River Days, an annual festival in Midland, welcomes over 15,000 people each year. The festival has a variety of vendors and attractions, one of them is the competitive hot air balloon flight.

Swallows Swirl written with ease and fun by Christina Wilsdon and illustrated with gorgeous movement by Jess Mason is a wonderful picture book for 4–8-year-olds.

You’ve heard that “The family that plays together stays together.” At the Algoma Trad Centre in Ontario, families can play, sing, dance and learn traditional arts and heritage crafts at an annual summer camp program. WCMU's Judy Wagley spoke with founders and artistic directors Julie Schryer and Patrick O’Gorman about this unique opportunity for families.

I Am Made of Mountains written by Alexandra Heinrichs and illustrated by Vivian Mineker is an interesting book for children 4-8 years of age about the country’s National Parks---- their beauty, history, and differences. (Charlesbridge) 2023.

Sault Saint Maire, Michigan is famous for its shipping locks, but a crew of folks is working hard to put the Soo Theater on the map, with many programs, including an opera apprenticeship workshop. WCMU's Judy Wagley caught up with Karen Beacom, artistic director of the Soo Theatre and founder and director of Soo Opera.

Mike Thomas is a woodcarver and owns his business in the Midland area. He shares how woodcarving became his passion and what those who start the art should know.

A Natural History of Fairies is compiled beautiful by Emily Hawkins and illustrated with great beauty by Jessica Roux for readers 6-10 years of age. The big question is do fairies exist or not! This 10 by 12 - inch book is gorgeous and full of fun!

There is an old classical music piece of advice, “If it ain’t Baroque, don’t fix it.” The Baroque on Beaver Festival has been thriving on Beaver Island for nearly a quarter of a century, and while it certainly does not need to be “fixed,” there is a commitment to bringing old and new music together by commissioning works from contemporary composers. WCMU’s Judy Wagley spoke with Music Director Robert Nordling.

PALACE OF BOOKS written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco is a true story that Polacco lived when she was a child in Battle Creek Michigan. She was introduced to the work of John James Audubon by the Willard Library librarian Mrs. Creavy. This enabled Polacco to develop her visual artistic skills while struggling with dyslexia. The book is beautifully illustrated with all colors of birds front and center. This picture book is for readers 5-8 years of age.

Public Art Passport is a portal to more than 400 works of art in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region. Ashley Ross, associate director of collections and impact at Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in Saginaw, is our tour guide.