Features

In The News Business by the Bay list

Business by the Bay accepting applications through Aug. 13

Applications are open now for the annual Business by the Bay Pitch Competition.

In The News arc list

Strawberries are at the heart of a sweet fundraiser

The fundraiser benefits the Arc of Bay County, which provides advocacy and support services to people of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

In The News Fishing list image

Four charter boat captains from Bay County earn national awards

The 2025 Angler's Choice Award honors charter boat captains for high customer satisfaction and reliability scores.

In The News Riverside Art Festival 2025 list

Riverside Art Festival returns to Downtown Bay City this weekend

The Riverside Art Festival is expected to fill Downtown Bay City with art, music, food, and thousands of people on June 14 and 15.

In The News Juneteenth list image

The local NAACP marks Juneteenth with two celebrations in Bay City

A free health and wellness fair and a party in Wenonah Park each mark the 2025 observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in 1865.

Development News Encore Golf Supply list image

Encore Golf Supply takes a swing at providing the region with affordable, pre-owned golf equipment

Encore Golf Supply opened its Monitor Township location in 2023. Since then, the business that focuses on selling pre-owned golf equipment, has steadily grown.

Feature Story Downtown Market list

Farmers markets bloom in Downtown Bay City and Auburn

Farmers markets in Downtown Bay City and Auburn deliver fresh produce, handcrafted items, grain-fed meats, handcrafted items, and more this summer.

In The News A  performer at the 2024 Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival goes off-stage to teach the crowd some dance moves

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month with events across the region

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month 2025 with inclusive events across mid-Michigan, including festivals, fitness, drag shows, and community gatherings promoting LGBTQ+ joy and visibility.

Feature Story Sailboat List image

'Family Fun Racing' program sets sail to boost Saginaw Bay's race scene

A new training initiative aims to teach sailors how to race on sailboats. The program hopes to get more people involved in races on the Saginaw Bay.

Feature Story Bay City State Park list

Voices of Youth: Five ideas for kids and teens to unlock summer adventures

Right now, the 2025-26 school year feels far away, but it will arrive faster than you think. Make a plan now to make the most of this summer.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

In The News Books list image

Annual book sale is a page-turning opportunity to support your community

Your next great read (or ten great reads) await at the 2025 Friends of the Bay County Library System Book Sale, set for July 31-Aug. 2.   

In The News Rib Fest list image

Labadie Rib Fest returns, bringing barbecue, music, and more, to Veterans Park this summer

The Labadie Rib Fest takes place in Veterans Memorial Park on Bay City’s West Side from July 24 through 27.  

In The News Graduation list image

Nine graduating seniors earn accolades for their volunteer work during high school

The Michigan Governor Youth Service Awards acknowledge Michigan youth for their achievements and encourages youth to engage in a lifetime of service.

Feature Story Bay Area Community Foundation logo

Bay Commitment Scholarship opens doors for first-generation college students

The Bay Area Community Foundation's Bay Commitment Scholarship Program has been a vital resource for first-generation college students in the Bay and Arenac counties since 2008, providing both financial assistance and crucial mentoring and support.

Feature Story Reading to baby

Local literacy advocates say unplugging the phones and engaging with kids builds fundamental skills

The Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center and the Bay-Arenac Great Start Collaborative offer several different ways parents and kids can connect while building key literacy skills. We promise that many of them will be fun for both kids and adults.  

Community Calendar

If you have an event you would like to appear on our community calendar you can submit a request here