Happy (almost) Fourth of July!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate America's 250th birthday, recap a fantastic ArtStock weekend, talk summer heat, golf, weddings, and all the events filling up the calendar.

Our guest is Mark Brejcha—retired military officer, longtime educator, and Director of Michigan Boys State. He shares his remarkable journey from Big Rapids to military service and explains how Boys State has been helping shape future leaders for generations.

Plus: Dunkin' is finally open, Spirit Halloween is back, the Dog House keeps taking shape, and Dom somehow finds himself discussing travel-sized ranch dressing.

0:00 – Intro & welcome 🇺🇸
1:02 – Happy 250th Birthday, America! World Cup talk ⚽
3:30 – ArtStock recap 🎨
4:40 – Chris plays a friend's wedding (and the nerves that came with it) 🎶
9:57 – Pat's golf-filled summer ⛳
11:34 – Birthday celebrations at home 🎂
12:10 – Heat wave & thunderstorms ☀️⛈️
12:34 – Featured Creature: African Cichlid 🐟
14:25 – Library events coming up 📚
16:40 – Guest intro: Mark Brejcha 🎖️
17:14 – Military career & retirement
17:35 – Why he chose military service
18:30 – The path that led him there
19:45 – Growing up in Big Rapids
20:45 – His family story
22:20 – Becoming a middle school teacher
25:55 – What Boys State is all about
30:03 – Famous Boys State alumni
30:45 – The history of the program
32:45 – Inspiring young leaders today
34:08 – Goals as director
35:55 – Building the next generation of volunteers
37:35 – How to get involved
38:38 – VFW vs. AMVETS vs. American Legion
41:30 – Big Rapids' incredible participation in Boys & Girls State
43:11 – Thanks to Mark for joining us
43:50 – Spirit Halloween returns 👻
44:34 – Labor Day Festival announcement 🎡
45:25 – Red Fox Market celebrates 10 years 🎉
46:25 – Whipped & Dipped grand opening 🍦
48:07 – Ferris' new "Dog House" dorm update 🏗️
49:35 – Dunkin' officially opens ☕
50:27 – Pocket Park concert (July 3) 🎶
51:15 – Independence Day celebration 🇺🇸
52:37 – AMVETS & American Legion BBQ 🍔
55:31 – Five Below grand opening 🛍️
58:17 – Coon MMA opens new facility 🥋
1:00:00 – Fair week is almost here 🎡
1:00:47 – Angels of Action Chicken BBQ 🍗
1:01:55 – Thursday Night Concerts begin 🎵
1:02:50 – Bandshell concert rescheduled due to heat
1:03:44 – Hustle Our Buts Off basketball camp 🏀
1:04:30 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash
1:05:04 – Eagles 80th Anniversary Open House
1:06:13 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖
1:08:03 – Happy Bobby Bonilla Day 😄
1:10:02 – Tiny bottles of ranch dressing 😂
1:12:26 – Dom's viral moment of the week
1:14:44 – Outro & goodbye

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