Big Rapids is officially in full summer mode.

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from road trips and Korean BBQ to a growing list of events, projects, and momentum across the community.

We’re joined by Jennifer Faris Jones, Director of Explore Big Rapids, who breaks down how the Chamber, DBA, and Explore Big Rapids all work together, and what’s being done to bring more visitors (and energy) into the area. From Back to the Bricks to future ideas like drone shows and expanded regional branding, there’s a lot in motion right now.

We also hit a packed list of local happenings — from the return of the Farmers Market and Pocket Park concerts to new businesses, summer festivals, and one very important update… the splash pad is OPEN 😄

0:00 – Intro & welcome
0:55 – Thanks to last week’s guest Luke Wyckoff 📸
1:40 – Weekly recap: what the guys have been up to
2:40 – Chris’ trip to South Carolina 🎉
3:46 – Pat’s long weekend recap
4:26 – Korean BBQ in Grand Rapids 🍖
5:45 – Chris vs his never-ending home projects
6:15 – Summer live music preview 🎶
7:20 – Featured Creature: Burmese Clouded Archer Fish 🐟
9:50 – Wanting more for the community
11:27 – Chamber changes discussion
12:07 – Guest intro: Jennifer Faris Jones (Explore Big Rapids) 🌆
12:45 – New role: exciting or intimidating?
13:14 – Chamber vs DBA vs Explore Big Rapids
14:36 – Marketing opportunities for local businesses
15:13 – Jennifer’s background
16:58 – Chase Creek Smokehouse update
17:35 – Moment of silence for Schuberg’s sweet potato fries 😄
17:50 – RIP South Admiral
18:48 – “Heads in beds” — tourism focus
18:52 – Back to the Bricks bringing 250+ cars 🚗
19:32 – Smaller projects in motion
20:09 – Drone light shows someday?
20:27 – Drone contest idea
21:09 – Parade plans
21:32 – More upcoming projects
21:45 – Rebranding Explore Big Rapids regionally
22:45 – Blessing of the Bikes & more events
23:27 – Poker run details
25:00 – How businesses can get involved
25:22 – Adding events to BigRapids.org 📅
26:45 – Intern helping expand event listings
29:01 – Callery Pear trees are now illegal 🌳
30:10 – Five Below, car wash, Burlington updates 🏗️
30:42 – Splash pad is OPEN 💦
31:04 – Zinnia Day at the Farmers Market 🌸
31:45 – Pocket Park concerts (Fridays all summer)
32:29 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃
33:15 – Angels of Action Summer Block Party (June 12)
33:53 – Free medical clinic this weekend
34:40 – Back to the Bricks (June 5)
35:00 – What Back to the Bricks is all about
35:55 – Event amenities breakdown
36:40 – Summerfest vendor preview ☀️
37:32 – Banded Raccoon pop-up market
38:09 – Bandshell concert series begins June 17 🎶
39:25 – Jim Crow Museum progress
39:45 – Theater review 🎬
41:20 – New ice cream spot: Whipped and Dipped 🍦
42:50 – Crusted Creations arcade shoutout
43:15 – Congrats to students finishing the school year 🎓
44:38 – Viral traffic stop video 🤯
46:37 – AI song debate 🎧
50:01 – Outro & goodbyes

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