event

Festival of Trees Staying at the Hospital for 2021

McLaren Port Huron has decided to host their popular Festival of Trees event at the hospital again this year and forgo the pre-pandemic gala at the Blue Water Convention Center.

Festival of Trees is held from Thanksgiving through the New Year, and last year’s event transformed the South Tower lobby into a winter wonderland. Spectators could drive by and see the beautifully decorated trees through the windows.

The 2021 event raised more than $65,000 to support new technology for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

This year, McLaren Port Huron will transform all main floor public areas into winter wonderlands viewable to the public throughout the South, Main, North, and Karmonos lobbies.

All funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support the purchase of equipment to enhance breast imaging services at the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lake Bonisteel Music Association Fest at Pine Grove Park August 7th

A popular summer tradition in the Blue Water Area, the BlueChiliGrass Festival, is off the calendar for another year, but a new tradition is getting started. The Lake Bonisteel Music Association, which put on BlueChiliGrass, is hosting a music festival this weekend, Saturday, August 7th, from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Pine Grove Park.

LBMA Fest is family-friendly and will feature live music. Right now, there are nine musical acts on the playlist. There will also be arts and craft vendors.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage vendors will be on site. All that guests need to bring is a lawn chair. Entrance to the music festival is free.

In addition to hearing a variety of music in one of the most beautiful settings in Port Huron, Pine Grove Park, there will be an instrument “petting zoo” where kids can try out different musical instruments.

The Lake Bonisteel Music Association promotes cultural activities in the Blue Water Area with a focus on arts and music. The association has been hosting family-friendly cultural events since 2011. A link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeBonisteelMusic/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Runaway Bride 5K On August 14th

The Runaway Bride 5K run and 2 mile walk is coming up on Saturday, August 14th at the Double Tree by Hilton in Port Huron. This is one of the most unique runs in the area with participants dressed in wedding themed attire to raise money for A Beautiful Me.

Registration is now open for runners and walkers at ABeautifulMe.com, and raffle tickets are also on sale for a week-long condo vacation for 6 on Hilton Head Island.

Karen Palka, A Beautiful Me’s Founder and Executive Director, said, “Our beloved ‘Ruby the Runner’ has been seen around town with a new friend named ‘Wally the Walker. A mock wedding is held at the start of our fun run and each year Ruby has run from her groom – as she had cold feet. We will patiently wait to see if Ruby will take Wally’s hand in marriage this year – or run to start the race.”

All proceeds from The Runaway Bride benefit girls in the community by providing confidence-building programs and workshops.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Offshore Powerboat Race In St. Clair This Weekend

The St. Clair Classic is taking over the city of St. Clair this weekend, and a full line-up of entertainment and fun is planned in Race Village and the Riverview Plaza.

Race Village was set up mid-week, so expect road closures on M-29 until Monday, August 2nd at noon. Boats have also been arriving and are available for viewing in the Dry Pits on Riverside Road.

Race Village Opens to the public at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and stays open until midnight with live entertainment planned along with shopping and restaurants.

The City of St. Clair also allows visitors to bring their own food and beverages into the city. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in Palmer Park, Rotary Park, and in specific public places on 3rd street, Vine Street, M-29, and Clinton.

The races begin on Sunday with an opening ceremony Flag Float Down tentatively scheduled for 11:15 AM, and the 1st race is at noon.

The awards ceremony is in the Riverview Plaza after the race followed by and after party with live music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Sanilac County 4-H Fair Coming Up: August 8-14

For those who missed the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair, or those who want more county fair action, the 2021 Sanilac County 4-H Fair is coming up. The annual fair will be held at the Sanilac County Fairgrounds in Sandusky from August 8th to 14th.

Fair admission costs $15 per person per day and includes all carnival rides and grandstand admission. A Mega Pass costs $55 and can be used all day every day from August 10th through 14th. That’s a lot of carnival rides. The Mega Passes need to be purchased prior to the fair, by August 8th, and can be purchased from the Sanilac County 4H Fair Baord Office.

The Grandstand events include the Flying Star Rodeo on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Wednesday night features the USA Bump-N-Run and Thursday is the USA Figure 8 Race. Friday is the night for Tractor and Pickup Pulls. Saturday brings the crowd favorite, the Demolition Derby. All Grandstand events start at 7:00 p.m.

Of course, the main attractions at the Fair are the 4-H projects that the youth and their families have worked so hard on all year long. More information can be found at sanilaccounty4hfair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rockin’ the Rivers Returns in August

The popular Rockin’ the Rivers concert series returns to Keifer Park in August with free live music, food trucks, family-friendly games, and a beverage tent.

Rockin’ the Rivers is every Thursday at Keifer Park overlooking the St. Clair River. Concerts start at 6 PM with an opening act, and the headliners hit the stage at 7 PM. Spectators can bring their own chair or blankets to view the concerts.

Scheduled bands are:

  • August 5th: RockStar, The International ‘80s Rock Sensation
  • August 12th: Captured Detroit, Journey tribute 
  • August 19th: Matt Stell
  • August 26th: Your Generation in Concert

This year, there will be a special Friday performance by Jerrod Niemann on August 20th.

For more information, visit Port Huron Rec’s website <HERE>  or follow the Port Huron Parks & Rec Department on Facebook <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand