Community Calendar

Press Release for Immediate Publication

Big “R” & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort House with Golf Outing

A charity golf scramble will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Tamarack Golf Course located at 8900 N. Clare Avenue in Harrison to raise funds for the renovation of the Big “R” & Smokin’Joe’s Comfort House in Hayes Township on Cranberry Lake Rd. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch, raffles, and prizes will follow the scramble.
To register for the scramble, you can go to the Harrison Moose Lodge or email Pohodad@yahoo.com. The scramble is also looking for sponsors, with sponsorship starting at Hole Sponsorship for $100, Food Sponsorship at $500, and Birdie Sponsorship for $1,000. Businesses can also donate prizes for the raffles. All proceeds go directly to the Big R & Smokin’Joe’s Comfort House.
The concept behind Big R & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort Home is to provide a safe and family oriented environment for end life care. While medical care is provided (hospice) the facility will accommodate approximately five patients at a time with facilities for family members to visit including a kitchen and resting lounge. It is limited to five rooms as living quarters to remain a non-commercial, non-profit facility that will not charge patients beyond the medical care that will be covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Things are really gearing up as the group has raised over $100,000 thus far through numerous fundraising events. Gene Payne has volunteered to be the “Superintendent” of the project, coordinating with a project manager once one is found. Currently they are working on supporting and securing foundation and roofing work. Once that is finished they will move forward with CAD plans, perhaps partnering with Mid Michigan College’s certificate program, and will then seek to hire the necessary trade companies/individuals for construction, electrical, and plumbing. It is hoped that much of the work will be done pro-bono.
We hope to see you at the Annual Golf Scramble!

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Watch creativity come to life in downtown Mt. Pleasant!

Artists Battle returns on 1-3 pm Saturday, August 29, as artists of all ages compete in a live art competition along Broadway. During this exciting two-hour event, participants will create original artwork from start to finish while spectators watch the creative process unfold.

Broadway will be closed from Main Street to University Street, transforming downtown into an open-air studio and gallery. Visitors are invited to stroll through the competition area, meet the artists, and see works of art take shape in real time.

Open to youth, teen, and adult artists, Artists Battle welcomes all visual art mediums. Participants must provide their own supplies and create an original work of art during the competition period. Artwork will be evaluated by two judges, with cash prizes awarded in each age division.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or trying a live competition for the first time, Artists Battle offers a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity, connect with fellow artists, and create in front of a supportive audience.

Spectators are welcome to attend free of charge and experience the excitement of art in action in the heart of downtown Mt. Pleasant.

In the event of inclement weather, Artists Battle will be held on Sunday, August 30. Registration fees are non-refundable.

All the ladies who are “anybody” in Chinquapin, Louisiana come to Truvy’s beauty salon to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Filled with hilarious repartee and several acerbic verbal collisions, the comedy moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby risks her life to go through with a dangerous pregnancy. Confronted with the harshness of mortality, the others draw together to find strength – and love – in the wake of tragedy.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

All the ladies who are “anybody” in Chinquapin, Louisiana come to Truvy’s beauty salon to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Filled with hilarious repartee and several acerbic verbal collisions, the comedy moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby risks her life to go through with a dangerous pregnancy. Confronted with the harshness of mortality, the others draw together to find strength – and love – in the wake of tragedy.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.

Play with the toys on Monday! This is a great opportunity to connect with each other, play with some different toys, and look at and check out library books. Drop-in between 10:00am and 11:30am or stay the whole time.
This program is best for ages 0-5. Siblings and children of all ages are welcome.

Recurring every Monday from 6/1-8/31 10-11:30am.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition.

Discover the Anishinaabe art form of traditional quillwork with artist and instructor Chyann Haas. Students will experience the full process, from respectfully harvesting quills from a porcupine, dyeing the quills, and assembling your design. You’ll create your artwork utilizing traditional motifs on leather or birchbark and apply finishing touches by finishing the back. All supplies are provided.

This four-week course will be held weekly from 3-4:30 pm on Monday, August 17- September 14 (skipping Labor Day), in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

Created by artist Mary E. Burns, the exhibit features 29 handwoven jacquard portraits celebrating scientists, activists, educators, artists, and Indigenous water protectors from more than 20 countries. Through intricate textile art, the exhibition explores the universal importance of water and the women whose work helps sustain and protect this essential resource.

The exhibition will be on display on the Petoskey District Library's second floor from August 27 through October 15, 2026. Throughout its run, the library will offer docent-led tours, related programs, book displays, and community conversations that explore themes of water, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and women's leadership.

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers & Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

The 1842 historic Dougherty Mission House built by Rev. Peter Dougherty, Chief Agosa, the Ottawa and Chippewa opens for tours on Wednesday, June 12th Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11am until 4pm. Tour the former Inn where the fruit industry began in the Traverse City region.
Discover the ties to the Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse while you tour the house, summer kitchen, carriage shed, icehouse, and demonstration garden. See the new Old Mission Agricultural Heritage exhibit where Old Mission Peninsula earned its name.

Choose one medium to focus on or try both!

For drawing, learn the fundamentals of observational drawing with an introduction to materials and their functions, perspective, proportion, composition, shading and more. For painting, you may be an absolute beginner or be well versed in the acrylic medium. Cyd will provide an understanding of the principles and elements of art, color mixing, composition, and adding mediums to explore the versatility of acrylics. There will be project flexibility depending on your artistic needs with in-depth tailored instruction.

With Cynthia Keefe, MFA, Creative 360 Co-Founder. No experience necessary. Age 16 and up. Materials list upon registration. Please preregister.

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
August Mini Session – Drawing & Painting / August 5, 12, 19, 26 / $80

Capture a truly handmade feel in your journaling or sketching by creating from scratch. Utilizing recycled materials, instructor Chyann Haas will guide you in creating handmade papers to be formed into a book. Your papers will have texture, character, and a soft handmade feel, perfect for creating your hand-bound book. We’ll create your book with hard covers to make them durable and useful for journaling, sketching, artwork, and more.

This 4-week course will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Wednesdays, August 12-Sept 2, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at 111 E. Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI.

Recommended age: 13 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.

Our largest crowd last year was for our closing concert! We anticipate that it will be the same this year as Elvis returns to St. Johns with his Hound Dog in tow for this wonderful tribute to one of the greatest performers of all-time. The King is Jake Slater, from the Traverse City area, who has been doing his award-winning tribute to Elvis for the past 17 years. Jake is a National and International award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist who has performed throughout Michigan, across the country, and in Canada. He has won awards in Branson, Tupelo, Memphis & Winsor.

AND, the incredible Josh Ramses Band, a popular Bay City based band, will join Jake on stage for this special performance. This 4-piece band has been a major backup band for Jake now for several years, presenting shows around the state together each year. On their own, the band performs a variety of music including blues, classic rock, country, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and a host of different artists.

Together, Jake and the band team up to put forth an unforgettable evening of some the greatest rock and roll songs ever written. This concert will be a great conclusion to a wonderful season in St Johns. We hope to see you at this grand finale.