Nov. 27, 2007

Stop by to take in the Michigan Historical Museum's festive atmosphere during its second annual WinterFest Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15.  Enjoy two days full of free, family-friendly activities that celebrate the holiday season and Michigan's diverse heritage.

"We've decked our halls with holiday trimmings and added special winter and holiday displays throughout the galleries as we blend Michigan history with the fun and excitement of the season," said Phillip C. Kwiatkowski, director of the Michigan Historical Museum System. "The museum will be humming with music, dance, art and more.

Saturday, Dec. 8 - Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts

MUSIC

• 11:30 a.m. to noon - Waverly Reflections, the Waverly High School Choir, will perform. Benjamin Knapp, director.
• 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. - Michigan State University Russian Choir will sing Christmas carols in Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Latvian, German and Czech. Mary Black Junttonen, director.
• 1 to 1:30 p.m. - Congregation Shaarey Zedek Choir will sing a selection of Jewish music. Celiarose Varner, director, with cantor Pamela Schiffer.

• 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. - The Habibi Dancers, a mid-Michigan-based dance company specializing in Middle Eastern and related dance, will perform. Garnett Kepler/Yasmina Amal, director.
• Noon to 12:45 p.m. - Grande Paraders will perform square and round dances. Gail Arndt, director.
• 1 to 1:30 p.m. - Children from the Irish Dance Company of Greater Lansing will perform traditional Irish music and dance. Director Peg Murphy will also talk about the history of Irish dance and music.
• 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. - Ballet Maria Luz, Latino Dance Company will share cultural roots through the art of dance. Maria Luz Arambula, director.
• 2:30 to 3 p.m. - German Liederkranz Club Dancers of Lansing will perform. Bob Schelter, director.

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Learn the Art of Henna.  Create tattoos on yourself or others with Anshu Varma, who will share her knowledge of the art of Meh'ndi (henna tattoos) from India.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Make traditional Michigan arts and crafts with Michigan Historical Museum staff.

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Ride a Mule-Team Wagon. Presented by Sandy and Greg Southwell.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Learn to Walk on Snowshoes. Presented by park ranger Allen Wernette from Ludington State Park, Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Learn about Dog Sledding in Michigan and Greenland. Meet mushers Jo and Don Oostveen, along with their rescue dog Myen, as they share their stories through video and slides.
• 12:30 to 1 p.m. - Enjoy Native American flute music performed by Karen Burr.