Plan Your Summer at the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

The Beach, Bar-B-Que Boot Camp, child-built classic mahogany cruisers and summer season are at the 15th annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, Thur., Feb. 24 - Sun., Feb. 27, Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

“Our preseason show offers the perfect opportunity to help you make the most of lake time and sunshine,” said Dawn Baker, show manager of ShowSpan, Inc. “Exhibits and experts are available for planning and purchasing whether you are looking to buy, build, rent or maintain your vacation property.”

Youngsters of all ages are invited to put their toes in the sand and build a sand castle at The Beach, the show’s giant sandbox. Everyone can enjoy cornhole toss and giant tumbling towers at the Outdoor Lawn Game area.

Cottage Living Stage will help start new family traditions from Bar-B-Que Boot Camp with Stacy Zuelly providing pro tips for those who would like to become just a bit better at their backyard cooking skills and Victor A. Veprauskas IV from Axis Estate Planning conducting “Cottage Family Succession Planning” seminars to Cara Middleton from Freshwater Vacation Rentals presenting an owner’s seminar “Managing your Vacation Rental” and guest renter’s seminar “A Guide through the Vacation Rental Wilderness.”

Michigan Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of historic boats, will have several restored boats and two mahogany cruisers built by a member with each of his daughters when they were 11-years-old on display. DreamCatcher BoatWorks of Grand Rapids will demonstrate handcrafted building techniques on a custom-wood kayak and display custom-built canoes, kayaks and skateboards.

Attendees can list their vacation property or look for availability on the “For Sale or Rent” bulletin board. Families can locate and mark where their vacation home is located on an oversized Michigan map. Showgoers can choose the entry that best captures cottage and lakefront living at the Water & Woods Photo Contest.

Artists featured in the Cottage Art Show include J & J’s Custom Workbench LLC of New Lothrop displaying rustic furniture and home furnishings; Unique Ideas of Parma exhibiting their Michigan oak and cherry hardwood furniture and animal carvings; Diane Rose Jewelry of Ann Arbor displaying precision-crafted fine jewelry; Great Lakes Iron Art of White Lake featuring steel silhouettes of Michigan Great Lakes and inland lakes; LeGault Art of Plymouth exhibiting paintings of the Great Lakes; Michigan’s Treasure of Suttons Bay displaying rustic furniture and Petoskey stone art; Slipper Fish Woodworks of Livonia featuring woodworking items; and Wood Art by Vel of Fond du Lac, WI exhibiting oil paintings of wildlife on wood.

Decorative accessories, gourmet foods, handcrafted items, cottage décor and Michigan-themed merchandise will be available for purchase in the Lakefront Marketplace.

Exhibits with displays, information and educational materials include lakefront cottage and homebuilders, new construction log, timber frame and cedar homes, realtors, financing, vacation property for sale or rent, rustic and fine furnishings, decor, shoreline and cottage landscaping, lakeshore maintenance and cottage services, boats, docks, decks, seawalls, outdoor recreational equipment, stand-up paddleboards and water toys.

Experts throughout the show will share tips, advice and knowledge on purchasing, renting, planning, maintaining and enjoying spring, summer and year-round vacation and lakefront homes.

Landscaping ideas for cabin, cottage and lakefront properties are incorporated into displays that include outdoor living spaces, fireplaces, cooking options, patios, decks and garden products. Entry level to luxury pontoon boats, fishing boats, family sport boats, jet skis, kayaks, wakeboards and runabouts will all be on display.

“Check your to-do list and visit the show to schedule your renovations and updates or purchase what you need to create family memories,” said Baker.

Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Ave. between Novi and Beck Road in Novi, Mich. Tickets should be purchased online at NoviCottageShow.com. Admission is $12 and includes admission to Outdoorama; $5 for children 6-14 and children 5 and under admitted free. Advance weekday tickets are $10 and are available for purchase through Wed., Feb. 23. On-site parking is available for a fee. For more information, visit NoviCottageShow.com, facebook.com/cottageandlakefrontliving, instagram.com/micottageshows or call (616) 447-2860.