local news

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

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

New Leadership Needed for Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society is looking for a whole new Board of Directors. The Board needs to be in place by August 28th, 2021 or the Society will dissolve.

In a social media post to members and friends, it was explained that new members are being sought for the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Historical Society is reeling from a painful chapter in which a former treasurer was convicted of embezzling substantial funds from the Society.

According to the statement made by the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society, the minimal state requirements of a new Executive Board will need to be met or the Society will file for permanent closure of the non-profit. 

The Society was created in 2008 to preserve and protect the buildings affiliated with the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Company and to preserve the history of other railroads in Michigan. Events such as the Tunnel City Railway Show have brought train enthusiasts of all ages together to celebrate the area’s rich rail history. 

Those interested in a Board position: contact@phdrailroad.org 

A letter of intent can be mailed to 2100 32nd Street Port Huron, MI 48060

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

GSRP Free Preschool Available for Qualifying 4-year-olds

Even though it’s the middle of summer, it’s time to look ahead to back-to-school time. Free preschool is available to qualifying families in St. Clair County and the time to sign up is now. The Great Start Readiness Program, or GSRP, is a state-funded preschool offered at no cost to families.

GSRP is for four-year-olds and is designed to ensure every child is prepared to thrive when they enter kindergarten. There are locations throughout St. Clair County.

Students must be four years old on or before September 1st of this school year to apply now. Eligibility is based on 2021 income guidelines. A family of four qualifies for GSRP if their yearly income is below $66,250, according to the St. Clair County RESA website.

Families can apply to GSRP by completing an online application. Parents will need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate; proof of residency, and proof of income. Prospective GSRP students will need to have a health appraisal with vision and hearing tests, as well as vaccination records.

A link to more information:

http://sccresa.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=496562&pageId=13039156

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fairgrounds Jam-Packed with Monster Truck Fans

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair brought Monster Trucks to the masses Tuesday night and they were not disappointed. It was standing room only as several Monster Trucks put on a loud and full-throttle show at Goodells County Park.

No one in the crowd of thousands had as much fun as four-year-old Tyler Z. of Clinton Township. Tyler jumped in delight throughout the night as he cheered on his favorite truck, the Reptoid. Tyler’s mom said that he has been watching Monster Trucks on television, but this was his first live show and it was definitely worth the drive.

Tyler is obsessed with Monster Trucks and plans to be a driver when he grows up. He has already started working on building a vehicle with his dad, Matt.

World Champion Freestyle Monster Truck Driver Jim Koehler, a hometown competitor from Columbus, said that he loved the crowd and that they were “awesome”, as he gave his trophy back to the fans after another win as the driver of “Avenger” Tuesday night.

Koehler’s Team Scream, consisting of crowd favorites like Brutus, Axe, and Rage, put on an impressive show for the hometown crowd.

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair runs through Saturday. Full details can be found at stclaircounty4hfair.org/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Marysville

Marysville, MI — Fitness opportunities just keep on growing in the Blue Water area. Morton Park in Marysville is the location of the latest addition to the health and wellness scene.

The Outdoor Fitness Court had its grand opening on July 20th and the Marysville Recreation Department is receiving a lot of good feedback about the project.

The project was created by the National Fitness Campaign. They have over 100 similar playgrounds nationwide with a goal of bringing 1000 courts to communities across the country by 2022. They partner with Priority Health in Michigan to give grants to 15 cities and Marysville was one of the lucky winners.

Stefanie Schneider, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Marysville, said, “Our court is located at Morton Park, which is home to the St. Clair County Community College Soccer team and the skatepark.”

Schneider said that she has wanted to provide outdoor fitness equipment for years and when the opportunity came along, she jumped on it.

The equipment is meant for use by those ages 14 and up and is for physical fitness. It is considered an outdoor gym and has instructions and equipment for a good outdoor workout year-round.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland