Bed Races returns Jan. 28

Get ready to burn some rubber on the wintry streets of Port Huron with the BWYP!

The Blue Water Young Professionals return as the host of the 2017 Chilly Fest Bed Races. What's Bed Races you ask? Only the goofiest race around.

Don't miss the fun of this crowd favorite on Saturday, Jan. 28 in downtown Port Huron. For more infomration on Bed Races or to register a team click here.   

Be sure to check out the other great Chilly Fest events as well. Peruse the ice sculptures, eat some chilli or run PoHo Hot Cocoa. 

Ugly Sweater Party tickets on sale

USP 2015.jpg

Tickets are still available for the BWYP's 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party!

When: Thursday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Vintage Tavern in downtown Port Huron

Cost: $10 per person

Appetizers will be provided. This year we will be awarding prizes for the best homemade Sweater and the overall ugliest sweater. The uglier, the better!

Since the BWYP is all about making the Blue Water Area a place to stay, play, shop and give back, we're requesting warm winter gear to be donated (socks, gloves, hats, scarfs) It can be new or gently used.

YP friends and family are always welcome. Tickets can be bought online here.

 

 

 

Kegs N Ks beats expectations

The final numbers are in and Kegs N Ks beat all goals the Blue Water Young Professionals board set for this year’s fundraiser.

The race, which was held Sept. 17 at Vantage Point, had more than 320 racers and raised $6,360.

“I think that we pulled off a great race despite the weather,” said Crystal Jahn, BWYP treasurer. “We had a good group of volunteers and we pulled it off with minimal complaints.”  

The board originally anticipated around 300 runners and to raise between $4,000 to $5,000. 

Jahn said the purpose of the event was to raise general funds for the group. The board will now discuss how the use the money.

In the past the BWYP has devoted money to revitalizing the Black River Walk in downtown Port Huron – a project that is still ongoing.  

The main event was the 4K run where participates chugged four ounces of beer each lap, but racers weren’t the only ones having fun. Kegs N Ks also featured a keg toss sponsored by Michigan Specialty Coatings as well as a rockin’ after-party with beer, music, ping pong and corn hole.

Of course, the group couldn’t have a successful event without the help of YP members and friends who gave their time and resources to Kegs N Ks. The BWYP board thanks you all!

The board also thanks the other event sponsors Bell’s Inspired Brewing, Earl Smith Distributing Co., Huron Dental, Road Runner Timing, Penn Station East Coast Subs and Kramer Commercial Realty.    

 

Pine River Poker Paddle returns Aug. 20

Combining two popular pastime activities equals great summer fun. The 3rd annual Pine River Poker Paddle returns Saturday, Aug. 20.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Thanks to our sponsor DeLude Construction, the cost is FREE to join in the poker fun and be eligible to win a kayak. Best hand wins! 

We will still sell extra cards for $2 each. Paddling starts at 10 a.m.

You can pre-register now.

During this event, participants paddle along the Pine River starting at the St. Clair Boat Harbor to the train bridge and back. Along the way you will stop at five checkpoints to pick up a poker card. There will be an optional longer route to obtain an bonus poker card. You can also purchase extra cards for $2 a piece at the event. 

At the end of the event, the player with the best hand wins a brand new Dagger Zydeco kayak, generously sponsored by DeLude Construction and Great Lakes Marine Outfitters.

Don't own your own kayak, canoe or paddle board? Don't worry, you can rent from the St. Clair Boat Harbor, Great Lakes Paddle Sports, Missy's Kayak Connection or PoHo Paddle Co. There will be a limited amount of kayaks on site to rent so book early!

Local places to rent a kayak/SUP:

· St. Clair Boat Harbor (kayaks and SUP): 810-329-4125

· Great Lakes Paddle (kayaks): 810-320-6684

· Missy’s Kayak Connection (kayaks): 810-488-0798

· PoHo Paddle Company (SUP): Contact Cecelia at 810-434-7832

YPs take over South Beach

South Beach Night at Casey's Pizza will benefit future BWYP projects

Throw on you crisp white and stark black and head over the Casey's on Aug. 6 for South Beach Night. All door donations will benefit the future work of the Blue Water Young Professionals.

The YPs will be volunteering as valet parking attendants, club "security" and paparazzi for the dress-to-impress event.

Interested in volunteering for the event? Let us know on our Facebook event page! If you don't want to volunteer but still want to help the BWYP out, join the party!

When: Saturday, Aug. 6 at 9 p.m.                                                                                                Where: Casey's Pizza & Sub Shop                                                                                                                    628 Huron Ave., Port Huron                                                                                                 Cost: $10 donation at the door 

Kegs N Ks offers BWYP members opportunity for involvement

September is fast approaching and with it the Blue Water Young Professionals fundraising event, Kegs N Ks.

This event returns Sept. 17 at Vantage Point in downtown Port Huron, but there's still plenty of work to be done before it arrives.

We're looking for volunteers willing to expand their skill set and have a good time. Race or drinking experience a plus!

Love to plan? No problem! Join us June 7 at 5:30 p.m. for a planing meeting at Loft 912. We will hold breakout sessions tailored to your interests.  

Enjoy the fun and excitement of big crowds? We got that covered as well! We're looking for volunteers to help promote Kegs N Ks at Swampfoot on July 9 with a keg toss demo.

We also need manpower the day of the race. And of course you'll get to have a rockin' good time at the afterparty!

For more information, please contact bluewateryps@gmail.com. Learn more about Kegs N Ks

Kegs N Ks is sponsored by 

Bell's Brewing and Earl Smith Distributing Co.

2016 a busy year for Black River Walk

Spring and summer are shaping up to be a busy time for the Black River Walk with multiple projects in the works. All are a continuation of the work started by the Blue Water Young Professionals when we adopted the river walk in 2011.

This spring Jeff Marshall from Marshall Funeral Home in Greenville will install 12 bronze plaques in honor of the donors and designers of the maritime-themed benches and bike racks put in the fall of 2014. He donated the plaques at cost.

Last year, the BWYP was awarded a $45,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources’ Recreation Passport program. Signage promoting the BWR as part of the Island Loop Trail is currently being approved by the DNR and will be installed this summer.

The signs will be over 8 ft tall in the shape of sails so they tie in with the nautical theme of benches, bike racks and painted picnic tables already along the Blue River Walk.  

Archways to mark the start and end of the trail are also being designed as part of the DNR Passport grant. 

We are also working with community partners to build a pavilion with fire pit seating areas and grilles for cookouts. It will be completed by end of summer 2016.

Read more about the pavilion project in the Times Herald

Marshall helps YPs recognize Black River Walk donors

Jeff Marshall of Marshall Funeral Home doesn't live in Port Huron, or even the Blue Water Area, but that didn't stop him from helping the Blue Water Young Professionals give Black River Walk donors much-needed recognition.

The Greenville, MI native supplied 12 bronze donor plaques at cost. The plaques honor all donors and designers of the 12 maritime themed benches and bike racks  installed along the BRW in the fall of 2014.    

He will place the plaques in the spring.

The YPs extend a heartfelt thank you to Jeff Marshall and all our BRW donors! None of it could be accomplished without the community's support.

A full list of phase I BRW donors and designers can be found on the Black River Walk project  page. Phase II is currently in progress.

IT'S BAAAACK!

JOIN US IN THE FUN WITH KEGS N K'S!

Previously hosted by Elite Feet, the YPs are bringing back the much loved Kegs N K's. This event has something for everyone in the 21 and up crowd.

The 4K fun run is the highlight. At the start of the race and at several points along the course, participants will have the option to consume a 4 oz beer. Participants will also receive a full beer at the end of the race.

Every participant will receive a beer glass and a can opener medal with a Kegs N K's logo.

Running not your thing? Don't worry, test your strength at the Kegs N K's Keg Toss, battle friends in a game of beer pong or feel the need for speed during the pint sprint.

Whatever your poison, make sure you join us for the after-party for a rockin' good time! It will have live music, food and beer for purchase and the awards ceremony.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact the race director at bluewateryps@gmail.com for more information.  

YPs help with nonprofit 5K

Calling all runners!

Special Dreams Farm is presenting its 8th annual 5K run and walk and the BWYP St. Clair sub-committee is helping the organization put on the race.

The YPs are in charge of race logistics like selecting prizes, course setup, marketing and recruiting volunteers. 

Special Dreams Farm is a 31 acre working farm established to provide the special needs community with opportunities to work, learn and live. Exclusively for developmentally disabled adults, the farm provides a place where they can gain self-worth and confidence by performing meaningful work in a social environment.

For more information, please contact Mary Collette at clcollette@att.net or (810) 326-0127

Race Details

When: Sunday, May 1, 2016

Time: 7:30 a.m. packet pickup. Race starts at 9 a.m. and walk immediately after

Where: Stony  Creek Metro Park

Cost: $25 race fee for all ages when you register between Jan. 4 – Feb. 29, 2016. $30 race fee for all ages when you register between March 1 – April 30, 2016. $35 race fee the day of 

View more race details and/or register here