The 2011 St. Joseph County Grange Fair is now in the history books. The numbers are not in yet, so we don’t know if the fair was a monetary success or not, but from what I’ve heard, everyone seemed to have a good time. For once, the weather cooperated, so I’m sure the numbers were good. I’ve heard from some who didn’t go because they attended the fair several years ago and were disappointed. Perhaps it’s time to give it a second chance. The highlight of the fair for me was attending the tractor pulls. It was a first time for me, but it won’t be a last. I think it’s a “guy thing”.
Last Sunday, the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club had their 57th Annual Jubilee. Despite the rain, the attendance was very good. Admission and parking were FREE, as always, and a lot of fathers brought their sons. What was even nicer was that entire families attended, which is always nice to see. Charlie Reynolds reminds everyone that registration for the October Hunter Safety Class is this Thursday, September 29, from 6:30 to 7 P.M. This is the final class before deer season, so if you haven’t taken the class before, it would wise to get out to the club early and register. The class will be held October 6, 7, and 8. Thursday and Friday class times are 5:30 to 9 P.M., and the Saturday class runs from 8 A.M. until around 1:30 P.M. Oh yes, the class is FREE. Contact Charlie Reynolds at (269)273-7295, should you have questions.
The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will hold their annual pet walkathon on Saturday, October 8, at Meyer-Broadway Park in Three Rivers. The park is located at the intersection of West Broadway and Roberts Road, west of US-131. Walkers may sign in and start walking any time between 10 and 11 A.M. You may walk with or without a dog, and you might even be able to borrow a dog from someone, if you don’t care to walk alone. There is a $10 registration fee, and registration forms can be picked up from any ARF member, or at Beam Sound & Video on West Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers. Prizes will be provided for participants who bring in the most money. Monies received from the walkathon will go toward providing care for the unwanted homeless pets in St. Joseph County. Kudos to those members of ARF for doing what you do.
Human Trafficking is becoming a huge problem worldwide. On Saturday, October 1, at 10 A.M., Light and Life Wesleyan Church, located on Hoffman Road, just west of US-131, will host a presentation on human Trafficking. Rebecca McDonald, CEO and founder of Women at Risk, International of Grand Rapids, will be the speaker.
American Legion Post 170 will have their deep fryers up and running for an all-you-can-eat perch fish fry this Thursday and Friday, September 30 and October 1, from 4 – 8 P.M. For $8, you can have fish, fries, coleslaw and a roll. A chicken strip basket will also be available for $7.
Center Park United Methodist Church, 18662 Moorepark Road, north of Three Rivers, will have an estate, rummage, and bake sale this Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. both days.
We are now almost a week into autumn. This is the time to make sure that your snow blower is in working condition. We have had snow as early as Halloween. It also might be a good idea to clean out the garage, so that you’ll have a place to put the lawn mower, when its job is done for the season.
The Fall Color Tour is coming up soon. Please watch and listen for that special Sunday. It is another perfect time to spend with the family exploring the sights in and around Three Rivers. There are still plenty of things happening here in St. Joe County, and so many of them are FREE, or at little cost.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman