Summer has officially arrived in Big Rapids, and so has one of the busiest weekends of the year.

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate Dom's 50th birthday, preview Summerfest, debate the upcoming hot dog eating contest, and welcome Sarah Dixon and Matt Schneider from the newly formed Regional Chamber.

We dig into why the new Chamber was created, what it hopes to accomplish, and how local businesses and community members can get involved. Plus, there's plenty of talk about upcoming events, local developments, live music, and a jewelry heist that has everyone talking.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
1:25 – Pat's latest home projects 🏠
2:19 – Chris plays his first contra dance 💃
3:29 – Summer concert season & Worship in the Park 🎶
4:27 – Thanks to Jennifer Jones for joining us last week
5:02 – Featured Creature: African Killifish 🐟
7:35 – Could E&E Tropical Fish bring live animals onto the show?
9:02 – Happy 50th Birthday, Dom! 🎂
9:45 – Chris reveals Dom's birthday gifts 🎁
11:25 – Dom's plans for the next 50 years
12:05 – Pat's birthday gifts for Dom
13:29 – Guest intro: Sarah Dixon & Matt Schneider (Regional Chamber) 🏛️
15:02 – Why create a new Chamber?
16:45 – Community leaders, consultants, and fresh ideas
19:09 – Matt's perspective as a board member
20:35 – Chris reflects on rebuilding Summerfest after COVID
21:53 – Challenges of launching multiple initiatives at once
23:00 – Pat gets a chance to settle his "beef" with Reed City 😄
23:45 – Chamber kickoff breakfast recap
25:25 – Remembering names and building relationships
27:16 – Sarah's background
28:49 – Chris and Sarah remember the Save the Ponds effort
29:59 – What's coming next?
31:10 – The pitch to potential investors
34:35 – Pat's summary of the Chamber vision
35:15 – Matt on the benefits of Chamber membership
36:03 – Ways to get involved
37:08 – Where to find the Chamber
38:12 – Thanks to Sarah and Matt
39:57 – RIP Hometown Pharmacy
41:11 – Site plans approved for a new homeless shelter
41:52 – New Schuberg's menu released 🍔
42:36 – Big Rapids Computer Repair moves locations 💻
43:37 – The local jewelry heist story 💎
46:04 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗
47:00 – Free Worship Night at RezLife 🙏
48:25 – Ferris Community Concert Band kickoff 🎺
48:42 – Summerfest arrives June 6 ☀️
51:55 – Hot dog eating contest predictions 🌭
54:00 – Chris remembers the early post-COVID Summerfest years
55:00 – Pocket Park hot dog showdown details
55:55 – Stop by the Banded Raccoon during Summerfest
56:15 – Hand of Giants at the Sawmill Saloon 🎸
57:49 – Chamber plans for Summerfest
58:15 – WUBR T-shirt design contest reminder 🎨
59:44 – Dom's viral video & local student success story
1:02:24 – Joey Chestnut and the hot dog world record 🤯
1:04:18 – Outro & goodbyes

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