With Spring just around the corner we thought we'd get a jump on the April Events Calendar. Hopefully "Old Man Winter" gives way to spring sooner than later. Weather prognosticators Punxsutawney Phil of Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, PA tells us here on YouTube that will wouldn't be getting an early spring. Phil made that prediction on February 2nd we'd have 6 more weeks of winter. He was right....

The picture used for this post illustrates how just when we peek out of our houses to shake off the past seasons case of cabin fever, winter can once again rear its ugly head. (Honestly though, we like winter too. Thankfully we get to enjoy all 4 seasons to their fullest in our beautiful state.)
As usual we by no means have listed all the events happening around Michigan. Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

Springs Here? by taterfalls

April 1, 2008
April's Fool Day - All Over Michigan
Wikipedia tells us:
"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 their 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

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."

Visit michiganwines.com for a list of the month's events.

April 19, 2008
Earth Day Festival - Calumet
The concert will feature Earth Work Music artists Seth Bernard and Daisy May, Laura Bates and Brandon Foote, Susan Fawcett, Drew Howard, Chris Dorman and others in a "round robin" setting. Displays, artists and demonstrations will be held in the ballroom prior to the concert.

April 19 -20, 2008
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 19 & 20, 2008
Ann Arbor Antiques Market - Ann Arbor
In 2008, 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, 2008 Earth 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.

Stay tuned to Absolute Michigan for Earth Day events around Michigan. If you know of any please post them below in the comments area.

April 23-27, 2008
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 - May 13, 2008
Gilmore Keyboard Festival - Kalamazoo
The largest gathering of keyboard artists in North America is right around the corner - the 2008 Gilmore Keyboard Festival. It's 20 music-filled days featuring incredible performances and exceptional musical experiences from classical to jazz, from morning to night across West Michigan. With more than 100 events, you're sure to find musical adventures that will delight you, your friends and your family.

April 25, 2008
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 25-27, 2008
Chef's Challenge for Challenge Mountain - Bellaire
The Best Chef’s in Michigan Compete for Bragging Rights & Notoriety
On April 25-27, 2008 the Culinary Event of the Year will take place, 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.

April 26, 2008
Newberry Energy Fair - Newberry
The Second Annual Newberry Energy Fair takes place at the Newberry High School Campus (700 Newberry Avenue). Exhibits and Events start 11:00 am. Some exhibitor space still available and you can contact Christine at 906-387-3848 for more information about this informational and fun-filled day about Energy, how to save it, use it and sustain our resources!

April 26, 2008
A Michigan Moveable Feast - Lake Orion
A Michigan Moveable Feast will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the William E. Scripps Estate, 1601 Joslyn Road in Lake Orion, from 7:00 pm to 9:30pm. This fund-raising evening inspired by Ernest Hemingway will feature:

• Strolling cuisine prepared with some of Hemingway’s favorite novels & short stories in mind, including tastes of Spanish, Cuban, North African, Italian, French, and Michigan dishes.
• Wine tasting of selected offerings from Michigan’s famous Black Star Farms.
• Special guest reading of Hemingway’s work from The Nick Adams Stories, set in upper Michigan.
• A rare opportunity for guests to browse the Mansion & Grounds of the elegant, previously "closed to the public" private estate, built in 1927 by the heir to the Detroit News, William E. Scripps.
• The Michigan Hemingway Society will be on hand to visit with guest and share their expertise.
• Favorite Hemingway titles will be available for purchase.
• Prizes to the best Hemingway Lookalikes!

April 26, 2008
A Night for Notables at the Library of Michigan - Lansing
The Library of Michigan Foundation will be hosting A Night for Notables on Saturday, April 26, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center. This is a special event honoring the 2008 Michigan Notable Books authors. The evening will feature author and chef Eric Villegas with samples of his cuisine.

TBA April 2008
Rock -N- Reggae Saturday - Oil City
Salt River Acres has something for everyone. It is located on 40 acres of land on Greendale Road, just off M-20 in Oil City between Midland and Mt. Pleasant. For those of you who like camping, the facility has shaded sites with electrical and water hookups. During some of our special events, the pavilion is opened up providing full showers and restrooms for the guests. Salt River Acres is a state licensed campground as well as a concert and festival facility hosting a variety of events.