About Battle Creek's Downtown

One of my favorite personal finds in my area is the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan. The Farmers Market is held each Saturday and Wednesday morning in downtown Battle Creek out side the McCamly Plaza. Local farmers from around the region come to sell their goods and produce, and it is a great healthy alternative to the produce you find in a regular grocery store.

Additionally, the prices are very competitive and the produce in many cases is larger and healthier looking as well.

My wife and I make the visit to the Farmers Market at least once a week, as we have been on a diet that is low calorie and calls for all-natural or organic produce.

Most people are not aware of the difference between the terms 'All Natural' and 'Organic'. Organic is a certification from the USDA on growing methods that do not include pesticides or chemicals. All Natural is a similar certification, but it is given by the farmers association, and it follows the same or similar guidelines.

You will not find much 'Organic' food at many Michigan Farmers Markets, according to the members of the Farmers Market I have spoken with, as the not many in the State are certified. On the other hand, you will find a lot of 'All Natural' growers at the Farmers Market in Battle Creek.

However, you do have to ask, as not all the produce sellers grow the goods themselves that will sell at the Farmers Market. It does not mean that these sellers should be avoided, it is just that you might have to ask further questions about the growers farming methods if you are looking for produce with few pesticides used.

There is also a great deal of All Natural poultry, pork, lamb and beef sold at the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan, which is another reason I frequently buy from there. Some of the beef is strictly grass-fed meat, and free of hormones and chemicals. The same with the poultry and eggs. So this is another great way to buy good healthy food when you are looking to eat a healthier diet.

I have been on a mostly All-Natural or Organic diet for about three months now, and I notice a huge difference in my energy levels and I have lost a great deal of weight. It is amazing what one comes to learn about the difference between American food products and European food products when you look into this.

America seems to be the primary country in the world placing so many chemicals in our foods, whereas a majority of countries around the world do not, although a lot of the South American Countries do use pesticides in farming. It would seem that this introduction of added chemicals in our food supply is a contributing cause to obesity, when one considers that America has the the highest rate of obesity in the world.

All the more reason to look for your own local Farmers Market, and help support independent American farmers and ranchers! My experience with the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan is that all the sellers seem to be very friendly and are willing to answer any question about the products, as well as share growing tips and methods for your own garden. All in all, they are all very nice hard working people.

Yesterday, I decided to take a walk through downtown Battle Creek for an hour or so, and take my camera with me. I was working on a project to address a matter with the City Commissioners about my concerns about the system of parking in downtown. I was taking photos for evidence to present a case for reform of the current policies. In doing so, I found many beautiful things to take photos of as well, and I thought I would share some of the beauty of the downtown Battle Creek, Michigan, also known as the 'Cereal City'.

I posted photos last weekend of some of the classic cars that were on display at the Cerealfest in Battle Creek, Michigan held on June 11th. I went through my photos and decided to post the remainder of the ones I took pictures of that were in my collection.

Many of these cars will bring back memories, and I think that is why generations of people are still attracted to them. They are a more than a piece of history, they are a testimony of the artistry and craftsmen from another era. Many of these designs are timeless, and I wish modern day manufacturers would being them back.

A lot of these are oldies, but goodies! A love to check out a classic car show when one comes around.

I have been blogging this week about the annual Cerealfest that is held in Battle Creek, Michigan.  The 2011 Cerealfest was held last weekend on June 11th. 

During the event there was a large stage that was set up across one of the streets, and throughout the morning of a series of performers were presented. 

I happened by during one of the dance groups, and had my camera handy.  I managed to get a pretty good video, and some still shots.  If you look at the crowd, there were a lot of them dancing in the streets along with the performers. 

These performers were extermely energetic, and I was just completely impressed watching them. 

This was a lot of fun, and it really livened up the crowd.  Nothing like having a little cereal and then doing some dancing to get your day going!  I hope you like the video I edited for this.  Feel free to dance along if you know the moves!

The annual Cerealfest was just held this past weekend in Battle Creek, Michigan.  It is an event that has gone on for over 100 years now, and it consists of the three cereal companies (Kellogg's, Post and Ralston Foods) serving free breakfast cereal to thousands of people. 

The event includes not only cereal, but games for the kids, booths with a variety of venders, a classic car show and a center stage where entertainment and broadcasting occur. 

This year there were also other food venders brought in, and the festival included all of McCamly Park downtown.  This was due to construction on Michigan Avenue downtown.  However, the change was nice and there was plenty to see at the event. 

As a local Realtor, I love to attend the Cerealfest and take pictures as it is one of my favorite summer events.  It shows the local pride in an industry that the city was founded upon.  Also, it is just fun to come and watch the kids dig into a seeminly unlimited supply of cereal. 

Last night I sat down and finally edited the video I shot last weekend at the event.  I created my first video on the Cerealfest, as well as an additional one featuring dancers which were really good.  I will post that one at a later time. 

This article includes some of the photos I took of the event, as well as my video featuring one of the most fun summer activities in Battle Creek, Michigan. 

If you are planning a move to Battle Creek, or are just passing through the area, then the Cerealfest is definitely something you will want to mark on your calendar.  It is held in June every year, and it is not hard to find out when and where.  I hope you enjoy this inside look at the Cereal City's biggest outdoor event of the summer.