Saturday’s Thumbfest Celebrates Folk Music

If you like folk music, this weekend’s Thumbfest is for you. Lexington will host the music festival on Saturday, September 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the town.

Thumbfest began in the 1990s and has since developed into a late summer tradition, organized by the dedicated volunteers in the Blue Water Folk Society.

The festival is free to the public thanks to many commercial sponsors and donors, but donations are accepted. Those who attend will need to bring their own lawn chairs. Both food and craft vendors will be onsite.

There are seven stages with full schedules of musical acts, along with a community sing tent and a jam tent, among others. There are opportunities for those who brought their instruments to join into some performances.

Thumbfest is a family-friendly event with special areas for children to make music, as well as a drum circle. Camp Cavell is hosting special activities for kids.

Shuttles will be running throughout the festival, with service every 15 minutes along the route. The full lineup of musical acts can be found at bluewaterfolk.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black River Beauty Bar Opens in Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Co-owners Channon Mcfarlane & Ashlynn Vroman are celebrating the grand opening of their new salon, Black River Beauty Bar, on Friday night from 6-8 PM during Downtown Port Huron’s First Friday.

Channon and Ashlynn decided to branch out on their own and open a salon a few months ago. They moved into the space that was Carlos Hairport Salon and have redesigned it with a calm, bohemian aesthetic.

“It’s very calming and relaxing. The big windows and being by the water is really relaxing.” said Channon.

Ashlynn was behind the design of the interior and had a lot of fun decorating the space. “It’s nice to be part of the downtown community. The views, the area, it’s just so nice to be a part of this community,” she said.

Black River Beauty Bar is a full-service salon that has a licensed esthetician, Renee Schott, that does eyelash tinting and perming, micro-blading, 12 kinds of facials, lip blushing and more. She has been a skin therapist for 10 years.

The salons hours are 9 AM – 8 PM Monday – Friday and 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays.

For more information on their Grand Opening, visit Black River Beauty Bar’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/blackriverbeautybar

To see more pictures from our visit to the salon, follow @wgrt_jessie on Instagram <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

No More Rapid COVID Tests for Travelers to Canada at SCC Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Department has announced that Canadian and other travelers will need to look elsewhere for COVID-19 Rapid PCR testing. Canada requires all travelers 5 years and older to provide proof of a COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Those driving into Canada must be tested within 72 hours of planned entry into Canada even if vaccinated and need to have the proof of testing available for 14 days after entry.

The St. Clair County Health Department is short on testing supplies and is giving testing priority to individuals who are exhibiting symptoms, those who live in congregate settings like nursing homes, and those in  high-risk situations.

Previously scheduled appointments will be honored, but no new appointments are being made for travelers.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health officer for the St. Clair County Health Department said, “We encourage all residents and visitors to plan ahead before crossing the border or traveling. Explore your testing options well before you leave. Individuals can find a list of COVID-19 testing locations on our website www.scchealth.co.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Museums Free to Low Income Families

Port Huron, MI–The new Discovery City Children’s Exhibit at the Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center opens on September 22, 2021, and a grant from the James C. Acheson Foundation will help low-income families enjoy all the museum has to offer for free.

Families with an EBT/Bridge card will be able to receive a free family day pass to the various Port Huron Museum sites. This includes the Carnegie Center with its brand new Discovery City for kids, the From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area, and the James C. Acheson Marine Gallery. In addition, families can visit the Ft. Gratiot Lighthouse, the Huron Light Ship, and the Thomas Edison Depot Museum with their pass.

The Discovery City Children’s Exhibit was purchased used and refurbished by Natalie Green, a former YAC member with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and Lydia Sawdon, a Western Michigan University student, to represent kid-sized versions of some of the Blue Water Area’s favorite landmarks, destinations, and historical elements.  Kids can discover a miniature version of the Ft. Gratiot Lighthouse, McMorran Place, Edison’s Laboratory, and the St. Clair County Library.

Timed-entry tickets will be available for purchase next week, and prices will be $5 per child or $15 per family.

To learn more and buy admission tickets visit: www.phmuseum.org

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Who is Hiring in Downtown Port Huron?

If you’re looking for a job in Downtown Port Huron, several companies may have an opening perfect for you. The Downtown Development Authority is holding a job fair for downtown businesses on Saturday, September 25th from 11 AM – 2 PM.

If you attend the job fair, you’ll be able to meet with a variety of downtown business owners and learn about their opportunities. Employers will also be accepting resumes and applications at the job fair.

Companies that are currently hiring include Blue Water Transit, Chef Shell’s Restaurant & Catering, ResourceMFG, and CityFlats Hotel. There are also openings for those who enjoy working in the arts & entertainment sector at The Hallway Entertainment, Foundry, and Sperry’s Moviehouse.

Country Style Marketplace, a Fort Gratiot boutique grocery market, is also preparing to open its downtown location mid-October. They will be hiring almost 45 people including cashiers, stockpersons, deli and meat counter workers, and more.

September 25th is also Downtown Day, a day designated by Governor Whitmer to celebrate Michigan’s small towns.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

HURON Lightship Back Open for Visitors

The HURON Lightship is back in business after the unplanned shutdown due to a rare weather-related issue. The damage from last summer’s rapid rise in water levels on the St. Clair River has been repaired and Port Huron’s crown jewel, the museum in a boat, is ready to greet guests.

The location at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron near the Thomas Edison parkway makes the HURON one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The HURON Lightship was the last operating lightship and along with many maritime artifacts also displays live footage from a camera located on the river bottom.

Port Huron Museums’ Andrew Kercher told us that the Museum is very excited to have the HURON Lightship reopened to the public. Kercher said, “The HURON Lightship is marking its centennial this year, and we are very grateful to our partners at the City of Port Huron that we can help share this National Historic Landmark with thousands of visitors each year.”

From now until September 19th, the HURON is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. After that, it will be open on a weekend schedule. Ticket information can be found at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland