District Michigan

Summer Social 2006
Saturday August 5, 2006
Fitzgerald Park, Grand Ledge

The fourth annual District Michigan Summer social was by far our most successful. About 100 members, their families, and assorted beer drinking friends gathered in the historic Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge, Michigan. The 78-acre park has a certain kind of magic. The area was once used by Native Americans who came to tap the local resources. Then came the Grand Ledge Spiritualist Association, which drew thousands of folks each summer for annual encampments, during which they tapped into the world of spirit.

Under the shade of old growth maples on this bright summer day we tapped into Kolsch, IPA, oak barrel-aged trippel and a dozen more member beers. Beside soaking up the spirit of fermented grain attendees feasted on roast pig with all the country fixings. There was plenty for everyone.

The highlight of the district social is the drawing for the $1,000.00 scholarship given to one lucky member to use to attend the MBAA National Convention. We named the award after long time member, Peter Blum, who worked at Stroh Brewery and authored the book “Brewed in Detroit.” ON hand for the drawing were Peter’s youngest boy Paul and his family. Paul drew district member Jan Muuse as the winner of this year’s scholarship.

Attendees enjoyed the park setting, exploring the river trails, the geologic sandstone ledges, disc golf and horseshoes.

Free camping was made available nearby so members did not have to contend with driving home after a day of festivity. The next day, Sunday, members enjoyed the first annual MBAA District Michigan Disc Golf tournament, a non-sanctioned event that drew pros and novices alike.

District President Alec Mull said, “This year’s event was by far our most successful.” The board appears to be inclined to return to this venue next year, so mark your calendars for Saturday, August 4, 2007.

District Michigan’s Peter Blum Memorial Scholarship Award winner Jan Muuse (second from left) and runner up Karl Glarner (left, yes purple hair) with Paul and Jennifer Blum. Jan received $1000.00 to attend the MBAA National Conference in San Francisco.

Winners of the Jumbo Toss in disc golf were 3rd place Alec Mill (right), 2nd place Jeremy Kemp (center) and 1st place Josh Jones (left).

This year’s Horseshoe tournament winning teams, were 3rd place Jim Elek and Rick Kuhn (back row), 2nd place Dawn Pawlak and Wes Luckhardt, and 1st place Brenda Brock and Marty Rapnicki.