Grand rising, West Michigan. It’s a new month and a new set of decorations up all over our house. Cheers! ☘️ 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Mobile Farmers Market 🥕 

• Harbor Island 👷 

• Saugatuck Art Scene 🎨 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Harbor Island Coal Removal

The Grand Haven City Council has allocated $673,303.10 to TL Contracting for the removal of the remaining coal pile from Harbor Island, a contaminated site since the closure of the J.B. Sims coal-powered plant in 2020. Mayor Bob Monetza emphasized the importance of this action, which is part of a larger remediation effort. The work is expected to conclude this spring and follows the plant's demolition in 2021, after which PFAS contamination was discovered in the groundwater. Harbor Island, visible from the Grand River and near local recreational areas, has been a focal point for residents and city leaders. A planning study for the island was approved last year to gather public input. Funding for ongoing remediation efforts includes $2.5 million from the state budget and $16 million from the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power's budget. The coal removal plan has received state approval and is supported by environmental consultants.

Saugatuck Named Top 10 Best In Small Town Art Scene

Saugatuck has once again made headlines for its vibrant art scene, securing third place for "Best Small Town Arts Scene" in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, announced on February 26. This lakeshore community frequently ranks in various categories, including Michigan's Best Beach and Best Coastal Small Town. Notably, Tripadvisor has named Oval Beach one of the top beaches in the U.S. for 2025.

Saugatuck is particularly celebrated for its artistic offerings, inviting art enthusiasts to explore local galleries, enjoy annual festivals, and appreciate public installations such as "Smile! You’re in Saugatuck," "Family of Man IV," and "Girl With Puppet."

Muskegon Luge Wraps Record Season

Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park experienced its best winter season in 40 years, thanks to consistently cold temperatures and abundant snowfall. The park expressed gratitude to "Mother Nature" for her support this season, which saw record visitor numbers and strong community backing. After opening in January with 20 dump trucks of snow to establish the luge track, the natural surface remained intact throughout the season—an impressive feat compared to last year's three rebuilds. Located in Muskegon State Park, the complex also offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating under the lights. This season featured highlights such as open skate nights with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the introduction of Bonfire & Brews nights. As outdoor adventure specialist Daniel Bonner noted, it was a busy winter, and the park will close for maintenance through March, reopening for group outings in April and fully to the public over Memorial Day Weekend.

Local Business

Saugatuck Brewing Closes Two Taprooms

Saugatuck Brewing Company announced on March 3 that it will permanently close its taprooms in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, citing challenges in the craft beer industry. The Grand Rapids location, formerly Creston Brewery, closed its doors for good, while the Kalamazoo site has been shut since August 2024 due to fire damage. Despite these closures, Saugatuck's primary location in Douglas will remain open. CEO Miller expressed gratitude for the communities and staff at both locations and emphasized the company's commitment to distributing great beer and fostering connections among patrons, even without multiple taprooms.

Mobile Farmers Market

The Muskegon YMCA is relaunching its Mobile Farmers Market, aimed at increasing access to fresh produce for the community. After two months of program refinement, the initiative will expand beyond senior living communities to serve more organizations across Muskegon. "The Mobile Farmers Market makes it easier for people to access fresh produce, no matter where they live," said McKenna Speed, Program Director of Food Access. The YMCA is excited to continue this service and reach more communities in need. Visit the Muskegon YMCA website for the schedule of market locations.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

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

Friday - Lotus Room - Dance Party 7pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

Pigeon Hill - Renny Day 11am

Frauenthal Center - Varsity Blues Athletic Sports Awards Show 6pm

Trinity Health Arena - West Michigan Ironmen vs. Detroit Ravens 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

Central Park Players - Talking With… 7:30pm

Saturday- Hemlock Crossing Park - Coffee With The Birds 9:30am-12pm

Grand Armory Live Music

Central Park Place - Merchants & Makers - Young Entrepreneurs 10am-2pm

Central Park Players - Talking With… 7:30pm

Sunday - YMCA - 2025 Winter Indoor Triathlon 

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

Family Night at The Unicorn 5-10pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

New Holland Brewing - Sips & Succulents 6-8pm

Friday - Downtown - Girlfriends Weekend 10am-8pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Downtown - Girlfriends Weekend 10am-6pm

Windmill Island Gardens - Koffie Kletz: Tulips, Taverns, and Trees 10-11am

Sunday - New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Downtown - Girlfriends Weekend 10am-4pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday

35 🌡️ 31 | ☁️ |

Friday

39 🌡️ 28 | 🌨️ |

Saturday

39🌡️ 30 | ⛅️ |

Sunday

41 🌡️ 34 | ⛅️ |

Monday

44 🌡️ 36 | ☀️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Jack Leaver I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I Michael Drost Trio I 6pm

Friday

Grand Armory I Money Soup I 6:30pm

Lucy’s I Sam Starkie I 6pm

Park Theatre I Mike Wheeler Band + Resurrection Blues Band I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I After Party I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I JP Peters I 7pm

Saturday

The Corner I Zack Harper, Palm Hands, Shelby Obzut, and Audrey Nicole I 7pm

Grand Armory I Sweet Lou & The Savages I 6:30pm

Lucy’s I Brian Fedewa I 6pm

Kirby I Simply In Time I 9pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Liquid Radio I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Jake Stevens Band I 7pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Bryan Hammond I 5pm

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Lakeshore Current today. If you found something useful, please share with someone who celebrates St. Patrick’s all month long

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