CARNIVAL of Comedy & Illusions
2025-02-08 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Carnival of Comedy and Illusions Show
February 8 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Get ready for a magical afternoon filled with laughter and wonder at the “Carnival of Comedy and Illusions”! Join us on Saturday, February 8, at 4:00 PM at the Hessel School House for a spectacular one-hour performance that promises to delight audiences of all ages. Prepare to be amazed as the enchanting Magic Lady, Jania Taylor, dazzles you with her mind-bending illusions and captivating tricks. Coupled with the comedic genius of juggler and entertainer Chet Mitchell, this dynamic duo will take you on a whimsical journey where laughter meets magic. Best of all, this event is completely FREE, and we’ll be serving delicious popcorn to keep your spirits high! Don’t miss this unforgettable show—bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun and entertainment that will leave you smiling long after the final bow! Limited seating is available, so reservations are required.
RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY by calling 906-484-1333 or REGISTER ONLINE .

This event is sponsored in part by Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce and Patrick’s Landing. Thanks to their support we are able to offer this show for free!

Aldo Leopold Festival
2025-05-28 09:00 - 17:00
The Hessel Schools House welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold — one of America’s most influential naturalists — during our 10th Annual Aldo Leopold Festival, May 28th – June 1st, 2025. Activities include paddling excursions, orchid and wildflower tours, birding trips, presentations, and many other nature-based activities. Experience the woods and water that formed Leopold’s early impressions of the natural world as we honor the mark he made on conservation and the environment.
Tickets go on sale April 1, 2025. (No foolin’).
For a complete list of events, trips, tours, and more, visit https://aldoleopoldfestival.org/

Halloween Carnival
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00
Les Cheneaux Area children in pre-school thru 5th Grade are welcome to join us for a spooktacular Halloween Carnival at the Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center! Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon filled with thrilling games and delicious treats. We will even have a special book on the Story Book Trail! Dress up in your most boo-tiful costumes and be prepared for a ghoulishly good time. There will be prizes (and surprises) for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fang-tastic family friendly event!

No charge to attend thanks to financial support from community support from individuals and businesses.

Book Reading & Signing with Julie Buchholtz
2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:00
Book Reading & Signing with Julie Buchholtz
Saturday, February 28, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us for a special afternoon with author Julie Buchholtz as she reads from her second book and shares the story behind its creation. Through gentle, lyrical storytelling, Mama sings to her child of mino-bimaadiziwin—living in harmony with nature—and of following the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. As mother and child journey through life together, they walk in the footsteps of the mothers and grandmothers who came before them, honoring tradition, love, and connection across generations.
Following the reading, Julie will be available for a book signing, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required for planning purposes.
Come enjoy a meaningful, family-friendly hour of storytelling, reflection, and community with this heartfelt celebration of heritage and wisdom.
To save your seat(s), call 906-484-1333 or register online at

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aanii. Boozhoo.
Hello.
Ishpiming Migizi Kwe Nidizhinikaaz
I am Julie Buchholtz or High Flying Eagle Woman.
Gnoozhekaaning Nindonjibaa
I come from the Place of the Pike.
Migizi Nidoodehm
I am Eagle clan.
I am fortunate to live along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I feel the most grounded when I am immersed in nature, especially when I stand on the earth where my ancestors walked before me. I am a proud member of the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
My inaugural book, Who Am I, was published by Sleeping Bear Press/Cherry Lake Publishing and selected as a 2021 Own Voices/Own Stories Winner. Who Am I took me on a journey of self discovery, a coming home of sorts to my native roots. It is about connection to one another and to Mother Earth. Little brown-skinned girl asks her mama a question that we often ask ourselves, “Who am I?” Mama pulls her girl close and explains how she is connected to Mother Earth including the plants, the organisms, and the animals that inhabit Mother Earth. In the end, the little brown-skinned girl understands her significance and that she isn’t so little after all.
My second book, Mama’s Song serves as a prequel to Who Am I and led me further down the path of embracing my native heritage. It tells the story of the birth of the little brown-skinned baby. Mama has never felt such love before and thanks the Creator for such a gift. Mama’s Song is all about mama’s wish for her daughter to live the “good life” or mino bimaadiziwin. Readers are introduced to the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.
