Also known as the Riviera of the Midwest, St. Joseph’s coastal vistas and energetic downtown area make it a perfect destination for a Michigan vacation. Families will find ample opportunities for recreation throughout the city, from the rides and games at the Silver Beach Carousel to the hands-on exhibits at the Curious Kids Museum. Make sure to visit the downtown area, which regularly smells of freshly baked treats and features a variety of boutique shops and unique restaurants.
Build Your Way Around Town has been a go-to event for families since its inception five years ago, and it will take place throughout March across Downtown St. Joseph. Attendees will encounter a LEGO building experience unlike any other complete with five events around downtown including Builders Bash (Silver Beach Carousel), Big City Build (Shadowland Ballroom), LEGO Bingo (Curious Kids' Museum), Skyscraper Building and Stop-Motion Workshops (Krasl Art Center), and LEGO Carnivale (The Heritage Museum and St. Joseph Public Library). The Builders Bash is the opening ceremony of the Silver Beach Carousel's Amazing LEGO Display, and it will feature over 100 LEGO creations and a variety of giveaways. At the Big City Build, attendees will have the chance to see professional builder Jason Spear create a LEGO masterpiece. LEGO Bingo offers participants the opportunity to win fun prizes playing bingo, catering to kids 2-10 years old. The Skyscraper Building and Stop-Motion Workshops will have skyscraper building and stop-motion animation workshops, perfect for ages 5-12 years old. Families shouldn’t miss the LEGO Carnivale’s variety of games, building stations, snacks, and fun competitions. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed Event Representative, Katie White, to learn more about this great family experience.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
KW: Build Your Way Around Town started in 2013. It runs through the entire month of March with different events hosted by local non-profits. It's hard to quantify the number of attendees, but we have hundreds of attendees sign up for prize giveaways each year.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
KW: Most of the events are for kids and families, but this year we've added a brewery (The Livery) which will host the Community Pint Night (Feb. 22) to support the efforts. The Livery will also be the home of the Blocks and Brews throughout March.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
KW: This event is unique because there are opportunities all month long to come and have fun with LEGOs in St. Joseph! The Big Build is a great chance to see LEGO professionals build a cityscape and take in their craft.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
KW: We have a great series of events for this year:
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Builders' Bash (3/1) at the Silver Beach Carousel
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Big City Build (3/2-3/4) at the Shadowland Ballroom
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LEGO Bingo (3/10) at the Curious Kids' Museum
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Skyscraper Building and Stop-Motion Workshops (3/17) at the Krasl Art Center
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LEGO Carnivale (3/23) at The Heritage Museum and St. Joseph Public Library
All events take place in downtown St. Joseph, which has many dining options within walking distance!
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
KW: March is an ideal time to visit Southwest Michigan because it's outside of peak tourism season. There have been many new lodging offerings that have opened in the last few years (full list available at swmichigan.org). The Boulevard Inn is in downtown St. Joseph, so patrons won't need a car to get to any of the events. If you're looking for more of a boutique style experience, check out the Inn at Harbor Shores.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
KW: The events are all hosted by local nonprofits, so it is a unique partnership. It was initially created to give kids something fun (and educational) to do during winter time. It's an excellent opportunity for the nonprofits to introduce their guests to the other local nonprofits and discover all that St. Joseph has to offer.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
KW: Build Your Way Around Town is a great time to spend with your family. Attendees can create custom cityscapes, learn from the masters, and celebrate what others have created.
For more information about Build Your Way Around Town, please visit the event website.