For Immediate Release                                                        Contact:  Andrew Alt, Publicist (616) 949-2247

e-mail:  andrewa@showspan.com

Mike Wilbraham, Show Producer

Carolyn P. Alt, Show Manager

(616) 447-2860

www.CottageandLakefrontLiving.com

Monroe Street Beach Opens March 27

Who says you can’t get sand between your toes in West Michigan until summertime?  Patrons of the third annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show at DeVos Place can do just that, plus build sand castles and more, when Monroe Street Beach opens with the Show on Friday.

“The beach is always an extremely popular attraction, and not just with kids,” says Show Manager Carolyn Alt of the 900 square foot area fronting the Monroe Avenue windows.  “Lots of adults kick off their shoes, grab a pail and shovel, and dig in.  It’s just good fun.”

Expert sand sculptor Janet Moore Schrader, the “Sand Pirate” will be on the beach all weekend, building an incredible medieval castle and offering tips and tricks

“I love teaching people the secrets of sand,” Schrader says.  “It’s amazing to see their joy as they learn how to make bigger and better sandcastles.  And it’s definitely not just for children – sandcastle building is a great way for all generations to interact at the beach.”

Schrader learned just how rewarding – and therapeutic – playing in the sand can be during her battle with cancer 8 years ago.  “To get over the effects of treatment, and the cancer itself, I started daily walks along Lake Michigan,” she says.  The beach became a place of worship and healing for Schrader and in 2006 she founded her company Fairy Godmother Services: Sand Sculpting, Photography, & Beach Art.

Schrader will offer lessons to budding sand sculptors, judge a castle building contest on Saturday, and on Sunday will lead all interested kids in what is arguably the best part of the sand castle experience:  destroying it!

Beach Events:

            Expert Sand Castle Build begins             Friday, 3:00pm

            Sand Castle Contest Registration            Saturday, 11am to 1pm

            Sand Castle Contest Begins                   Saturday, 1:30 pm

            Contest Judging                                     Saturday, 2:15pm

            Lessons                                                Sunday, 1pm to 3pm

            “Storm the Castle!”                                 Sunday, 3pm

Discount coupons available at area Wendy’s locations.

Dates & Times                                                               Admission

Friday, March 27            3pm - 9pm                                 Adults: $9.00

Saturday, March 28        10am - 9pm                               Children (6 – 14): $4.00

Sunday, March 29          11am - 5pm                               5 & Under: Free

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