There are many events taking place in the Four Flags Area during August. Take advantage of the hot summer days to enjoy the parks, campgrounds, lakes, outdoor sports, concerts, festivals and events. Before you know it the Labor Day weekend will be here and back to school for the students is fast approaching. The 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.
For more information on events visit our website, www.fourflagsarea.org, or stop by the office located at 404 East Main St., Niles or call us at (269) 684-7444.

Aug. 1-6
Cass County Fair — Grandstand entertainment for all ages features demolition derbies, super-stock tractor and truck pulls, motocross and rodeo events. Free must-see events include horse pulls, lip syncing, fireworks and daily entertainment throughout the grounds, as well as hundreds of 4-H, Open Class and commercial exhibits. Be sure to attend Kiddies, Senior Citizen and Homemaker days. The fair is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
www.casscounty@casscountyfair.com
Cassopolis……………………………………….. (269) 445-8265

Aug. 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31 — Free concerts in the park located at the Riverfront Park in Niles on Wednesdays and Thursdays concerts begin at 7 p.m. Sundays concerts begin at 6 p.m.
Niles………………………………………………. 687-4332

Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
Beckwith Summer Concert Series — Free to the public concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Front and Beeson streets. Remember to bring your lawn chair.
Dowagiac………………………………………….. (269) 782-8212

Aug. 4-7
Annual Niles Riverfest — Niles Riverfest 2011 has been one of southwest Michigan’s most popular family festivals for 20 years. It will be held from Thursday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 7vin downtown Niles at Riverfront Park along the St. Joseph River. This fun-filled event is free. People of all ages can come to enjoy the variety of recreational activities and events, entertainment, great food, craft booths, kids’ games and more. Riverfest is one of the only area festivals that celebrate one of our most popular natural resources — the St. Joseph River. Because of this, many of the Riverfest activities and events are held alongside or in the water. Some of the popular activities include the “Anything That Floats” Raft Race, dragon boat races, and the All Car & Truck Show. The opening ceremony for Niles Riverfest will be held today at 6:30 p.m., at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater. Many local dignitaries and Riverfest board members will be on hand to help officially kick-off this festive annual event.Niles………………………………………………….. (574) 309-6790

Today
30 Cent Wing Night — S.A.L. Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Edwardsburg American Legion Post 365, 25751 U.S. 12 Edwardsburg. Public is Welcome.
Edwardsburg……………………………………….. (269) 663-8888

Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26
Free Movies in the Park — located at the Riverfront Park behind the Wonderland Theatre at dusk.
Niles…………………………………………………. 687-4332

Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
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

Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
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. beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. It 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 a home or business.
Cassopolis……………………………………… 687-2677

Aug. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Niles Bensidoun French Market
Open Thursdays and Saturdays 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

Aug. 6
Smith’s Chapel Open House — Learn the history of Smith’s Chapel the oldest Methodist Church still standing Michigan. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at 29858 Redfield Rd., Niles. For more information, contact Ann Brown at (269) 932-5242.

Aug. 6
Trivia Night — St. Mark Parish Hall invites the public attend its Trivia Night for fun and prizes.  Doors open at 6 p.m.; the game starts promptly at 7 p.m. Seating is limited to the first 24 paid tables; $100 per table, up to 10 players per table. Grand prize is $250 to the winning table and $100 to second place table. Public is welcome.
Niles………………………………………………… 683-8650

Aug. 7 and 14
“What in the World is Going On” DVD series — Cass Fellowship Bible Church will be presenting the DVD series by Dr. David Jeremiah, “What in the World is Going On.” The DVD will be presented beginning Sunday, June 5 at 6 p.m. and running Sundays until Sunday, Aug. 14 with the exception of the Sunday of the July 4 holiday. For more information, call Pastor John Sears at 445-2195. Cass Fellowship Bible Church is located at 64016 M-62 Cassopolis.

Aug. 11
“Becoming a Love and Logic Parent” — The Samaritan Counseling Center is offering a seven-week parent training program, “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent,” beginning Thursday, April 8 and continuing every Thursday at Lake Michigan College, Bertrand Crossing, 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles. Classes are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per two-person family and $35 per individual. Workbook is included. Class size is limited.
Niles………………………………………………. (269) 926-6199

Aug. 11
“It Takes A Community — Saving Our Future” community forum — How do citizens save their community? Invited are youth, parents, educators, therapists, concerned citizens, ministers, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, public officials and the NAACP.  Bring questions on technology, juvenile justice, social media and how to protect the children. Get answers concerning the issues facing the 21st century youth from 6 to 8 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at the Niles Fire Station, 1345 East Main St., Niles.
Niles……………………………………………. 684-3325 or 683-3873

Aug. 12-13
Buchanan’s Great Community Wide Garage Sale — The Chamber’s annual garage sale will see more than 100 sites. You’re sure to find a great deal! It is hosted by the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by the City of Buchanan. Beginning at 8 a.m. each day and free maps will be available both days at the Duck Pond.
Buchanan……………………………………….. (269) 695-3291

Aug. 12-14
U.S. 12 Heritage Route Garage Sale — The state’s longest garage sale with 212 miles of antiques, collectibles and treasures. Plan a drive and plan to have fun shopping, eating and hunting for treasures. A bargain hunter’s dream.
www.us12heritagetrail.org

