FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETour Da Yoop, eh Returns: 1,200 Miles. 10 Days. One Powerful Purpose.MANISTIQUE, MI [July 24th] Riders from across the country will gather this summer for one of the Midwest’s most unique endurance cycling events, Tour Da Yoop, Eh (TDY) a 10-day, 1,200-mile journey around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that blends grit, community, and purpose. But this ride is not about miles alone. It’s about impact.Tour Da Yoop, eh raises critical funds and awareness for bike safety and families battling childhood cancer through its partnership with UP Lions Serve Childhood Cancer. Since 2020, the event has helped generate over $400,000 to support Upper Peninsula families facing the unthinkable, providing financial assistance, emotional support, and resources when they are needed most.“Tour Da Yoop, eh isn’t about who rides, it’s about why we ride,” said event founder James Studinger “When riders get here, they realize this is bigger than cycling. It’s about showing up for people who need it most.”The fully supported ride spans 10 consecutive days, with cyclists traveling from Manistique through communities including Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Houghton, Copper Harbor, Marquette, Grand Marais, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, and back to Manistique. Riders can participate in 1, 3, 5, or all 10 days, making the event accessible to a wide range of abilities.Participants are supported by a dedicated SAG (Support and Gear) team, hydration stations every 30–35 miles, and a network of volunteers and local communities that help bring the event to life each day.What sets TDY apart is the connection built along the way. Strangers at the start. Teammates by the finish. From early morning rollouts to end-of-day celebrations, riders share more than the road, they share purpose, vulnerability, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.EVENT DETAILS:What: Tour Da Yoop, EhWhen: FRIDAY July 24th – SUNDAY August 2nd, 2026Where: 1,200-mile loop around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Start/Finish: Manistique)Who: Cyclists of all levels (1, 3, 5, or 10-day options)Cause: Bike Safety & Childhood CancerGET INVOLVED:Ride: Register @ www.tourdayoopeh.comDonate: Support families battling childhood cancerFollow/Share: Help spread awareness and grow the impactEvery rider has the opportunity if they choose to create a personal fundraising page, turning each mile into meaningful support for families across the Upper Peninsula.Ride for your reason!MEDIA CONTACT:James StudingerTour Da Yoop, Eh248-765-2026james@jpstudinger.comwww.tourdayoopeh.com
Location: Manistique, MI
Website: https://www.tourdayoopeh.com/
Phone: 9063996233
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECOP ESD Opens Registration for 23 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and Paid High School AcademiesGAYLORD, Mich. — Registration is now open for Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD’s 2026 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and High School Academies, offering students across Northeast Michigan a unique opportunity to explore high-demand careers through hands-on learning, employer engagement, and real-world workplace experiences.This summer, COP ESD will offer 20 STEM Career Exploration Camps for students entering grades 7–12 along with three six-week paid High School Summer Academies in Welding, CNC Machining, and Building & Construction Trades. Camps begin June 15 and run through August 6, while the academies run June 17 through July 30.The High School Academies are designed on a pre-apprenticeship “earn while you learn” model, allowing students age 15 and older to gain authentic workplace experience while earning a $300 per week stipend. Students will complete industry-recognized credentials, participate in career and employability seminars made possible through workforce development grant support in partnership with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, and engage in business immersion trips with regional employers.Only 35 academy seats are available this summer, including 15 seats in Welding, 10 in CNC Machining, and 10 in Building & Construction Trades.“These programs were built on the belief that where a child lives should not determine the opportunities they have access to,” said Laura Percival, MiSTEM Region 12 Director at COP ESD. “Six of our ten local school districts have no Career and Technical Education programs. Our students deserve opportunities to see, touch, build, create, and experience careers that can lead to living-wage employment right here in Northeast Michigan. Students do not know what they do not know until we intentionally expose them to these possibilities.”Unlike traditional summer enrichment, COP ESD’s camps are intentionally designed around career immersion. Every camp includes hands-on, project-based learning that allows students to actively experience a profession while also visiting a local employer or business to see the workplace firsthand and interact directly with industry professionals.Offerings span a wide range of in-demand fields, including skilled trades, healthcare, engineering, robotics, drones, childcare, agriculture, veterinary science, surveying and geospatial technology, electrical careers, and more.Highlighted experiences this summer include:Mapped Out: Surveying & Geospatial Technology Camp, where students work with advanced surveying tools, drone mapping technology, and spatial data systems;Next Generation Engineers, featuring engineering design challenges and visits to innovative regional manufacturers;Healthcare Career Camps hosted in partnership with Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Cheboygan Campus, Onaway EMS, Indian River Veterinary Clinic, and Huron Veterinary Clinic;Skilled trades camps in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, CNC Machining, Building Trades, and Heavy Equipment;Agricultural career exploration, careers working with children, and much more.Regional employer participation is one of the defining strengths of the COP ESD program. Beginning with the use of the Industrial Arts Institute as the primary host site for many camps, community partnership has been a foundation of the initiative since its inception. This summer, nearly 80 business and community partners are collaborating to provide tours, instructors, materials, certifications, workplace experiences, and career mentoring for students. “When students get real tools in their hands and industry professionals by their side, everything shifts. They begin to see themselves in these high‑demand careers and understand the pathways to get there. That’s why strong community partnerships matter—they build confidence, skills, and a stronger future for our region.” — Tamara Ward, Executive Director, Industrial Arts InstituteThe growth of the initiative continues to demonstrate strong student and employer demand. During summer 2025, COP ESD served 240 students, facilitated 219 industry certifications, and partnered with 79 business and community organizations to deliver career-connected learning experiences.“Our goal is simple,” Percival added. “We want students to be able to see themselves in these careers, understand the pathways available to them, and realize they can build a successful future without leaving the communities they call home.”Registration for COP ESD High School Academies is now open. Registration for STEM Career Exploration Camps opens Friday, May 1.Complete camp descriptions, flyers, and registration links can be found at:www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/Media Contact:Laura PercivalMiSTEM Region 12 Director, Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESDpercival@copesd.org231-238-9394 ext. 1418Photos, camp flyers, and interviews are available upon request.
Location: COP ESD region
Website: www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/
Phone: 5178193437
Marion Old Fashioned Days 2026Theme: "Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Pride"Join us for one of Marion's favorite traditions as we celebrate community, family, and hometown spirit during Marion Old Fashioned Days!The festivities kick off Thursday night with the crowd-favorite Demolition Derby.Friday brings a full day of fun beginning at 8:00 AM with vendors arriving downtown. Enjoy kids' games at the fire department, a Cruise-In Car Show along Main Street, live music downtown, a cornhole tournament, and a disc golf tournament.Saturday is packed from start to finish with excitement for all ages. Main Street comes alive with vendors lining the entire downtown area, along with the Children's Parade, Grand Parade, 5K race, kids' games, arm wrestling tournament, inflatable costume race, watermelon eating contest, carnival rides, laser tag, pony rides, and live music throughout the day.Don't miss fan favorites including the Greased Pig Contest, Tug of War, Karaoke, food trucks, raffles, Duck Race, BBQ Cook-Off, annual car show at Timber Rose, Water Ball Tournament with the Fire Department, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, softball tournament, and much more.The celebration concludes Saturday night with an unforgettable concert by Slick Jimmy rocking the heart of Main Street, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Millpond.Come celebrate the traditions that make Marion special—Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Pride! There's something for everyone at Marion Old Fashioned Days. We can't wait to see you there!
Location: Marion, MI 49665
Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NkQ2Cou4x/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Phone: 2313883681
We’ll supply the paint and canvas, you bring the creativity! Join us as we experiment with some fun and unique painting methods. Who knows, you may just create the next great masterpiece.
Location: Houghton Lake Public Library
Website: https://hlpl.org
Phone: 9893669230
In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at the Odamark Pavilion in Charlevoix, MI, for this FREE performance. Live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. A free kids’ dance class will take place on the lawn at 6:30. Bring your own blankets and chairs, and arrive early to secure your spot. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations.
Location: Odmark Performance Pavilion, 400 Bridge Street Charlevoix, MI 49720
Website: http://tcdanceproject.org
Phone: 4197670146
Resurrection Lutheran Church is holding a Bible Study and an Evening Service every Thursday. Everyone is welcome to come! Join the Bible Study at 6:45 pm, and the Evening Service at 7:30 pm for an uplifting message, music, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of parking.
Location: 500 S. Brooke Street, Alpena, MI
Website: https:// www.rlca.us
Phone: (989) 354-7522
This 3 day event is jam packed with activities, food, shopping and entertainment! Kick off Thursday with a demolition derby. Friday and Saturday are a full schedule with vendors lining the entire downtown, live music in several locations, food trucks, children’s parade, grand parade, cornhole tournament, arm wrestling, greased pig, tug of war, BBQ competition, car shows, kid’s games, lazer tag, amusement ride, inflatable costume race, thousands of dollars in raffles, beer tents, fireworks, more live music and the list goes on! This is the event of the year and it’s not something you want to miss!
Location: Downtown Marion Michigan
Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HEALNRFds/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Phone: 2313883681
Resurrection Lutheran Church is holding an evening service every Thursday at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come! Join us for an uplifting message, music, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of parking at 500 S. Brooke Street, Alpena.
Location: 500 S. Brooke Street, Alpena, MI
Website: https:// www.rlca.us
Phone: (989) 354-7522
Resurrection Lutheran Church is holding an evening service every Thursday at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come! Join us for an uplifting message, music, a welcoming atmosphere, plus plenty of parking at 500 S. Brooke Street, Alpena.
Location: 500 S. Brooke Street, Alpena, MI
Website: https:// www.rlca.us
Phone: (989) 354-7522
