🌱❤️🎉 Fresh Starts, Full Focus & February Fun | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.4.26

February is here, and the guys check in on New Year goals, weekend adventures, and a surprisingly controversial food discovery that may or may not change salads forever. With Dom away on a missions trip, Kenzie is back behind the producer desk, and the show rolls on with plenty of laughs, community updates, and a meaningful guest conversation.

This week features a great discussion with Jennifer Knowles from Special Olympics of Michigan, joined by athlete Nick, sharing how the organization supports athletes and families — and how the community can get involved, including the upcoming Polar Plunge.

You’ll also find a packed rundown of Festival of the Arts events, live music, theater progress, classes, workshops, and ways to stay connected during the heart of winter.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
1:20 – Welcome to February! How are those goals going?
3:10 – Chris discovers the “salad genius” combo: French + Ranch 🥗
4:51 – Chris reviews Mission: Impossible 🎬
5:50 – Pat’s near-miss at the Euchre tournament (pasta prize consolation) ♠️
6:40 – Weekend recap: concerts, Festival of the Arts & more
7:40 – Dom on a missions trip; Kenzie returns to the producer chair 🎙️
8:20 – Banded Raccoon indoor vendor market (Feb 21, 10–2)
8:55 – Summerfest vendor applications now open 🌞
11:00 – Major theater progress update 🎭
12:13 – Featured Creature of the Week: The Rope Fish 🐟
14:45 – Super Bowl Sunday predictions 🏈
16:50 – Guest intro: Jennifer Knowles (Special Olympics of Michigan) & athlete Nick
18:45 – What Special Olympics is all about ❤️
23:15 – How fundraising supports athletes and programs
24:50 – Jennifer shares a personal story about her son Andrew
27:00 – How to get involved as a volunteer, supporter, or athlete
28:15 – Polar Plunge preview (jump optional!) 🧊
31:33 – FOTA update: Alfred Hitchcock Movie Sampler (Thursdays in Feb)
33:27 – Ukulele classes with George Arndt start Friday 🎵
34:38 – Youngman and Oldmen perform at Immanuel Lutheran Church
35:00 – Artworks workshops: Zentangle art & blackout poetry ✍️
35:45 – FSU Drama presents Scenes and Songs at Toppings
36:45 – Learn to make viral videos with Levi Arrington 📱
39:02 – Immediate Family film screening (Feb 11)
40:27 – BRHS Drama presents Queens (Feb 6–7) 🎭
41:20 – Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 13) 💃
41:47 – Winterfest at Cran Hill (Feb 15) ❄️
43:30 – Studio remodel DIY update 🔨
44:35 – Comedy Night at The Peaks (Feb 20) + Glitterball Gayla fundraiser ✨
46:41 – Glitter & Sawdust continues live music series at Quinn’s (Mar 7)
48:41 – FSU Dance Team hosts kids skills clinic 🩰
49:50 – Dom’s Corrections (via Kenzie): FRANCH dressing & Rope Fish facts 🤓
52:35 – Goodbyes & outro

What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Special Olympics Michigan Polar Plunge, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Quinn’s Music live shows, Big Rapids theater update, Banded Raccoon vendor market, BRHS Drama Queens, Cran Hill Winterfest, Big Rapids community podcast

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