Audio Companion - Sparkle in the Park 2015

With a mobile phone or tablet, you can hear a companion audio presentation while viewing Sparkle in the Park.  

The audio presentation is hosted by Aporee.org, which presents soundscapes from around the world.  

This miniature soundscape, created by the Three Pines Gander especially for Sparkle in the Park, is available for free through the "Miniatures for Mobiles" (MFM) app.  

For best, results, set up the app before you arrive at Sparkle in the Park.  Or pull into a parking lot and do it safely from there.  Make sure you're connected to the internet via WiFi or data connection. The complete process takes about 5 minutes.  

1. Download the free Miniatures for Mobiles app. 

Download from this page, or search for "aporee miniatures" from your device's app store.

Three versions to choose from:

Current Android version (for v. 4.0 and higher)

Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.aporee.mfm

or directly from the web:  http://aporee.org/mfm/dist/mfm.apk

Basic Android version (for v. lower than 4.0)

Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aporee.radio&hl=en

Basic iOs (iPhone) version

iTunes Store:  https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/radio-aporee/id640921893?mt=8

2.  Open the MFM app on your device, by clicking the icon.

3.  Find "Sparkle in the Park" in the list, and click on it.

4.  Click on the main Synch button (to set it up, before you click Play).
This will allow you to synchronize the set of sound and map files to your device.  (Afterwards, you can leave your WiFi connection and turn off your Data, and it will still work!)

5.  First, download the sound files.  From the main Synchronize menu, click Sync Files.  You'll see a list of files in red.  Click Sync - when it's done, the file names will turn green!  When done, click on the Back button (this will take you back to the main Synchronize menu).

6.  Next, download the map.  From the main Synchronize menu, click Synch Map.  


This will let you watch your progress as you move through Sparkle in the Park.

You'll see a street map - click Sync.  When done, click on the Back button (to go back to main Synchronize page).  Click Back once more (to go back to the main Sparkle in the Park page).

7.  Click Play!  

Travel through Sparkle in the Park and listen (make sure the volume is up).  Enjoy!

Note:  Make sure the red crosshairs symbol shows, after you click Play.  If not, make sure your device's "Location" setting is on. If the crosshairs don't appear, restart the app (don't worry, you won't have to Synch the files again).

Tips:

As you move through Sparkle in the Park, different people from Bear Lake and Manistee County will tell stories.  The red dots on the map show you where the stories are located. 

If you move too fast, one speaker might interrupt another speaker.  That's okay.  Just slow down or stop (traffic permitting) or walk through on foot.  Stop in order to hear the whole story.  Or continue on to hear the next one.  If you return to an unfinished story, it will continue where it left off.  Go through again to repeat the stories.   

Those without mobile devices can also enjoy the Christmas stories.

From a laptop or desktop computer, visit the following website:  http://aporee.org/mfm/web/

Find "Sparkle in the Park," click on it, and then click "Play."  Click on each red dot to hear a story! 

Sparkle in the Park opens Sat., Nov. 28 at 5pm with warm food and beverages, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus from 6:30-8pm. Sparkle in the Park continues through Dec. 31 from 5-10pm. 
Event flyer is here:  http://www.bearlakepromoters.org/uploads/3/9/4/6/39464839/sparkle_flyer.pdf