What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 13: Dire Wolves, Spring Break Returns, and Augusta Awaits!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris is back from Spring Break in Florida 🌴, winter returns to Michigan ❄️, and we prep for The Masters in Augusta ⛳. Plus, we're talking tattoos, 🌮 local restaurants, 🐺 the Dire Wolf comeback, and who really wins in the ultimate Cats vs. Dogs debate 🐱🐶.

We also cover updates from Threadz North, Girl Scout cookie payments 🍪, the Fairgrounds storage pickup, and Karaoke for a Cause 🎤 — all part of the vibrant Big Rapids scene!

🔹 Time-Stamped Topics:

0:00 Intro
0:48 Chris returns from Spring Break in Florida
2:45 Gulf Coast still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene
8:12 Winter returns to Michigan
10:17 Girl Scouts get paid in cookies 🍪
12:19 Comedy Nights at The Peaks
15:00 The Masters are back this week in Augusta ⛳
20:10 March Madness Bracket winners announced
24:40 Threadz North and new businesses in Big Rapids
26:18 New tattoo shop opening in town
30:30 Cats vs. Dogs — you decide!
31:48 Taco Frieda – local flavor spotlight
33:37 Fairgrounds storage pickup info
34:28 Champions Parade
34:58 TikTok followers grow by one 😎
37:50 The Big Event at Ferris
41:10 Karaoke for a Cause fundraiser
44:00 Chris’s online video picks
46:08 The Dire Wolf is back (and it's kinda weird) 🐺
52:20 Easter talk and spring vibes
53:30 Dom’s Corrections & Outro

From tacos to tattoos and TikToks to tournaments, we’ve got your Big Rapids community roundup covered! Don't forget to subscribe for weekly updates and hit the 🔔 to stay in the loop.

📌 What's your vote: Cats or Dogs? And did you catch that Dire Wolf reference?

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #SpringBreak #TheMasters #LocalNews #ComedyNights #TattooShops #GirlScouts #KaraokeNight #EasterEvents #DireWolf #TacoFrieda

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 12: Spring Break, Studio Upgrades & Local Fun!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we dive into Spring Break plans, ☀️ family-friendly movies, 🎬 and what’s new at Swede Hill Skate Park 🛹. Plus, we talk Marvel movies, 🎭 the Harry Potter reboot, ⚡ and the latest updates around Big Rapids, including Katke Golf Course opening and a new tattoo shop in town! 🎨

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro
🏖️ 1:20 Spring Break plans
🎙️ 2:30 Studio upgrades
🏡 3:17 Pat’s staycation plans
🎞️ 4:39 Movies for the family—Looney Tunes nostalgia
👸 6:33 Snow White—what’s happening with the remake?
🦸 9:35 Marvel movies & the new Daredevil
⚡ 13:21 Harry Potter reboot—what do we think?
🛼 14:46 Roller rink activities schedule for Spring Break
🏞️ 15:55 Hemlock Park is open & Swede Hill Skate Park updates
🛹 20:41 Ed Brannon BMX tribute
🎟️ 21:22 Other Spring Break activities in Big Rapids
🌴 23:55 Chris’s Spring Break plans
⛳ 26:16 Katke Golf Course is open!
🏨 30:33 Check out local hotels—pools included!
🖋️ 31:55 New tattoo shop in BR—Treetop Tattoos
🎨 34:55 Ever think about becoming an artist?
👕 36:30 Fashion is a statement—what’s yours?
🎤 38:28 Who wants to be on the show?
📝 39:22 Dom’s corrections & additions
👋 42:58 Outro

Spring is here, and there’s plenty happening in Big Rapids! Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on the latest events, local news, and fun conversations.

