event

Get Ready For The Bayview Mackinac Race Setting Sail In Port Huron

The Bayview Mackinac Race is an exciting and challenging freshwater boat race that attracts participants from around the world. This year’s race is set to begin on July 15th, at 10 am and will span from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. 

The Bayview Mackinac Race has become a beloved tradition and a vital part of Great Lakes, Michigan, and sailing history. This year marks the 98th consecutive year of the race, making it the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world.

Each year it brings excitement and celebration to Port Huron and the Blue Water Area as the race kicks off. Be sure to check out Boat Week and all of the events and activities at the Blue Water Festival taking place in Downtown Port Huron.

Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, this race is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Send Love And Cheer To The Children And Families Of St. John’s Hospital

The Caring for Kids event is happening on Saturday, August 12th, from 10am – 12pm at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker St., in Port Huron. 

School-age children will make cards for kids in the pediatric unit at St. John’s Hospital. Each card will come with a stuffed animal and a DoorDash or GrubHub gift card for families to order food while they’re at the hospital.

The organizers want to spread love and kindness to those in need and encourage families to attend. There will be punch and cookies for everyone. Families must register and only one person per family should register, but they can indicate how many children are attending.

The event is open to all, and families with younger children are welcome. Attendees can also bring a $30 gift card to DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats to add to the cards, but it’s not required.

For more information, visit: eventbrite.com, or to donate: funraise.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

OPP Provides New Text Service To Better Serve And Protect Residents

Members of the public in Ontario will now be able to receive automated text messages from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) regarding certain events that have taken place. The OPP has created a limited list of event types that are eligible for messages to be sent, with the majority being events reported after the fact and events where no suspects are present.

When someone contacts the OPP through an SMS-enabled device and their call is categorized as one of these eligible event types, they will receive a text message with their event number. 

After the call is cleared by the responding officer, the initial caller will receive an invitation to a brief voluntary survey to provide feedback on their experience with the OPP. The information collected through the automated surveys will be used to assist the OPP in identifying opportunities to better serve the public and protect the citizens of Ontario.

For more information, visit: opp.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Late Philanthropist James Acheson Honored With Renaming Of River Street Marina

The River Street Marina in Port Huron will be renamed in honor of Jim Acheson, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who passed away earlier this year. 

Acheson was a prominent figure in the community, having contributed extensively to charitable causes and supported the local economy for decades. It was during a City Council meeting that the decision to rename the marina was made official, with the new name being the James C. Acheson Marina. 

Mayor Pauline Repp expressed her support for the renaming, stating that it was a great way to honor Acheson’s contributions to Port Huron and to remind future generations of his invaluable role in the community. 

The new name of the marina will be prominently displayed on a large blue and white-lettered sign, serving as a lasting testament to Acheson’s memory and his dedication to the people of Port Huron.

Acheson passed away earlier this year on April 2nd.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit Hosting 77th Annual Midwestern Legislative Conference

Hundreds of state and provincial legislators are meeting in Detroit for a four-day annual meeting aimed at enhancing their roles as policy leaders while exploring the vibrant city. Organized by Michigan Sen. Roger Victory, chair of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC), the event will take place from July 9th – 12th.

Celebrating its 77th year, the Annual Meeting provides a nonpartisan platform for participants to learn from each other, policy experts, and thought leaders. This year, the focus is on “Food Security: Feeding the Future,” as part of Sen. Victory’s MLC Chair’s Initiative for 2023. 

The agenda features various sessions, including visits to Detroit’s Eastern Market, discussions on improving food security, and debates on the future of farmland in the Midwest. Additionally, the program covers topics such as agriculture, criminal justice, education, energy, health, budgets, workforce development, and the U.S.-Canada border. 

For more information, visit: csgmidwest.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Professional Actress And Port Huron Native, Teams Up With Port Huron Recreation Department To Teach Future Thespians

Professional actress McKale Jude Bingham returns to Port Huron for the fourth consecutive year, for the Port Huron Recreation Department’s summer Theatre Bootcamp for children. 

The program spans five days, and equips over 100 young actors, in grades 1 – 12, with fundamental theater skills culminating in a grand musical production. Students embrace their creativity and teamwork within the condensed time frame, benefiting from a transformative experience that prepares them for future theatrical endeavors. 

Bingham, a native of Port Huron and successful actress, delights in sharing her passion for acting with budding artists and considers teaching the program the highlight of her summer.

Audiences can catch “The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever” on July 14th, 21st, and 28th, and the high school cabaret on August 4th, all at 6 p.m. in the McMorran Place Theatre, with free admission for the public.

Registration remains open until July 24th. To register, visit: porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell