Celebrate McCay Day 2009

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Winsor McCay Day

Before Walt Disney, Dreamworks, and the Simpsons - there was Winsor McCay...
Who was Winsor McCay? Winsor McCay was a cartoonist, Vaudevillian, and newspaperman who created the first animated cartoons in the U.S. His "Gertie the Dinosaur" came out two years after the Titanic, and was the first full length cartoon. Help us celebrate the life and accomplishments of this native Spring Laker at one of several Heritage Festival programs.

Monday, June 15

7:30 p.m. Dream of the Rarebit Fiend, a Culinary Delight
In honor of Winsor McCay (creator of the comic strip Dream of the Rarebit Fiend and Spring Lake native), Executive Chef Jim LaPerriere is coming back to the library to prepare Welsh Rarebit. Welsh Rarebit (which has nothing to do with our long-eared, cotton-tailed friends) is a savory melted cheese dish, which occasionally spawns some interesting comic nightmares, if you aren't careful. Enjoy some samples and take home some recipes. Pre-registration is required. Call (616) 846-5770, ext. 107, to register.

Tuesday, June 16: Winsor McCay Day

10:30 a.m. McCay Day Party
Children ages 3 to 6 are invited to attend this fun filled party which will include cookie decorating, face painting, and a dinosaur craft. Special guest, artist and children's book author Aaron Zenz, will introduce us to Little Nemo and kick off a fun story time and art project!

2:00 p.m. "I'm OK with McCay" Cartoon Workshop
Artist and cartoonist Kevin Collier will highlight the art and life of Winsor McCay as well as lead a traditional cartooning and comics class. This program is designed for children in third grade and up.

6:30 p.m. Winsor McCay Historical Marker Dedication

You are cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremony of the Winsor McCay State of Michigan historical marker on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in the park located between the Spring Lake Township Hall and the Spring Lake District Library, 123 E. Exchange St.

Speakers will include Mark Miller, Spring Lake Historic Conservation Commission; Tom Truscott, Michigan Historical Commission; Marci Cisneros, Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; and possibly a member of the Winsor McCay Family.

Refreshments will be available in the library following the ceremony. You are invited to remain at the library for the Ray Pointer presentation on Winsor McCay beginning at 7 p.m.

7:00 p.m. Winsor McCay, Father of Animation
Ray Pointer, an animation expert and historian, discusses the many contributions of Winsor McCay to the world of animation. Currently the Creative Director of Inkwell Images, Pointer is also an instructor at the Kendall School of Design. With 40 years of professional experience in the field of animation, Pointer is a member of The Television Academy of Arts and Sciences Animation Peer Group, has worked with Nickelodeon Animation Studios and MGM Animation, and has over 300 credits to his name.

7:00 p.m. Winsor's Whimsical Creations
This fun program is designed for the kids. Boys and girls can participate in a scavenger hunt, put together their own Gertie the dinosaur puzzle, and paint a shirt.