Events of August 27, 28, and 29, 2021

Friday, August 27

Michigan State Police Open House.  The Michigan State Police (MSP) Jackson Post will be hosting our 3^rd annual Post Open House on Friday, August 27 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Plans for the event include a dunk tank for people to dunk a trooper, tours of the post, and opportunities to meet with department members assigned to the Emergency Support Team, Marine Division, Canine Team, Motor Unit, Forensic Science Division, Computer Crimes Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, MSP Dispatch, and many other State specialty teams.  In addition to the hands-on activities and displays, visitors can enjoy a small historical patrol car display, as well as light refreshments. Information regarding the MSP Angel Program will be available, as well as Child Safety Identification kits for those attending.  For individuals who are interested in career opportunities with the MSP, recruiters from Recruiting and Selection will be present to answer questions regarding the application process and upcoming Trooper Recruit Schools.  Please join us for this fun-filled event suited for both adults and children.

American 1 Credit Union Summer Car Sale.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12 PM to 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.  Westwood Mall.  Daily prize package giveaways, $100 gas card from your dealership with purchase, food trucks every day and more!  300+ vehicles from four local dealers.

Red Cross Blood Drive.  Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.  As a thank-you, those who come to donate throughout the month of August will get a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.

Friday Blood Drive:  11:30 AM to 5:15 PM St. Rita Parish, 10516 Hayes Road, Clarklake

Downtown Cruise In.  The Jackson Downtown Development Authority presents the monthly Cruise In, today from 5 to 8 PM.  Hundreds of classic and antique cars and vehicles, food trucks and food vendors, entertainment, restaurant and shop specials and more!  Free and fun for the whole family!

Jackson Symphony Orchestra “A Salute to America”.  The Jackson Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce Patriotic Summer Pops, SALUTE TO AMERICA, a FREE concert to take place on Friday, August 27 at 7:00 PM, at Horace Blackman Park. Under the direction of Music Director, Maestro Matt Aubin, this summer we’ll pay tribute to America and its steadfast strength in the face of hardship with a mixture of marches, film scores, and iconic works. These pieces are all composed by American composers including music by Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa and John Williams.  The concert is free but you can purchase VIP tickets for $20 which includes special seating and an invitation to a VIP reception at Weatherwax Hall. The reception begins at 6:00 PM and will also be open during the concert’s intermission. Sponsors:  Jackson Anchor Initiative, Hurst Foundation, County National Bank, Experience JacksonJacksonsymphony.org

Grand River Farmers Market.  The Grand River Farmers Market at the corner of Louis Glick and Pearl Streets in Jackson is open Fridays and Saturdays, 9-2.  Lots of great new vendors, and our favorite regulars too!   A great selection of local seasonal produce is available. Buy local at the Grand River Farmers Market and receive the freshest produce in the area. Now accepting credit cards and bridge cards.  http://grandriverfarmersmarket.com/(517) 788-4355.  Follow their Facebook page.

Red Cross Disaster Relief Training.  The Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a one-day, disaster relief training event Friday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christoff and Sons Flooring, 400 N. Mechanic St., in Jackson.   Local Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly home fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and long-term recovery services. Our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. If you are team-oriented and want to help those in your community, becoming a DAT responder may be just the thing for you. This event is a great opportunity for new volunteers to fast-track that training into a single day. Participants will receive basic skills to become a disaster responder in the mid-Michigan area. Those who take part in the training will have the opportunity to interact with Red Cross staff and other volunteers to learn more about the Red Cross. Lunch will be provided and masks must be worn by all participants.   To RSVP, please contact Abigail Wright-Geddes at 517-230-6275 (call or text) or Abigail.WrightGeddes@redcross.org.

Free Drive In Movie.  FREE Drive-In Movie at Keeley Park (Jackson County Fairgrounds), 200 W Ganson St, Jackson.  Tonight’s movie:   Disney’s Moana.  Movie starts at 9:45 pm. 

Junior Achievement Grand Prix.  25th Anniversary Event.  5 PM, Downtown Jackson.  The races will be held in the parking lot on Michigan Avenue next to the Post Office building.  Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge (Jackson, MI) invites you to join the fun and racing action celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Grand Prix. Downtown Jackson along with the Cruise In night and other activities. Fun for the whole family.  Follow their Facebook event page HERE.

Saturday, August 28

American 1 Credit Union Summer Car Sale.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12 PM to 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.  Westwood Mall.  Daily prize package giveaways, $100 gas card from your dealership with purchase, food trucks everyday and more!  300+ vehicles from four local dealers.

Rust ’N Dust Farm Days.  Rust ‘n’ Dust Farm Days at Heritage Park in Hanover, Michigan!  Antique tractor pulls all day on Saturday; Lawn tractor pulls on Sunday!  Historical arts demonstrators; vendors, food sales, bake sale, Thresher and Sawmill demonstrations, wagon rides, antique farm equipment displays!  Entertainer Dan Bickel 3-6 Saturday!  For Children:  Kids on the Farm activities:  laundry, egg grading, wheat grinding, corn shelling, pig herding, cow milking, pedal tractor pull on Saturday at 1:00, and lots more!  Also real petting zoo and pony rides!    Admission:  $3 per person; $10 per family; Kids under 8 free.  10 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday.

Southside Summerfest Series. 12 PM to 6 PM.  Events run from Noon-6 pm at Elnora Moorman Plaza, on the corner of Milwaukee and High Streets in Jackson.  Food, vendors, entertainment, activities for the kids and fun for all!    For more details or to become a vendor, email southsidesummerfest@gmail.com.

Grand River Farmers Market.  The Grand River Farmers Market at the corner of Louis Glick and Pearl Streets in Jackson is open Fridays and Saturdays, 9-2.  Lots of great new vendors, and our favorite regulars too!   A great selection of local seasonal produce is available. Buy local at the Grand River Farmers Market and receive the freshest produce in the area. Now accepting credit cards and bridge cards.  http://grandriverfarmersmarket.com/(517) 788-4355.  Follow their Facebook page.

Sunday, August 29

Michigan Songwriters Showcase. 1:30 PM. Michigan Theatre.  In an effort to highlight some of our great native talent, encourage a creative local venue and have some regular fun, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson will present a monthly Sunday afternoon Michigan Songwriter’s Showcase.  The Showcase will feature some songwriting mainstays from around our state, as well as some new songwriting blood that might surprise you. It will be hosted by notable musician Ray Kamalay. It will all take place in the confines of one of Michigan’s most historic playhouses, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, now entering its tenth decade. This stunning showplace, newly refitted for comfort and sound, is the perfect soundstage to feature this homegrown talent to an audience at ease with food and liquid refreshment.  THIS WEEK FEATURES Kevin Nichols, Ray Kamalay, Annie Capps, AND Judy Banker.  DOORS OPEN AT 1:30. THE FORMAT WILL BE “SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND”

Compassionate Ministries of Jackson Food Giveaway.  Every Sunday is @JacksonmichigangivingbacktotheCommunity.  Food giveaway at 1003 Clinton Rd, Jackson Michigan 49202.  12 PM to 4 PM.

Rust ’N Dust Farm Days.  Rust ‘n’ Dust Farm Days at Heritage Park in Hanover, Michigan!  Antique tractor pulls all day on Saturday; Lawn tractor pulls on Sunday!  Historical arts demonstrators; vendors, food sales, bake sale, Thresher and Sawmill demonstrations, wagon rides, antique farm equipment displays!  Entertainer Dan Bickel 3-6 Saturday!  For Children:  Kids on the Farm activities:  laundry, egg grading, wheat grinding, corn shelling, pig herding, cow milking, pedal tractor pull on Saturday 1:00, and lots more!  Also real petting zoo and pony rides!    Admission:  $3 per person; $10 per family; Kids under 8 free.  10 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday.