Some people still like surprises, especially when it comes to having flowers delivered.  Ullenbruch’s Flowers and Gifts along with Michigan Teleflora has been surprising some people this week with bouquets and happiness.  This is their “Make Someone Smile Week”, and it wraps up on Saturday. During the week, florists make arrangements and deliver them to veterans, hospital patients, seniors at nursing homes, and recipients of Meals-on-Wheels programs.  Ullenbruch’s Flowers and Gifts delivered floral arrangements to Blue Water Hospice Home, Sanborn Memorial Home, and Lakeshore Woods.  Last year, the program spanned more than 350 facilities throughout the United States and Canada led by florists who donated their time to deliver more than 30,000 bouquets.

While the weather encourages us to get outdoors and enjoy living in the Blue Water Area, it’s also a great time to complete repairs to roads and bridges.  Beginning at 7 AM Monday the eastbound I-94 ramp to westbound I-69 will be closed to complete repairs to the bridge’s expansion joints. The work is part of an overall 2.1 million dollar investment in bridge repairs and improvements along I-94 corridor from Meisner Road in Casco Township to Water Street in Port Huron.  Eastbound I-94 ramp traffic will be detoured via the eastbound I-69 Business Loop. Drivers should then turnaround east of 32nd Street, and then head back to westbound I-69. Work should be completed by Saturday, August 3rd. 

St Clair will be the venue for the Blue Water Offshore Racing Associations 25th Annual Offshore Powerboat Races. Preparation is already underway including temporary no parking on either side of 9th Street and Francis Street. These streets are part of the route the boats use to get to the crane area. Also, be aware that M-29 will be closed from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 through Noon Monday, July 29. Signs and detour routes will be clearly posted. Expect other temporary closures and changes within the next few days. 

The Powerboats race in different classes as part of the Great Lakes Silver Cup Series and the Offshore Super Series. Past visitors can attest that the boats are a sight and sound to behold! There are hospitality tents, family-friendly activities, and more happening all weekend as part of the St. Clair Riverfest. Most of the setup is in the middle of N. Riverside Avenue (M-29), so keep an eye out for those posted detours.

Construction crews working on the reconstruction of Michigan Street struck a 2-inch gas main yesterday when working in the area of Grand River and Michigan Street. Captain Chris Shattuck of the Port Huron Fire Department said they were dispatched at 12:44 p.m. and arrived on the scene two minutes later. Once the line was breached, the area was cleared.  The gas line was fixed, and there were no injuries reported. The fire department left the scene at 1:41 p.m. Wednesday afternoon once the issue was resolved. Work will continue on Michigan Street with new underground service, roadway, and sidewalks.  The work is still slated for completion in mid to late September.

Studio 1219 in downtown Port Huron is receiving some regional recognition. The art studio won  WDIV Local 4 Detroit’s “Vote 4 the Best” contest in the arts and entertainment category. Studio 1219 is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit art gallery and educational facility that seeks to promote emerging Michigan artists while also providing an art atmosphere for all ages and economic backgrounds through their programming.

Studio 1219 was up against some formidable opponents in the contest, but they prevailed over the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Glass Academy. Gina Panoff, Executive Director of Studio 1219, said the studio is “so grateful for the widespread community support of Art Studio 1219. It takes a team of dedicated staff, artists and community members to be recognized.” In gratitude, Gina said, “thanks everyone who supports the studio and everything it strives for; helping artists become established, educating all ages and abilities in the creativity of art, and displaying local artists work.” The studio currently has over 150 different artists displayed and offers a variety of resources to the community.

Next weekend, the Michigan Lighthouse Festival will be showcasing the Fort Gratiot Light Station Friday through Sunday, August 2-4. There are 129 Michigan Lighthouses, and each year the Michigan Lighthouse Festival shines its light on one lighthouse, specifically highlighting its history in Michigan’s story. This year,  the spotlight is on the Fort Gratiot Light which is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan.  Established in 1814, it was named after General Charles Gratiot. The festival begins at the Light Station on Friday with a social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner under a tent at 6:00. While in the area, event organizers are encouraging attendees to check out the Huron Lightship and other locations within driving distance like the Port Sanilac Light, Harbor Beach Light, and the Port Austin Light. If you’re interested in more information, you can visit michiganlighthousefestival.com.