Adam Bragenzer

The 2013 Taste of Jackson will be held Thursday, August 15 at the Michigan Theatre from 6 to 9 pm.  Admission is $10 and tickets are available at downtown merchants and at the event.  Organizers Cassandra Spicer and Wendy Clifton have more than 15 restaurants participating, along with live entertainment on stage throughout the evening.  Other guests:  State Representative Mike Shirkey;  "Money Matters" with Jeff Matzen, Matzen Financial;  Rose Queen Candidates Amanda Fron, Emily Sioma and Serenity Sanders;  Carolyn Matteson, Anderson Printing/Creative Promotions;  Victoria Beaman, "Kiss & Make-Up" providing make-up services in the Green Room today.

Today, Michigan International Speedway Manager of Media Relations Brad Kuhbander outlined the upcoming events of the Pure Michigan 400.  Events include the "Fish Your Bass Off" competition at Jerry's Pub on Thursday, practice and qualifying on Friday and the races on the weekend.  Complete schedule at www.mispeedway.com.  Other guests:  The Jackson County Sheriff Department Mounted Division, on location at the Jackson County Fair;  Ben Latocki, Broker-Owner, Production Realty;  Weekend entertainment with Dave DeBaker;  Ric Walton, The Walton Agency.  Friday's show replays Monday, August 12.

Consumers Energy Community Development Program Manager Leslie Youngdahl described some of the efforts of downtown businesses, including Consumers Energy to further enhance the business climate through promotion and partnerships.  The company is responding to Governor Rick Snyder's call for anchor businesses to make commitments to their home cities.  Other guests:  Michigan Center Schools Superintendent Scott Koziol and student Jenny Holubowicz;  BuilderWalk with Andy Woell;  Michigan Waterskiing Hall of Fame tour with Tony Krupa;  Jerome Colwell, Jackson County Department of Human Services Director;  Rose Queen candidates Quinn Fischman, Jillien Baldwin and Paige Poling-Cook.

The LPGA Legends Tour stops in Jackson Sunday, August 11- Monday, August 12 at the Country Club of Jackson.  Elaine Crosby, host of the Wendy's Charity Challenge and sponsor Mark Behm, Stanton & Associates invited viewers to the tournament.  Admission is $10 Sunday for the tournament; the Pro-Am is Monday.  Admission for children is free.  Other guests:  Julie Hand, Assistant Dean, North Campus, Jackson College;  Rose Queen candidates Rachel Clark, Courtney Clark and Kylie Commet;  Jacque Austin and Scott TenBrink, Fitness Council's "Amazing Race"; Pet of the Week with Kathy Brafford; Mike Gumper Memorial event at the Jackson County Fair.

Midtown Association board members Cassandra Spicer and Jim Stovall announced the Taste of Jackson will have a new home at the Michigan Theatre with an expanded roster of participating restaurants.  The event begins at 6pm on Thursday, August 15.  Admission, which includes 10 tasting tickets, is $10.  Other guests:  Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dan Evans;  Jackson Community Foundation President Monica Moser;  Bart visits the Fair;  Steve Shotwell, Miller Shoes;  Janice Fairley and Christine Peterson, Freedom Fest Jackson.