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March 26, 2026

Your weekly update from the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce

• Celebrating Women in Our Community
• Calendar of Events
• Bowling Down Main Street
• Upcoming Member News
• Easter offerings
• Member News Briefs
• Chamber Advantage Partners
• Help Wanted

Celebrating Women in Business All Month Long

March is Women's History Month, and we are celebrating all month long here at the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce! Throughout the month, we are shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women in business right here in our community — women who are leading the way and generously sharing their wisdom with others.

If you're on Facebook, we'd love for you to follow along on our page as we feature individual women business owners and leaders throughout the month. Each post includes a photo and a shared piece of advice — trust us; they are worth reading. 

This week, we are highlighting eight amazing women who are making a real difference in our community. If you missed it, go back and give it a read — you won't be disappointed.

Bowl Down Main Street — Saturday, April 4th, Noon–2 p.m.

Not every town shuts down a street for kids to go bowling, but Harbor Springs does! Join us on Saturday, April 4th at the intersection of State and Main for our annual Bowling Down Main Street event, no matter the weather—rain, shine, ice, or snow. It all started as an April Fools' joke, and we've never looked back! 

While you're there, enjoy these extras for the kids:

• Free hot chocolate & donut courtesy of Johan's Pastry Shop
• Free bowling card from Northern Lights Recreation
• Free surprise giveaway from Rocking Horse Toy Co.
• After bowling, head to the Lyric for the weekend opening for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
• Watch a cannon fire down Main Street - because why not?



Brought to you by the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce and Northern Lights Recreation.

Add Coffees and Chills to Your Calendar

Mark Your Calendar! Join us for this year's Chamber Coffee & Conversations and Afternoon Chills. These events are the perfect opportunity to build meaningful connections in a relaxed atmosphere. Interested in hosting at your business? Reach out to us at info@harborspringschamber.com. We can't wait to chat about it! 

Ambassadors on the Road - Northmen Den Youth Services

The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador team gathered on Wednesday at the Northmen Den Youth Services office for their monthly meeting and came away very inspired. Executive Director Liz McKenney shared the remarkable story of an organization celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

What began with just eight students has grown into something truly extraordinary. Today, Northmen Den Youth Services nourishes and feeds 500 middle and high school students every week across Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, with pantries in schools in Alanson, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, Pellston, and Petoskey.

To volunteer, donate, or make a financial contribution, visit northmendens.org.



Help the Harbor Springs Chamber Ambassadors Stock the Shelves this April!



Throughout April, the Harbor Springs Chamber Ambassadors are collecting nonperishable items and toiletries from the Northmen Den Youth Services Shopping List. You can drop items off at the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Office, located at 118 E Main St., Monday through Friday.

Chamber Ambassadors meet on a monthly basis, and it is a fantastic way for them to learn more about what is going on in and around our community. If your business or organization would like to host this group, please reach out to amy@harborspringschamber.com.

Apply Now for the Taste of Harbor Culinary Scholarship 

The Taste of Harbor Springs event, now in its 31st year, is pleased to give back to the community as part of our mission to enhance dining experiences in the Harbor Springs area.

Each year, our committee can award up to three scholarships, each valued at $1,000, for a total of $3,000.

The Mary Ellen Hughs Scholarship is available to both established culinary professionals and future culinary students.

For all the details and to apply, please use the button below or send a written response to info@harborspringschamber.com with the subject line "Taste Scholarship."

All applications must be received by the Chamber by April 30, 2026.



Save The Date

Mark your calendar for the 31st Annual Taste of Harbor Springs — Saturday, September 19, 2026

Watch for ticket information coming soon!

Blue Cross Master Class: Navigating Employer Health Care Trends and Actions for 2026.

The class is on Monday, March 30 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Dr. Michael Kobernick, M.D., senior medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Jugerta Merruko, director of customer consulting at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan reveal what actions employers are taking to address health care trends in 2026. This course is certified by the state of Michigan for a continuing education credit, HR Certification Institute® for 1 HR recertification credit and SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SPSM for 1 PDC credit. Click here to register.

The Class of 2038!

Kindergarten round-ups, open houses scheduled in local school districts for students enrolling in the 2026-27 school year. It’s the time of year when local elementary schools roll out the welcome mat for incoming kindergartners and their families, through open houses, school tours and registration activities.

Click here for a list of kindergarten registration open houses, parent meetings, and school tours planned throughout the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District’s 11 public schools, charter academies, and private schools (please note: some districts require an appointment and others do not).

Introducing… the Newest Faces of Polished on Main 

We are so excited to officially welcome Kaylie, Zira, Skip & Tammi to our growing team.

Here’s what to know:

• Kaylie is finishing up her apprenticeship and will be on the schedule mid-May—we can’t wait for you to experience her work!

• Zira is currently in her apprenticeship program and accepting clients now at apprentice pricing

• Skip joined us from a busy salon in North Carolina and is now taking clients—his experience shows in every service

• Tammi has been with us for a few months, continuing her education with Nikki, and is officially accepting clients

Our team continues to grow with passionate, education-driven artists, and we’re so proud of each of them. 

Book online: polishedonmainhs.com

Call/Text: 231-412-3096

Support our new talent and be part of their journey.

Welcome Lexi Morey, MSN, FNP-C | Cardiology

Please welcome Lexi Morey, MSN, FNP-C. Lexi joined McLaren Northern Heart and Vascular Institute as a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Cardiology. With a background as a bedside nurse on a cardiac progressive care floor, Lexi brings firsthand insight into the patient experience and a strong commitment to education, lifestyle management, and close outpatient follow-up.



Whether educating a newly diagnosed patient about heart disease or fine-tuning a long-term cardiac management plan, Lexi’s mission is consistent: to deliver compassionate, personalized cardiovascular care that empowers patients and improves their quality of life right here in Northern Michigan. Click here to learn more.

Staycation at the History Museum

Families looking for a fun and creative activity during spring break are invited to the Harbor Springs History Museum for a special Spring Break Staycation event. The event invites children and families to decorate their own seed starter pot and plant a seed to take home. Each child will decorate a pot, fill it with soil, and choose from a variety of seeds including poppies, marigolds, sugar snap peas, and more. Seeds and soil were generously provided by Polly’s Planting & Plucking Garden Center.

The event is open to all and no registration is required. Visitors can also enjoy cookies and coffee while touring the museum or creating crafts. Admission to the event is by donation, supporting the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society and its ongoing mission to preserve and share the history of Harbor Springs.

NCMC Job Fair

North Central Michigan College invites you to join them for their upcoming job fair on Wednesday, April 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the athletic center gymnasium. Booths are available now for purchase for $50. Space is limited; register today by clicking here. This successful event brings in individuals looking for full- and part-time employment, including available jobs for the summer. It is an excellent opportunity for networking and recruitment. Attendees are urged to bring their résumés. For questions or additional information, contact NCMC Career Services Director Wendy Kresnak at 231-439-6265.

New Partnership for the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation

There is an exciting new partnership between the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, the Herrick Foundation, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. 

Through this collaboration, the Community Foundation recently welcomed our first Herrick Communications Fellow, Betsy Petersen. This new role is already strengthening how we share the stories and impact of philanthropy across our community. Betsy is part of a cohort of 15 emerging and established professionals throughout rural New York and Michigan.

Read more about this partnership here.

WRC Building Supportive Communities

Join Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey for Building Supportive Communities: An Evening with Dr. Danielle Moore and Samantha Stites. Through their lived experiences and professional expertise, Samantha and Dr. Moore will explore the interconnected realities of sexual violence, recovery, and the power of community support. Samantha Stites is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) whose 13-year experience with stalking is featured in the Hulu three-part docuseries Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror. Dr. Danielle Moore, Vice President and founding board member of The Athlete Survivors’ Assist and a survivor of former Olympic gymnast doctor Larry Nassar, brings insight from both her personal journey and her work in clinical and forensic psychology Click here to register now.

Join Solo CEOs Mastermind



Running a business solo can feel heavy. Without a built-in sounding board, it’s hard to step back, think strategically, and talk through challenges with people who truly understand ownership.

With Solo CEOs, you’re not doing it alone. This mastermind for independent business owners offers honest conversation, accountability, practical insight, and meaningful connection.

Meetings are held at Fairview Square in Harbor Springs on the third Wednesday of each month, from 8:30–10:00 a.m., beginning April 15, 2026.

To save your spot, contact sarah@consultconnective.com

Wine, Brunch and an Incredible Auction of Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Every child deserves a chance—and sometimes, that chance starts with you. Join us April 18 & 19 for an unforgettable weekend of wine, food, and fun, all in support of making a real difference for kids in our community.

