2015 Quilters Glory Bi-annual Show - Big Rapids, MI June 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday)  Enter your quilt now! Visit the ArtWorks site for forms:2015 Quilters Glory Show - Big Rapids, MI June 6 & 7 - Enter yours now Mark your calendar, as you won't want to miss seeing these beautifully crafted works of art. Artworks is located just north of Maple Street in Big Rapids, on N. Michigan.  There is plenty of parking in the lot behind ArtWorks. 04/28/2015

Big Rapids, Michigan 2015 Farmers Market Opens May 12th - Sponsored by Metron  Health, the Farmers Market is located in downtown Big Rapids in the parking lot of the strip mall on N. Michigan Ave. (near Secretary of State office and city offices). You can find some great things at this ever-changing market!As gardens mature, the produce offered at the market changes from week to week, and a variety of crafts, flowers and sometimes music, make it a most enjoyable experience! Come and check it out often! For full Schedule Click on Link for printable pdf formatBig Rapids 2015 Farmers Market Schedule The Big Rapids Farmers Market opens Tuesday, May 12th, and the hours areMayTuesday the 12th, 19th, 26th from 1 pm to 6 pmFriday the 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th from 8 am to 2 pm JuneTuesday the 2nd, ... 04/27/2015

Is it a good investment to buy a home for Ferris State University college student(s) in Big Rapids, Michigan? About this time of year, parents start thinking about the costs of paying for college dorms compared to the cost of buying a home that their student can live in during college years. Sometimes investing in a home can be profitable, yet there are no guarantees. One thing that is sure - you will not get any money back from dorm costs, so you might come out ahead by owning a home short term and then selling it. Many owners have kept their rental properties for years because college rentals can sometimes bring in a good income - even if you have an agency manage the property for you. Within the city limits of Big Rapids, Michigan, there are many rules rental properties must abide by... 04/13/2015

Have Fun at the Hemlock Park - Wooden Playscape in Big Rapids, MichiganNow that Spring has finally brought us some (almost sorta kinda) warm weather, the wooden playscape at Hemlock Park is a great place to bring the kids for hours of fun - and best of all, it's FREE!  Located just east of the main downtown Michigan Street, just go north of Maple and you will see the city sign pointing toward Hemlock Park.  The longer you look, the more you will notice the special touches in this park, including a bridge resembling the Mighty Mackinac Bridge, a 'stage' complete with curtains and the comedy/drama masks, Rapunzel's tower, a train engine, a car with steering wheel, sand boxes, swings, climbing areas, etc.  They will have a ball!   04/09/2015

The Best Way to Search for a Home for Sale - Home Buyer Big Rapids, MI Many times I hear from home buyers that they get very frustrated trying to find a home for sale as they are searching through web sites on their own. They are very relieved to find out that there is a simple solution... Work with a Realtor®!  Your agent can set up an automatic search, based on your own criteria such as area, size and price, and additionally can designate many special features that may not even be an option to look for on national web sites for home searches. I do not charge for this service, and am happy to serve you! Click on my photo to see my ActiveRain Rainmaker profile:   02/23/2014

Relocating to Big Rapids, Michigan - Ferris U? Info for Mecosta County Big Rapids is a great place to live and work, and home of Ferris State University! Click on photo to go to: Big Rapids, Michigan Community information such as Schools; Motels; Ferris State University; Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce; area Rental Homes and Apartments; Jobs; link to Homes for sale---- Even the Big Rapids current weather! Feel free to call me for a Big Rapids area packet of information, or if you have questions about buying a home in the area.  You will be amazed at this lively city with year round events and fun places to be! 02/23/2014

Festival of the Arts 2014 ( FOTA) Andy Warhols’ “Silver Clouds” Artworks Gallery Exhibit will run through February 28th 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM  Andy Warhol’s “Silver Clouds,” is an interactive exhibit combining light, air, movement, and audience participation to create an environment that is playful and engaging. Other events: February 4th | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Lecture | “Pop Goes the Art World” Presented by Carrie Weis February 17th| 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Youth FestLab |Creating Contemporary Art February 18th| 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Adult FestLab | Creating Contemporary Art February FOTA classes will explore medium and style of the Contemporary Art movements specific to Andy Warhol - Please check the website and Facebook for up-to-date information. www.artworksinbigrapids.org The Andy Warhol exhibit ... 02/02/2014

Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival Date: September 2, 2013Location: Hemlock Park, Big Rapids, MichiganTime: 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. This is a great Labor Day Activity, with plenty of local flavor!  Food, fun, and Arts and Crafts from all over Michigan!! Come and join the fun... sponsored by the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce.   See the latest trends as well as old-fashioned favorites. Everything from crafty homemade items and foods to fine arts represented by local artists! Something for everyone, and all ages! Admission for attendees: FREE 08/27/2013

Big Rapids, Michigan 2013 River Days Celebration Events Aug 29-Sept 2 Labor Day Weekend brings out the fun in Big Rapids! For Riverdays Schedule of Events Click Here It is amazing how many events are packed into this end-of-summer celebration in Big Rapids every year! Events for all ages to enjoy include a Thursday ice cream social, Friday night music in Pocket Park by the Keywest Permafrost Blues Band; Farmers Market; Car Cruise and Classic Car Show; 5K run; Kids sidewalk art and mural painting; Sale at the Old Jail; Outdoor movie; Numerous garage sales around town; Craft show on Labor Day...  Many, Many more activities!   Please check out the link above for the schedule, and have a great time at Riverdays, Big Rapids, Michigan (in Mecosta County). 08/27/2013

Aug.14, 2013 Big Rapids, MI-Free Band Shell Summer Concert! Blue Water Ramblers- Bluegrass/Country concert Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2013  Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM       The Big Rapids Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Hemlock Park Located behind the BR Middle School.  Concerts are FREE and open to the public, pull up a chair and enjoy the sounds of Mecosta County! Do not miss this last concert for the 2013 series!August 14th Blue Water Ramblers (Bluegrass/Country)         08/12/2013

BANDSHELL SUMMER CONCERT     Hemlock park, Big Rapids, Michigan Date: July 17, 2013 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM   Event DescriptionThe Big Rapids Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Hemlock ParkLocated behind the BR Middle School.  Concerts are FREE and open to the public, pull up a chair and enjoy the sounds of Mecosta County! SCHEDULE:July 17th¶Flat River Big Band(Rock/Blues) July 24th¶Key West Permafrost Blues Band (Rock/Blues)July 31st¶Quinn (Piano Duo) August 7th¶Free-Wheelin(Bluegrass) August 14th¶Blue Water Ramblers (Bluegrass/Country         07/15/2013

Big Rapids, Michigan Real Estate Sales Trends - June 2012 to May 2013   Amazingly, sold homes in the 49307 zip code, (Big Rapids, Michigan), have risen 33% over the past twelve months, according to the trends report for the West Central Michigan area!   Over the same time period, the active listing asking price has risen less than 1%! Check out this graph provided by TrendVision for our Multiple Listing Service:                   Please give me a call or send an email if you are interested in other trends in the area markets. I would be glad to help you discover that a great time to list your home or buy a home is right now!  In the Big Rapids, area, for example, the number of listings on the market is DOWN 23% over a year ago, and we need to have more homes on the market.  The advantag... 06/06/2013

2013 Big Rapids, Michigan - Downtown Farmers Market Check it out weekly for the varying fruits, vegetables, plants and craft items offered as the harvest changes over the spring, summer and fall!  You will not want to miss the local vendors items for that fresh-from-thefarm taste!   The Farmers' Market is open through October 19th, Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located in the parking lot just South of City Hall (226 North Michigan Avenue), Big Rapids, Michigan. Spring Selections when available: Spinach, Salad Greens, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Bedding, Plants, Perennials, and Strawberries. Other vendors at times have fresh flowers, craft items, candles, etc. 06/06/2013

June 2013 Junior Engineering Summer Camps Ferris State- Big Rapids, MI   Junior Engineering - Learning with LEGO® Kits       Ferris State University is sponsoring Junior Engineering Summer Camps for several grade levels during summer 2013.  Click on the Ferris.edu link below to see the camps offered, grades included and the prices for each camp.  Sure to be a great memory and learning adventure for your Junior Engineer! Date: June 17, 2013 - June 20, 2013 http://www.ferris.edu/lego Junior Engineering Event DescriptionFor students 1st - 3rd GradesGreat hands-on learning and building. Students will creatively build and modify machines through basic engineering skills using our unique LEGO® kits.Concepts learned: Basic engineering principles Simple machines Forces in motion Problem solving... 06/06/2013

EASTER EGG DROP Big Rapids, Michigan All children ages 1-12 years are invited to participate.    Date: Saturday, March 30, 2013  Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00PM   Location:  Just north of Big Rapids on Northland Drive (State Street in Big Rapids), about a half mile north of Greenridge Realty Oakmont office.   Event Description1st Annual Mecosta County Community Easter Egg Drop at Roben Hood Airport in Big Rapids, 1pm.    Guest appearance from the Easter Bunny, prizes and more.  Children must be accompanied by an adult and bring own basket/bag for gathering eggs. In case of inclement weather, event will be cancelled.Sponsored by the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce (231) 796-7649. 03/25/2013

FSU EASTER EGG HUNT Date: March 30, 2013 Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM   Event Description Ferris State University will be hosting an Easter egg hunt at the girls’ varsity softball field.   For more information contact Jon Coles at 231-591-2860.   Come and join the fun as Ferris State University hosts this event!         03/13/2013

Big Rapids, MI Elks & Ferris U - Learn to Ice Skate - Free for Kids ages 4 to 12! Location : FSU ICE ARENA, south end of Big Rapids off South State Street   Date :    Saturday March, 16th 2013   TIME :      2 to 4 PM    NO Cost! Competely FREE - HOTDOG with BEVERAGE and Equipment (skates and hockey equipment included)       ALL CHILDREN AGES 4 to 12 YEARS OLD  This is a great free opportunity for children to come and have fun skating, even those just learning to skate. Also an option to learn about hockey .  Bring your children or grandchildren, nieces and nephews for a fun-filled afternoon! 03/10/2013

Sellers: Is Your Home Ready to Sell in Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan? In today's competitive market, you must prepare your home to sell. Step 1:  Make a consultation appointment with a Realtor• to find out what items inside and outside your home need attention, if any. Step 2:  If needed, set up a second appointment when you will list the home for sale. Step 3:  Make a plan to complete the repair/cleanup tasks before that listing appointment. Step 4:  Keep your home close to show-ready until it is sold. This may seem like a very simplified plan, and yet it really does boil down to getting sound advice from an experienced agent. It is simple because we know what sells homes and what small changes may keep your home from setting unsold! Right now, the homes for sale inventory is wa... 03/10/2013

Big Rapids, MIchigan Snow Sculpture Contest! DATE: Sculpting begins February 21        Judging: Sunday, February 24 LOCATION: Ferris State Uuniversity Quad and Hemlock Park For more information contact Erin Williams at (586) 854-0258 or email at willie16@ferris.edu In an attempt to bring back a wonder-ful old Big Rapids tradition, the Ferris State University Student Government is joining mittens with the Festival of the Arts and holding a snow sculpture competition! Creations may be built on the North Quad of the Ferris campus or at Hemlock Park. The building may begin on February 21 and judging will take place on Sunday, February 24. Check out more great Festival of the Arts events including music, photography, poetry, painting & drawing and many other aspects of the art world in conju... 02/16/2013

Homes for Sale in Big Rapids, Mecosta County Michigan- Listings Needed - including all of West Central Michigan. Over the last 15 months, our West Central Michigan Area Homes for Sale have declined almost 18% overall!     If you live in Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola or Lake County and are thinking of listing your home, NOW is the time! Less inventory increases your chances of having your home sold.  Not sure if you are ready to list, or wonder what changes may make your home more sellable? Your Realtor® can help answer these questions for you! 02/16/2013