Lansing 'Scrapfest' leads weekend fun

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

It’s almost Friday, so here are a few options to consider while making those weekend plans.

ScrapFest 13 is happening Friday, July 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event will be located on Turner Street in Lansing’s Old Town district.

For those who do not know, ScrapFest is unique to Lansing and is a charitable event that donates 10 percent of its proceeds to a different charity each year.

Approximately 70 percent of all proceeds will be going right back in the pocket of the artists, so buying that exotic metal stand-alone piece can be considered community service.

Josh Stewart, Friedland Industries Sales and Marketing Associate, seems to be constantly busy, but was happy to share what he knew about the process of the event.    

“Each team gets 500 pounds of scrap metal out of our yard,” Stewart said. “We donate it to them; they come in and we spread out our pile. They can take whatever they want to build these sculptures, as long as it is under 500 pounds.

“This year we have right around 30 teams. They get the metal from us, take it back to wherever they are building them at, and come up with pretty much anything.”

Any Lansing native can attest that these pieces end up all over town and can create a real mood. Online bidding begins early, but the final say is held for the day(s) of.

“The final bids happen during the festival,” Stewart said.

For a map of a more exact location or more information about the event, click here.

The second annual Lansing Wine Fest is set for Saturday, July 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event is to be held at Jackson Field in downtown Lansing, and tickets are available now.

All proceeds will be given to the Reo Town Commercial Association that was formed in 2001, pledging to assist in “cultural and commercial development” of the area.

Tickets range from $10 to $75 and include admission to the festival, an undisclosed number of drink tickets and a souvenir glass. Additional alcohol will be served to those who buy additional tickets for $2.

All sales are final, there is no re-entry and, as always, since alcohol is being served, this will be a 21-and-up event.

Click here and get your ticket taken care of early!

 Brunch on the Lawn is scheduled for Sunday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and promises to end your weekend on a high note.

It’s a bit of a drive to the location at 119 North Bridge St. in DeWitt, but is well worth the 15-minute drive from Lansing.

Tin Cup Cafe & Creamery + Whipped (food trucks) will be there and local artist Kyle Brown will be performing live.

Fresh flowers will be provided by Roots 'n Blooms to complete the aesthetic. Chris Cornwell will be there to help twist a few balloons to avoid even a second of boredom.

Last but not least, the first 25 customers will get a free succulent to celebrate the one-year anniversary of The Plant Studio.

This is an event that you won’t want to miss. To get further details, click here.