By MELINDA MICHAEL

Four Flags Area Council on Tourism

There are many events taking place in the Four Flags Area during the month of September. Take advantage of the hot summer days to enjoy the parks, campgrounds, lakes, outdoor sports, concerts, festivals and events.
Labor Day weekend is here and back to school for the students, with long weekends and summer vacations for families will be coming to a close and autumn will begin. So get out and enjoy all the fun activities and things there are to do. You will find something for everyone.  In the month of September as you celebrate Labor Day weekend with family and friends and enjoy the best that summer has to offer please remember to think of others on 9-11 and take a moment out of your day in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. You will find many communities, churches and other groups who will be hosting events and gatherings to honor victims and their families who were involved in the terrible tragedies of 9-11. For more information visit Four Flags Area’s website, www.fourflagsarea.org or call (269) 684-7444.

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Bingo — Bingo is held every Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Niles F.O.P. 95; early bird games starts at 6:30 p.m.
Niles…………………………………………….684-4450

Sept. 3 and 4
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Powwow — Located on tribal land of the Band of the Potawatomi Indians in neighboring Pokagon Township, more than 100 Native American dancers from throughout the Great Lakes will compete at Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Powwow. As they compete for cash prizes, the Potawatomi Indians celebrate the end of the huckleberry harvest. Families will enjoy the music of drum groups, as they visit a marketplace that showcases black ash baskets, traditional beadwork, sweet grass braids, jewelry, crafts and native foods.
Dowagiac…………………………………………(269) 782-8998

Sept. 3 and 4
Michigan Paint Horse Show — Enter through Gate 1 at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.
Berrien Springs………………………………………..(269) 473-4251

Sept. 3
Niles Bensidoun French Market
Final day of market for the season. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., indulge yourself and enjoy the best this area has to offer at the weekly open-air market. The Saturday market will focus on different mediums such as wood, fiber, metal and glass.
Niles………………………………………………687-4332

Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24
Buchanan Farmers’ Market — Located downtown at the Commons, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is committed to providing the community with fresh, local, fruits and vegetable and strongly encourages healthy living.
Buchanan………………………………………(269) 506-3021

Sept. 3
Nonpareil — This is an all-day event, farmers’ market, full-dress Civil War re-enactment featuring Union and Confederate regiments in mock battle with artillery, blacksmithing, fiber arts, crafting with gourds and spinner, Round Barn Winery, live music, artist featuring photography, fiber, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, leather and wood. Food and drinks, antiques and much more.
Buchanan………………………………………….(269) 695-3844

Sept. 3
Cassopolis Farmers’ Market — Open air farmers’ market located in downtown beautiful Cassopolis on Stone lake. The market is open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; the final day of the market is Labor Day weekend, which offers a wide variety of produce, opening the season with asparagus and rhubarb. It also features handmade and homemade items such as soaps, candles, animal calls, crochet items, purses, bird houses, honey, jewelry and much more. Don’t forget to look at the perennials and annual flowers for your home or business.
Cassopolis………………………………………687-2677

Sept. 3
25th Annual Niles Triathlon — All activities on race day will take place at the Barron Lake Fire Department. Age groups: 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over. There are two events again this year: the International Distance Race 1.5K swim/40K bike/10K run individual and relay teams, and Super-Sprint Race
220-yard swim /6.2-mile bike /1.5-mile-run.
Barron Lake, Niles………………………………www.triniles.com

Sept. 5
Annual Labor Day Auction — Featuring antiques, collectibles, big boy toys, etc. Preview items the day before the sale all located at Big Bear Auction Company former Clay Hill Auctions. For more information visit www.bigbearauctioncompany.com.
Eau Claire………………………………………..(269) 461-6686

Sept. 7-10
Steam Automobile Club of America —Great Steam Automobile event located at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.
Berrien Springs………………………………………….(269) 473-4251

Sept. 9
Fish fry — St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at the corner of Sixth and Sycamore streets in Niles, will serve a fish fry dinner Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Fish, french fries, homemade coleslaw and desserts will be served. Beverages will include coffee, milk and punch. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids 5-12 and children under 5 eat free. Carryout available.
Niles…………………………………………………683-4420

Sept. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
Beckwith Theatre presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” — Musical comedy about relationships, marriage and sex.
Dowagiac………………………………………….(269) 782-7653

Sept. 10
Euchre tournament fundraiser — This event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the Buchanan Senior Center. The price includes a sloppy joe supper, coffee, punch, snacks and money prizes for the top six places.
Buchanan………………………………………….(269) 695-7119

Sept.10
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services — Trivia, food, live and silent auction from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Mathews Conference Center at Southwestern Michigan College.
Dowagiac…………………………………………..(269) 783-6154 ext. 101

Sept. 10
John Newcomer Memorial Golf Outing — A “ fun-raiser” benefiting the youth work of Five Pines. Great prizes,  hole-in-one cash prize, tournament championship. First and second place-winning teams will receive gift certificates for each member of the team. Other competitions include Closest to the Line, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive — Men and Women, Longest Putt, hog roast, auction. Registration is at 7 a.m.; there will be a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Pig roast and auction will begin at 1 p.m. Individual player is $80; this includes greens fees, cart and lunch. Additional family for pig roast, $5 per person or $15 max per family. Contact the golf course for scholarship opportunities.
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course………………………(269) 471-1396

Sept. 10
Salute to Veterans Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast — The Chapter 865 “Salute to Veterans” Fly-In Breakfast will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 from 7 a.m. to noon in its hangar on the east side of the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport in Niles. All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, sausage gravy and biscuits, regular and decaf coffee, real orange juice and milk. Door prizes, public welcome, free parking. Veterans eat free. www.eaachapter865.org
Niles……………………………………………684-0972

Sept. 10
16th Annual Harvest Festival at Lemon Creek Winery — The Lemon family invites the public to join them at their 14th Annual Harvest Festival to celebrate the rich heritage of the harvest season. This event will run from noon to 7 p.m. and will feature live music. As always, Outdoor Kitchen will be on-site grilling up all of the harvest favorites including the famous corn-on-the-cob. Admission includes souvenir wine glass and tasting ticket. Cover charge for ages 21 and over is $5.
Berrien Springs…………………………………(269) 471-1321

Sept. 10 and 11
Ranch Horse Association of Michigan Horse Show and Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association District Horse Show — Enter through Gate 1 located at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.
Berrien Springs……………………………………….(269) 473-4251

Sept. 11
Lest We Forget’s Annual Patriotic Concert — Lest We Forget’s Annual Patriotic Concert: “9-11 Memorial Tribute” with the Southshore Concert Band honoring the 10th Anniversary of the attacks of 9-11, a memorial tribute will feature rousing music by the Southshore Concert Band. Three local veterans — Jim Kesterke, Hank Richmond and Gary Blied — will reflect on Ground Zero, The Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 from their own personal experiences. Jim Cassidy will emcee as we honor the losses of Sept. 11, 2001. Under the direction of Dale Reuss, the two-hour program of patriotic favorites also includes a stirring musical memorial to the 9-11 attack: “Rushmore” by Alfred Reed, “The Light Eternal” by James Swearingen, “Amazing Grace” by Frank Ticheli and “As All the Heavens Were a Bell” by Jay Babcock. The program will conclude with enlivened patriotic music as only the Southshore Concert Band can produce.
Dedicated to those who lost their lives in 9/11, the performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center Mainstage in Benton Harbor. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, children on laps are free. Advance tickets are available at Martin’s Super Market in both St. Joseph and Stevensville, as well as from Lest We Forget members. Day of show only, tickets will be available at the Mendel Box Office. Contact Don Alsbro at (269) 925-7176 or dealsbro@sbcglobal.net for more information or advance tickets.

Sept. 11
9-11 Remembrance Service — Pax Christi of Southwestern Michigan is hosting a service of remembrance and reflection to mark the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks; honor those who died; and reflect on the healing that is necessary to overcome these acts of violence. The service will be Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater, where Pax Christi will gather to remember, reflect and to seek healing and a new and nonviolent direction in dealing with those we call enemies. All people are welcome.
Niles…………………………………………………………687-4332

Sept. 11
10th anniversary of 9-11 — Patriot Day commemoration at 7 p.m. at the Commons.
Buchanan…………………………………….(269) 695-3844

Sept. 12
Michael Hingson, author of “Thunder Dog — The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero.” Presentation and book-signing with the author at Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing Campus from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room BC-109. This is an event that you will not want to miss. Hear Michael’s story of when the first plane struck Tower One and how Michael and his guide dog Roselle and a group of people from the 78th floor of Tower One walked 1,463 steps to safety moments before the building collapsed.
Niles…………………………………………….(269) 927-6197

Sept. 15-18
Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Pathfinder Camporee — Enter through Gate 3 at Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.
Berrien  Springs…………………………………..(269) 473-4251

Sept. 15
Luncheon — The First Presbyterian Women’s World Famous Salad Casserole Lucheon from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; eat in or take out; donation of $7.
Buchanan………………………………………(269) 695-6151

Sept. 16
Niles Haunted House — The Niles Haunted House and Scream Park has 44 acres of multiple haunted attractions, hayrides, games and concessions. It’s guaranteed to scare the yell out of you! Open every Friday and Saturday in September, and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until November. www.haunted.org
Niles……………………………………………..(269) 687-FEAR

Sept. 22
Hospice at Home 30-Year Anniversary — Hospice at Home is celebrating 30 years of serving the community. The event invites the community for refreshments, tours and good conversation.
Buchanan………………………………………….(269) 695-1099

Sept. 22-25
Holiday Rambler RV Club of Michigan, Michigan State Rally — Enter though Gate 3 at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.
Berrien Springs………………………………………….(269) 473-4251

Sept. 23
Hawaiian Luau — This event will take place from noon to 3 p.m.; doors will not open until 11:30 a.m. Wear Hawaiian attire; tickets required and are available at the Buchanan Senior Center. There will be prizes and games, door prizes and entertainment.
Buchanan…………………………………………………..(269) 695-7119

Sept. 24
2nd Annual Elks Wine Tasting — An assortment of Michigan wines will be available for tasting from 5:30 to 8 p m. Live entertainment featuring Emilee Allan will begin at 8:30 p.m. The $12 entrance tickets cover light dining and entertainment. This is open to the public.
Niles……………………………………………………683-0133

Sept. 24
“Harvest Buchanan” — There will be a couples Wine & Dine Friday afternoon, Sept. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brookwood Golf Course; events at the Common and throughout the downtown all day Saturday and Saturday evening,
Buchanan………………………………………..(269) 695-3291

Sept. 24-25
Autumn Air Festival — Spectacular autumn color highlights this two-day outdoor festival. Partnering with WNIT Public Television, featuring, hands-on children’s activities, family fun, railway garden, food, etc. www.fernwoodbotanical.org
Niles………………………………………………(269) 695-6491

Sept. 25
First Church of God Compassion Cupboard — from 9 to 11 a.m., 21083 Spencer Rd.
Cassopolis………………………………………….(269) 445-8500

Sept. 29-Oct. 2
Four Flags Area Apple Festival — Parades, youth day, free entertainment, contests, arts and crafts, food, carnival rides and games and spectacular fireworks, Apple Festival grounds at 17th and Lake streets.  www.fourflagsapplefestival.org
Niles………………………………………………683-8870

Sept. 29
Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Expo — This event will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Hall, 69941 Elkhart Rd., Edwardsburg. For more information, contact unionhousebb@beanstalk.net.
Edwardsburg…………………………(269) 641-9988