Downtown Port Huron

Honoring And Remembering Two Influential Members Of The Port Huron Community

The late Rev. Alex Crittenden and his wife Ruby, who recently passed away in January approximately one year after her husband, are prime examples of African Americans who have made contributions to their community without being a household name. 

Mr. Crittenden moved to the City of Port Huron in 1969 to become a teacher. He served not only as a teacher for the Port Huron Area School District (PHASD), but he also served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Reverend at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Crittenden was also awarded the Spirit of Port Huron Brotherhood Award in 2012. He was also involved with multiple organizations such as the NAACP and Operation Transformation.

His wife, Ms. Ruby Crittenden, was also a teacher in the PHASD. She was the first African American teacher to teach at Port Huron Northern. Ms. Crittenden was also Co-Founder of Couples Christian Ministry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Mario Day Party Coming To The St. Clair County Library System

The St. Clair County Library System is putting together a fun filled, family friendly event next month to bring something different and unique to the community.

The Mario Day Party, based around the characters from the video game Super Mario Bros. will take place Saturday, March 11th so make sure you mark your calendars. The fun begins at 11 a.m until 1 p.m. and will be at the Donald E. Dodge Auditorium located at 200 Grand River Ave #203, Port Huron. 

There will be plenty of Mario themed activities for children and teens of all ages. There will be crafts and games such as, creating your own Yoshi egg and Piranha Plant, the “floor is lava” area, Goomba stomp, and Bowser ring toss. Visitors will also be able to play Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch and a live-action Mario Kart track. Participants of the live-action Mario Kart must sign a waiver. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums Announces Discovery City Exhibit Leaving Soon

UPDATE: Port Huron Museums has extended Discovery City until April 8th.

The Port Huron Museums have announced one of their most popular and long running exhibits will be closing soon. 

Discovery City along with their mascot Edison the giant dog, provides a playscape for children that sparks the imagination as well as teaches about historic landmarks and other facts about the Blue Water Area. There are replicas of the McMorran stage, Vantage Point Farmers Market, Lakeside beach and more. 

Discovery City is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. February 19th will be the last day to enjoy this wonderful playscape. 

Admission is $5 per child, and $15 per family. Each session lasts for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chilly Fest Tradition Returns To Downtown Port Huron This January

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring activities such as the popular bed races, ice sculptures, chili cook-off, and more with its annual Chilly Fest located downtown.

The Chilly Fest is a two day event that will be kicking off on Friday, January 27th with a free outdoor concert. From 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. you can catch 80’s hair band Sunset Blvd. Visitors will also be able to view the many ice sculptures on display as well. 

Saturday will feature more events and attractions for the community to enjoy and participate in. Activities such as the Fuzzy Penguin Hunt, PoHo Hot Cocoa Run, carriage rides, and the highly anticipated chili cook-off that will allow guests to sample chili from participating restaurants. For $7 visitors will be able to sample all 15 chili samples and vote for their favorite. 

For more information and details, visit: chillyfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Anniversary Sale: Perfect Time To Advertise With 102.3FM WGRT

For small businesses and nonprofit organizations, advertising is absolutely vital to help grow your business or organization. People can’t support you if they don’t know you exist or what you have to offer.

The month of February is the perfect time to seek out the friendly, knowledgeable staff at 102.3FM WGRT to help you reach the needs of your organization, during their Sensational 32nd Anniversary Sale! Advertising prices are being rolled back to what they were in 1991. 

If you’re a business owner, nonprofit, or you would just like to advertise to promote an upcoming event, check out what makes WGRT stand out from other forms of advertising: 

  • Reliable and trustworthy with 32 years of on air experience.
  • A passion to support the business and nonprofit communities.
  • A 30 mile coverage radius from Port Huron, including Sarnia, Ontario.
  • Global streaming coverage with listeners from all over the world.
  • Surprisingly affordable rates. 

For more information, contact Vickie Lemonis at: (810) 987- 3200/vickie@wgrt.com 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black History Read-In Event Coming To SC4

Literacy and education is vital in producing qualified individuals to sustain and add value to any community. To help in the area of reading and literacy, the St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will be hosting an event with that goal in mind. 

In 2020, St. Clair County had an African American population of 2.28% according to datausa.io. Of that percentage, only 1.79% of African Americans graduate from universities. 

To honor Black History Month, as well as spread the importance and awareness of literacy and education, SC4 will be hosting its Read-in event that will feature Detroit-raised artist and guest author Solomon Johnson. 

The event will be held Saturday, February 4th, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theater. The free event is open to the public and students K – 12. Attendees are asked to register in advance by filling out the registration form or by sending an email to dei@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell