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Local News

Be Mindful of Safety as You Enjoy the Beach

The Fourth of July weekend is a big beach weekend in the Blue Water Area, and around the state.

Planning and awareness are the difference between a happy memory of a day at the beach and a day you’d rather forget. Parents, don’t plan to take a nap or read a book. Watch the kids every second. Even better, get in the water with them.

There are usually no lifeguards on duty on any beaches in the Port Huron area. Safety is up to the swimmer.

Rip currents can happen in the Great Lakes. The American Red Cross says the best way to get out of a current that is pulling swimmers out into the lake is to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.

Sand bars are areas of shallow water out in the lake that are perfect for playing and relaxing. Sometimes swimmers have to navigate deep water to get to the sand bars; sometimes they don’t.

The sand bars shift with the winds and the waves, so never assume that a sand bar that was easy to get to last time is in the same spot this time.

Have fun at the beach, and have a great Fourth of July weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fireworks Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Careful

Watching fireworks together is a long-standing tradition for many communities and families. It’s easier than ever to buy fireworks for a backyard or neighborhood show.

Whether you are lighting off fireworks or just running around with a few sparklers, the American Red Cross has some advice. They recommend that fireworks, including sparklers, never be given to small children, and that fireworks never be pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable objects.

A garden hose turned on, or a bucket of water should always be on hand to douse any wayward fireworks.

The person lighting the fireworks should be wearing some kind of eye protection, and fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.

Not everyone loves fireworks. Those with PTSD and many family pets could do without a neighborhood fireworks show. Be mindful.

Always clean up the spent fireworks and dispose of them properly.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to relax at a public professional show. The Blue Water Fest fireworks will be launched at dusk from Desmond Landing on Thursday, July 14th.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

4th at the Fort Event at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

There are a lot of ways to pass the time on the 4th of July, but there’s only one place where you can ride a pony, tie-dye a shirt, and climb a lighthouse.

Port Huron Museums is hosting a July 4th event at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The event includes free pony rides for kids along with time to take in the beautiful grounds and cool breezes at the unique spot where Lake Huron drains into the St. Clair River.

There will also be opportunities to buy sparklers, concessions, and t-shirts for on-sight tie-dying.

For a small fee, a tour of the Lighthouse can be taken, which includes the 94-step trek to the top of the lighthouse, originally constructed in 1829. From the top, the panoramic view of the Blue Water Bridges, Lake Huron, Sarnia, and the Port Huron area is sure to make some 4th of July memories.

The 4th at the Fort event goes from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-at-the-fort-a-fort-gratiot-4th-of-july-with-free-pony-rides-tickets-367773479377

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Celebrates Canada Day; Fireworks July 1st at 10 p.m.

The Sarnia Canada Day Committee is planning for a spectacular Canada Day celebration this Friday, July 1st as they get back to an in-person event.

The annual parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Lakeshore and Colborne Streets.

This year’s festivities include an assortment of entertainment at Sarnia’s Canatara Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entertainment includes multicultural and assorted food vendors, a handmade market, activities for children, and circus and hula hoop shows on the stage.

The bandshell with have performances starting at 12:30. Multicultural performances include the Lambton Concert Band, the Sarnia School of Irish Dance, the Scottish Country Dancers, and the Vietnamese Canadian Club.

The entertainment starts at Centennial Park at 6:00 p.m. with Hot Air Balloon Rides, food vendors, and live music from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The fireworks show begins around 10:00 with fireworks being launched off the bay.

https://www.sarnia.ca/play/city-signature-events/canadaday/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Faith and Family on the Plaza” Brings Concerts to McMorran Plaza on Sunday Evenings

The McMorran Plaza in Downtown Port Huron has something for everyone. Operation Transformation is hosting the “Faith and Family on the Plaza” concert series on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The concerts will be faith-based with this Sunday’s performance from the Port Huron Assembly of God, and the next week from the musical group, “Prodigal Redemption”.

The concert series started last week and runs through August 28th.

While Casey’s on the Plaza will not be open on Sunday nights, there will be concessions available. Concert-goers will need to bring their own seating.

Operation Transformation is a Port Huron faith-based non-profit organization whose purpose is to bring positive changes to the Blue Water Area. OT collaborates with local churches and non-profits to help the community.

Families are invited to come out to the brand new McMorran Plaza and enjoy a relaxing night of positive music.

Schedule

June 26th ~ Life In Christ Fellowship

July 3rd ~ Port Huron Assembly of God

July 10th ~ Prodigal Redemption

July 17th

July 24th ~ Rejoice 

July 31st ~ Reaching Across

August 7th ~ Kingdom Empowerment 

August 14th ~ Life In Christ Fellowship 

August 21st ~ Blue Water Free Methodist 

August 28th ~ Living Note

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gardening Makes You Stronger, Smarter, and Gives You Healthy Food

Home-grown food is healthy, but the act of actually growing the food, or even growing flowers, is healthy, too. Research shows that getting in the dirt and gardening are great ways to stay in shape physically and mentally.

The American Heart Association classifies gardening as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. If you’ve been sore after a day of gardening, you know that digging, planting, and pulling weeds all use muscles and can be a real workout.

Regular contact with dirt is an immunity booster, according to studies by immunology researchers. Gardening can also be a brain-booster, as the growing season often requires adaptability, problem-solving, and learning new things to make that garden grow.

It’s hard to garden while checking email, so it’s a great way to decompress and unplug from technology for a while.

The MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gardeners can call for help with gardening, insects, and other outdoors questions.

MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline : (888) 678-3464 or online at msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/lawn_garden

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland