm

Rake Beer Project I Decks The Halls I 8pm

The Corner I One World: Songs of Healing and Peace Featuring Sara Azriel and a Community Sing I 6:30pm

Lucys I Brian Fedewa I 6pm

Grand Armory I Liquid Radio I 6:30pm

Hops at 84 East I Nate Holley I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I V*A*S*E* I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Sheer Pandemonium I 8pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Randy Johnson I 5pm

SPORTS

Sunday - Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears 1pm

THANKS!

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