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Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gaylord merchants offer additional enticements to attend St. Patrick's Day parade
GAYLORD — For the last 25 years, Mike Reling of Eagle 101.5 Radio has been behind the St. Patrick's Day parade in Gaylord. As the parade made its way through the central business district, there were few activities available for those who chose to stay downtown after it ended. This year, the Downtown Merchants Association along with the Gaylord Downtown Development Authority (DDA), are sponsoring a celebration to coincide with St. Patrick's Day and the parade. "I have done some research and there really isn't anything going on following the parade," said Angielena Muellenberg of Snowbelt Brewing Co. "The Downtown Merchants Association has been focusing on events that bring people to the downtown. So why not give people some reasons for staying downtown after the parade?" According to Reling, the parade will start at noon and everyone is invited to participate. "Before the parade head to Timothy's Pub (110 S. Otsego Ave.) at 10:30 a.m. for a hearty breakfast. The parade will start at noon from Michigan Avenue onto Main Street to Center Street, down 1st Street to the Pavilion then make our way back to Timothy's Pub for free Irish stew for all," said Reling, who noted that Ron LeBourdais of the Ralph Holewinski VFW Post 1518 will serve as this year's grand marshal. When the parade ends, you can also head over to Snowbelt Brewing, at 132 W. Main St., and purchase a lucky leprechaun hat for $5. With the hat, you will be eligible for discounts at stores and restaurants and entry into a variety of activities taking place downtown. Colorful beads and headbands will also be on hand so children can participate in the dress-up fun. Wear the green hat and seek out businesses marked with a large shamrock on their door. For example, at Great Rooms Furniture & Mattresses, 317 W. Main St., you will be entered into a drawing to win a recliner. Compass Star Quilt Shop, 114 N. Otsego Ave., and Wooly Buggers, 246 W. Main St., will also have special promotions. The idea is to extend the spirit of the parade for the whole community, according to Muellenberg. "We want to have something for family members. They are looking for something to do and that definitely helps the downtown. We want people to get out and have some fun," she said. Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you Acknowledging that March weather can be tricky in Northern Michigan, Muellenberg sees the parade as a bridge because "there isn't a lot going on in March and we are not quite at spring yet," she said. DDA Executive Director Lisa Marie Tobin noted that the $5 charge for the hat will enable the merchants to recover their costs and fund future events. "The DDA's focus has always been economic development and revitalization in building a thriving downtown district. We want to encourage people to spend the day downtown with their family and friends and to support downtown businesses. We want to encourage this type of activity in what is the heart of Otsego County," Tobin said. — Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@ This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord merchants plan promotions around St. Patrick's Day parade
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alderwoman beats mayor in Pontiac primary, according to unofficial election night results
Republican alderwoman Kelly Eckhoff has won her mayoral challenge of Bill Alvey, according to unofficial election results posted on the Livingston County elections website. Eckhoff received 58% of the vote to Alvey's 43%. It was the only race on the ballot with 833 ballots cast. "I want to say a huge thank you to all of my supporters, my husband, the people who encouraged me to do this and the community," Eckhoff said Tuesday night. Eckhoff said she was looking forward to getting to work to make Pontiac a better place to live and "bring a little pride back to our community." Eckhoff has been representing Pontiac's second ward since May 2007. She chairs the city's committees for finance and administration and housing study and is a member of the infrastructure and community service committees. She also served with the Citywide Heart & Soul community engagement process and Pontiac's 175th birthday celebration. Alvey has been Pontiac's mayor for the past six years. He was appointed to replace Bob Russell and was elected to the position in 2021. Alvey also served as a zoning board commissioner and an alderperson, as well as a board member for the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, PROUD and the Downtown Merchants Association. This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Pontiac alderperson wins mayoral challenge in primary election
