The Curwood Festival is a celebration of James Oliver Curwood novels and movies the were made right in Owosso, Michigan.^[1] Many of his novels he wrote in the Curwood Castle. The castle is right on the bank of the Shiawassee river. The festival started about 40 years ago to celebrate what James Oliver Curwood brought to the community. ^[2]

History

The Curwood Festival is a festival based off of the writing of James Oliver Curwood. He wrot over 30 nature adventure books out of those about 18 of them were created into movies. Some of the movies premiered in Owosso. He created the Curwood Castle for his writing studio. Most of his books were based in Canada instead of here in Michigan.He was one of several famous people to live in Owosso but he left behing his "castle" and his legend of book. ^[3]

Place

The Curwood opening ceremony is held right outside the Curwood Castle. The Curwood Festival takes place right outside of 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 right across for them main rides and attraction.

Dates

There are many key days that events happen during this weekend. The festival is the first full weekend in June. That thursday there is the Curwood Opening Ceremonies that happen right infront of the Curwood Castle. They have all the Curwood royal court there along with many key people for creating the festival along with the Owosso High School Trojan Marching Band. On that firday is the Kids in Curwood Parade. That saturday there is the big Curwood Heritage Parade. Friday and Satuday there is a 3 on 3 basketball tournament that goes for boys and girls.

Events

There are several events that happen during the Curwood Festival. The main events to the Curwood Festival are the two parades that happen. We have the kids in Curwood parade and the Curwood Festival Heritage parade. Another main event that happens is the Curwood writing contast. Every year the contest has a theme to do with nature like all of James Oliver Curwood books. They have carinval rides and games along with vendors selling assortmant of crafts. Some events they are bringing back from past festival one would be the River Daze. Where you make it down river to beat your other competators. Another event that took place this past year was Curwood got talent competition.

References

[1] ttp://www.shianet.org/community/tour/joc.html

[2] ttp://www.curwoodfestival.com/

[3] ttp://www.sdl.lib.mi.us/history/curwood.html

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