Events of July 28, 29 and 30, 2017

The Jackson Downtown Development Authority presents the Grand River Farmers Market, today and tomorrow from 8am to 2pm.  The market, featuring seasonal farmers and other vendors is at Grand River Marketplace, corner of Glick Highway and Mechanic Street in Downtown Jackson.

The Downtown Jackson Cruise In is tonight.  Join us for our family oriented event featuring classic cars on display throughout the Downtown Streets of Jackson. The event takes place from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the beautiful new Michigan Ave. There will be a variety of vendors at this event including food trucks. Bring your family and friends to Downtown Jackson to enjoy summer evenings checking out classic cruisers! 

Jammin’ in Jackson, the free, family friendly, summer evening concert series tonight from 6 to 8pm  The series takes place in the heart of Downtown Jackson  at CP Federal City Square. Event sponsors:   CP Federal Credit Union, Downtown Jackson and Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Music tonight by One Love Reggae Band. 

The Friday Film Festival continues tonight, presenting a family-friendly classic at CP Federal City Square space in Jackson’s Horace Blackman Park. This event is free and open to the public.  Tonight’s movie is “Jurassic Park”.  Film will begin at dark (9:15-9:30 pm). The Theatre will be selling concessions such as popcorn, wine, and beer, including Grand River Brewery’s award winning Monkey Mouth. Thank you to Tripp’s Auto Shop, American 1 Credit Union, Integro LLC, Downtown Jackson, and Michigan Theatre of Jackson for making this event possible and worthwhile!   Those under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  

The Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association presents the National Stock and J Outboard Nationals on Grass Lake today and tomorrow.  Best viewing is at Grass Lake County Park. For more than 30 years the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association (MHRA) has brought its annual power boat races to Grass Lake to tally up points in the race for the association’s annual driver of the year trophy. One of the many races sponsored by the association each year, the Grass Lake race, dubbed the “Wild Ones Regatta” has grown every year with new races, new drivers, expanded sanctioning, and boat racers from across the Midwest and Canada.

Saturday

Come watch the First Annual Jackson Highland Games, Heavy weights, hammers, and logs all thrown for distance, height and skill. It’s as much fun as you imagine it is!  Come out to Ella Sharp Park on Saturday, July 29th starting at 9am and watch some of Michigan’s best amateur athletes compete against each other at the inaugural Jackson Highland Games!  Bring chairs, coolers, and you friends to enjoy a good show! For more information, please check out our Facebook page!

Sheepdog Splash and Dash at Westwinds Community Church.   Sheep Dog Splash & Dash is an innovative obstacle course that allows kids to run, jump, and get muddy while conquering challenging obstacles.  All proceeds benefit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a non profit organization that exists to engage, assist and empower our nation’s military, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS professions.  Time: 9:00A – 3:00P  Age: 1st – 8th grade  Cost: $15.00 per registered athlete  Hosted at Westwinds Community Church – 1000 Robinson Rd, Jackson, MI 49203  More info at  www.sheepdogsplash.com

The St. Joseph/St. John Polish Festival begins today with a Polka Mass at 4pm at 705 North Waterloo Street.   Outdoor activities include Family Fun:  Children’s games, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, raffles, 50/50, golumbki dinners (5:30pm to 7:30pm), beef BBQ, brats, kielbasa, hot dogs, concessions, popcorn and refreshment tent.  Continuous live entertainment:  Music by Dana Brass from 5:30pm to 9pm, The Persuaders from 9pm to Midnight. 

Sandhill Crane Vineyards presents Wine & Wool, one of our biggest events of the year! Knitters and other fiber artists from all over the Midwest gather to shop with over 25 vendors, taste wine, and enjoy food from our cafe.  Vendors include local fiber farmers, indie dyers, and other artisans making yarn, spinning fiber, and other accessories such as project bags and stitch markers.   Admission is free. The cafe is open throughout the event sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, and coffee drinks.  Wine is available for purchase by the bottle or glass. For more information call Sandhill Crane Vineyards at 517.764.0679.

  Burning Shadows Prerelease at the Megga XP Zone.  Registration 11:-11:30.  Play will start after registration is complete.  $25 admission.  Megga XP Zone is in Suite 420, Commonwealth Commerce Center, Downtown Jackson.  You can park and enter from the south side of the building.  Follow the signs from the stairs or elevator.  Cash only at the event.  More info at www.MIPokemon.com.

The Michigan Theatre presents a “Members Party” with The Wizard of Oz.  Join the Michigan THeatre as we walk down the Yellow Brick Road to celebrate our members. Members get in FREE!  Members get a FREE medium pop and popcorn  Members get a chance to WIN prizes!  The general public is invited to attend the event as well. Admission is $5.00.  Showtime is 7PM.

The Cascades Rotary Bandshell Summer Concert Series presents singer songwriter Gary Niemenski, who will entertain you with his guitar and keyboard music for all ages. Concert is free and starts at 7pm at the Rotary Bandshell, Cascades Falls.

Sunday

The St. Joseph/St. John Polish Festival continues today from 12pm to 6pm at 705 North Waterloo Street.   Outdoor activities include Family Fun:  Children’s games, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, raffles, 50/50, golumbki dinners (5:30pm to 7:30pm), beef BBQ, brats, kielbasa, hot dogs, concessions, popcorn and refreshment tent.  Continuous live entertainment:  Music by The Old Timers from 12pm to 2pm, Randy Wrozek and the Hy-Notes from 2pm to 6pm and Johnny DJ Taylor during band breaks.  Raffle drawings conclude the Festival at 6pm.

Walker Tavern Farmers Market is one of the largest open air markets in Southeast Michigan. There are over 50 vendors that can be found on most Sundays. There are local seasonal produce and handmade crafts at this farmers market, there are even some special Sunday events. A Recreation passport is required for State Park entry.  Hours are 10am to 12 noon.  Walker Tavern is located at M-50 and U.S. 12 in Brooklyn.

Today in the J is sponsored by Experience Jackson.