📌 What’s your ultimate Spring Break activity? And are you excited (or nervous) for the Harry Potter reboot? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #SpringBreak #HarryPotter #MarvelMovies #LocalNews #CommunityEvents #TattooArtists #Skateboarding

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 11: Adult Prom, Feeding Mecosta, and Spring Break in Big Rapids

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we talk about Spring Break plans, ☀️ the end of ski season at Caberfae, 🎿 and the March Madness bracket battle 🏀. Plus, we cover Michigan food bank struggles, 🍽️ new business openings, 🏗️ and why pickleball paddles might be out of control! 🏓

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro
❄️ 2:20 Back to winter & the end of Caberfae ski season
🌴 5:10 Chris & Pat’s Spring Break plans
🏀 12:25 Basketball & March Madness
📊 15:28 Who’s bracket is better?
🥪 20:00 Jersey Mike’s hosts Giving Day
📅 23:15 Chamber events
🖋️ 26:00 Treetop Tattoo grand opening
🛼 27:38 Roller rink open extra hours for Spring Break
🍽️ 28:35 Feeding America cutbacks hit Michigan food banks
💃 35:23 Prom for a Purpose—get ready to dance!
🏃‍♂️ 38:15 Wise 5K kicks off summer race season
👟 40:25 What’s the best running shoe?
🏓 42:40 Pickleball paddles are out of control
🏗️ 46:25 New construction coming to Big Rapids
👋 51:11 Outro
📝 51:38 Dom’s Corrections

Big Rapids is staying busy even during Spring Break! Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on the latest events, local news, and community updates.

📌 Have you ever been to an adult prom? And what’s your go-to running shoe? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #SpringBreak #MarchMadness #LocalNews #CommunityEvents #Pickleball #NewBusinesses

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 10: March Madness, Taste of Mecosta, and the Surprise History of the Reuben

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we dive into March Madness, 🏀 a sneak peek at Krist Oil and Ollie’s, 🛒 and Taste of Mecosta 2025 🍽️. Plus, we uncover the surprising history of the Reuben sandwich 🥪, talk about new businesses and projects in town, and recap St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro & weekend catchup
⛽ 4:25 First inside look at Krist Oil in Big Rapids
🛍️ 5:25 Soft opening for Ollie’s
📞 9:25 Chris’s grandma calls him out!
🍀 11:08 St. Patty’s Day recap
😅 13:06 Dom’s big guilt trip
🎤 13:52 Last regular comedy night at The Peaks
🤝 14:49 Chamber after-hours & more
🍽️ 15:40 Taste of Mecosta 2025 preview
⛳ 16:33 Chamber Golf Outing info
🏀 17:42 March Madness sign-up
🔥 25:00 Spring Valley Golf Course fire
🏞️ 26:21 Hemlock’s new playground & Suede Hill Skatepark updates
🏓 29:17 Pickleball tournament & Summerfest
🍕 32:12 Cottage Inn is making progress
🎭 33:41 New theatre project gets support from the city
🥤 34:40 Milkshake shop opening & Spring Break talk
🥪 38:38 Dom schools us on the history of the Reuben sandwich
👋 42:01 Outro

Big Rapids is heating up with new businesses, events, and surprises! Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on what’s happening in our community.

📌 What’s your go-to March Madness pick? And is a Reuben really from Nebraska? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #MarchMadness #TasteOfMecosta #NewBusinesses #ReubenSandwich #LocalNews #CommunityEvents

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 9: Girl Scout Cookies, Daylight Savings, and The Floor

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we dig into spring real estate, 🏡 Girl Scout cookie season, 🍪 and the never-ending Daylight Savings debate ⏰ (do we still need it?). Plus, we talk about Big Rapids vs. Mt. Pleasant, new businesses coming to town, and the showdown between The Floor and WUBR!

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro
🌸 2:54 Spring is in the air for Big Rapids real estate
📚 5:30 March is Reading Month!
📝 12:09 Kindergarten sign-up starts this week
🍀 13:30 Schuberg’s celebrates 50 years of St. Patty’s Day fun
💳 16:11 Downtown Discount Cards from the DBA
🍪 19:04 Girl Scout Cookie season is here!
🚜 20:35 Pickup for fairground storage
⏰ 22:07 Do we need Daylight Savings anymore?
📺 28:47 Extracted vs. Alone—which is better?
🏆 31:45 The Floor vs. WUBR—who comes out on top?
🚗 35:41 Car wash and Chipotle updates
🛍️ 38:43 Burlington Coat Factory and Dunkin’ coming to town
🏙️ 41:32 Mt. Pleasant vs. Big Rapids—which is better?
📝 43:16 Dom’s corrections & outro

Big Rapids is buzzing with new businesses, events, and debates—hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss a thing!

📌 What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie? And should we keep or ditch Daylight Savings? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #GirlScoutCookies #DaylightSavings #NewBusinesses #FestivaloftheArts #RealEstate #LocalNews

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 8: Tax Scare, Tacos, and Middle School Drama!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover a tax assessment scare, 🌡️ a new taco spot coming to town, 🌮 and middle school drama—literally! 🎭 Plus, we talk about clown legends, 🤡 the Chipotle vs. Qdoba debate, 🌯 and exciting changes coming to Big Rapids!

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro
🎭 1:48 Newsies Jr. is a smash hit for the Big Rapids Middle School drama team
🎸 3:55 Hand of Giants entertains a standing-room-only crowd at the Sawmill Saloon
🎪 6:58 Tribute to the late, great Dynamite the Clown, a local legend
🤡 10:30 Clown vets and Puppets for Peace
💰 12:45 The city freaks everyone out with a tax assessment error
💳 15:00 Downtown discount cards now available
🎡 17:45 Summerfest will now kick off summer instead of closing it out
🌯 18:30 Chipotle vs. Qdoba—does Big Rapids need both?
🏛️ 19:47 FSU breaks ground on the new Jim Crow Museum
🏟️ 21:45 A new look is coming to Bulldog Stadium
🚴 23:37 Einstein Cycles to open in the newly remodeled Old Depot building
🏦 26:20 Delaney Dentistry makes way for Consumers Credit Union
🌮 27:43 New taco restaurant coming to downtown Big Rapids
⚖️ 30:09 Suits vs. Matlock—who wins?
🛒 31:05 Ollie’s grand opening
📝 34:10 Corrections for the week
👋 35:20 Outro

Big Rapids is changing fast, and we’ve got all the updates! Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on local news, business openings, and events.

📌 What do you think—should Big Rapids have both Chipotle and Qdoba? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #LocalNews #StoreOpenings #MiddleSchoolDrama #TaxAssessment #NewRestaurants #FestivaloftheArts

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 7: Fake Birthdays & New Businesses While Others Call It Quits

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we dive into Chris’ fake birthday saga, 🥳 the real estate market madness, 🏡 and the businesses opening and closing in Big Rapids. 🏪 Some are saying goodbye (👋 Joann Fabrics, The Yellow Window, Total Performance), while others are just getting started (hello, new arcade and Ollie’s)!

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🎬 0:00 Intro
🎨 2:41 Chris’ crazy weekend at Artworks
🥁 4:45 Drumming with Brutus the Bulldog at the FSU International Festival
🏡 8:34 The guys talk about the crazy real estate market
🎂 10:50 Chris has a fake birthday and gets another fake year older
🎭 14:10 Festival of the Arts events last week
🎶 16:08 Magic City Studio gives a demo of Dolby Atmos sound
🎻 16:55 Quinn’s Music hosts Strings and Things educational event
🎸 17:38 Hand of Giants goes acoustic at the Sawmill Saloon
🎨 19:15 Festival of the Arts 2025 recap
🚗 21:08 New car wash coming to Big Rapids?
🛍️ 22:57 Joann Fabrics closing—reminiscent of Staples leaving town
🚪 24:58 The Yellow Window announces closure
🏋️‍♂️ 27:35 Total Performance announces closure
🙅‍♂️ 32:24 Good riddance to the chain Hooters
🕹️ 35:35 New arcade opening soon!
❌ 39:20 Community Connect announces closure
✂️ 41:08 Ollie’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19
🎙️ 43:00 Next week’s show & wrap-up

Big Rapids is always changing, and we’ve got the latest scoop! Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on local news, events, and business updates.

