Pretty Setting - Cranbrook by MikeRyu

Spring is beginning to pop up all around us meaning it's time to get out and enjoy the many things to do in and around Michigan during the month of April. Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

In the Words of Mark Twain
"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

"In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours."

Fast Facts - Wikipedia
The birthstone of April is the diamond, and the birth flower is typically listed as either the Daisy or the Sweet Pea. However, a few questionable online sources also cite the Tulip, as well.

In The Waste Land, T. S. Eliot called April "the cruellest month".

April starts on the same day of the week as July in all years, and January in leap years.

April is Michigan Wine Month!
The website Michigan Wines tells us:
"Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared April "Michigan Wine Month" to honor Michigan's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's significant contribution to tourism in the state.

April is a great time to plan a trip to Michigan's wine regions. Tasting rooms are less busy than in summer and fall, and tasting room staff are delighted to have time to provide extra attention. Many of Michigan's wineries also begin to release their new wines; this spring will see the release of many of the wines from the 2005 harvest-regarded by all the state's winemakers as the best ever."

April's Fool Day
"April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, though not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, enemies and neighbors, or sending them on fools' errands, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. In some countries, April Fools' jokes (also called April Fools) are only made before noon on 1 April."

Check out Wikipeadia's April Fools Day page for a whole bunch more information.

Snopes.com also has a nice page on the origins of April Fools Day

The Herald-Newsin Roscommon ran a great April Fools Day story in 1981 that is touted as one of the greats. Read about the The Michigan Shark Experiment at the museumofhoaxes.com.

Also, enjoy some Absolute Michigan April Fools Day shenanigans here

Tax Day is April 15
In the United States, Tax Day is the common term for the day on which tax returns (statements about income taxes) are due to the federal and state governments from U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and certain nonresident aliens. More specifically, this is the last day on which tax returns can be mailed (as postmarked) to avoid penalties, with some exceptions. In the United States, Tax Day has usually been April 15 since 1955.

Visit the Wikipedia Tax Day page to continue reading everything there is to know about this dreaded day.

Earth Day is April 22 - many events happen on other dates in April, so check the map link for happenings in your area

No matter where you are located in Michigan, you are invited to join the celebration of Earth Day. Check out this interactive map of Michigan from the state's DEQ website and click on a region to view celebrations in that area! You will find the event name, location and a brief description as well as a link to the webpage for more information. Celebrate Earth Day every day!

Wikipedia tells us:
"Earth Day is a name used for two different observances, both held annually during spring in the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere. These are intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day, which was founded by Gaylord Nelson, each year on the March equinox, while a global observance in many countries is held each year on April 22."

Check out their Earth Day page for a whole bunch more information.

Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide.

Stuff to Do and Places to Go
April 3-4
Michigan International Wine Expo - Novi
The Michigan International Wine Expo is a unique fine wine and gourmet food experience, featuring wine tasting and seminars along with sampling from the area's premier restaurants featuring light hors d'oeuvres.

April 4 & 6
NCAA Men's Final 4 and Basketball Championship - Detroit
NCAA Men's Final 4 and Basketball Championship in Downtown Detroit.
Held at Ford Field. For info, events and tickets: NCAA Official Site and 2009 NCAA Final Four Detroit

April 10
Detroit Tigers Home Opener - Detroit
PLAY BALL! Enter to win tickets here!

April 17
Detroit Music Awards - Detroit
DMA awards are similar to the Grammy Awards presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Award winners are determined by local musicians and music industry professionals in southeast Michigan, and presented in ten music genres; Folk/Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Classical, Rock/Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, Electronic and World. The DMA is the only local music awards in the nation to be presented by a not-for -profit organization. Voting is accomplished entirely via the internet.

Previous DMA events have featured electrifying performances and guest appearances by some of Detroit's most glittering music legends: Was (Not Was), Eminem with D12, The Clark Sisters, Kid Rock, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Bob Seger, Glen Frey, The Miracles, Grand Funk Railroad, George Clinton and Parliament, and Ted Nugent, among many others. The annual award show also spotlights outstanding emerging local musicians.

