Holiday Fun For The Family

The hustle and bustle of the season is a upon us. Decorating, shopping and baking are just a few things on many peoples vast lists of things they have to get done in the next few weeks. Sometimes though, a person just needs to take a break from all that, take in a show with the family and immerse the mind in something being presented on a stage. Be it music or a play, the Blue Water Area has many options of the sort happening in December.

Back before television was in every home the family would gather around the radio and let the "theater of the mind" make the scene of the sounds crackling over the speakers. Of course a telling of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" was standard then as it is now.

The Port Austin Community Playhouse will bring to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast on stage. Complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring, a handful of actors will bring dozens of characters to the stage of the familiar and beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge for two weekends, December 2nd through the 4th and the 9th through the 11th. For tickets and more info call the Port Austin Community Playhouse at 989-738-5217.

The Riverbank Theater in Marine City will also being doing a musical take on the curmudgeon Scrooge too.

Running three weekends over the month of December, this production based on the Dickens play features music by Alan Menken, who's musical scores include the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast and lyrics by Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Lynn Ahrens. Tickets are available here.

If you are in Marine City on December 3rd, enjoy a Merry Time Christmas. There will be music in the streets, carolers caroling and brass horns serenading plus a whole lot more!

After taking more than a year to prepare for their first production in 1990, The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre Company has been presenting The Nutcracker Ballet in Port Huron every December since.

Consisting of dancers and performers from all over the Blue Water area and beyond, along professional student couple to dance the Grand pas de Deux, this local production of the story of Clara, her favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, an evil Mouse King, a magical kingdom populated by dolls and sugar plum fairy, this famous ballet has delighted families at Port Huron's McMorran Place for nearly three decades.

Showtimes for the Nutcracker this year are December 2nd through the 4th. Advanced tickets are available from Ticketmaster or the McMorran box office on the days of the performances.

While The Carpenters are known for over a dozen chart topping hits, they also won over their fans with their Christmas celebrations. 

Based on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her 6-piece backing band are keep The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive for two shows at the Lexington Village Theater on Saturday, December 3rd. 

On Thursday, December 8th, enjoy Christmas tunes in Motor City Solid Gold style at Port Huron's McMorran Place.  

Featuring an all-star line-up of vocalists and musicians assembled from the ranks of the Capitols, the Miracles and former members of the Temptations and backed by a 12-piece orchestra of live strings and brass, A Motown Christmas Spectacular with The Motortown All-Stars celebrate the music and the magic of Motown in Holiday style.

To find out more about these happenings and many more things going on around the Blue Water Area for the month of December, check out our events page.

Diggin' The Bones at the Port Huron Museum

Over the next month or so kids will be on break from school. It wont be uncommon to claim that they are bored. Many parents will be thinking of things for their children to do that is fun but also educational to break that boredom. For the youngsters (and the oldsters too) that are into dinosaurs, Port Huron Museum's Paleomania exhibit has just the thing for an interesting outing.

Entering the main floor gallery of the Carnegie #Museum in #PortHuron. Join us here throughout this week to check out some of the things on display at their #Paleomania exhibit running now through the end of February. #fossils #discovertheblue #dinosaurs

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 17, 2016 at 5:24am PDT

From its celebrated showings at the World Trade Centers in Boston, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, the Dinosaur Discovery Center at Colorado National Monument and the Natural History Museum of El Paso, Paleomania will be on display at the museum's Carnegie Center through Feburary 5th.

One of largest (and last known) species of #trilobites, Phacops Africanus, can be seen at the #Paleomania exhibition at #PortHuron's Carnegie Center museum through Feburary. #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 17, 2016 at 9:33am PDT

Starting with some of the first known and discovered living organisms, the exhibit is real life time as to how living beings have evolved through the early years of the planet.

Primitive #reptiles of the #amphibian sort. One of the many fossils you can see at the #PortHuron museum's #Paleomania exhibit.

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 17, 2016 at 1:31pm PDT

An early ancestor of the modern day #alligator, the #eryops is thought to be the earliest of true amphibian. This artifact, along with many others, is on display at the #PortHuron Museum's #Paleomania exhibit through February 2017. #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 18, 2016 at 6:54am PDT

Everything from tiny creatures to big toothed cats will be seen.

Ever leave for work and forget to feed the cat? They get pretty mad about. Just be lucky he isn't a #sabretoothtiger like this one on display at #PortHuron Museum's #Paleomania exhibit. #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 21, 2016 at 9:15am PDT

Along with a raptor soaring in and looking for prey.

Don't ask it to bust a rhyme. It's a #raptor not a rapper. On display now a #PortHuron museum's #paleomania exhibit. #dinosaur #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 20, 2016 at 1:42pm PDT

And what would be an exhibit that has dinosaurs without a Tyrannosaurus Rex flashing a big smile?

The #TyrannosaurusRex was one of the largest known predators to have walked the earth. This one greets you with a huge smile as you enter #PortHuron museum's main lobby for the #Paleomania exhibit. #dinosaur #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Oct 20, 2016 at 11:53am PDT

Along with the displays, the museum will be offering some special Saturday programs as well. The Port Huron Museum's Carnegie Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm. For more info on the Paleomania exhibit call them at 810-982-0891.

The Blue Water CVB Mannequin Challenge

"Stop" for a moment to check out the Port Huron Area. The Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau were joined by many friends and associates of the community to take part in the Mannequin Challenge.

We stopped and visited Port Huron attractions Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, The Blue Water Convention Center, Studio 1219 and Thumbcoast Brewing. A fun time was had by all.

Throwback Thursday: Port Huron Hockey

The last time a professional hockey team from Port Huron took a title a title was when the Port Huron Flags won the Turner Cup in the 1972 IHL playoffs.

Congrats to the @phprowlers! #PortHuron's first #hockeychamps since 1972. What an exciting game tonight! #commissonerscup #fhlplayoffs

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Apr 22, 2016 at 7:48pm PDT

Until last year, that is. That's when the Federal Hockey League team the Port Huron Prowlers won the Governor's Cup in the teams inaugural season when they swept the Danbury Dashers 3-0 in a best of five competition for the championship.

2016 #FHL Champions! #PortHuron Prowlers. @phprowlers #commissionerscup #fhlplayoffs #discovertheblue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Apr 22, 2016 at 7:10pm PDT

The Prowlers kick off the 2016-17 season with a home game when they take on the St. Clair Shores Fighting Saints this Saturday at McMorran Place.

A Haunting We Will Go

Are you ready for shrieks and frights and leaping from things that go bump in the night? The Blue Water Area has a few places where you can walk through spooky woods, wander a haunted railroad and event blast some zombies and creepy clowns.

Featuring a half mile walk through a wooded area of eerie sights that lead up to a ghostly and ghastly residence, Panic At Pine Stump Hollow, located at 6310 Gratiot Avenue in St. Clair, is not for the faint of heart. It is for anyone who enjoys to be frightened though. It's open Friday and Saturday through the from 8pm until midnight.

Located at the old Chicory Factory at 1129 12th Avenue in Port Huron, the Black River Haunted Railroad & Infected Zombie Paintball Shoot is divided in two parts that are guaranteed to give you thrill and chills. Outside, where the abandoned railroad tracks runs, monsters lurks and jump. If you still have your wits about you after that, you can enter the ominous looking building where can take am zombies and clowns with paintball guns. The fright experience is open Thurs through Sundays evening all the way to Halloween.

Meet the unexpected residents of the buildings at the Sanilac County Historical Museum and Village. Open Saturday, October 15th and the 21st, the Family Haunted Village and Spook Walk, located at 228 South Ridge St in Port Sanilac, sets you out to wander in the Halloweeny Woods and cemetery where meet the Wicked Witch and Snow White, Dr. Loop, the Mad Hatter, the Grim Reaper and more.

Port Huron Parks and Rec invite the family to take a Halloween Stroll through Sanborn Park on Saturday, October 29th. Come and encounter various stations of Halloween scenes with lots in store. Per-registration is required for this event which can be done here.

Also on the 29th, Halloween In Lexington has a day full of family fun in store including Children's Costume Parade, Pet Costume Parade, Children's Activities & More!

Find out more about these and many other things happening at our events page.

Lights That Shine Michigan's Eastern Shores

The #lighthouse in #PortSanilac is celebrating its 130 birthday this weekend. For only the 2nd time in its history it will be open for tours this Saturday, Sept. 10th, from 10am til 6pm. #puremichigan #discovertheblue #mittenlove

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Sep 7, 2016 at 5:43am PDT

Before GPS and all the other navigational available at a watercraft's reach these days, lighthouses played an integral role in guiding the way along the coast. While many lighthouses now have private owners, they still operate as beacons along the shores as well as functional historical sites overseen by the US Coast Guard. One of those is the Port Sanilac Lighthouse. The octagonal shaped structure, built in 1886, stands 59 feet tall and has been opened for tours only once. Until this Saturday, September 10th, that is because the public is invited to the Port Sanilac Lighthouse Open House and Tour to celebrate it's 130th birthday from 10am-6pm. This rare opportunity gives visitors a chance the original 1886 classical lighthouse Fresnel Lens that has sat on top of the tower one last time as the the US Coast Guard will be replacing it with a new LED light in the following weeks.

If you'd like to visit more than one lighthouse this weekend, you can also take the boat taxi ride in to take the Harbor Beach lighthouse tour from 10am-1pm on Saturday or climb the 94 steps to the top of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron Friday through Sunday between 11am and 5pm.

Other Blue Water Area events this weekend include The Port Huron Hobo Fest on Friday and Saturday, The Fall Craft Show in St Clair, Algonac's Annual Car Show and the Great Lakes Tattoo Expo at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron.

Find out more about the many things happening around the area at our events page.

Taking A Walk Around Lexington

Located less that 30 miles north of Port Huron, the Village Of Lexington, Michigan mixes the charm of a small coastal town with the lush greenery of the country. It's a perfect place for those who want to relax at a laid back pace and enjoy the fresh air and beaches, but it's bustling shops, parks, harbors and theater also show that the town is hopping with fun things to do.

We recently took a walk around Lexington, stopped in a few places and enjoyed the day. Here's some of the sights we took in.

Taking a ride up #M25 and walking around #LexingtonMi. Some beach time fun supplies are to be had at #CrazyJoes. #discovertheblue #beachshop

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 21, 2016 at 10:01am PDT

When my kids were little, they always made sure that we stopped at Crazy Joe's Beach Shop before any place else in Lexington. They HAD to say to the hermit crabs, check out the colorful beach gear and, of course get a bright colored shirt to have as wearable souvenir of their visit.  They're a bit older now but it is now a tradition for me to make it my first stop when visiting Lexington in the summer to. Yes, to say hello to the hermit crabs as well as the other things that I already mentioned.

Before walking east on #LexingtonMi's Huron Ave towards the village's Tierney Park where the beach, harbor and marina is we decided we needed some sustenance and a sip. The Village Pub was right along the direction there. #discovertheblue #puremichigan #daytrip

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 21, 2016 at 10:35am PDT

Another thing that we always like to do during a summer day in Lexington is to walk the breakwater of their harbor. First though we decided to stop in at the Lexington Village Pub for a snack and sip.

There just happens to be a #foundersbrewing #taptakeover at the Village Pub in #LexingtonMi this weekend. The nitro #oatmealstout called my name. #discovertheblue #mibeer #craftbeer

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 21, 2016 at 11:05am PDT

#LexingtonMi's Vintage Pub offers a full menu of fusion foodie delights. Since we were going to walk the entire length of the pier, we opted for some appetizers. The #friedfeta and #calamari hit the spot before our walk. #discovertheblue #michigansummer

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 21, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT

Located in the building that also houses the Lexington Village Theatre, the Village Pub offers an eclectic mix of eats and drink. It's mix of brick and wood ambience balances the old school small town flavor with a modern flair. The theatre itself has become a destination for music fans of all sorts and has become renown for every seat in the house having a great view and impeccable acoustics.

At the bottom of the hill of #LexingtonMi's Huron Ave is the Lexington State Harbor. It is the first #harborofrefuge north of #PortHuron. #discovertheblue #daytrip

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 22, 2016 at 5:21am PDT

We then headed east down Huron St. towards Lake Huron. The shoreline features the first harbor of refuge north of Port Huron along with the Windjammer restaurant and Tierney Park which hold a lot of the village's summer events.

#BlueSkies reflecting off the #BlueWater at the #LexingtonMi harbor. See what we mean when we say #discovertheblue! #puremichigan #mittenlove

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 22, 2016 at 12:32pm PDT

The harbor is protected by a north breakwater roughly 1,900 feet in length and a 700 feet long south breakwater. This breakwater has a walkway so if strolling the whole thing to the end in back gets a person close to a mile done in any walking regiment.

The walkway on #LexingtonMi harbor's #LakeHuron breakwater is about a half mile long. Here we are closing in on its farthest point. #discovertheblue #puremichigan #mittenlove

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 23, 2016 at 5:58am PDT

Once reaching the farthest point of the breakwater it is time to take in the vast amount of blue that surrounded us.

Reaching the end of the breakwater walkway at #LexingtonMi's we stop to take in some fresh #LakeHuron air while our eyes take in the #BlueWater and sky. #discovertheblue #puremichigan

A video posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 23, 2016 at 11:20am PDT

Then our feet led us back up to Huron Avenue to check out the many shops that dot the Lexington's downtown area such as Angel's Garden, Weekends, Beatrice, Noble and many more.

After walking the harbor checking out the neat and cool shops in #lexingtonmi has is always fun to do. #discovertheblue #daytrip #michigansummer

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 24, 2016 at 6:22am PDT

You can't have a #daytrip to #LexingtonMi without a stop to satisfy a sweet tooth at the General Store. #discovertheblue #candycounter #michigansummer

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 24, 2016 at 7:58am PDT

For a couple generations now the Lexington General Store is a must stop for anyone wanting to please a sweet tooth. Of course we stopped in. Not only is the old fashion candy counter a treat, the store also stocks many other specialty food items, cook books, fun gifts and much more.

Working up a bit of thirst checking out the sights and shops in #LexingtonMi we stoped in their village's #craftbrewery and #winehouse for some refreshments. #discovertheblue #mibeer #daytrip #puremichigan #mittenlove

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 26, 2016 at 9:12am PDT

Michigan is famous for taking a major part in the craft beer movement, with many town both big and small having at least one microbrewery serving up local flavors. Lexington is no exception. Located in the village's one time courthouse, the Lexington Brewing Company and Wine House has eight taps of their in house brews always flowing. It was hard to choose just one to try so the flight option offering a variety of tasty sips.

With ten of their own beers on tap, it's hard to pick just one. That's why they make #beerflight's for though, right? #LexingtonMi #discovertheblue #craftbeer #daytrip

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 26, 2016 at 12:27pm PDT

Their wines have also received many accolades including their Pinot Noir which took the silver medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in 2012.

If you're looking for a fun day over this Labor Day weekend, don't forget that Thumbfest is happening in Lexington this Saturday, September 3rd. The all-day, all-free bash of music on multiple stages throughout the town of Lexington is a tradition in the village now when it comes to capping off another great summer Whether you're in the mood for Celtic, blues, bluegrass, gypsy , New Orleans brass, Americana, roots, folk and a whole lot more, this event has you covered. There are also workshops, jams, street parties and more, so bring your lawnchair and your friends and family.

To find out more about Lexington and the entire Blue Water Area be sure to Discover The Blue here.

Riding With The Lady

We recently took a voyage with the Lady. The Huron Lady II river cruise to be exact.  The 1.5 hour cruise takes place in the St. Clair River then goes under the two Blue Water Bridges into Lake Huron.  
Here's some of the sights we saw via our Instagram.
 . 

We took a ride with a lady today. The #HuronLady2 to be exact. See more of our voyage throughout the week. #PortHuron #DiscoverTheBlue #puremichigan #boattour

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 8, 2016 at 12:02pm PDT

Once the captain is in the seat it's anchors aweigh. #HuronLady2 #PortHuron #DiscoverTheBlue #puremichigan #boattour

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 8, 2016 at 3:56pm PDT

While out on the #huronlady2 say hello to a movie star. The #uscgcbramble was featured in the recent film #batmanvsuperman. The vessel is open for daily tours. #PortHuron #DiscoverTheBlue

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 9, 2016 at 5:37am PDT

Aboard the #HuronLady2 we see what was once a ferry dock is now an observation deck. #PortHuron #DiscoverTheBlue #puremichigan #StClairRiver

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 9, 2016 at 12:18pm PDT

An excursion on the #HuronLady2 gets you a closer look of the ships that ply the #GreatLakes such as this #algomacentral frieghter Algorail docked for repairs by the #Sarnia harbor. #DiscoverTheBlue #PortHuron

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:02am PDT

Heading out on #lakehuron on the #huronlady2 and wave to the Fort Gratiot #Lighthouse on the shore. #PortHuron #discovertheblue

A video posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 10, 2016 at 11:53am PDT

Passed under the #BlueWaterBridge's and saw the @doubletreeporthuron while on our #HuronLady2 cruise. #DiscoverTheBlue #PortHuron #LakeHuron #puremichigan

A video posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 11, 2016 at 11:17am PDT

Our #HuronLady2 voyage took us by the Huron lightship too. #discovertheblue #porthuron #lakehuron #puremichigan

A photo posted by Discover The Blue (@discoverthebluewaterarea) on Aug 12, 2016 at 12:04pm PDT

The tour is narrated and focuses on the history of the area, local sights and the significance of shipping on the Great Lakes. The Huron Lady tour boat is ideal for summertime tours of the Blue Water Area in Port Huron.

Check out more of what you will see on the Huron Lady river cruise here as as well.

To find out more about the Huron Lady cruises visit their website here or call 810-984-1500 for more information.

Port Huron Is Awesome

Joel Heckaman of the Awesome Mitten was in Port Huron to check out the sights for one of their Mitten Trips this past weekend.

A full article of his adventures will be on their website soon but throughout the weekend both the Awesome Mitten and Joel's own Instagram page posted updates of where he was at. Let's take a look at some of the things he saw.

Friday

Two birds, one stone: @thumbcoastbrewing stop for Port Huron #MittenTrip, flight of ales and IPAs for #MIAwesomeList!

A photo posted by Joel Heckaman (@jheckaman) on Aug 5, 2016 at 8:31pm PDT

View of the beautiful Blue Water Bridge over St. Clair River from the hotel patio #MittenTrip #PortHuron . . . #PureMichigan #LakeHuron #StClairRiver #NightSky #BlueWaterBridge #Summer

A photo posted by Joel Heckaman (@jheckaman) on Aug 5, 2016 at 11:28pm PDT

Saturday

Beautiful day and a packed farmers market at the Great Lakes Maritime Center! 📷: @jheckaman. #Mittentrip #DiscoverTheBlue #PortHuron #mittenlove @discoverthebluewaterarea

A photo posted by Awesome Mitten (@awesomemitten) on Aug 6, 2016 at 9:30am PDT

Ahoy! Piloting the USCGC Bramble, a 70+ year-old buoy ship built to help with navigation during WWII. #MittenTrip #PortHuron . . . #PureMichigan #LakeHuron #StClairRiver #USCG #WWII #Buoy #BoatLife

