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.
Jackson based performer is featured on the Brown Bag Concert August 6
Steve Berkemeier, a Jackson based musician, one of the region’s most popular entertainers, will be featured on the new Brown Bag Concert Series on Friday, August 6 in downtown St Johns. The hour-long concert will start at 12 noon and will be held in the Rotary Park Pavilion next to the Railway Depot.
Berkemeier is a singer/songwriter whose mix of original and popular covered songs has been entertaining audiences at venues and festivals throughout Michigan and Ohio for more than 25 years. Growing up the youngest of nine children, he was exposed to a wide variety of music that has had a lasting influence on him, which will be exhibited in his St. Johns performance.
“Berkemeier’s experience as a disc jockey at an oldies station after college led him to covering some of the great songs,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “He explores the background of songs along with the significant contributions and impact the artists had on American society, culture, and music, as he selects his favorite music for his performances.”
This special program will include songs from the likes of John Denver, Bruce Springsteen, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, John Prine, Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, and others.
This concert is being presented by the Clinton County Arts Council and is made possible by a grant from the St Johns Area Community Fund using gifts received from The Forest and Doris Swatman Trust.
The concert is open to the public free of charge and will be held rain or shine. Some picnic tables are available for the lunchtime concert, but it’s advisable to bring your favorite lawn chair. Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged.
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.
National Night Out returns August 2
The City is excited to be back for our annual “Night Out Against Crime” this year.
Come out and join your local police, friends and neighbors to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.
Nashville country/pop/rock recording artist to perform at the Concert in the Park August 4
Kari Holmes, an exhilarating Michigan country/pop/rock singer, with ties to Nashville, will be featured on the Wednesday, August 4 Concert in the Park performance. This special concert will start at 7:00 p.m. in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
Holmes, who has signed a recording contract with Nashville America Records, continues to quickly gain steam in Nashville and around the United States. She continues to headline shows around the US and has opened for many prominent artists over her rising career.
“Kari has a fresh new sound, an incredible voice, who will take our audience on a great emotional ride,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “She will hit the stage running with her infectious vivacious personality. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does, staying true to her music of heartbreak and hope!”
Holmes is a talented singer/songwriter with over 100 songs to her credit expressing passionate lyrics along with a dynamic sound. Many of her original tracks will be highlighted on the concert. Holmes’ recordings and radio play are making her a much sought-after artist.
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge, Donations are graciously accepted.
All concerts are presented rain or shine. The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year – social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged. The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Daily Events at the St Johns Mint Festival
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.