12 Family Events to Look Forward to in 2012

Thanks to Novi's Engage! magazine, we already know there's going to be a lot of fun family activities in 2012. Here are 12 events that we can look forward to this year:

1. Listen at the Library

In partnership with the Chamber of Music Society of Detroit, the will host a series of free Sunday concerts from 3-4 p.m. early this year. Shanghai Quartet will play on Feb. 5, pianist Steve Wogaman will play on March 3, and Juliard's top flute teacher Carol Wincenc will play with New York Philharmonic Principal Harpist Nancy Allen on April 1.

2. Daddy Daughter Dance

Novi's annual father-daughter dance is back at the this year with the theme "An Evening Under the Stars." There's two nights you can go: Feb. 10 or Feb. 11 from 7-9 p.m. Cost is $19 per person, and be sure to register early to get a spot!

3. Cardboard Sled Contest

New this year, the city is hosting a contest to see who can create the fastest or best designed sleds using only cardboard, tape, glue and paint. There are two days to participate for prizes: Feb. 25 and March 3 from 2-4 p.m. at . Cost is $10 per sled.

4. Novi Civic Theatre performances

You can catch a performances of The Music Man at the Civic Center from March 9-18. Cost is $18 for adults and $15 for children. You can also see a performance of Beauty & the Beast on stage from May 11-20. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children.

5. St. Patty's Day Party

New this year, Novi is hosting a mother-son party on March 15 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The event is at the Civic Center from 7-9 p.m., and you'll be able to play arcade games, challenge each other in laser tag or go bowling. Cost is $23.

6. Hunger Games Pre-Party

The Hunger Games is a popular trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and the first movie will be released in theaters on midnight of March 23. To celebrate, the library will be hosting a party for teens and tweens on March 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Registration has already begun, and you can sign up for a spot on the library's website.

7. Flashlight Egg Hunt

Children ages 3-12 are invited to bring a basket and flashflight and hunt for eggs in the dark on the grounds of the Novi Civic Center on March 28 from 8-9 p.m. The event will also include a bouncer, pictures with the bunny, crafts and a snack. Cost is $13 for children; parents are free.

8. Spring Break Carnival

The library is hosting a free carnival day on April 5 from 2-3 p.m. for students in kindergarden through fourth grade. There will be carnival games, activities, snacks and a craft. Registration has already begun, and you can sign up for a spot on the library's website.

9. Skate with the Easter Bunny

Stop by on April 7 from 3-4:50 p.m. to skate with the Easter Bunny and enjoy games and prizes. Cost is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents; skate rental is $3.

10. Emergency Run 5K

Bring the family for a healthy outing and sign up for Novi's 5K Emergency Run on May 12 starting at 9 a.m. on the grounds of . There will also be a one mile walk and health festival. Cost is $28 if you pre-register or $35 day-of for the 5K and $12 if you pre-register or $15 day-of for the one mile walk.

11. Musical Instruments "Petting Zoo"

The library will host a free event on May 20 from 1:30-2:45 p.m. where children of all ages can stop by to learn about and try different musical instruments.

12. Memorial Day Parade

Novi will have its own Memorial Day Parade on May 28, and you're welcome to join or just watch! Veterans, bands, scout troops, kids, businesses and other organizations can register to be in the parade starting Feb. 1. 

Remember Novi Patch always welcomes your photos and critiques of community events, so if you're planning to go to one of these events, let me know at rebecca.jaskot@patch.com or feel free to add photos to our Neighborhood Gallery!