April 17-18
Bringin' Back the 80's Festival - Frankenmuth
Bring back hair teasing memories by paying tribute to the music, trends and events of the 1980's. Don't sit back in your pegged pants and play Atari, come on down and have a great time at the 4th Annual Bringin' Back the 80's festival! Proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society.

April 18
Earth Day Celebration - Calumet
This wonderful event begins in the red jacket ballroom with environmental groups, artists and merchants, demonstrations, displays, and earth friendly information.The concert features the Americana/ Bluegrass group Trampled By Turtles and the Erik Koskinen Band.

April 18
A Night for Notables at the Library of Michigan - Lansing
A Night The Library of Michigan Foundation will host its annual Night for Notables celebration on Saturday, April 18 as a tribute to the 2009 Michigan Notable Books authors. Newbery Medal recipient Christopher Paul Curtis, author of the 2008 Michigan Notable Book Elijah of Buxton, will be the keynote speaker. The program, taking place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Library of Michigan, includes a reception and book signings with many of the year's Notable authors.

April 18-19
Michigan Wine Celebration - Pioneer Wine Trail
Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The ticket price also includes a tasting glass, along with a recipe card with the featured recipe at each winery. Tickets are available online at www.pioneerwinetrail.com.

April 18-19
Ann Arbor Antiques Market - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Antiques Market will continue its tradition as a mainstay in the field of antiques and select collectibles. The Market offers the public a vast selection of quality antiques in the comfortable surroundings of seven buildings and numerous tent canopies. Seven large shows are held from April through October.

April 22-26
National Trout Festival - Kalakaska
The mission of the National Trout Festival is to bring community, business and family together to celebrate the Heritage of our Natural Resources, Trout Fishing and Sportsmanship. We pride ourselves in promoting environmental education and the arts through entertainment.

April 24
Arbor Day - Michigan
Arbor Day is the celebration of trees and their importance in our lives; it is also a time to think about what we can do for trees and the world in which we live.

April 24-26
Chef's Challenge for Challenge Mountain - Bellaire
The Best Chef’s in Michigan Compete for Bragging Rights & Notoriety! The culinary event of the year will take place this April, featuring Michigan food products paired with fine Michigan wines and Micro-Brews. Teams from northern Michigan will compete with teams from southern Michigan - and you’re the judge!

The weekend offers something for everyone. The "foodie", outdoor activist, nature lover, and those wishing to just relax will create new memories. Couples, families, and groups of all ages are welcome. Plan to join the fun at Shanty Creek Resorts and experience the Splendor of Springtime at it’s fullest. In addition to the Chef’s Challenge competition, the weekend will feature cooking seminars, an ice-carving competition, and vendors showcasing Michigan agriculture ~ second only to California In number of diverse food products.

Plan to celebrate SPRINGTIME SPLENDOR WEEK in Michigan with us on April 24-26, 2009 at the Chef’s Challenge for Challenge Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, MI.

April 24-26
69th Maple Syrup Festival - Vermontville
Vermontville is the "granddaddy" of them all! They are the home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. They have something for everyone—Mid-America rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, various displays, games, free entertainment and arm wrestling. Their syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever popular maple syrup cotton candy. You are invited to enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup

April 26 - May 2
Blossomtime Festival - St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
The Blossomtime Festival is the oldest and largest multi-community festival in the state of Michigan. This year marks its “103rd Celebration” 1906-2009 with a fun filled week of wholesome family entertainment. Hope you get to join with us in celebrating our beautiful Southwestern Michigan.

April 24-26
Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival - Sheperd
On April 24, 25, and 26, 2009 the people of the Central Michigan community of Shepherd will be celebrating their 51st Annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, and and invite you to come and celebrate with them.