Santa Claus Is Coming To Town: Blue Water Area Winter Holiday Parades

Two things we all must remember this time of the year. That is to not pout or cry. Why? Because Santa Claus is coming to town.

As we all know before he makes his rounds dropping off gifts to good little boy and girls on Christmas eve, he likes to check in to places before that to make sure everyone is behaving. Thanks to some connections we have at the North Pole, we're able to let you know when and where some of those stops will be in the Blue Water Area.

St. Nick's first stop will be in St. Clair on Friday, November 22th at 6pm. After riding his sleigh down S. Riverside Street in the parade, he'll be given the key to the city and then the tree at Palmer Park will be lit.

His next visit will be the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, November 26th when he stops in to help ring in the excitement of the season during Marine City’s Lighted Santa Parade!  

The night after Thanksgiving, November 29th, Santa kicks off the official start of the holiday season in the city of Port Huron with a parade too. Following the city's parade, he'll throw the switch that lights the McMorran Christmas Tree and leads the crowd in singing holiday carols. 

Saint Nick gives his reindeer a night off on Wednesday, December 4th and arrives on the back of a decorated in lights antique tractor for Algonac's Santa Parade and Tree Lighting.

After a week back up at the North Pole he returns to the Blue Water Area to check on all the good girls and boys in Marysville on Saturday, December 7th at 5pm their annual parade. 

The jolly man in the red suit has a bit of a tight schedule on that Saturday because he's also part of Harbor Beach's Annual Lighted Christmas Parade which starts at 5:30 on Trescott St.

On Saturday, December 14th, you may not see reindeer in Lexington but you will see a lot of four-legged creatures into the spirit of the season at the Lexington Old Fashioned Christmas Horse Parade. It starts at 2pm.

To find out about all the things happening around the Blue Water Area during the holiday season check out our events page.

Summer's Not Over Yet: What's Happening This Weekend in Michigan's ThumbCoast

August is winding down and September is just around the corner. While many are getting into back to school mode, that doesn't mean there still isn't a bit of summer left to enjoy. This weekend, the Blue Water Area has a lot of fun to take part in.

Led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Jamie James, the Kingbees made their mark on the charts with a song that helped usher in the rockabilly revival (and giving it a bit of new wave flash) with "My Mistake" and "Shake Bop" in the early 80s. 

Following that, the band then appeared on American Bandstand and in the film The Idolmaker. The band split in the mid 80s but reformed a few years ago and have been playing shows regularly since. This Saturday, they'll be heading lining Hot Wheels Weekend in Marysville.

Hot Wheels Weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a classic car cruise at 6:00 pm on Friday and then a showing of the 2004 remake film of the classic TV show "Starsky and Hutch." On Saturday, things kick off at noon. Along with many classic cars on display, there will be from The Volcanos, The Lords Of The Highway and more. Butch Patrick aka Eddie Munster and Paul Micheal Glaser, star of the original Starsky and Hutch television show will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs.  Find out more about Hot Wheels Weekend at their Facebook page.

On the 4th weekend of August every year the St. Clair County Farm Museum gives you a taste of Yesteryear. It is a celebration of American heritage and a salute to our forefathers and women that made America great. At the Harvest Days, which runs from Friday through Sunday, this weekend antique tractors, equipment, hit and miss engines, homesteading and fashions from the era will be on display and the history of daily life will be relived.

Looking for your lost shaker salt? You may find it in Lexington this weekend as it is MargaritaFest time in the village. It great time to get tropical on Michigan's ThumbCoast.

Next weekend marks not only the end of the month but Labor Day weekend as well. Amongst the things to do over that three day weekend include art shows in Algonac and Port Austin, Thumbfest in Lexington, the Harsens Island Turkey Shoot, Harbor Beach's SalsaFest, BlueChiliGrass in Goodells and the Trestle Trek. Find out about many of the things happening at our events page.

14 Great Beaches and Splash Pads In Michigan's ThumbCoast

Summer is upon us and cooling down from the heat is on the top of the list for families and kids.

Located in Michigan’s ThumbCoast, the Blue Water Area offers many public beaches to enjoy a day at the lake at. Along with them, there are several parks that feature splash pads too. Here are fourteen great beaches and splash pads to get in the water and to “Discover The Blue” of Michigan’s eastern shores.

St. Clair County

Clay Twp. Splash Park

Located on Pte Tremble Rd in Algonac, The Clay Township Splash Pad and Park sees a flurry of activity from the children on the playground and the water splash pad every summer.

Marine City Beach

Known as the farthest south sandy beach in St. Clair County, the Marine City Beach offers a barrier-free sidewalk, restrooms,  picnic tables, barbecue grills and shady, grassy areas to kick back and relax.

Marysville City Park & Chrysler Beach 

Marysville City Park offers many great amenities for a great summer day. Along with an extraordinary splash pad, the park also has plenty of shaded picnic areas as well as covered pavilions, several playground romps, baseball diamonds and fitness areas. Located directly across the street on the park's east side is Chrysler Beach. As one of the few sandy beaches along the St. Clair River, the location also boasts a gazebo that's a prime location for freighter watching.

Goodells County Park 

In the center of St. Clair County is Goodells County Park. It not only includes a splash pad for the kids to play in but also the location for the county's historical village, a farm museum which represents over 150 years of farming, a butterfly garden and many more things that promise a fun day in the outdoors.

Lighthouse Beach and Park

Right next to the Fort Gratiot Light Station is Port Huron's Lighthouse Park is one of the most historic places in the area. The beach touts over 900 feet of waterfront and beach on Lake Huron as well as a play area and many picnic spots under large trees.

Lakeside Beach Park and Splash Pad

On the clear waters of Lake Huron sits Lakeside Beach and Park in Port Huron. Boasting 1050 feet of water frontage with clean, sandy beaches, Lakeside includes lots of playground facilities, splash pad, picnic areas and restrooms are available. Beach volleyball is a popular activity and on the weekends there are lots of boats anchoring offshore.

Fort Gratiot County Park

Fort Gratiot County Park is located in the northern part of St. Clair County, just off M-25 on Metcalf Rd. This 30 acre park offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron and 852 feet of shoreline and beach. Facilities at the park include beach access, restrooms, wedding plaza, picnic areas as well as a children’s playground, Biggo Solo swing (ADA accessible) and close to a mile paved of walking trails.

Lakeport State Park

Lying along Lake Huron, Lakeport State Park provides southeast Michigan residents access to the Great Lakes. The park has two distinct units separated by the village of Lakeport. A total of 250 sites are divided between the two campgrounds.

Sanilac County 

Tierney Park

Sitting next to the Lexington State Harbor is Tierney Park, a public park with a beach on the shore of Lake Huron. This quaint park includes restrooms, a stage for music concerts, BBQs, picnic tables, volleyball court, swings and kids playscape. 

Lexington County Park

Nestled on 27 beautiful acres just 3 miles north of Lexington along M-25, the Lexington County Park offer not only a beach but electric or rustic campsites and a pavilion available to rent as well.

Forester Park 

6 miles north of Port Sanilac on M-25 along the scenic Lake Huron shoreline is Forester Park. Covering 68 acres the park offers a day-use area along rustic cabins, RV or tent camping.

Huron County

Lincoln Park & Trescott Pier

Sitting at the east end of Trescott Street in Harbor Beach is Lincoln Park. It has a nice sandy swimming beach, playground equipment, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and restrooms.  A lengthy pier, called Trescott Street Pier, extends from the parking area, offering a scenic view of the lighthouse and Lake Huron.  A kayak can be launched from the north side of the park.

Bird Creek Park

Bird Creek Park is a seven acre day use park located in Port Austin. The first thing you notice at Bird Creek is the wooden boardwalk that goes halfway around the park along the beach with roofed picnic shelters overlooking the beach and the water. 

Port Crescent State Park

Situated on 600 acres, Port Austin's Port Crescent Park is located along 3 miles of shoreline on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Activities within the park include camping, hiking, swimming, canoeing, hunting, cross country skiing, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking.  There's a kayak launch site which is part of the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail.

Find out more about Michigan's ThumbCoast at bluewater.org

Mid June Happenings in the Blue Water Area

From antique tractors and trucks to summer craft fairs, Michigan's ThumbCoast offers a myriad of things to see and for the weekend of June 14-16th.

Kicking off this Thursday and running through the weekend, Summerfest is happening in Marysville. Featuring a full carnival midway with dozens of rides and games, a petting zoo, beer tent, live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, the festival concludes with fireworks Sunday at dusk. Find out more about Summerfest at their website.