Aug. 13
CAT Tracks 5k Trail Run/Walk — The 2011 Cat Tracks 5K is a fundraising event sponsored by the Brandywine Foundation; proceeds from this race will go toward a new press box for its athletic facility. Join in the fun, as this is not the common subdivision 5K. Trail runs on school grounds, along the cross-country course featuring “The Swamp” adjoining farmland and finishes on the track.
Niles…………………………………………… 684-6123

Aug. 13
First Annual Miss Eau Claire/Sodus Golf Outing — 4-person scramble, 8 a.m. shotgun start registration at 7 a.m. Longest Drive, Closest to Pin, Gun Raffle, $240. A team includes: Greens, Cart and Steak Dinner Prizes up for grabs: new Callaway golf bag, Taylor Made burner HT driver, outdoor grill, Budweiser glass mirror, Natural Light glass mirror, Taylor Made Black Monte Carlo putter and many more prizes available for more information & to pre-register call Lindsay Harner at (269) 757-1832 or Sara Lawrence at (269) 591-2353. Pre-registration is not required but is very much appreciated. It’s for a wonderful program and all proceeds go toward the scholarship program only.
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course, 55321 Brush Lake Rd., Eau Claire………… (269) 782-2540

Aug. 13
2nd Annual Ride VFW National Home for Children — Join the American Legion Riders for a 50-mile ride through beautiful southwest Michigan. There will be a VFW Post stop with lunch provided, returning to Edwardsburg American Legion for food, drinks, music and raffles.  Registration is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and the ride leaves at 11 a.m. $20 per bike and $5 per rider.  Breakfast will be available in the hall during registration.                                Edwardsburg………..For more information, call Sam at (269) 240-4050.

Aug. 13
5th Annual Kameron Belew Memorial Golf Outing — Please join us at the beautiful Spruce Ridge Golf Club, 26831 Dutch Settlement Rd., Dowagiac. There is a noon tee-off time. This is a 4-man golf scramble, $60 per person including a hog roast dinner. Contests include a putting and chipping contest.
Dowagiac…………………… (269) 782-3029 or (269) 208-8550

Aug. 13-14
Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project Open House — Observe an archeological
dig in process; meet real archaeologists, crafts and activities for kids; watch re-enactors, demonstrate activities that took place at the fort; listen to historians and archaeologists present information about life at the fort as well as the archaeology project. This event is free; event time is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at the intersection of Fort and Bond streets.
Niles……………………………………………. 683-4702

Aug. 13 and 17
Free school supplies for low-income families — From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. receive a free backpack filled with grade appropriate school supplies for the fall 2011 school year. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, children must be accompanied by an adult, Aug. 13 at Brookside Learning Center 61682 Daily Rd., Cassopolis. Also available at Brookside will be dental checks, library cards, Child ID Kits and free haircuts. On Aug. 17, backpacks will be distributed at Marcellus United Methodist Church, 197 West Main St., Marcellus.

Aug. 14
Second Sunday Concert — Join us at 4 p.m.for the Second Sunday concert at Fernwood, sponsored by WAUS Radio, when we welcome guitarist, Peter Aglinskas.
Niles……………………………………………… (269) 695-6491

Aug. 15-20
Berrien County Youth Fair — This is the largest youth fair in the Midwest. Carnival rides, food, animal exhibits and live music and a whole lot more. www.bcyf.org
Berrien Springs………………………………… (269) 473-4251

Aug.  20
Annual Rod & Roll Classic Car Show — Roadsters will cruise the lakes on Saturday, Aug. 20 for the seventh-annual Rod & Classic Auto Show of the Sister Lakes Lions Club, which opens at 9 a.m. Day-visitors will also enjoy the scrumptious Swiss steak dinner, served by event organizers from 5 to 8 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Dowagiac…………………………………………. (269) 424-6372

Aug. 23 and 24
Back to School Skin Care and Make-Up Clinic — This event is located at the Lipstick Jungle Spa 404 East Main St., Niles and will focus on teenage girls from 13-18. They will learn how to take care of their skin, why they get breakouts and what they can do to minimize them and prevent permanent scarring. Staff will also show some makeup techniques, how to enhance natural, young beauty. In addition, participants will receive a gift bag of products specific to their needs. 2 dates & times to choose from, cost $35 (value over $70).
Grand prize giveaway for two express facials ($50 value).
Niles…………………………………………………. 683-7500

Aug. 26
Buchanan history — Visit the library at 1 p.m. to listen to John Urschel give a brief bio and outline of the collections in the Local History Room at the Buchanan District Library. Bring own memories, stories or pictures.
Buchanan Senior Center………………………… (269) 695-7119

Aug. 27-28
Annual Harvest Party at Round Barn Winery — Help participants celebrate the upcoming grape harvest while enjoying live music, wine, micro-brews, DiVine Vodka, fantastic food and of course, grape stomping! Fun for the whole family – it’s the one vineyard event you shouldn’t miss! Baroda…………………………………………..800-716-WINE

Aug. 27
EC Athletic Boosters — Rat Salad Concert –Local band RAT Salad will perform a live rock concert on Saturday, Aug. 27. Gates open at 7 p.m.; band plays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Ticket price includes taco bar and dancing. Cash bar and 50/50 raffle available. Come out and enjoy one last summer party on the beautiful St. Joseph River. Tickets are $15. All proceeds benefit Eau Claire Athletic Boosters/Eau Claire athletics. For advance tickets, contact a booster member.
Blossomland F.O.P. 100 Diller Rd., Benton Harbor MI ………… (269) 208-1552