Events of September 14, 15, and 16, 2018

September 14

The Jackson Family Festival begins today and continues through Sunday on the grounds of St. John School, 405 E. North St., in Jackson. Now in its 15th year, this event brings together a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment for people of all ages. The event is sponsored by St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. John the Evangelist, Queen of the Miraculous Medal and Lumen Christi Catholic schools; Jim Winter Buick is the presenting sponsor. Admission and parking are free.  In addition to annual features like the Midway rides, the Food Court, Bake Sale and Marketplace, the 2018 edition now offers several new activities, including today’s special events:  Friday Night Lights – Transportation to and from the Lumen Christi v Northwest high-school football game.  DJ Mike Holiday plays popular tunes Friday evening beginning at 6 p.m. in the Entertainment Tent.   Complete schedule here.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Join us! And help in the fight to end Alzheimer’s with our annual Jackson Walk To End Alzheimer’s.  5:30 to 7:30 PM, CP Federal City Square, Horace Blackman Park, Downtown Jackson.  Hosted by Jackson Community to End Alzheimers.  All are welcome for activities, presentations and a walk throughout Downtown Jackson.

The Michigan Theatre presents Kev Nichols and Blue Tuesday as they return for another night of jams! Come to watch or get up to jam! Either way, its FREE! Doors open at 6:30 PM Bar and concessions available for purchase Admission is FREE!!!

The Grand River Farmers Market presented by the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, 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.

Free Concert at Jackson Coffee Company.  This week’s entertainment by Dan Hazlett.  Dan’s rich, warm voice and skillful acoustic guitar work make his performances touching, humorous and uplifting. He blends a folky, jazzy style with carefully crafted and thoughtful songwriting..  7 PM to 10 PM.  Jackson Coffee Company, corner of Mechanic and Cortland Streets, Downtown Jackson.

Chronic Pain PATH Workshop.  Are you dealing with chronic pain and would like to manage it better?  The FREE 6-week Chronic Pain PATH Workshop continues today at the Summit Branch of the Jackson YMCA, hosted by the Region 2 Area Agency on Aging.  Topics include managing fatigue, getting better sleep, connecting to others, healthy eating, new treatments and more.  Classes are Fridays from 1 PM to 3:30 PM.  For more information or to register, call 517-592-1974 or visit www.r2aaa.net.

Yoga at the Meijer Branch, Jackson District Library.  Join us at the Meijer Branch! Stop by the Meijer Branch every Monday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., and Friday at 8:30 a.m. and let Jeanette Lamphere teach you yoga. Suggested donation of $3. Intended for adults.

Yoga at the Spring Arbor Branch of the Jackson District Library today and every Friday at 9 AM with Amy Reamer.  Suggested donation of $5.

Dueling Basses.  Everyone and their grandmother knows that the King of All Musical Instruments is the double bass! At least that’s the opinion of bassists Mark Mathias and Jerry Jacoby. Let them prove it to you with musical gems ranging from Back to Tin Pan Alley.  One of these guys is a bass virtuoso. The other guy is a nut! You decided which is which.  Visit the Facebook event page for additional information.  Summit Branch, Jackson District Library, 104 W Bird St, Jackson

The Eastern Branch of the Jackson District Library has Yoga with Elizabeth Hall at 9 AM.  Class suggested for adults and seniors.  Suggested donation is $2.

September 15

The Jackson Family Festival continues today and continues through Sunday on the grounds of St. John School, 405 E. North St., in Jackson. Now in its 15th year, this event brings together a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment for people of all ages. The event is sponsored by St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. John the Evangelist, Queen of the Miraculous Medal and Lumen Christi Catholic schools; Jim Winter Buick is the presenting sponsor. Admission and parking are free.  In addition to annual features like the Midway rides, the Food Court, Bake Sale and Marketplace, the 2018 edition now offers several new activities, including today’s special events:  Variety and Talent Show will be held Saturday afternoon in the Ken Dillon Center.  Art and Artisan Day, sponsored by Art 634, will be Saturday afternoon in the Event Tent.  Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by the Hub, will be Saturday afternoon.  Battle of the Bands begins Saturday afternoon and continues through the evening, sponsored by 92.8, The Duke and Q106.  Mexican Dinner Saturday, from 4-7 p.m.  Laser Light Show at dusk on Saturday.   Complete schedule here.

Jackson County Family Farmfest.  A day on the farm in Southern Jackson County.  11 AM to 5 PM.  Free, public site tours of three farms.  Tours, activities and special events at each farm.  Agriscience and FFA Program at Jackson Area Career Center 6800 Browns Lake Road.  Choate’s Belly Acres Dairy Farm, 11670 Culver Road, Liberty.  Riddermark Horse Farm, 3435 Jefferson Road, Clarklake. Flyer and other details here.

13th Annual Tompkins Center Historical Society Freedom Festival and Steam Show.  Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Sunday from 9 to 3.  Many activities include:  Working Steam Engines, Working Saw Mill, Teeter Totter, Rock Crusher,  Tractor Pulls / Garden Tractor Pulls, Silent Auction and much more.  Both days held on the Stewart Property: 10138 Tompkins Road. Rives Junction, MI 49277 (in Tompkins Center).  This is a wonderful FREE family event with something for everyone.  Bring your family and friends and spend the weekend with us.    Lots of fun for everyone!   Complete schedule here.

Pre-Season Football Camp presented by the Jackson Recreation Department.  Attend this Pre-season football camp to improve your football fundamentals and footwork with Coaches from Jackson High School Football team! Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Withington Stadium at Jackson High School.   Boys and girls going into Grades 3rd through 6th from 10am to 12pm.   Contact Antonio Parker with any questions at 788-4040.

Jackson County Museum Day.  Participating museums throughout Jackson County will be open to the public free of charge. Some locations will keep it low-key with an “open-house style” reception and self-guided tours while others are hosting festivals, child-friendly activities, historical demonstrations and providing guided tours. Please click herefor a print friendly copy of the museum list and click here for a 2018 Museum Day Flyer.   Museum Day is a wonderful opportunity to check these museums off your bucket list and discover little pieces of Michigan history waiting to be uncovered in Jackson, Michigan. 

Run for Hope 5 K.  Join us on a cross-country course that will finish with a lap on the high school track during Relay festivities. Part of the course will follow the Thom Baird Trail behind the high school. Wooded, hilly, grassy course. Finisher award to all participants who pre-register by Sept. 1st. Homemade, edible, age group awards, 3-deep,  from Whippersnapper Bakery! Sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrassLake/RunforHope5KRunWalk.  Begins at 10 AM.  Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail,  Grass Lake.

September 16

The Jackson Family Festival continues today and continues through Sunday on the grounds of St. John School, 405 E. North St., in Jackson. Now in its 15th year, this event brings together a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment for people of all ages. The event is sponsored by St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. John the Evangelist, Queen of the Miraculous Medal and Lumen Christi Catholic schools; Jim Winter Buick is the presenting sponsor. Admission and parking are free.  In addition to annual features like the Midway rides, the Food Court, Bake Sale and Marketplace, the 2018 edition now offers several new activities, including today’s special events:  Animal Advocacy Day, featuring Animal Rescue and Blessing of the Pets, will be Sunday afternoon in the Event Tent.  Randy Wrozek and the Hy-Notes perform Sunday afternoon in the Entertainment Tent.  The Polish Dinner, 12-3 p.m.  Complete schedule here.

Pig Roast at Vista Grande Villa.  Fundraiser benefitting the family of Jazmin Wilson, tragically lost in an auto accident last month.  Enjoy a pulled pork dinner from Grand River Brewery, music by Pro DJs and Joey D, games, activities and more.  3 PM to 6 PM at Vista Grande Villa, 2251 Springport Road, Jackson.  Jazmin was the daughter of Vista Grande Villa’s Health and Rehab employee Liz Tucker.  All proceeds benefit the family and help with funeral and medical expenses for Jazmin’s two young daughters. 

13th Annual Tompkins Center Historical Society Freedom Festival and Steam Show.  Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Sunday from 9 to 3.  Many activities include:  Working Steam Engines, Working Saw Mill, Teeter Totter, Rock Crusher,  Tractor Pulls / Garden Tractor Pulls, Silent Auction and much more.  Both days held on the Stewart Property: 10138 Tompkins Road. Rives Junction, MI 49277 (in Tompkins Center).  This is a wonderful FREE family event with something for everyone.  Bring your family and friends and spend the weekend with us.    Lots of fun for everyone!   Complete schedule here.

Homecoming Hog Roast.  Arbor Grove Congregational Church, 2621 McCain Rd., Jackson.  Come join us for food, fellowship and fun! Hog roast ($10), music by the French Quarter Dixieland Band, Kids Corner, Bounce House, Photo Booth, Face Painting, and more. 12 to 4 pm. All are welcome! 12:00 pm  2621 McCain Rd., Jackson https://www.arborgrovechurch.org/