Edited press release, updated from the printed version with a slightly different line-up for Apple Smash this weekend. Photos courtesy of Northern Natural.
CHIEF, Mich. — A free Apple Smash event will return here in mid-September after a two-year hiatus, and the 6th annual Chief Day will follow with celebratory activities in mid-October. Both events are hosted by Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, southwest of the village of Kaleva, at 7220 Chief Rd.
Northern Natural’s owner and founder Dennis Mackey, and his son Kyle, the general manager, head chef and head brewer, came up with the idea for Apple Smash and Chief Day years ago.
“We’re always excited for these events and everything that goes along with (them),” Dennis Mackey said. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the live music and take part in the events that we’ll have for both of these days. Our little village of Chief has been great to us.”
Referring to Chief Day, longtime Chief resident Mark Coe added: “Every year we like to have a day for the residents of Chief to celebrate the community that we love so much.”
Apple Smash
The Apple Smash on Sept. 20 will include live music all day by performers WSKF, The Go Rounds, Bacon and The Luke Winslow-King Band.
“Apple Smash kicks off our apple-pressing season, so we created a full day that’s free to the public and includes some great bands and other fun things to do during the day,” said Chad Wardie, Northern Natural’s head of marketing. “Besides the awesome music we’ll have all day, event goers can enjoy fresh cider and donuts, an apple pie-eating contest, disc golf tournament and more.”
Chief Day
Chief Day on Oct.11 will include events for families, including a disc golf tournament, car show, parade, live music, fresh cider and donuts and more.
The car show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Chief. Prizes will be given to the first 25 to register their cars, and a People’s Choice trophy will be awarded.
The parade will line up at 11:40 a.m. at the corner of Chief and Johnson roads. Led by the Great Lakes Brass Band, the parade will begin at noon and follow Chief Road, from Johnson Road to Balsam Road.
Live music will kick off at noon at Northern Natural with Ted Bounty and The Bounty Hunters, followed by the Great Lakes Brass Band at 2 p.m., Manitou Truckin’ Company at 4 p.m. and Airborne or Aquatic at 7 p.m.
Vendors interested in setting up a booth for either day are encouraged to contact Northern Natural at 231-889-0064.
