WMLAR Summer Kickoff Picnic: Let’s GROW Together

After a long Michigan winter, it’s time to step outside, reconnect, and kick off the summer season together.

WMLAR’s Social Committee invites REALTOR and Affiliate members to the our annual 2026 WMLAR Summer Kickoff Picnic from 11-2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at beautiful Tanglefoot Park in Spring Lake along the Grand River waterfront. (312 W Exchange St, Spring Lake, MI 49456)

Fun historical note: the land for the park was gifted to the Village of Spring Lake by the Thum family, whose company famously produced Tanglefoot Flypaper—yes, the sticky paper used to catch flies that bother you in the summer!

This year’s event will be open-house style, so you can swing through for a quick plate of delicious barbecue or stay awhile to enjoy yard games, music, and conversation with fellow REALTORS®. Whether you have 20 minutes between appointments or the whole afternoon, we’d love to see you there.

Our 2026 Theme: GROW

This year at WMLAR, our word of the year is GROW—growing relationships, growing knowledge, and growing our professional community. The Summer Kickoff Picnic is a perfect opportunity to do just that: connect with colleagues, strengthen relationships, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime together.

Make an Impact: Life Jacket Drive

While you’re enjoying the picnic, consider helping support an important WMLAR initiative by bringing NEW U.S. Coast Guard approved, vest style life jackets!

For the past several years, WMLAR’s Community Outreach Committee (formerly the Community, Advocacy, and Impact Committee), in partnership with REALTORS Who Care (501c3), has hosted a Life Jacket Drive to help keep children safe along the lakeshore.

Important: Member Event

This year’s picnic is designed as a member appreciation and networking event, so attendance is limited to WMLAR members. To help us plan food and seating appropriately, pre-registration is required.

Please register through your member portal, the short registration link HERE, or by emailing Andrea @ wmlar.com.

Cost: FREE for WMLAR members through May 12; $25 after May 12

What’s on the Menu

We’ll be serving award-winning barbecue catered by Holy Smokers BBQ, featuring: Pulled pork, pulled chicken, mac and cheese, BBQ beans, potato salad, cornbread, and dinner rolls! Plus we’ll have some of your favorite ice cream treats onsite thanks to the Bumblebee Ice Cream Truck!

Holy Smokers is known for authentic smoked meats made with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors, and we’re excited to bring their delicious barbecue to this year’s event.

Music & Yard Games

While you’re there, enjoy live music from Coty Bouchard and take a break from the office with some friendly competition. We’ll have yard games like cornhole, ladderball, and more!