The annual St. Clair Art Fair returns this weekend to Palmer Park and Riverview Plaza, bringing back one of the area’s favorite summer events. Over 130 artists from across the country will display and demonstrate handmade art, including paintings, pottery, and sculpture. The fair runs Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts, and a surprise student art project. The St. Clair Art Association gallery will host a Members Market, juried contest, and a Meijer gift card raffle. Admission is free.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new sculpture is coming to the Blue Water River Walk, and organizers are searching for the right artist. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and Port Huron’s Rotary Club are offering $10,000 to bring the next public art piece to life. The sculpture will reflect themes of nature, transformation, and community. Proposals are due July 31st, and installation is set for next spring. The new piece will join others like Stella the Sturgeon and Sugar the Iron Horse, as River Walk improvements continue near the South Ferry Dock.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Four months after Mark Ryan was shot by a state trooper in Port of Call near St. Clair, his family are still grieving. Ryan’s wife and son had called police over his suicidal behavior, not violence. When officers arrived, Ryan reportedly showed a BB gun and was shot. The state’s review remains open. His wife now works two jobs. Their son had to retake a college semester. Both were diagnosed with PTSD. Friends remember Ryan as a caring neighbor who always helped others.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 35-year-old Casco man, Bruce Flannigan Jr., tragically drowned Saturday afternoon at Port Crescent State Park near the Pinnebog River. Flannigan and his girlfriend were walking in shallow water when they stepped into a sudden drop-off, likely caused by recent rain erosion. The woman escaped, but Flannigan got caught in strong riptides. Rescue teams from several local departments responded, though some were delayed by another ongoing water rescue nearby. Flannigan was found hours later but could not be revived despite emergency efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On July 7th, the Moore Museum near Sarnia hosts Model Train Day from 1 to 4 p.m. This year’s event honors the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end with 50 new military models, including trains carrying wartime cargo and a miniature military museum. Families can enjoy hands-on fun with Thomas the Tank Engine and try operating an HO scale train layout. Local groups will showcase wood carvings and aircraft models. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

This summer, St. Clair’s Klecha Park is getting exciting upgrades, including a new splash pad set to open soon. Thanks to a $300,000 donation from Cargill Salt and community support, the splash pad will offer fun features like a Wobbly Cannon and Misty Mountain. The city is also improving the baseball fields and playgrounds this year. A new flagpole, donated by American Legion Post 382 families, will be surrounded by a memorial brick program. These improvements are part of a $1 million-plus project to make Klecha Park more welcoming.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet