The Band of Locals is a community minded program banding together to support our locally owned Mecosta, Osceola and Montcalm County businesses. Our mission is to spread awareness that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms- which continue to strengthen the economic base of the community. Where we shop, eat and have fun makes our community truly our home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses benefit as well. When you support local businesses you will be supporting people who live in our community who are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future. They also give back by supporting local

charities and school functions. We would like to say thank you to past board members Nikki Jorgenson- owner of Heartful Art Studio, Beth Coulson from Fat2Tuff, and Lenny Schebil of Premier Auto Sales Inc. Our current board consists of: Jeanne Bergelin-Murphy LLC (CPA), Paula Robison-Beilfuss- owner of Three Girls Bakery, Duane Weed- owner of DW Video, Connie Koepke- Executive Director of the Mecosta County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Dawn Corrie of TrūAura and a beauty consultant. You can tune in every Friday morning at 9:15 to Sunny 97.3 and listen to our Band of Locals radio show which also airs live on Facebook. We would like to say thank you to several people who have been guest hosts this year: Pat Currie from Curries BP, Lenny Schebil from Premier Auto Sales Inc. and Jeff Thorne from PT Plus. I would also like to thank Connie Koepke- Executive Director of The Mecosta County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sandra Braden from The Mecosta County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Tomi Newcombe from The Old Pioneer Store for videoing our live show. 

When I think of this past year I think about all of the organizations and charities filled with people willing to give up family time and be away from their businesses to give back... let’s honor these people by supporting their causes and help our communities out at the same time. It’s easy to get caught up in the national news and think the sky might be falling, but stop and look around at the community you live in and you will discover all the good that is being accomplished in your own hometown. Our city and township leaders, police and firemen and woman, teachers, doctors and nurses do a wonderful job of keeping us safe and they look after our way of life. It does take a team effort to create the wonderful place we call home. We would like to thank the businesses and organizations that have partnered with us and our community for buying our Blue Bands to use at participating Band of Locals businesses. You save money while supporting the small locally owned businesses that are located within our communities. For a one-time cost of ten dollars, you can visit over 130 businesses and receive special discounts and offers. If you

are a business you can join for fifty dollars, and then you will receive five bands. You then can offer a special for your customers who come in with Blue Bands. It’s just that simple. I would also like to take this time to thank the Convention and Visitors Bureau for advertising and putting Mecosta County on the map. Please go to their website at BigRapids.org and you will see all of the event happenings in our community as well as all of the great advertising they do such as: billboards, professional videos, magazines and so much more. When heads fill the beds in our hotels, we get bodies in businesses!!It is a team effort! So purchase your Band of Locals Blue Bands or key chains and join in the fun of supporting your community! Please visit our website at bandoflocals.com for more information and like our Facebook page! Happy Holidays and cheers to a new year! 

Carlleen Rose- President of The Band of Locals Owner/ The Old Pioneer and Emporium  Kilwins Chocolates Big Rapids

Holiday fun has just begun!

We would like you to join The Band of Locals

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December

It’s hard to believe that December is already here and the New Year is just around the corner. As 2018 has been a busy and amazing year here at the Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau we are anxiously awaiting for 2019 as we have many upcoming, great events and promotions planned for Mecosta County in the coming year.

For this last month of the year there are numerous community events and happenings to choose from. Don’t forget to also check out our Things To Do Pages on the Mecosta County CVB website. Get all the details you need before hitting the trails to snowmobile, snowshoe or cross-country ski. For the hunting and fishing enthusiasts out there, we have you covered as well. Find a great list of area lakes, how to purchase your fishing license locally or online. Everything you need to Create Your Own Winter Adventure can be found either online at BigRapids.org or stop in and see us at the Welcome Center at 127 S. State Street, Big Rapids.

With the arrival of the holidays there is also the arrival of family friends. Not sure how to accommodate them all? We can help you with that. Mecosta County is not only home to great activities and events but we are home to great hotels as well. From overnight guest rooms for one or two guests to suites that can comfortably host a large family, our local hotels have you covered. They can also enjoy amenities such as food & beverage services, indoor pools and hot tubs, exercise facilities and more. Should you also need additional space to host your family gathering or business party, we can help with that as well. Most of our hotels offer large suites, meeting rooms and banquet facilities. More details on all can found on our website under the Lodging and Meetings tab at the top of our page.

There will be a Holiday Wine & Stained Glass Ornament Workshop on December 7, 2018 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, for adults 21 and over, at Artworks in downtown Big Rapids. Using stained glass, wire, and beads, students will learn to create festive Christmas ornaments. All materials provided. No experience necessary. For safety purposes, please wear long pants, socks, and close-toed shoes. Bring your own wine and snacks for a fun and creative evening. For costs, more details or to register contact

231.796.2420.

The Big Rapids Community Library invites you to a Holiday Gift Workshop with 3D Printing from December 3 -14, 2018. Use their 3D Printer to create one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones this holiday season. To sign up for a time slot, please call the Library at 231.796.5234 or stop in to check availability. Anything can be made within time, material, and legal restrictions. Please note time slots are available only during Library business hours. More details can also be found on their website at bigrapids.lib.mi.us.

Holiday crafters are back with the Friends of Friends Holiday Craft Show December 8, from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Holiday Inn Big Rapids. This a great opportunity to shop for those hard to buy for folks on your list with one of a kind crafts. A portion of the booth fees received from this show will be donated to a local charity.  For questions, please contact Jayne at 231.796.8046 or Deb at 231.598.0675.

Tangerines is this month’s Foreign Film presented by Artworks on December 8, 2018 at 7:00pm in the Big Rapids Community Library. A story of awakening humanity in the midst of violence, told with intimacy and elegance by writer/director Zaza Urushadze, Tangerines is the spare, yet haunting tale of an older Estonian man who cares for two wounded soldiers from opposite sides of the 1990s-era war in Georgia. The film reveals compassion to be the ultimate response to centuries of political, cultural and ethnic conflict, a compelling and relevant message for contemporary audiences. For more details on this film you can visit artworksinbigrapids.org.

Love Comes Down at Christmas Holiday Concert is on December 8 at the Big Rapids High School and begins at 7:00pm. This annual, mucial will feature talents from Voca Lyrica, Con Brio Voce Brass Quintet, and the Treblemakers youth choir, along with a dramatic presentation of The Gift of the Magi featuring local actors. Visit the Voca Lyrica Facebook page for more information. 

It’s Symphonic Santa Sunday on December 9 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at FSU Williams Auditorium. This will be their 11th annual Holiday Concert Charity Drive in support of Project Starburst. Voluntary donations of the following items will be gratefully collected at the concert in the lobby: Canned and other Non-Perishable Foods Paper Supplies. For more information please call Project

Starburst: 231.796.5342.

Gingerbread Decorating Fun will be hosted by the Big Rapids Community Library December 11 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. What better way to celebrate the holidays than by decorating gingerbread cookies. This event is for all ages. You can find more information on their website at.bigrapids.lib.mi.us or by calling them at 231.796.5234.

Just in time for Christmas, the Big Rapids Community Library is featuring the movie Elf for Teen Movie Night on December 14 at 6:00pm. Admission is free. Join them for this classic Christmas comedy film and free popcorn! (Sorry, no chocolate covered spaghetti). Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, his father is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy which produces increasingly chaotic results. For more details or questions please call 231.796.5234.

Santa Visits continue in downtown Big Rapids. On December 15, Santa will be at JC Penney from 12:00pm-2:00pm and then his last visit downtown will be December 20 at the Red Fox Market from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Make sure to have your secrets to tell him and a camera to remember your visit. More information on downtown Big Rapids holiday activities can be found on their website at downtownbigrapids.com.

A Day of Crafting will be hosted by the Red Fox Market and Essence of Earth LLC on December 16 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm downtown Big Rapids, at the Red Fox Market. Learn how to make some unique but classic holiday gifts by joining Caitlin of Essence of Earth LLC for a day of crafting and fun. All supplies are included and snacks will be provided. Choose from either a whole day of classes for just $70 or select an individual class that sparks your interest.

Individual classes include: 12:00pm - 1:00pm How to Wire Wrap - $30 and take home one handmade pendant. At 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Essential Oil Blending - $20 - take home two seasonal blends of either the Christmas or Evergreen Spice; or one of each! Labels provided to write on. From 4:00pm - 5:00pm - Homemade Sugar Scrubs - $30 - create two jars of either Cedar Cinnamon and Coffee

Scrub, Lavender and Lime Scrub or one of each! Printed labels provided. For questions or more details call 231.660.9000.

Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays is back on December 20, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm downtown Big Rapids. This is an event and unique shopping experience you will not want to miss. Santa, Hot Cocoa, Sleigh Rides, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, Music, Caroling, and much more. Visit the DBA website at downtownbigrapids.com.

The 34th Annual Musicians’ Christmas Party kicks off on December 23, from 4:00pm – 12:00am at the Big Rapids Eagles. Get your dancing shoes on and your FA-LA-LA’s ready for a jingle-janglin’ GOOD TIME with our amazing lineup of musicians and non-stop music.

Proceeds will be going to benefit Angels of Action. Contact 231.796.6453 with questions.

It’s a New Year’s Eve Winter Ball at the Gypsy Nickel Lounge December 31 beginning at 9:00pm. Looking for something a little different this year? Want to get fancy? Look no further.

The Gypsy will be hosting a Winter Ball for NYE this year! Enjoy a live DJ, Drink Specials, No cover for 21+, Glitter, Glam and Gowns. Contact the Gypsy Nickel at 231.527.0085.

The holiday season is not only a time of the year to enjoy with family and friends, but it’s also a great time to reflect on the prior year and remember what is truly important. It’s a time to be kind and courteous, a time to give a little more to those who may be less fortunate and time to reflect on the importance of just being a good and decent person. To work with each other, not against each other. To step out of our comfort zones and try something new.

For more information on Creating Your Own Winter Adventure in Mecosta County visit our mobile friendly website at BigRapids.org or stop in and see us at the Welcome Center located at 127 S. State Street, Big Rapids.

On behalf of the Mecosta County Convention & Visitors I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New year!

Connie Koepke – Executive Director of the Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau In association with Ferris State Athletics

Red Kettle Ringers on Campus December 8 at several

FSU Sporting Events7PM Hockey Game Teddy Bear Toss

Downtown Big Rapids 231-796-5881 SchubergAgency.com

TYLER SCHUBERGCertified Insurance Counselor

Big Rapids Eagles Aerie & Auxiliary 2535

18361 16 Mile Rd.Big Rapids, MI

(231) 796-6453Dec. 23 - Musician’s Christmas Party 4pm-12am

Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Party 7pm-1am

Mecosta, MI888-533 -5015

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Big Rapids, MI231.598.9212

Located in the back of the Fairman Building!

12 Days of Christmas Special!

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