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Central Great Lakes Weigh Off is Saturday, September 26

The annual Weigh Off of Giant Pumpkins and many other huge vegetables from around the Region will be hosted by Andy T’s Farm Market on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 11 a.m.

There will be Carmel Apples. Wagon rides to the pumpkin patch also begin Saturday at 11:00.

Andy T’s is located on old US-27 south of St. Johns.


Concerts in the Park closes out season on September 30

 

It’s going to be an amazing evening as the St. Johns Concert in the Park music series concludes its season when the Dave Bennett Quartet takes the stage September 30 at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park.

Guests can expect everything from toe-tapping swing to moody blues to emotional ballads to original, brand-new jazz compositions – all performed with deft touch, virtuosity and style. The eclectic blend of musical fun begins at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Bringing back Dave Bennett to perform again this year was a must, says concert coordinator Bill Tennant. “Dave and his quartet made such an impression on everyone who heard them last year that there was no question but what we needed to have them back. They were without doubt one of the best groups we’ve ever had perform in St. Johns!”

The quartet also performed in the Wilson Center Auditorium at the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee’s “Donor Appreciation Program” back on March 10, 2020. “This incredible band brought down the house again,” says Tennant.

The group’s namesake is looking forward to the show. “We love St. Johns,” says Bennett. “This will be our third performance in the city in a little more than a year. We’ve connected on a deep emotional level – that’s what it’s all about!”

Along with Bennett, who’s from the Detroit, the quartet includes local jazz greats Jeff Kressler on keyboards, Ed Fedwa on bass along with Saginaw’s Doug Cobb on drums.

While Bennett primarily leads on clarinet and voice, he also performs Jerry Lee Lewis classics on piano and entertains with a dueling drum battle. A clarinet virtuoso, Bennett began playing along with Benny Goodman records at age 10. His career spans 20 years. He has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, and along with his quartet, has played music festivals throughout the U.S. He recently released “Blood Moon,” an album featuring five original songs along with six standards.

Not only does the quartet feature music from the Swing era, but they also touch on country, rockabilly and pop, with original brand-new jazz compositions thrown in. Audiences will hear the influences of Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Jerry Lee Lewis, even Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel in this group’s music.

This concert will be presented under strict safety guidelines that have been established by the State of Michigan, the City of St. Johns and the “Concert in the Park” Committee. During these unprecedented times, the guidelines must be followed.

Wearing of Masks and Social Distancing are both required.

Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. The Clinton County Arts Council receives support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.


MMDHD welcomes new staffers

Ethan Israels joined the Mid Michigan District Health Department recently as an Environmental Health Specialist. They welcome him to the team.

John Kroneck joined MMDHD several months ago and is the Health Promotion Supervisor.


Most Holy Trinity School plans outdoor fundraiser

 

Due to COVID 19 restrictions and in lieu of the annual dinner raffle fundraiser, this year the fundraising committee of Most Holy Trinity School in Fowler is planning an outdoor fundraising event on October 24.

They will have food trucks throughout the day, booths with raffle and silent auction items and music by Parents Playing Music, Jared and Joyce Feldpausch, from 6 to 8 p.m. People are invited to bring their lawn chairs or other necessities if they wish to spread out and eat on site.

There is no cost to attend. Raffle tickets will be available the day of the event and distributed through the parish as soon as they are printed.


Phillips Orchard to host weekend festivities

Come enjoy the fall at the orchard, pick some apples, watch them make cider, grab some donuts and cider and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Orchard Market, 3 miles west of the Gatehouse Market on US-127, is open every Saturday and Sunday through October 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. U-Pick varieties will change each week as we move through the harvest season.

The Gatehouse Market is open every day 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. located on the northwest corner of US-127 and County Line Rd, 8 miles north of M-21 or 4 miles south of M-57.

Phillips Orchards and Cider Mill Gatehouse Market, 1995 E Gratiot County Line Rd, Saint Johns MI 48879,
(989) 292-5252


Food, Drinks and Fun at the Farm Sunday

 

Take your friends and family for fun at the farm Sunday at Uncle John’s Cider Mill. Enjoy baked goods, cider, donuts and outdoor bar. Walk the 5K trail and more.

The Pumpkin Patch is open from 11-6 p.m. Corn Maze is available from 11-6 p.m. for $4/Person with 2 and under free. Cider Yard and Outdoor Bar will be open from 11-6 p.m.

Food Trucks will be available from 12-5 p.m.
– Chuckie D’s BBQ
– Build a Bowl
– Fire and Rice
– Camzie’s Pizza
– Fun Food

Live Music from 1-4 p.m. featuring Delilah Dewylde.

Precautions will be taken for the safety of our guests and staff. Wear your mask, wash your hands, respect social distancing and we will do the rest.


Red Cross blood drive coming up October 5

 

Time to share your blood with those who need it. Go to the Columbian Hall on Monday, October 5, 2020 from 11:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Appointment are recommended. Walk-ins welcome if space permits. To make an appointment logon to redcrossblood.org Code: stjohnkofc or phone 1-800-REDCROSS.

The hall is located at 1108 N US-27 in St. Johns.