Enjoy a lively Saturday night event followed by a delicious Bubbles & Brunch on Sunday, plus exciting auction items and a dream vacation raffle. Every moment helps support mentorship and opportunities for local children.

Reserve your spot now at Bigsupnorth.org/wine and help us raise a glass to something that truly matters.

Project Connect... A Day of Service Rescheduled

Project Connect 2026 was postponed due to the snow storm. New date is April 22nd. For further information, go to projectconnect231.com/. 

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance 2026 Economic Symposium

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance invites business and community leaders from across the region to attend the 2026 Economic Symposium on Friday, May 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Boyne Mountain Resort. This year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” will highlight the industries that form the foundation of our regional economy and explore the opportunities shaping its future. 

The Symposium will feature keynote speaker David Malpass, former President of the World Bank, whose global experience in economic policy and international finance will bring valuable perspective to conversations about growth and resilience in Northern Michigan. Attendees will join business owners, policymakers, and regional leaders for a day of insight, collaboration, and meaningful networking. 

This annual event offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with leaders who are helping shape the economic future of our region. Reserve tickets or a full table here.

Murder Mystery Dinner to Support Local Families

Community members are invited to step into the Wild West and help solve a “Murder at the Golden Kettle Saloon” during The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s interactive murder mystery dinner on Saturday, May 16th. The event will take place at The Salvation Army Community Center, 2350 Mitchell Park Drive. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the show begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $30 per person in advance. Tickets and Information here.

Farm to Table Dinners are BACK at Pond Hill Farm!

Join Chef Shawn for an unforgettable Culinary Journey this summer—exploring flavors by land, sea, & air. Each evening features a thoughtfully crafted 7-course gourmet experience, highlighting the best of our farm-grown ingredients and seasonal bounty.

LAND | June 19th | 6:30pm

Wagyu Beef

SEA | July 19th | 6:30pm

Hudson River Diver Scallops

AIR | August 9th | 6:30pm

Locally Sourced Poultry

Three nights. Three themes. One incredible experience on the farm.

Tickets available—space is limited - https://shop.pondhill.com/.../farm-to-table.../3537...

Come savor the season and Share the Pond Hill Love.

Zorn Park Easter Egg Hunt

Cotton Collection Northern Michigan

Easter Brunch at Hotel Perry

100 Lewis Street, Petoskey

Sunday, April 5, 2026

11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Adults: $65

Children (5-12 yrs): $21

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: (231) 347-4000

CLICK HERE to view menu

Easter Brunch at the Bay View Inn

2011 Woodland Avenue, Petoskey

Sunday, April 5, 2026

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Adults: $55

Children (5-12 yrs): $21

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: (231) 347-2771

The Easter Bunny will be at brunch, so don’t forget your camera to capture photos!

CLICK HERE to view menu

Easter Brunch at Weathervane Restaurant

106 Pine River Lane, Charlevoix

Sunday, April 5, 2026

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Offering a Special Holiday À La Carte Brunch Menu

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: weathervanerestaurant.com or 231-547-4311

CLICK HERE to view menu

Easter Brunch at The Pier Restaurant

102 E. Bay Street, Harbor Springs

Sunday, April 5, 2026

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Offering a Special Holiday À La Carte Brunch Menu

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: pierharborsprings.com or 231-526-6201

CLICK HERE to view menu

Easter at Pierson's

Birdie's Tavern Easter Buffett

Enjoy Easter dinner with family and friends at Birdie's Tavern at their new location in the Indian River Country Club.

Brunch at Beacon

Small Batch at the Cupola

Pierson's Easter Brunch

LYRIC THEATER - Last chance for TOW. Now showing...Project Hail Mary and Hoppers. Starting Friday...Reminders of Him.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Do you know anyone in need of a house repair? Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is now offering financial assistance of up to $60,000 for critical home repairs—with no large upfront costs and no monthly repayments. If your home has health or safety concerns that need addressing, this program can help with roof replacement or repair, furnace replacement, window installation, siding, accessibility modifications, and more. Eligibility is based on county income guidelines. Ready to learn more? Click here for more details, or reach out to Hailey by calling 231-348-6926 or email Hailey@northwestmihabitat.org

POND HILL FARM - Pond Hill Farm Spring Market is now accepting vendor applications to be a part of our Spring Artisan Market! If you’re a Michigan artist, maker or baker, we encourage you to apply! This is an open air market. Learn more about the market and apply here.

