event

Port Huron Parks Passport Program Challenges Families to Play at Seven City Parks

Two years after city parks were closed to the public out of concern for Covid-19 transmission, parks are not only open for free play, but they are part of a fun new promotion sponsored by the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department.

The Port Huron Parks Passport Program is for kids ages three to twelve. Kids can pick up a passport at Palmer Park Recreation Center. Once they are registered, they can enjoy exploring seven city parks. Parents or siblings will need to take a picture of the kids at the park and show it to the Recreation Department Staff to get their passport marked.

Once all seven parks have been visited and the photographic evidence has been verified, kids get a free t-shirt.

The parks are Sanborn Park Bike Trail, Mansfield Park, Lighthouse Park, 11th and Division Park, Optimist Park, Lincoln Park, and Palmer Park. Each park is different, with some having just had major renovations with state-of-the-art play equipment. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had at city parks this summer.

https://www.porthuronrec.com/active-opportunities/PH-Parks-Passport?fbclid=IwAR0TML8-5lpKDlotSmBjriPTzM9AHYfcSmHAlWBY2ElKKfT1Nbw_QfcFlMk

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Why It’s Important for All Americans to Celebrate Juneteenth

Today’s guests, Alphonso Amos, Jessica Brown, and Kevin Watkins share why Juneteenth is important to them and how the whole community can come together for this celebration of a major event in American history.

Learn more about the Juneteenth Celebration at St. Clair County Community College on Saturday, June 1th from noon- 4 PM here:

https://sc4.edu/event/juneteenth-celebration/

Learn more about Black Lives Matter Port Huron here:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatterPortHuron

SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here:

https://sc4.edu/office-of-diversity-equity-inclusion/

Port Huron Chapter of NAACP here:

https://www.facebook.com/Port-Huron-Branch-of-the-NAACP-479353555461261

 

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WGRT Local News Podcast is produced by the following team members:

Executive Producer: Jessie Wiegand

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Veterans Invited to Take a Cruise on the Huron Lady June 30th

St. Clair County veterans who would enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Huron Lady should mark their calendars for June 30th. That’s the day that local veterans are invited to take an Appreciation Cruise on the St. Clair River with fellow vets.

The event is made possible by coordination between the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Liz Sawielski with the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs said that this is the first time that the Department has coordinated a cruise, although other community organizations have organized boat trips for veterans in the past.

Sawielski said that they wanted to offer a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon as a small way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. She said, “Offering these types of activities helps veterans build camaraderie, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to the Blue Water area veteran community.”

Sawielski said it’s a chance for fellow service members to connect and rebuild some community connections after a rough two years.

Limited spots available. Reserve yours now by calling 810-989-6945 ext. 2.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Magna Sponsors St. Clair’s Blue Water Offshore Powerboat Races July 29-31

The Blue Water Offshore Racing Association has announced that the St. Clair River Classic Offshore Powerboat Race will be returning to the St. Clair River this summer thanks to a second year of sponsorship from Magna.

Steve Brunner, the president of the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association said, “Partnerships with the local community are critical to the continued success of our event, as we have reshaped how the event looks and is produced. We are extremely excited about this continued partnership with Magna.”

The auto supplier, Magna, which has recently completed construction on a new plant in St. Clair, is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the mobility sector. It is currently supplying battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer electric vehicle.

Chris Hinman, the general manager of Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan said, “We are thrilled to be able to sponsor such an exciting event that’s within two miles of Magna’s newest manufacturing operation. It’s a great opportunity for us to support the community and potentially attract new and future employees.”

The races will be held July 29th through 31st in St. Clair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Fishing, Kid’s Fishing Clinic, Kid’s Fishing Derby June 11th

June 11th and 12th are part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “Three Free” Weekend that offers free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry for both Michigan residents and those visiting from out of state.

DNR Director Dan Eichinger said, “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ Weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

A pair of local events are geared toward kids who might want to give fishing a try.

The City of St. Clair is holding its River Activity Day with the Cargill Kid’s Fishing Derby from 7:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at Pine Shores Golf Course.

Port Huron Township is hosting the 30th Annual Free Fishing Clinic for Kids at the William P. Thompson Pond on 40th Street from 11:00 to 2:00 with free fishing poles and bait available, free food, and fun informational booths.

More information about the local events and the statewide “Three Free” Weekend can be found at the links below.

https://porthurontownship.org/news/kids-free-fishing-clinic

https://www.stclairrec.com/events/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/31a44b6

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Celebrate the New Port Huron Theater District This Weekend

Port Huron is home to three theater companies within a two block area of downtown. This weekend, the city will celebrate the inauguration of the official Port Huron Theatre District with an opening ceremony and weekend-long festival.

The Port Huron Theatre District opening ceremony is Friday, June 3rd at 5 PM at the McMorran Plaza. The ceremony will celebrate Port Huron Civic Theatre, St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Theatre, and Enter Stage Right and their contributions to the arts and culture scene in Port Huron.

The ceremony kicks off the Port Huron Theatre District Festival which runs through Sunday at McMorran Place Plaza and in McMorran’s north parking lot and will be filled with art vendors and live entertainment. The festival will also include indoor theatre performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.

The Theatre District Festival coincides with First Friday which features various special events around the downtown Port Huron business district. Check PHTD.org for more information about the Theatre District Festival and Downtownph.com for special events happening at your favorite downtown businesses.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand