A grand affair

Marilyn Smith, chairwoman of the Grand Ledge Victorian Days committee, said the event offers something for everyone.

“There’s a lot of fun activities for all age groups,” Smith said. “It’s neat to see people wandering around town in period dress.”

Smith said that some Victorian Days participants dress in early 1900s attire while others dress in Civil War era outfits. Civil War re-enactors will camp out at Island Park and participate in mock-skirmishes and firing demonstrations throughout the festival.

Grand Ledge was a popular vacation destination in the 1870s and 1880s, with the island being home to the Seven Islands Resort. The resort was more popular than Mackinac Island during the Victorian era, drawing between 60,000 to 70,000 guests per year. The resort included a hotel, merry-go-round, bandstand and even a roller coaster.

Activities for children include kite flying, a “Frozen”-themed Victorian tea party, a Maypole dance and a basket craft. There are also carriage rides, riverboat rides, demonstrations by artisans and craftsmen and many other Victorian-era activities for the whole family.

Both days will feature Victorian and Civil War-era chautauquas at the Island Park gazebo. Chautauquas, which became popular in the 1870s, are much like conferences with speakers, entertainers and other presenters discussing relevant issues of the time.

A High Tea is set at the Opera House Grand Hall at 1 p.m. Saturday, hosted by the ladies of the Block family. Cindy Langenberg will serve tea in elegant china and fine silver while Mary Rodeck plays songs on the grand piano. Scones, finger sandwiches and desserts will accompany the tea, making for a tasty afternoon snack. The event is free of charge, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday evening is the third annual Grand Victorian Ball, where attendees are encouraged to dress in periodappropriate garb and dance the night away to a live string ensemble.

Included in the $30 ticket is a grand announcement upon entrance to the ball, an entry ticket for door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and a gift bag. Although period dress is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The ball is a formal occasion, however, so even if you’re not into girdles and waistcoats you should stick with an outfit you’d be comfortable wearing to a fancy party.

In years past, the weather for Victorian Days has been everything from sweltering hot to cold and drizzly, but Smith is crossing her fingers for good weather.

—ARIEL ROGERS

Victorian Days

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 2; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3 See web for complete schedule, some events require a fee Bridge Street Plaza, Downtown Grand Ledge victoriandays.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 30-MAY 2 >> GREATER LANSING POTTERS’ GUILD SPRING SALE

For those whose lives are sorely lacking housewares fired in a kiln, the Greater Lansing Potters’ Guild hosts its annual Spring Sale. The sale includes a vast number of hand-made and wheel-thrown items, produced using various firing techniques such as raku, low-fire, salt-fire and soda fire. Pieces available for sale include mugs, bowls, teapots, decorative pieces and more. Each day of the sale will offer a new selection of pottery. The Potters´ Guild was established in 1969 and has been active in charitable events and educational programs involving pottery ever since. 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. FREE. All Saints Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing. glpg.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 >> THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL

The Broad Art Museum is teaming up with the Greater Detroit chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild to present its next installment of its “The Art Of…” series, the Art of the Cocktail. If you’re thinking something along the lines of Tom Cruise whipping around bottles in the 1988 film “Cocktail,” think again. This program explores the history and science behind classic cocktails. Guests will be treated to light fare from Red Haven, cocktail samplings throughout the demonstrations and enlightenment on the artistry of cocktail making from some of the best bartenders in the state. 6-9 p.m. $65/$55 museum members. Red Haven Farm to Table Restaurant, 4480 S. Hagadorn Rd. Suite 103, East Lansing. broadmuseum.msu.edu.

FRIDAY, MAY 1-2 >> ‘THE IMPOSTURES OF SCAPIN’ AT LCC

Lansing Community College presents a play from one of the great masters of Western literature with Moliere’s “The Impostures of Scapin.” The play revolves around the pompous Scapin, who, through his diplomatic genius, helps young couples get married — whether their parents agree with the nuptials or not. The play is performed in the style of commedia dell’arte, an Italian form of theater characterized by its masked performers. 8 p.m. FREE. Black Box Theatre, 168 Gannon Building, Lansing Community College, 422 N. Washington Square, Lansing. lcc.edu/showinfo.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 >> ‘GALACTIC ABSTRACTION’ OPENING RECEPTION AT MICA

Old Town’s MICA Gallery presents an opening reception for “Galactic Abstraction,” a new solo exhibition by artist and MSU Professor Steve Baibak. The exhibit, which comprises sculptures utilizing found objects and ready-made items, is largely inspired by Baibak’s daughter and her recent obsession with astronomy. “Galactic Abstraction” presents Baibak’s sculptural representations of a fictional cosmos — colorful pieces that mix imagination with celestial entities found in the furthest reaches of existence. “Galactic Abstraction” will be on display through May 31. 6-9 p.m. FREE. MICA Gallery, 1210 Turner St., Lansing. micagallery.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 >> FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

Comic book fans can always count on three things at the beginning of May: warmer weather, the next installment in Marvel Film’s “Marvel Cinematic Universe” and Free Comic Book Day at their favorite local comic shop. This year’s free comic book day boasts another full lineup of offerings from all the major publishers to attract new readers and delight old readers. Those coming down off their “Avengers 2: Age of Ultron” high will be able to snag a sneak peak at a new iteration of earth’s mightiest heroes with Marvel’s “All New, All Different Avengers.” DC Comics will tease readers with a sneak peak at what its comic universe’s landscape will be like after their current game changing event, “Convergence,” with “Divergence.” Several other major publishers will also be offering free books, including Oni Press, BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing. Check the web for participating comic shops and hours. freecomicbookday.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 >> LCC PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM PORTFOLIO EXHIBIT

This year’s graduating students in Lansing Community College’s photography program are celebrating the culmination of their hard work with the LCC Photography Program Portfolio Exhibit. The show features 13 students completing their associate degree in photography including Matthew Fair, Tara Fitzpatrick, City Pulse Contributor Nicole Rico and more. The style of works on display will cover a wide range, including portraits, landscapes, abstract and fine art. 1-5 p.m. FREE. Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. lcc.edu/showinfo.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 >> HIKE FOR HANNAH

Get out and enjoy the spring weather for a good cause Saturday with the Hike for Hannah fundraising event. The event is a 5k walk/run in Delta Township’s Sharp Park. All proceeds from the event will benefit Hannah’s House, a nonprofit organization that houses homeless pregnant women. Hannah’s House is not government supported and funds its mission through private donations and fundraising events. 8:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race. $30 adult/$15 ages 6-17/children FREE. Sharp Park, 1401 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 482-5856, hannahshouselansing@gmail.com.