PAPER STATION BISTRO - Enjoy March Madness at the Paper Station Bistro where every day there is a 50% off feature. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with the daily special.

LITTLE TRAVERSE CIVIC THEATER - Become a volunteer for the Little Traverse Civic Theatre. A one hour training session for ushers, box office, and vendors will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Crooked Tree Arts Center located at 461 E. Mitchell Street in Petoskey. Show dates for the spring show, Annie, are May 7-10 and May 14-16. Volunteer for one performance or several – it’s up to you. Plan to join them. Send an email to emailinfo@ltc.org to register or find out more.

WINEGUYS RESTAURANT GROUP - STAYCATION, anyone? Wineguys Restaurant Group is making your stay-at-home spring break a little more appetizing. Visit Friday – Friday, March 27 – April 3 for great dining deals. At ROAST & TOAST, receive a FREE KIDS MEAL or CUP of SOUP with purchase of an adult meal, whole sandwich, full salad or entrée. (231.347.7767 | 309 E Lake Street, Petoskey) At CITY PARK GRILL, guests receive ONE FREE KIDS MEAL or ONE FREE DESSERT to share with purchase of two adult entrées. (231.347.0101 | 432 E Lake Street, Petoskey). At JAX NORTHSIDE, enjoy a complimentary trip to salad bar with purchase of sandwich or entrée (231.437.6400 | 757 Petoskey Ave, Charlevoix). Visit Wineguys online for full details and a calendar of nightly features and events.

CITY PARK GRILL - WELCOME BACK Lu Bian to City Park Grill for a limited time. Friday, March 27 kicks-off Lu Bian pop-up cuisine thru Friday, April 10. Feast on Asian-centric classics with a Wineguys flare. General Tso’s Chicken, for example, is Executive Chef John Norman’s twist on traditional sweet and sour chicken. And, we’re excited to share other housemade dishes. Plus, sister restaurant Jax Northside will have a condensed menu for those looking for a Charlevoix adventure. CLICK for full menu details. CITYPARKGRILL.com | 231.347.0101

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER - Tickets now on sale! Crooked Tree Arts Center's School of Ballet presents Dance Legends: Little Traverse Bay Celebrates Graham100 on Friday, May 29 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Great Lakes Center for the Arts!

This program honors Martha Graham’s pioneering legacy with stagings of two of her most renowned dance works, “Appalachian Spring” (1944) and “Lamentation” (1930), as well as a re-imagining of Graham's 1938 piece, "American Document", exploring the local history and lived experience of democracy in the Little Traverse Bay Area. For more information, please CLICK HERE and to purchase tickets HERE. 

HESTIA GIVING CIRCLE - The final presentation in Hestia Women's Giving Circle’s 2025/2026 Learning Series will explore Reproductive Health Services in our community. It will be held at noon Wednesday, April 1.

Kanyn Doan, Youth Education and Training Specialist, Planned Parenthood of Michigan will explain how women seeking care can utilize Telehealth services, following the closing of Planned Parenthood’s Petoskey health center. She will also discuss the community education services which are provided in our community, as well as services available in Traverse City and from other local providers.

 A Q and A session will follow the presentation.

 The program will be held on Zoom. To RSVP and receive the Zoom sign-in, email info@hestiacircle.org.

BLISSFEST - Blissfest’s latest traditional community dance is Saturday, April 4 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Littlefield-Alanson Community Building, 7631 US 31 (Burr Ave) in Alanson. Dances include contra, square, circle dances and more. There is no need to bring a partner, and you don’t need to know anything about dancing. All will be taught. Live music is provided by northern Michigan traditional bands. The caller for April 4 is Cynthia Donahey with music provided by The Purple Martins. $10 per person, and $5 for students; children 12 & under are free. There is a potluck meal at 6:30 p.m. that is optional. Bring your own table service and dish to pass.

LITTLE TRAVERSE CIVIC THEATER - It really *is* a **“Hard Knock Life”** for these kiddos! They’ve been working incredibly hard to bring our community an amazing performance of **Annie the Musical**.

Tickets are on sale **NOW**, and during the month of **March** you can take advantage of our **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL** — get **$5 off your tickets**! Visit our website and purchase your tickets here:

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS - You’ve seen him on America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Fallon, Masters of Illusion, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. You do not want to miss Illusionist Leon Etienne’s jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. He will be at Great Lakes Center for the Arts on Sunday, April 12, and tickets are going quickly. Witness this family-friendly spectacular featuring the world’s best illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy. This show is an immersive experience that brings joy, laughter, and wonder when the world needs it most. Click here to find out more and to purchase tickets.

HOTEL PERRY - Titanic Weekend Returns at Hotel Perry

Step back in time for a weekend inspired by the elegance, romance, and grandeur of the Titanic era. This immersive experience transforms Hotel Perry into a turn-of-the-century celebration you won’t soon forget!

Package includes a Friday evening welcome reception, Saturday Afternoon Tea and History Talk, and Saturday dinner. Breakfast is included each morning of your stay. Pricing is based on the number of guests in your reservation. *If you are interested in participating in the events only please call us directly at 231-347-4000!

CLICK HERE to book the weekend package.

BANFF FILM FESTIVAL - Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Hot on the heels of the festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. With stops planned in over 600 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. On Friday evening, April 24 at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center located at 500 N. Spring Street you can experience the excitement while helping to support the Lyric Theatre, TOMMBA, and Top of Michigan Trails Council. Click here to find out more and to purchase tickets.  

Great Lakes Center For the Arts - Violins of Hope: The Story of a Violin That Survived the Holocaust is coming to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 25th. This concert, brought to you by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, tells a powerful story of a violin recovered from a Nazi concentration camp. Violins of Hope is an internationally recognized project led by Israeli luthier Amnon Weinstein and his son Avshi, dedicated to restoring violins that survived the Holocaust and bringing them back to the concert stages. Today, these violins travel the world not as symbols of tragedy, but as symbols of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of music. Click here to find out more and to purchase tickets.

Char-EM - On May 5, 2026, voters throughout Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim Counties will be asked to consider Char-Em ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage proposal. This millage has funded vocational programs throughout the ISD’s 11 public school districts for 30 years. The 1.0 mill request, if approved, would keep the current 23 high school career tech programs operating across the ISD’s 11 public school districts, while maintaining numerous kindergarten-12th grade initiatives. The millage would generate approximately $8.1 million annually from 2026 through 2029. This request comes before voters every four years, with the last approval in May 2022 of 1.0 total mill. Click here to read the complete millage article on the Career Tech website.

These member businesses participate in our NEW Chamber Advantage membership upgrade, which offers added visibility and select promotional opportunities. For additional information, please contact the Chamber office at any time.

Thank you and welcome, new Chamber members!

These local businesses and organizations have recently joined the Harbor Springs Chamber. We would be pleased to have you join them and become part of our Chamber community.

Surf Internet

Inn Between

City Express by Marriott

Bay North Realty

Greenleaf Trust

Scalwags Whitefish and Chips

Big George's & Witbeck Appliances

Amazon Hub Delivery

Pipers Pure

Membership in the Harbor Springs Area Chamber is open to all businesses, organizations, and individuals. Information presented in the chamber newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the chamber or its membership. It is provided here as information only, as submitted by member businesses and organizations. 

Chamber member benefits | Member application | Call 231-526-7999.

> Members are invited to post their openings on the Chamber Jobs Page. Log in to post, or email info@harborspringschamber.com for assistance.

New:

Haven Crest is hiring a Co-Host and Ann's Nest is hiring a part-time operations and development coordinator. NLEA is hiring a Business Growth Specialist.

> Find a job or post a job opening.

Check out our area webcams:



Graham Real Estate Bluff Cam - View

Steeple Cam from atop Holy Childhood Church - View

Lyric Theatre, downtown - View

Nub's Nob - View

The Highlands at Harbor Springs - View

Promote Your Business in Harbor Happenings

Chamber members, let us know about your business news, promotions, and events. Our Harbor Happenings newsletter deadline is Tuesday for publication each week on Thursday morning - it’s a benefit of membership.

To send us your news, reserve an ad, or ask questions, email director@harborspringschamber.com.

Sign Up to receive the city newsletter and meeting notices.

Harbor Springs Gifts & Keepsakes



The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is clearing out our merchandise with deep discounts. Stock up now - these items make perfect gifts and keepsakes!

• Puzzles - $20 (multiple images available)
• T-Shirts - $10 (a variety of designs available)
• Car Festival Hats - $20
• Ornaments - $10
• Notecards (pack of 12 assorted) - $10