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Looking for something to do? Here’s a list of local community and nonprofit events. Please check with your club or organization to be certain of meetings, outings and classes, as they may be canceled due to bad weather or COVID-19. If any listing is inaccurate or to submit an event, contact Julie Norwood at 231-592-8358 or julie.norwood@pioneergroup.com.
• Our Town: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 11-12, and 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Big Rapids High School, 21175 15 Mile Road, Big Rapids. The Big Rapids High School Theatrical Arts Department presents “Our Town,” a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, available at brhsmi.booktix.com.
• Soccer Exhibition Fundraiser: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Chippewa Hills High School, 3226 Arthur Road, Remus. Fundraiser for Seth Cochran, a senior at Chippewa High School, who is battling leukemia. Cost: Admission is $5, children 2 and younger free; $1 halftime penalty kick contest; 50/50 drawing; Donations accepted.
• Annual Veterans Tribute: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Mecosta County Genealogical Society, 424 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids. The Mecosta County Genealogical Society asks area residents to honor veterans who lived in the Mecosta County area. They have several military scrapbooks, binders with newspaper clippings and photos. Help add to the collection by dropping off material at 424 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids, that day or call Maureen Nelson 231-250-5555 for pickup.
• Annual Veterans Day Concert: 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at Williams Auditorium, 901 S. State St. STR205, Big Rapids. Featuring the FSU West Central Concert Band with Dr. Richard Scott Cohen, musical director and conductor. Free admission, and open to the public.
HOLIDAY FUN
• Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov 19, at City Hall Parking Lot, 226 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids. Holiday goods and foods of the season will be available at the Downtown Farmers Market.
• Auxiliary Fall Craft Show & Expo: 9 a.m- 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov 20, at Big Rapids Eagles 2535, 18361 16 Mile Road, Big Rapids. Event will offer holiday gift ideas from more than 45 vendors. For additional details, call the Eagles at 231-796-6453.
• Festival of the Lights Parade and Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, in downtown Big Rapids. Features parade, tree lighting, caroling, hot chocolate, live reindeer, and a visit from Santa.
• Holiday Market Open House: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at Artworks 106 N. Michigan Ave Big Rapids.
RECURRING EVENTS
• Swiss Steak Dinner: 4-6:30 p.m. the last Friday of every month, April-October, at the Barryton Senior Center, 71 Northern Ave., Barryton. Includes dinner and dessert. Everyone’s welcome.
• Mecosta Co. Genealogical Society: Open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every second Saturday, at 424 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids, next to Recycle, or by appointment. Volunteers needed to help with sorting and indexing. Call Maureen Nelson at 231-250-5555 for more information.
• Mecosta County Sheriff Posse: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Mecosta County Jail basement training room, 225 S. Stewart Ave., Big Rapids. This volunteer group is always looking for more members. For more info call 231-250-9241
• Morley Community Center: The center, at 151 7th St., Morley, hosts weekly pickleball, open gym, indoor garage sales and outdoor market, in addition to monthly ancestry class, craft night and blood drive. For a list of activities, visit morleycenter.org/events or call 231-856-4496.
ARTWORKS ONGOING CLASSES, EXHIBITS
106 N. Michigan Ave. in Big Rapids / 231-796-2420 / artworksinbigrapids.org
• After School Arts: 3:45-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Drop-ins welcome on a first come, first serve basis, but registration recommended. Register at Artworks gift shop or by calling 231-796-2420 the Monday before each session.
• Open Pottery: 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost: $10 per session, $60 for an eight-session punch card. (Additional firing fees apply. Clay may be purchased in bulk for $20 per 25 lbs.) Call 231-796-2420 to schedule your session.
• Fundamentals of Photography, Intermediate: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 9-Dec. 14, Cost: $75. Register at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/photography.
• Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Nov. 15-Dec. 24.