📌 What do you think about these business closures and openings? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #RealEstateMarket #NewBusinesses #StoreClosings #FestivaloftheArts #MichiganLife #LocalNews

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 6: Pat Shames the Cheesecake Factory, Big Rapids' New Splash Pad & Chris’ Carny Days!

We’re back with another jam-packed episode of What’s Up Big Rapids! This week, we cover everything from Pat’s Cheesecake Factory mishap 🤦‍♂️ to Big Rapids’ brand-new splash pad 💦 and Chris’ wild carnival days! 🎡

🔹 Topics & Time Markers:
🤧 0:00 It’s cold and flu season in Big Rapids
🦸 3:22 Captain America: A New World Order reviews from the family
🍰 5:26 Pat accidentally robs a Cheesecake Factory
🎸 10:53 Van Halen presented by Paul Kwant at Artworks
🎤 12:15 Music Entertainment Business Talent Showcase Night at The Backroom
🎷 14:53 Organissimo at Immanuel Lutheran Church
🎨 16:08 Wee Wonders art for children
🥁 17:07 World Drumming with Chris Jane at Artworks
😂 19:15 The Peaks Event Center Comedy Night
🏋️‍♀️ 23:50 Factory Gym hosts Women’s History Month event
🛍️ 25:14 Mom 2 Mom Sale at St. Mary’s School
🏐 27:32 Boys Volleyball Camp at Crossroads
💦 34:56 Big Rapids’ new splash pad opening date
🏊 39:15 Pool upgrades coming to Big Rapids
🛒 39:58 Big Rapids Farmers Market open to applications for 2025
🎡 40:55 Fairgrounds getting upgrades
🎪 43:25 Chris shares his wild carny stories from the road
👋 48:09 Outro

If you love keeping up with Big Rapids, Mecosta County, and local events, hit that subscribe button and join the conversation!

📌 Ever had a crazy restaurant experience like Pat? Or have a favorite Big Rapids memory? Let us know in the comments!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #CheesecakeFactoryFail #SplashPad #CarnyLife #MichiganEvents #LocalNews #FestivaloftheArts

What's Up Big Rapids - Episode 5: What ChatGPT Says Big Rapids is Missing!

Welcome back toWhat’s Up Big Rapids! In this episode, we cover everything fromSuper Bowl recaps andlocal events towhat AI thinks Big Rapids is missing—and you might be surprised by the answers!

🔹Topics & Time Markers:
⏳ 0:00 Intro
🏈 0:42 Super Bowl recap, New Orleans road trip
🌭 13:03 Choking on Costco hot dogs (it happens!)
🖨️ 17:32 3D printing at FSU
🥾 20:09 Trail life in Big Rapids
🛍️ 24:04 Mom 2 Mom Sale, Winterfest
❄️ 25:20 Polar Plunge
🎭 26:19 Festival of the Arts events this week
🥁 29:07 Drumming for kids
🔥 30:52 Survival cooking for young adults
🍪 33:15 Cookies and charcuterie
🍕 37:04 Cottage Inn update
🤖 38:00 What is Big Rapids missing, according to AI?
🛒 42:38 Farmers Market and start-ups
🍽️ 44:45 Restaurants Big Rapids needs!
🏐 48:15 Boys volleyball
🏛️ 50:45 Children’s museum discussion
🏫 53:07 Big Rapids Academy & Trades Week
🎂 58:03 Happy 166th Birthday, Leonard!

If you love keeping up with Big Rapids, Mecosta County, and surrounding areas,hit that subscribe button and stay in the know!

📌 What do YOU think Big Rapids is missing? Drop a comment below!

#BigRapids #BigRapidsMichigan #WhatsUpBigRapids #SuperBowlRecap #3DPrinting #PolarPlunge #FestivaloftheArts #LocalEvents #MichiganLife

In which our handsome hosts eliminate last week's glitches to put on their best show yet. Send events and inquiries to whatsupbigrapids @gmail.com