Chamber Quarterly Newsletter • October/November/December

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Fall in the White Lake Area

After such a great summer in West Michigan, sometimes it feels like it can't get any better. But then fall arrives, and fall in the White Lake Area is special. Between the colors of a fall sky and the leaves changing, our area comes alive in a way that's different than in the summer. A slower pace with still all the energy. A time where one can be as busy or as relaxed as they want to be.


Our bike trails fill up with people eager to walk, run, or bike in an undisturbed and picturesque setting. White River, White Lake, Duck Lake, and Lake Michigan remain the perfect setting for canoe and kayak enthusiasts, not to mention great locations to see the changing of colors. Thinking of giving it a bicycling or kayaking a try this year? WaterDog Outfitters is right between the White Lake Pathway and Hart-Montague Trail, where you can try, purchase, or rent a bicycle, e-bike, or kayak.


Much of our outdoor recreation remains open during the fall months, it just may look a little different. Places such as Clear Springs Nature Preserve in Montague and Duck Lake State Park in Whitehall have the same great trails, but a whole new look--click here for other great spots to walk or hike. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park also has great trails to walk (Hike the Lights), along with other activities, before they transition into all of their winter adventures. And some of our "outdoor recreation" changes into "indoor recreation", such as Double JJ Resort. Fall also means new activities at Country Dairy, Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo, Michigan's Adventure, Weesies Bros, and surprise post season pop-up days at Putters Creek.


All of our unique shops change as well--short sleeves transition into long, and summer décor becomes last season as pumpkins, corn stalks, and cornucopia's become fitting with the season. The Artisan Market and Montague Farmers Market help keep the fall festivities going on the weekends. And if you're craving pumpkin or apple spiced anything, or comfort foods like soups, our restaurants can definitely help with that. If you're looking for a spiked version of those drinks, our pubs and breweries are happy to help, too.


We're excited to transition into another fall in the White Lake Area. See below for a wrap up of summer 2023, and what's happening during our fall and early winter months.


*Picture by Connor Rake at Connor Rake Productions.

Looking Back:

Quarter Three Highlights

July-September 2023

4th of July Parade

On Tuesday, July 4, we celebrated the 4th of July with over 80 festive entries in our parade! It was a beautiful summer day, our downtown streets were filled with people, and our parade entries brought their best patriotic flair. We always love seeing the honorable American Legion & VFW lead the parade, followed by so many of our local businesses and organizations showing support of the holiday.


We want to thank our parade sponsor, RE/MAX by the Water, and our livestream sponsor, Manpower. Thank you to CatchMark Technologies for livestreaming the parade, and to Matt & Stacy Shepherd for hosting it.


Click here to view our full Facebook album.

White Lake History Cruises

On Sunday, July 30, we held our second annual White Lake History Cruises aboard the Aquastar! Three sold-out cruises set sail on White Lake and attendees learned about the history of logging, resorts, and more about our lake over the years. We could not have asked for a more picture perfect White Lake Area day.


We want to thank our committee members, historians, Billy Mann for emceeing all three cruises, and our sponsors: Gold--CatchMark Technologies, Hilite International, Manpower, Shelby State Bank. Silver--Legacy of Caring. Bronze--City of Montague, City of Whitehall, McCormick Food & Gas, WinBerg Construction, and White Lake Area Historical Society.


Click here to view our full Facebook album.

40th Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Fore! On Tuesday, August 29, we held our 40th annual Chamber Golf Classic fundraiser at Lincoln Golf Club. Team memories were made on the green and we were thankful to be a part of that!


We want to thank all of those who attended, our golf committee, the businesses that donated prizes to raffle, the businesses and organizations who sponsored tee signs, and our volunteers who helped make sure the entire day ran smoothly.


Thank you to our event sponsors who made this possible--

Premier: Durga Insurance Group

Gold: Coldwell Banker Woodland-Schmidt

Silver: ATA National Title, Consumers Energy, Manpower, Transnation Title Agency. Photo Sponsor: Shelby State Bank. Hole-In-One Sponsor: Don Rypma Chevrolet GMC. Mulligan Sponsor: SERVPRO. Dessert Sponsor: Stephanie Hunter--Lake Michigan Credit Union.


Click here to view our full Facebook album.

Labor Day Community Walk

Monday, September 4, brought us a beautiful day to hold our annual Labor Day Community Walk! Dozens of other cities across the state held their own Labor Day Community Walk, giving Michiganders a chance to get outdoors, enjoy the beautiful trails, and serve as a great reminder that getting outside and being active helps us be healthier overall. Thank you to Mayor Tom Lohman (City of Montague) and Mayor Steve Salter (City of Whitehall) for leading the way as everyone walked the bridge from Montague into Whitehall.


Thank you to New Beginnings Church for being our gold sponsor, and Scheid Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for being our silver sponsor.


Click here to view our full Facebook album.

Welcome Our Newest Members:

July 1-September 30, 2023

We'd like to give a special thank you and welcome to these new members who joined the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce during quarter three! The mission of our Chamber is to serve and advance the business interests of members and to strengthen the economic climate of our area. We are always thankful and appreciative when businesses trust us and allow us to partner together to fulfill that mission!

Big Shotz

Bill's Lakeshore Golden Cards & Collectibles

EnGedi Insurance Services

Healing Tree Natural Health

Kali's Kleaning Services

Lisa Wall Interior Design & Events

Michigan Youth Ballet Theatre

Put N Store Luxury Condo Storage

Putters Creek

Shore House Property Services

The Hygge House

The Old Pickle Barrel

Looking Ahead:

Upcoming Chamber Events

Depot to Depot

Fall color tour with Visit Muskegon

Date: Month of October

Time: Various

Muskegon County

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Pumpkinfest

27th Annual Festive Fall Favorite

Date: Saturday, October 14

Time: 10am-3pm

Downtown Montague

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Holiday Walk

Tree lightings, carriage & trolley rides, more!

Date: Friday & Saturday, November 17 & 18

Time: 2:00-8:00pm and 10am-4pm

Various Locations

Christmas Parade

Santa Claus is coming to this festive parade!

Date: Saturday, December 2

Time: 2:00pm

Downtown Whitehall to Downtown Montague

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Chamber Member Christmas Party

Celebrate the holidays with us!

Date: Thursday, December 14

Time: 5:00-8:00pm

North Grove Brewers

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