A photo posted by Joel Heckaman (@jheckaman) on Aug 6, 2016 at 10:19am PDT

My family has a million pictures of Fort Gratiot Light, yet here I am taking more... #sopretty #MittenTrip #PortHuron . . . #PureMichigan #LakeHuron #FortGratiot #Lighthouse #Beach #UpNorth

A photo posted by Joel Heckaman (@jheckaman) on Aug 6, 2016 at 2:09pm PDT

Sunday

#PortHuron has been picture perfect the entire weekend - spectacular blue skies and waters! Photo by @jheckaman. #Mittentrip #DiscoverTheBlue #mittenlove #greatlakes #nofilter #nationallighthouseday

A photo posted by Awesome Mitten (@awesomemitten) on Aug 7, 2016 at 12:46pm PDT

Ultimate Hipster Thomas Edison: "I invented vinyl before it was cool" #MittenTrip #PortHuron #vinyl #history

A video posted by Joel Heckaman (@jheckaman) on Aug 7, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

We enjoyed some amazing BBQ at new restaurant in #PortHuron: Fuel Woodfire Grill. Everything comes with jalapeno mac and cheese and jalapeno cornbread. Baby back ribs, pulled chicken, brisket combo plate did NOT last long! 📷: @jheckaman. #Mittentrip #mittenlove #DiscoverTheBlue @discoverthebluewaterarea

A photo posted by Awesome Mitten (@awesomemitten) on Aug 7, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT

Be sure to follow Awesome Mitten on Facebook and Twitter too.  While out on an adventure in the Blue Water Area don't forget to hashtag #DiscoverTheBlue to share your experiences too.

Port Huron Rotary's 2016 International Day Parade

Did you happen to miss the 2016 International Day Parade in Port Huron? Or were you there and you'd like to watch it all over again? We here at Discover The Blue have got you covered with some of the highlights here.

Lighting Up The Sky

The calendar says it's officially summer and the Blue Water Area is celebrating it in a couple places with fireworks this Saturday evening.

One of the first festivals of the season in the area is Marysville Days. Sure, the carnival rides, games, food and live entertainment are all part of the fun of the four day event but one of the biggest highlights is watching the fireworks. Families bring blankets and set them down along the banks of the St. Clair River to watch the skies light up in a fantastic display of pyrotechnics.

This Saturday ohh's and ahh's will be heard all along the waterfront as people watch not only the sky fill with many colors but also from seeing them reflect and ripple on the water at Marysville Days Annual Fireworks night.

Following the Blue Water Cruise on Friday evening and the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show at the Birchwood Mall on Saturday afternoon Fort Gratiot Township, classic cars will park along Keewahdin Rd. in the evening and families will watch the skies light up with many colors at the Fort Gratiot Fireworks at 10:15pm. Find out more happening for Cruise Weekend here.

Classic pieces of transportation and pleasure wont just be on display in Fort Gratiot this weekend. The Village of Lexington revs up with vehicles of the past this Saturday at the A&W Classic Car Show and the Algonac Harbor Club will have many buoyant beauties built of wood at the Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show.

Find out more about these and the many other things happening around the Blue Water Area at our events page.

Welcoming The Warm Months With Lakeside Park's New Splash Pad

Port Huron's Lakeside Park looks a little different this year.  With help from the city, grants and donated funds the park is in the process of a $500,000 facelift. One of the major new things people will notice is the brand new splash pad.

Yesterday, city officials held the ribbon cutting for the splash pad. In this video, Mayor Pauline Repp discusses where the park, which is home to the city's most popular public beach, has been and some of the great things that are planned for its future.

Photo by Dale Merrill

The splash pad itself pays tribute to the Blue Water Area with structures that resemble the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the Blue Water Bridge.

Photo by Dale Merrill

New benches, shower stations and landscaping are some of other projects that are also happening at the ADA compliant park.

Photo by Dale Merrill

City of Port Huron, Fort Gratiot and Port Huron Township residents can buy annual parking passes for $5. Residents from other parts of the county can pay $35 for a year or $5 per day. For Out-of-county residents it's a $10 daily entrance per vehicle. These passes are available at the park's entrance booth.