This Saturday, trucks of all ages and sizes will be lining the downtown streets of Harbor Beach. Along with them and many exhibits, The Harbor Beach Truck Show will have inflatables and face painting for the kids and there will be live bands playing country music through the day. At dusk, there will be a lighted Truck Parade. See the full schedule here.

In Lexington on Saturday, work vehicles of a different sort will be on display. The Antique & Vintage Tractor show will be happening from 10am-5pm behind the A&W on Main Street.

Also in Lexington this Saturday and Sunday is the Lakeside Craft Show in the village's Tierney Park.  Over 100 artisans from around the country take part in this annual event and exhibits will include metal sculptures, stained glass, handmade leather purses, garden crafts, paintings, hand-made dolls, marine photography, candles, jewelry and more.

Other things happening around the Blue Water Area this weekend include the Skatepark Summer Jam in St Clair, Kid's Day at the Port Austin Farmers Market, Motown tribute group The Persuasion Band at Lexington Village Theater and the Snug Theatre in Marine City presents Moonlight & Magnolias.

Upcoming events later June in the Blue Water Area include Porch Fest in Port Austin, St. Clair's Beer & Wine Festival On The River, The Blue Water Cruise Weekend Celebration in Fort Gratiot and the St. Clair Art Fair.

Find out more about the many of the things to see and do in Michigan's ThumbCoast at our website.

From Art On The River to the Early Settlers Along The Lake: What's Happening This Weekend in the Blue Water Area

All along Michigan's eastern shores, there's plenty going plenty to see and do this coming weekend. Let's take a look at some of the events happening in the Blue Water Area.

Art On The River, a three day art and music festival, has become a tradition for the second weekend of June in Port Huron. This family friendly event, which is chock full of art workshops, music and food, kicks off this Friday evening at Kiefer park with a dance party and beer tent.

The headliner for Art On The River this is year is Derek St. Holmes. Most well known as the rhythm guitarist and voice on Ted Nugent's early solo hits such as "Stranglehold" and "Hey Baby", Derek St. Holmes has also worked with Aerosmith's Brad Whitford and the Michael Schenker Band. Derek takes the stage on Saturday evening.

On Saturday, June, 8th see hot rods, custom and muscle cars at Rumble In The Park at Marysville Park.  The next day, the park will host stock and unmodified rides that are at least twenty five years old for The Past and Its Wheels. This show is well known for having quite a few Wills Sainte Claire cars. Wills built approximately 12,000 cars between 1921 and '26 in a Marysville factory. There are only 75 remaining in the entire world.

In Port Sanilac this weekend the Native, Voyageurs & Settlers Days are at the Sanilac County Museum & Historical Village are happening. At this event, families can learn about and experience the rich history connected with the voyageurs, early settlers, American Indians, and military of the Great Lakes Fur Trade period. This reenactment of the life-styles and skills of this era will include demonstrations and displays of traditional crafts and skills, trade goods and artifacts, campfire cooking, military life, weaponry, and much more! It runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Looking ahead into June events include, Marysville' Summerfest kicks off on 13th, Harbor Beach holds its annual Truck Show on the 15th, Porch Fest is happening in Port Austin on the 22nd, the Blue Water Cruise weekend in Fort Gratiot starts on the 27th and runs through the 30th and the St. Clair Art Fair is the 29th and 30th. 

Find out more about these and many more happening when you Discover The Blue at our events page.

Rev It Up!: 2019 Blue Water Area Car Shows

So, you've got the motor running and heading out to the highway. Why not rev it up and head to one of the many classic car shows happening in the Blue Water Area this summer.

The season of shows kicks off in June with two cars in one weekend at Marysville City Park. On Saturday, June 8th, Rumble In The Park will feature hot rods, custom and muscle cars.

The next day the Past and its Wheels show will feature not only many un-modified and in stock condition rides but also quite a few Wills Sainte Claire cars. Wills built approximately 12,000 cars between 1921 and '26 at a factory in Marysville. There are only about 75 Wills Sainte Claire automobiles remaining in the entire world.

If you're a fan of bigger machines, check out the Harbor Beach Truck Show on Saturday, June 15th. The downtown streets of this ThumbCoast community are closed off and then lined with over 75 trucks ranging from semis to pickups and tankers to trailers. Along with the trucks of all sizes, there will be food, beverages, vendors and live music.

From trucks used for work to equipment for working in the field. Take a trip back to see how farming was done in earlier times at the Lexington Antique Tractor Show. Taking place behind Lexington’s A&W restaurant, tractors will stand shiny and tall for viewing for vintage farm equipment enthusiasts. It's happening on Saturday, June 15th.

The last weekend of June is a huge weekend for classic car enthusiasts from Michigan's ThumbCoast and beyond. Running from June 27th through the 30th, the Blue Water Cruise Weekend kicks off with a carnival at Birchwood Mall. 

On Friday, the 28th, the wheels will be in motion as the cars cruise 24th Avenue and Pine Grove. 

Get a closer look at many of the cars from the cruise on Saturday at the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show. That evening, check out the fireworks display along 24th Ave.

The streets of Downtown Port Huron will be glimmering with high gloss and chrome on Saturday, July 27th. The Mainstreet Memories Car Show is a community-based, non-judged event that brings auto aficionados from all over the area to check the many sweet street machines.

What goes with summer and classic cars? Vintage campers of course. Saturday, July 27th is the day for the 11th annual Vintage Camper Show in Port Austin. Coordinated by the Tin Can Tourists, America's oldest trailer and motor coach club, this show brings antique trailers, some of them dating back to the 1930s to Port Crescent State Park. This year there will be over 100 trailers to celebrate our Michigan State Parks' 100th anniversary.

Wrapping up car show season in the Blue Water Area for the summer is The Rumble On The River. Held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, this is a one day show that coincides with Algonac's annual art fair. It's one of many great ways to cap off summer adventures for both art lovers and car lovers in the Blue Water Area.

To find out more about these things to do and the plenty of others when you discover the blue, check out our events page here. 

Celebrating Hot Wheels and Harvest Time: What's happening this weekend in the Blue Water Area

He's got a star on his car and one on his chest. That's the way Junior Brown starts out his story of the highway patrol.

This weekend him and his "guit-steel" (a double-necked hybrid of electric guitar and lap steel guitar that he fashioned himself) will be telling that tale along with many other honk-tonk yarns when he headlines Marysville's Hot Wheels Weekend this Saturday.

Along with Junior on several other bands, there will be many cool old cars on display along with an appearance from Catherine Bach aka the Daisy Duke from the original Dukes Of Hazzard TV series.

On the 4th weekend of August every year the St. Clair County Farm Museum gives you a taste of Yesteryear. It is a celebration of American heritage and a salute to our forefathers and women that made America great. At the Harvest Festival, which runs from Friday through Sunday, this weekend antique tractors, equipment, hit and miss engines, homesteading and fashions from the era will be on display and the history of daily life will be relived.

Looking for your lost shaker salt? You may find it in Lexington this weekend as it is MargaritaFest time in the village. It great time to get tropical on Michigan's eastern shores.

If craft beer and fine wine are more of your thing, visit Algonac for a Sip of Summer this Saturday. The Waterfront Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival will feature 100+ beers and wines from over 40 breweries and wineries from across the state and around the globe. Get tickets and more info here.

Next weekend marks not only the end of the month but Labor Day weekend as well. Amongst the things to do over that three day weekend include art shows in Algonac and Port Austin, Thumbfest in Lexington, the Harsens Island Turkey Shoot, Harbor Beach's SalsaFest, BlueChiliGrass in Goodells and the Trestle Trek. Find out about many of the things happening at our events page.

Fun For Fathers Day Weekend

Father's Day is this Sunday. If you're like me, you are probably still racking your brain about what to get dear old dad. You don't want to be "that person" who goes for the old standbys like a tie or something like that. There's the dilemma of figuring out what he may want though. I don't know how many times I've tried to find hints of something he might want but most of the time he pretty much says "I have everything in the world I need."

The solution? Why not take him out and spend some time with him this weekend. The Blue Water Area has a few things going on that might be right up his alley.

First things first, even if pops says he doesn't want any gifts, he's probably just being nice. I mean, who doesn't enjoy opening a gift, right? But what if you end up waiting right before the last minute to get him one?

This Saturday, June 16th, the Grand Trunk Marketplace in Port Huron will have 40 vendors inside and many outside for a Father's Day flea market. You never know what kind of unique item you'll find for pops there.

When you're young your dad is bigger than life. And what should a bigger than life fellow have? A big truck, right?

This Saturday there will plenty of big rig on display for the big man at the Harbor Beach Truck Show. From the super semi's that ply the highways to the trusty workhorses that run the back roads, trucks of all shapes and sizes with buffed and shined to show off. Who knows, maybe you can even talk someone into letting your dad up in the cab so he can blow the horn.

What dad doesn't enjoy great storytelling and jokes? Take him out to see comedian Norm Stulz at the Lexington Village Theater. Norm's a father of three and talks about plenty of things parents will laugh along with.

Also up Lexington way on Saturday night are the Mountain Babies at the Water Tower Sports Pub. The Water Tower has been voted one of the top ten best pizza places in the state of Michigan according to MLive and the Mountain Babies laid back rural psychedelia sound can often be reminiscent of Neil Young. What dad doesn't dig Neil Young, right? 

Think about taking the ol' man out for a brew this weekend. The Blue Water Area has three great craft breweries making tasty suds. In Marysville, the Harsens Island Brewery opens their doors at 9am to fill pints all day as well offering several different Father's Day dinner specials. If you're just looking for a quick one or two to sip with him, don't forget that War Water Brewing in St. Clair and the Lexington Brewing Company are welcoming you and dad to belly up to the bar this weekend as well.

Perhaps your plan is to take your father out for breakfast on Sunday but you don't know where yet. Every year Kate's Downtown in Port Huron has a brunch based around bacon, beer and bourbon. This year is no different. Spots for it fill up fast though so if you need some seats to it contact the cafe at 810-984-2233.

Looking toward things happening in the following weekend, the Blue Water Cruise Weekend is June 22nd & 23rd, Porch Fest in Port Austin is happening and the St. Clair Art Fair runs the 23rd and 24th as is Civil War Weekend in Lexington. 

Find out about more things happening this summer around the Greater Port Huron area at our events page.

Happy Father's Day!

From local artists and shiny chrome to sipping brews and state settlers: What's happening this weekend in the Blue Water Area

All along Michigan's eastern shores, there's plenty going plenty to see and do this weekend. Let's take a look at some of the events happening in the Blue Water Area for it.

Art On The River, a two day art and music festival, has become a tradition for the second weekend of June in Port Huron. This year they're shaking things up a bit. The family friendly event with art workshops, hands on art, music to dance to and food to enjoy will still be happening on Saturday and Sunday but also this year they're adding Friday night to the mix with a dance party and beer tent.

Over the weekend, Art on The River will play host to many different artists and musicians including 4 time Detroit Music Award winner Barbara Payton, who is the headline act at the festival on Saturday evening this year.

On Saturday, June, 9th see hot rods, custom and muscle cars at Rumble In The Park at Marysville Park.  The next day, the park will host stock and unmodified rides that are at least twenty five years old for The Past and It's Wheels. This show well known for having quite a few Wills Sainte Claire cars. Wills built approximately 12,000 cars between 1921 and '26 in a Marysville factory. There are only 75 remaining in the entire world.

Just a ten minute drive from Marysville is St. Clair. On the evening of the 9th, you can sip on many hop, barley and malt beverages at the St Clair Beer and Wine Festival. The festival, which will take place at St. Clair's Riverview Plaza courtyard, features over 100 beers, wines and craft cocktails from more than 40 breweries, wineries & distilleries from across the state and around the globe. Tickets are available here.

This weekend Native, Voyageurs & Settlers Days are at the Sanilac County Museum & Historical Village in Port Sanilac. At this event, families can expect to have talks and demonstrations that include beeswax candle making, showing furs, rope making, cooking and much more. Everyone is invited to come experience and learn about the rich history connected with the voyagers, Coureurs de Bois native Americans and early settlers of our Great Lakes. It runs from 10am-4pm this Saturday and Sunday.

On the live stage scene, Hypnotist Amye Scharlau is at Lexington Village Theatre on Friday. Also, the Snug Theater in Marine City presents "Two Across" and Lewis Black's "One Slight Hitch" is at the Barn Theater in Port Sanilac this weekend.

Find out more when you Discover The Blue at our events page.