Back Pack Giveaway Coming in August

Back to School 2021 is coming to St. Clair County in August for St. Clair County families who need a little boost to get ready for the classroom.

The Back to School program is provided to low-income residents of St. Clair County through the Blue Water Community Action Agency.

The event will provide backpacks filled with schools supplies for elementary and middle school children and preschool packs for youngers kids. All events are drive-throughs, so participants can stay inside their cars.

Wednesday August 11th, there will be Back to School Events at Blue Water Community Action on Lapeer Road in Port Huron from 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM, and at Capac Elementary School from 10 AM – 11:30 AM.

On Thursday August 12th, there will be an event at the East China Administration Building from 3 – 6 PM

On Tuesday, August 24th, Yale Elementary will have a Back to School Event from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

Contact Blue Water Community Action to learn more: www.bwcaa.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

New State Park Coming to Flint

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to create a new Michigan state park in the City of Flint by utilizing federal relief dollars from President Biden’s American Recovery Plan.

This would mark the first state park in Genesee County, the only county in Michigan without land that is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and when completed would become Michigan’s 104th state park.

The governor’s proposed investment, which requires approval from the Legislature, would develop a park that would be anchored at Chevy Commons and expanded along the Flint River corridor to seamlessly connect the park to local neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions, such as the University of Michigan-Flint, the Flint Farmers’ Market, and the Iron Belle Trail.

Although plans are in their earliest stages, the new park could include non-motorized trails, unique playscapes, accessible open spaces, fishing platforms, and canoe and kayak launches into the Flint River.

A timeline for completion and further funding still needs to be developed, but the commitment of state funding will prove a critical catalyst in pushing the project forward.

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office

Vote for Your Favorite Mannequin During Boat Weekend

Port Huron, MI — Kelly Strilcov and the team at Salon Pizazz are excited to be back in person for this year’s Boat Week with Mannequins Making a Difference. This year, live mannequins will be displayed in their usual spot on Huron Avenue just outside of Salon Pizazz.

Mannequins Making a Difference will feature 11 live mannequins dressed and decorated in a variety of themes. Spectators can view the mannequins on Thursday and Friday night, July 22nd & 23rd, and vote with cash for their favorite one.

Whichever mannequin raises the most money will be awarded all donations collected over the two-day period. “It’s a winner take all event,” said Kelly Strilcov, owner of Salon Pizazz. “I love this event, and I’m so excited to see which nonprofit will win each year.”

This year’s event will also include “mini-mannequins” which feature younger models from ages 5-10. On Thursday night between 8 – 8:30 PM, spectators will be able to vote with donations for their favorite mini-mannequin.

All donations for mini-mannequins will go to the youth winner who will then be able to put it toward their favorite mannequin in the regular competition.

After both evenings of Mannequins Making a Difference there will be an after party featuring local musicians. Lisa Mary is performing on Thursday, and Pee-Tzu and Blacktivity will perform on Friday night along with Mad Hatter Entertainment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Ren Fest is Back for 2021

Holly, MI — Festival organizers, performers, and vendors are preparing to welcome back in-person visitors to the Michigan Renaissance Festival on weekends from August 21st – October 3rd.

Over 150 artisans will occupy the 16th Century European village known as Hollygrove selling handcrafted goods and tasty treats. The village also features 18 entertainment stages with musicians, play performances, and live armored jousting.

Each weekend has a theme, with “Pirates and Pups” kicking things off August 21st – 22nd. On Pirates and Pups weekend, you can bring your dog to the festival and discover demonstrations and contests focused on them.

Other themed weekends include Highland Fling, Viking Invasion, and Shamrocks & Shenanigans.

Tickets for the Michigan Renaissance Festival are available online at MichRenFest.com and can be purchased at general admission rates for one entry to the festival or as a Royal or Season Pass for multiple entries to the festival.

Royal and Season passes are available at early bird prices from now until July 23rd.

There are also tickets available for the Pub Crawl, Feast of Fantasy, the Queen’s Tea, and the 2021 Quest, an interactive mystery solving adventure played throughout the Village.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Work on McNeil Creek Begins Soon

Port Huron, MI — A bid from Raymond Excavating was accepted by Port Huron City council Monday night to begin development of the water, sewer, streets and sidewalks at the McNeil Creek Crossing condo project on 10th Avenue.

The McNeil Creek Crossing condo project will bring 19 new single-family homes to the Port Huron area. The size and design of the homes will be set by the City of Port Huron, and the city will sell the lots to builders who will construct them according to their specifications.

According to James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, current prints call for homes between 1,800 -2,500 square feet.

Work by Raymond Excavating is expected to begin the last week of July, and Freed says the city hopes to see basements going in this fall.

The McNeil Creek Crossing development is just north of Garfield school on 10th Avenue, tucked in a wooded, residential area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

4H Fair Starts July 19th

St. Clair County, MI — The 2021 St. Clair County 4-H Youth Fair starts Monday July 19th and continues through July 24th.

This year’s fair includes favorites like the carnival midway, concerts, monster trucks, and horse shows along with a scavenger hunt and the opportunity to meet the Detroit Lions’ mascot, Roary.

Carnival mega passes are now available at the Goodells County Park office and the Port Huron 4-H Office for $70 each, which will get the passholder 6 days of unlimited rides at the fair. Weekly admission passes are also available for $60 and will provide entry for the occupants of one vehicle for the entirety of the fair.

Prices at the gate are $25 per vehicle or $70 for a weekly pass.

Kids’ Day at the Fair is Tuesday, July 20th, and families can enjoy the petting farm, a diaper derby, and balloon fun. Carnival rides are just $1 per ride from 1-6 PM on Kids’ Day.

Learn more at stclaircounty4hfair.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand