Looking for something to do? Here is a list of nonprofit and community events happening in Mecosta County in the next two weeks. Pioneer image
Looking for something to do? The Stay Local events calendar publishes a list of nonprofit and community events Tuesdays and Fridays. Please check with your club or organization to be certain of meetings, outings and classes. If any listing is inaccurate or to submit an event, contact Julie Norwood at 231-592-8358 or julie.norwood@pioneergroup.com or darren.iozia@hearst.com. (Deadline is noon Sundays for Tuesday’s paper and noon Wednesday for Friday’s paper.)
Come See Santa: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Wheatland Township Library, 207 W Michigan Ave, Remus. Featuring photos with Santa, drawing, coloring and refreshments
Winter Solstice: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Big Rapids Community Library, 426 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. Featuring DIY hot chocolate bar and cookie decorating at noon, followed by a Saturday matinee movie.
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Woodville Parade of Lights: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Woodville County Store, 6140 N. Pine Ave., White Cloud. Parade of vehicles with lights with first, second and third prizes
Christmas Carol Sing-Along: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Brockway Wesleyan Church, 10951 3 Mile Road, Morley. Refreshments and snacks to follow.
Sleight the Night Away: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at the Big Rapids Elks, 203 E. Pine St. Features 50/50 raffles, ugly sweater contest, music, dancing, drink specials and snacks. Admission: $5. Proceeds will match the Elks contributions to the Salvation Army.
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New Years Eve Ball Drop: 5 p.m. Dec. 31 to midnight Jan. 1 at Big Rapids Elks, 203 E. Pine St., Big Rapids. Big Rapids Elks opens to the public at 5 p.m for children’s games and refreshments. Prime rib or chicken dinner starts at 7 p.m. (Cost: $30 for adults, $8 for children.) Outdoor entertainment starts at 11 p.m., with a ball drop at midnight.
Big Rapids Elks Community Skate: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Big Rapids Roller Rink, 321 N. Michigan Ave. Free skating, includes rental. No age limit. Food’s not included.
BIG RAPIDS PARKS AND REC.
Multi-class punch cards are available at Big Rapids City Hall, 226 Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. For more information, contact Josh Pyles at 231-592-4058.
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Latin Dance Fusion: 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Sept. 9, at Big Rapids Middle School cafeteria, 500 North Warren Ave., Big Rapids. Cost is $5 per class or $20 for a five-class punch card.
Groove: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, starting Sept. 9, at the Big Rapids Middle School cafeteria, 500 North Warren Ave., Big Rapids. Cost is $5 per class.
Pickleball: 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-10 a.m. Fridays, at the Pickleball courts behind Big Rapids Middle School, 500 North Warren Ave., Big Rapids, until Oct. 10, then at the Ferris State University Racquet Club, 14342 Northland Drive, Big Rapids. Cost is $1 donation to assist with supply costs.
Walking Program: 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Oct. 31 through March 31, at Big Rapids Middle School, 500 North Warren Ave., Big Rapids. No walking on Fridays or non-school days. Cost is free.
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Any fall programs that have Thursday classes will not be held Nov. 28 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
ONGOING PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES
Kiwanis Club of the Big Rapids Area: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at United Church Fellowship Hall, 120 S. State, Big Rapids. For more information, visit facebook.com/bigrapidsmikiwanis.
Mecosta County Historical Museum: 129 S. Stewart, Big Rapids. Closed for the season. To schedule a private tour, call 231-592-5091 and leave your name and phone number. A museum volunteer will return the call as soon as possible.
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Mecosta County Genealogical Society: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. second Saturday of each month; 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays from May to the end of September; or by appointment, at 424 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids, next to Recycle. Open for the public to research genealogy or the history of Mecosta County and surrounding areas. Volunteers needed to help with sorting and indexing. Call Maureen Nelson at 231-250-5555 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Reed City Heritage Museum: Open from 1-4 p.m. Friday through Tuesday at 138 W. Slosson Ave., Reed City. Free admission. Groups are welcome.
Mecosta County Sheriff Posse: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Mecosta County Jail basement training room, 225 S. Stewart Ave., Big Rapids. This volunteer group is always looking for more members. For more info call 231-250-9241.
Wheatland Jamboree: 2-5 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the Wheatland Cabin, 7251 50th Ave Remus. A free informal gathering of acoustic musicians. Open to the public; all levels and abilities welcome.
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Wheatscouts: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday of each month (October through May) in the Gladys Wernette Classroom building at Wheatland Music Organization, 7251 50th Ave., Remus. Cost: Free, with snacks provided. For kids ages 5 and older, accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit wheatlandmusic.org.
Morley Community Center: 151 E. 7th St., Morley. For more information please visit the Morley Community Center Facebook page or call 231-660-1555.
Pickleball: 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Requested donation: $5.
Beginner Pickleball 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Requested donation: $5.
Free Kids Play Group: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays.
Euchre Night: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Requested donation: $5.
Community Coffee: 9-11 a.m. Fridays.
Garage Sales: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Community Potluck: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. first Thursday of each month.
Blood Drive: second Monday of odd numbered months.
Feeding America Food Distribution third Thursday of even numbered months.
Community Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Third Avenue United Methodist Church, 226 N. Third Ave., Big Rapids. Cost: Free, although donations are appreciated. For more information call 231-287-1778.
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Swiss Steak Dinner: 4-6:30 p.m. the last Friday of every month from April-October at the Barryton Senior Center, 71 Northern Ave., Barryton. Open to the public; everyone is welcome. Meal includes Swiss steak, potato, gravy, veggies, roll, beverage and pie. Cost: $10. Proceeds support the senior center.
ARTWORKS CLASSES, EXHIBITS
106 N. Michigan Ave. in Big Rapids / 231-796-2420 / artworksinbigrapids.org
Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
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Classes and Workshops: Register online at artworksinbigrapids.org, in person at the Painted Turtle Gift Shop, or by calling 231-796-2420.