- Curwood Festival
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The Curwood Festival is a celebration of the American novelist James Oliver Curwood in Owosso, Michigan.[1] Many of his novels were written in Curwood Castle on the banks of the Shiawassee River.
Contents
History
James Oliver Curwood wrote over 30 nature adventure books and out of those about 18 were created into movies. Some of the movies premiered in Owosso. Most of his books were based in Canada. He created Curwood Castle for his writing studio and left it as a gift to Owosso.[2] The festival started about 40 years ago[vague] to celebrate Curwood's contribution to the community.[3]
Dates
The Curwood opening ceremony is held outside Curwood Castle. The Curwood Festival takes place outside the Owosso City Hall and the Owosso fire and police departments. The Curwood Heritage Parade takes place on main street M-21. The Kids in Curwood Parade takes place right outside of Emerson Elementary school. The 3 on 3 tournament takes place right outside the Owosso Middle School which is located across for them main rides and attraction.
The festival is the first full weekend in June. The Opening Ceremonies occur that Thursday. There is a Curwood royal court there along with many key people for creating the festival including the Owosso High School Trojan Marching Band. On that Friday is a Kids in Curwood Parade. That Saturday there is the Curwood Heritage Parade. Friday and Saturday there is a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for boys and girls.
Events
There are several other events that happen during the Curwood Festival. One is the Curwood writing contest. Every year the contest has a theme to do with nature like all of James Oliver Curwood books. They have carnival rides and games along with vendors selling assortment of crafts. Some events brought back from earlier festivals is the River Daze wherein contestants race downriver.
References
Categories:- Literary festivals in the United States
- Festivals in Michigan
- Visitor attractions in Shiawassee County, Michigan
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