Museum to celebrate Grand Reopening
Tell your friends and bring your family to the Paine-Gillam-Scott House Grand Reopening, scheduled for August 14 and 15 during the Mint Festival Weekend from 1 to 4 p.m. Thereafter the museum will be open on Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m.
Clinton County Historical Museum staff and volunteers have been very busy making much needed repairs to the old Paine-Gillam-Scott House located on the west side of the courthouse in St. Johns. When pandemic restrictions were lifted somewhat, it seemed like the perfect time to tackle this labor intensive project.
After countless hours of hard work, a new very impressive museum is unfolding before their eyes. Special thanks go to Bill Irrer for his quality work in many areas of the restoration and to Karen Kusenda for her professional guidance in helping workers transform the museum into what should prove to be a very pleasing experience for visitors.
The featured exhibit this year highlights Clinton County hospitals and medical professionals of years past. The Museum can be contacted by phone, 989 224 2894 or by email pgsmuseum@gmail.com.
Red Cross Blood Drive a success
On Monday, August 2 the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall in St. Johns.
A total of 98 donors were present, and a total of 96 units were collected. A big thank you to all who came out to donate and to Jane Sira for organizing. The next Drive will be on October 4 at the hall.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped in any way.
Daily Events coming to the St Johns Mint Festival
Eugene Livingston of Livingston Farms says that it is mint time again.
The St. Johns Mint Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, August 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. While most events like shopping at the vendors, free entertainment, carnival/inflatables and pony rides and miniature golf will be held every day, there are some events that are held on a specific day and time. Some of those include:
Community Wide Garage Sales – More than 15 sales are registered with the festival and will be held different days and times between Thursday, August 12 through Sunday August 15. A complete list of those sales will be available at the festival grounds and will be posted on the Mint Festival Facebook page the week of the festival.
Senior Citizens Day will be held on Friday, August 13 between 2-5 p.m. There will be goodie bags for the first 100 that arrive. There will be Bingo, blood pressure checks, prizes and free entertainment including Darin Larner between 4-5 p.m. Senior Citizens Day will be held in the Main Pavilion at the north end of the City Park.
Grand Mint Parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 14 at Oakview Elementary School on Townsend and Lansing Street. The parade will wind through many streets, ending at Railroad Street downtown. A large contingent of tractors will be grouped together this year.
Cornhole Tournament – Singles and doubles matches will be held on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 in the ball diamond at the north end of the St. Johns City Park. Registration starts there at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Worship in the Park on Sunday, August 15 starts at 10:00 a..m with music provided by David Perez. Tyler Barlage, pastor of Community Christian Church will speak from the Performance Shell at 11:00 a.m. Christian music will be provided by The Easton Express at 12:30 and Sweet Crystal at 1:30 p.m. Sunday will also feature the annual Kiwanis Club Peppermint Plop at noon at the north end of the City park, just off Morton Street.
Of course course daily and evening events will also be downtown with their Classic Car Show, various Museums open and Friday and Saturday evening entertainment.
If you have any questions about the Mint Festival, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.
Get Your Souvenirs at the 2021 St. Johns Mint Festival
Get some great souvenirs at the 2021 St. Johns Mint Festival, August 13-15.
New items this year include a mug, small bear, plastic candy dish, peppermint taffy, a disposable doggy bag holder and a souvenir t-shirt with the theme “Together Again.”
Of course we will also have Hanover Mints, the best hard mints around, Livingston Farm’s mint oil, mint soaps, mint lip balms and a whole host of other items.
The Souvenir Booth will be located in the Arts and Crafts area at the south end of the city park.
Free meals every Tuesday
His Cup Runneth Over, a free meal ministry, will be doing free meals every Tuesday starting Tuesday.
Free meals will be given out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave., St. Johns. They will be located in the back southwest corner of the parking lot.
Everyone is welcome to come, and it is free for all who come. For those unable to pick up lunch, please call to arrange for delivery by Monday.
If you would like to get involved in volunteering or need a delivery call or text 517-388-2005 or 989-544-5764.
AgroExpo returns as biggest agricultural trade show in Michigan
After going virtual last year, AgroExpo is returning on August 17 and 18 as the biggest agricultural trade show in Michigan.
This will be the fifth time AgroExpo has been held at the North Central Research Station in St Johns. The show is designed for production farmers, as it features agricultural demonstrations, speakers, vendors, and exhibits. “We’re excited to bring the agricultural community together again for AgroExpo. While the virtual option worked fine for last year, we’re glad our sponsors, vendors, and farmers are all working together to make this a valuable in-person show,” said Burt Henry, AgroExpo Industry Relations and Promotions Manager.
This year’s demonstration will show tillage options and corn silage choppers. There are over 120 vendors and exhibits, which include equipment manufacturers, seed companies, and chemical and fertility providers.
Seven speakers over the two days will focus on issues related to succession planning, irrigation technology, and other focused agronomic solutions. They include Kristin Poley, Clayton Irani, Mike Fraleigh, Mark Torregrossa, Jeff Schussler, Stephanie Smith, and Andy Stroop. Attendees can also receive CCA and RUP credits.
The Michigan FFA Crop Management Challenge, where FFA students compete on growing soybeans and corn, is also held at AgroExpo. FFA students will also compete in a tractor driving contest, where they will showcase both their operational skills and knowledge.
As always, AgroExpo attendees can evaluate the over 80 varieties of soybeans and 80 different corn hybrids on the grounds. Food trucks, vehicle test driving opportunities, and attendee networking will also run over the two days.
“The mission of the show is to connect, discover, and innovate. We want to thank all of our loyal participants and team of industry professionals, volunteers, and farmers who are making this possible,” said Jay Eccleton, AgroExpo site manager.
AgroExpo is scheduled for August 17 and 18. Visit theagroexpo.com for the show schedule.
RBW Class of 1964 to meet August 29
The Rodney B. Wilson High School Class of 1964 will hold their Annual Potluck Picnic on Sunday August 29, 2021.
They also welcome the Class Members of 1965 and 1963 to join them.
Please plan to arrive at the St. Johns City Park Main Pavilion between 12:00 and 12:30 and eat at 1:00p.m.
Any Questions Contact: Jan Ernst-Chick on Facebook or Rick Knight.
Concert in the Park Series 2021 Line-up:
August 11 — Rachel Curtis (American Idol Folk/Pop Artist)
August 18 — FRENDZ (Great Vintage Classic Rock)
August 25 — David Bennett Quartet (From Swing to Rock)
September 1 — Matt King (An Award Winning Tribute to Elvis)
New Brown Bag Concert Series line-up
August 6 – Steve Berkemeier – Singer/Songwriter Covering Songs You’ll Love
August 13 – Clique Vocals – Jazz Ballads, Pops and Contemporary Mix, Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner
August 20 – Peter Madcat Ruth – Grammy Award Winning Blue, Folk and More, John Churchville
August 27 – Kitty Donohoe – Emmy-Award Winner w/ Irishy, Folk and Canadianish