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.)
Winterventures Balloon Powered Car Race: Two sessions, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, at Big Rapids City Hall, 226 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. Build and race your own balloon-power car. For kids in first through fifth grade. Cost: Free. Pre-registration required at https://www.brpr.org/2025_winterventures_page.php
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
State Rep. Tom Kunse and Sen. Roger Hauck office hours: 1-2 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Osceola County Administrative Building, 602 W. Upton Ave., Reed City. No appointment is necessary. Those unable to attend may share their comments by calling the office of Rep. Tom Kunse at 515-373-7317 or emailing TomKunse@house.mi.gov.
Family Game Night: 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Lighthouse Church, 4395 20 Mile Road, Barryton. Card games, board games, refreshments, activities for all ages.
National Vietnam Veterans Day: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Morley Community Center, 151 7th St, Morley. Morley Community Center will host “Understanding Vietnam” program and honor Vietnam veterans. Complimentary refreshments will be available. Sponsored in conjunction with Stanwood Lions Club and Deerfield Productions
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
BIG RAPIDS PARKS AND REC.
For more information, contact Josh Pyles at 231-592-4038.
Nature Play: 4:45 p.m. Mondays through May 2, at Northend Riverside Park. A unique educational experience that combines outdoor play with learning. Cost: Free. Register at buytickets.at/mecostacountykids
Pickleball: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 8-10 a.m. Fridays at the Ferris State University Racquet Facility, 14342 Northland Drive, Big Rapids. Cost: $5
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Water Aerobics: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9-May 10, at the Ferris State University Recreation Center Pool, 401 South St., Big Rapids. Cost: $4 per class, $40 for a 12-class punch card (available at city hall)
Latin Dance Fusion: 6 p.m. Tuesdays through May 20 at the Big Rapids Middle School cafeteria, 500 N. Warren Ave., Big Rapids. Cost: $5. (No class April 1)
Groove: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays through May 22 at the Big Rapids Middle School cafeteria, 500 N. Warren Ave., Big Rapids. . Cost: $5. (No class April 3)
Senior Fit Time: 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m. Thursdays at Style Station, 1619 Catherine St., Big Rapids. Cost: $2.
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Delay the Disease Fitness for Parkinson’s: 1-1:45 p.m. Thursdays at Style Station, 1619 Catherine St., Big Rapids. Cost: $2.
Walking Program: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays at Big Rapids Middle School, 500 N. Warren Ave., Big Rapids. Cost: Free. (No walking Fridays or on non-school days).
ONGOING PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES
Community Playgroup: 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Hillcrest Early Childhood Center, 501 W. Bridge St., Big Rapids. Hosted by MOISD Early On for birth to 5 years old.
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Partners in Play: 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday each month at St Mary Catholic School, 927 Marion Ave., Big Rapids. Children ages 3-6 and their parents are invited for an hour of child-centered play time after school in the preschool classroom. Everybody is welcome.
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.
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 Monday at 138 W. Slosson Ave., Reed City. Free admission. Groups are welcome.
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
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.
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.
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Pickleball: 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays; and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, 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, second floor.
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.
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
Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Classes and Workshops: Register online at artworksinbigrapids.org, in person at the Painted Turtle Gift Shop, or by calling 231-796-2420.
Open Pottery: 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost: $10 per session, $70 for an eight-session punch card. (Additional fees may apply.)
After School Art: 3:45-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays. For ages 7-13. Cost: Free. Class capacity is 12 children; drop-ins are welcome on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is encouraged by calling 231-796-2420 no earlier than the Monday prior to each week’s class.
Exhibits: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Advertisement Article continues below this ad