Step Back in Time at the Michigan Renaissance Festival Starting August 17

Experience the magic of the 16th Century at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, kicking off on August 17 and running through September 29. Held on weekends, with special dates on Labor Day and Friday, September 27, this immersive festival transports visitors to a European village filled with excitement.

With 17 stages of live entertainment, including musicians, magicians, jugglers, and full-contact armored jousting, there’s something for everyone. Over 100 artisans will showcase their handcrafted goods in the bustling marketplace, offering endless shopping opportunities. Visitors can also savor a variety of food fit for royalty while interacting with memorable characters.

The festival, located at 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI, operates from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on event days. 

For more information, visit: michrenfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

be-YOU-tiful Workshop Series Empowers 5th-Grade Girls In Port Huron

A Beautiful Me is hosting a special four-part be-YOU-tiful Workshop Series at their Training and Empowerment Suite in Port Huron. 

Designed for 5th-grade girls, the workshop runs on August 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 2:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This transformative program aims to boost self-esteem and leadership skills through engaging activities, conflict resolution strategies, and meaningful discussions.

Located at 310 Huron Ave., the workshop provides a safe space for young girls to explore their unique strengths, navigate emotions, and build positive relationships. With limited seating available, parents are encouraged to register their daughters soon. A Beautiful Me also welcomes donations to sponsor future workshop tickets, making this empowering experience accessible to all. Secure your spot today to support your daughter’s journey to self-confidence and resilience.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Ferndale’s Live Crispy Won Last Year’s MI Snack Competition, Now Eyeing Bigger Markets

Ferndale-based entrepreneur Dave Shammas, owner of Live Crispy, won the grand prize at the second annual MI Snack Competition in Port Huron, taking home $30,000. Despite not placing in the previous year, Shammas’ all-natural dehydrated fruit snack won both the Mindful Munchies category and the overall competition, earning him $15,000 for each win.

The 2023 MI Snack Competition attracted over 50 snack makers statewide, with more than $50,000 in prizes awarded. In addition to the cash prize, Shammas secured a distribution deal with All Star Services, a break room services company.

Shammas, who launched Live Crispy in 2020, has since expanded his product’s reach, including a listing on Amazon. As he gears up for larger markets like Target, he’s also being courted by the TV show Shark Tank. The 2024 competition is set for Sept. 14, with entries due by August 12.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BWROC’s Strides For Recovery 5K Run/Walk To Promote Health, Fitness, And Community Spirit

BWROC is excited to host the Strides for Recovery 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 14, 2024 at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron, in celebration of National Recovery Day. 

This community-focused event offers a scenic course along the beautiful St. Clair River and is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, from competitive runners to those who prefer a leisurely jog or walk.

The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m., with a registration fee of $15. After the race, participants can enjoy a post-race celebration featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities. All participants will receive commemorative swag, making this a memorable event for everyone involved.

For more details, visit: bwroc.org or call 810-689-4858 for further information. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Provides $118 Million In Food Benefits To Michigan Students Through Summer EBT Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing over $118 million in food benefits to 983,531 students through the new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program. 

Each eligible child will receive $120 to help families afford groceries during the summer months when school is out. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel emphasized the program’s importance in ensuring that children have access to healthy food.

The Summer EBT program, developed by Congress, builds on similar initiatives from the pandemic to address food insecurity. Benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards, with existing Bridge cardholders receiving a one-time payment. Those without a card will be sent one by mail. This program, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, aims to reach students across the state, easing financial burdens for families during the summer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Over One Million Michigan Voters Cast Ballots Before Primary Election Day

With today being the day for polls to open for Michigan’s Primary Election, more than one million voters have already cast their ballots. 

According to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, over 73,500 voters participated in early in-person voting, while more than 970,000 have submitted absentee ballots. This marks the first election year with a constitutionally mandated nine-day early voting period, a provision introduced by Proposal 2, passed in 2022.

Benson praised the high level of voter engagement and the efforts of Michigan’s clerks and poll workers in ensuring a smooth and secure voting process. For those who have yet to vote, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on today’s Election Day. Voters can still register and vote today as well at their local clerk’s office.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell