Spring Blooms, Bulldog Builds & Big Rapids Buzz

Cars, Concerts & Community Comeback

Big Rapids is officially in full summer mode. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from road trips and Korean BBQ to a growing list of events, projects, and momentum across the community. We’re joined by Jennifer Faris Jones, Director of Explore Big Rapids, who breaks down how the Chamber, DBA, and Explore Big Rapids all work together, and what’s being done to bring more visitors (and energy) into the area. From Back to the Bricks to future ideas like drone shows and expanded regional branding, there’s a lot in motion right now. We also hit a packed list of local happenings — from the return of the Farmers Market and Pocket Park concerts to new businesses, summer festivals, and one very important update… the splash pad is OPEN 😄 0:00 – Intro & welcome 0:55 – Thanks to last week’s guest Luke Wyckoff 📸 1:40 – Weekly recap: what the guys have been up to 2:40 – Chris’ trip to South Carolina 🎉 3:46 – Pat’s long weekend recap 4:26 – Korean BBQ in Grand Rapids 🍖 5:45 – Chris vs his never-ending home projects 6:15 – Summer live music preview 🎶 7:20 – Featured Creature: Burmese Clouded Archer Fish 🐟 9:50 – Wanting more for the community 11:27 – Chamber changes discussion 12:07 – Guest intro: Jennifer Faris Jones (Explore Big Rapids) 🌆 12:45 – New role: exciting or intimidating? 13:14 – Chamber vs DBA vs Explore Big Rapids 14:36 – Marketing opportunities for local businesses 15:13 – Jennifer’s background 16:58 – Chase Creek Smokehouse update 17:35 – Moment of silence for Schuberg’s sweet potato fries 😄 17:50 – RIP South Admiral 18:48 – “Heads in beds” — tourism focus 18:52 – Back to the Bricks bringing 250+ cars 🚗 19:32 – Smaller projects in motion 20:09 – Drone light shows someday? 20:27 – Drone contest idea 21:09 – Parade plans 21:32 – More upcoming projects 21:45 – Rebranding Explore Big Rapids regionally 22:45 – Blessing of the Bikes & more events 23:27 – Poker run details 25:00 – How businesses can get involved 25:22 – Adding events to BigRapids.org 📅 26:45 – Intern helping expand event listings 29:01 – Callery Pear trees are now illegal 🌳 30:10 – Five Below, car wash, Burlington updates 🏗️ 30:42 – Splash pad is OPEN 💦 31:04 – Zinnia Day at the Farmers Market 🌸 31:45 – Pocket Park concerts (Fridays all summer) 32:29 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃 33:15 – Angels of Action Summer Block Party (June 12) 33:53 – Free medical clinic this weekend 34:40 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 35:00 – What Back to the Bricks is all about 35:55 – Event amenities breakdown 36:40 – Summerfest vendor preview ☀️ 37:32 – Banded Raccoon pop-up market 38:09 – Bandshell concert series begins June 17 🎶 39:25 – Jim Crow Museum progress 39:45 – Theater review 🎬 41:20 – New ice cream spot: Whipped and Dipped 🍦 42:50 – Crusted Creations arcade shoutout 43:15 – Congrats to students finishing the school year 🎓 44:38 – Viral traffic stop video 🤯 46:37 – AI song debate 🎧 50:01 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

Photos, Percussion & Summer Kickoff

Big Rapids is hitting that early summer stride — and this week’s episode covers a little bit of everything. Chris recaps a trip to the Chicago Drum Show, Hand of Giants gets ready to open for Saving Abel, and the guys try to make sense of Detroit sports and… whatever was going on with nutrition in the 80s 😄 This week’s guest is Luke Wyckoff, a National Geographic photographer and Ferris alum with a fascinating path — from stepping away from photography for 20 years to finding his way back and shooting in Kenya with one of the best wildlife photography teams in the world. It’s a great conversation about creativity, burnout, reinvention, and chasing meaningful work. Plus: drum circles, garage sales, summer events, and a whole lot happening around town as we head into June. 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:20 – It’s (almost) shorts weather ☀️ 2:25 – Chamber Golf Outing forces early recording 3:52 – Detroit sports check-in 🏀 4:50 – Life keeping Pat busy 6:25 – Chicago Drum Show + Grateful Dead vibes 🥁 7:30 – Hand of Giants opening for Saving Abel 🎸 8:50 – Why did people look older “back in the day”? 😄 9:50 – Featured Creature: White (Dumpy) Tree Frog 🐸 12:40 – Chris goes deep on bird colors 🐦 13:58 – Thanks to Jenn from Schuberg’s Bar and Grill 15:08 – Guest intro: Luke Wyckoff 📸 16:55 – Luke’s background & journey 18:05 – From business & marketing to creative work 22:05 – Staying fresh by diversifying 23:20 – Why Ferris & returning to Michigan 27:30 – Remote work vs photography travel 29:30 – Getting started in photography 31:30 – Walking away from photography for 20 years 35:15 – National Geographic trip to Kenya 🌍 37:27 – What a safari shoot looks like 39:15 – Wildlife photography legends 41:35 – Favorite photos (not what you’d expect) 46:35 – What’s next: Japan, hockey, Ferris football 49:45 – Where to find Luke’s work 50:28 – Coach Tony Annese Hall of Fame nod 🏆 51:05 – Shoutout to local maker Daniel Evelend 52:30 – Community Drum Circle (Friday) 🥁 53:04 – Saving Abel show (Saturday) 53:30 – Canadian Lakes garage sales 54:00 – Walmart remodel reveal 54:53 – Folk for Now at the Bandshell 🎶 55:25 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 29 55:58 – Free RAM Clinic (May 30–31) 56:30 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃 56:50 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) 🚗☀️ 59:05 – Dom’s Corrections: birds & Shaq wisdom 1:01:00 – Outro & thanks #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

Birds, Burgers & Big Rapids Boom

Big Rapids is buzzing — and not just with birds. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate the unveiling of the new bird statue at Northend Riverside Park, talk bird walks, and even float the idea of bringing back the local Audubon Society. We’re joined by Jenn Rumsey, owner of Schuberg’s Bar and Grill and President of the Downtown Business Association. From growing up in the Schuberg’s legacy to navigating its viral popularity, Jenn gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Big Rapids’ most iconic spots — plus updates on what’s ahead for downtown. We also cover major development updates across town, summer events right around the corner, and everything else that makes this place feel alive right now. 0:00 – Intro & welcome 2:00 – New bird statue + community birding event 🐦 6:00 – Bird walk this Friday at 4:30 9:00 – Restarting the Big Rapids Audubon Society? 10:30 – Guest intro: Jenn Rumsey (Schuberg’s + DBA President) 🍔 11:45 – First memories of Schuberg’s 14:00 – Family legacy behind the restaurant 14:30 – Going viral — handling the popularity 16:18 – Small space, big demand 18:30 – Managing expectations when it’s packed 21:25 – Running a business with your spouse 24:40 – The mystery of bar tools 😄 25:35 – Jenn’s go-to Schuberg’s order 27:55 – Downtown Business Association updates 32:33 – Social district awareness push 35:05 – Downtown discount cards available now 36:30 – Collaboration between DBA, CVB & Chamber 37:55 – Featured Creature: Dwarf Gourami 🐟 41:10 – Big changes around town (Five Below, Chipotle, carwash, more) 🏗️ 42:09 – New childcare center on east side 43:30 – Thanks to Dr. Pink 44:55 – Former Clark station site discussion 46:30 – Hanchett property update (55+ housing) 48:14 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15) 🎤 49:00 – Toastmasters at Ferris (2nd & 4th Thursdays) 52:58 – Wheatlake 5K (May 17) 🏃 53:32 – Pocket Park Music Series starts soon 🎶 54:50 – WISE 5K (May 30) 55:30 – Free RAM clinic at Ferris (May 30–31) 57:28 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗 59:00 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️ 1:00:15 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs event 🌭 1:00:52 – Personal note: prayers for a family friend ❤️ 1:01:30 – Dom’s Corrections: chaos as usual 1:04:55 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories Follow us on Facebook here [https://www.facebook.com/whatsupbigrapids] On Youtube Here [https://youtube.com/@whatsupbigrapids] Follow Schuberg's Bar on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/schubergsbar]

Spring Blooms, Bulldog Builds & Big Rapids Buzz

Big Rapids is officially in that sweet spot — trees blooming, projects moving, and the calendar filling up fast. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we finally solve the mystery of those white flowering trees downtown (spoiler: not dogwoods), check in on the Chipotle construction progress, and recap a busy weekend that included live music, a marriage retreat, and a whole lot of community activity. We’re joined again by Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink, who gives updates on everything from the new marching band energy on campus to major projects like Stadium Hall, the Jim Crow Museum, and a planned indoor activity facility. It’s a great look at how Ferris continues to grow and shape the future of Big Rapids. Plus: farmers market kickoff, Mother’s Day plans, car shows, concerts, job fairs, and one very serious debate about Schuburgers. 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:05 – The mystery of the white flowering trees 🌸 (Callery Pear!) 2:10 – Chipotle site nearly ready for construction 🌯 3:40 – Sawmill show recap + marriage retreat weekend 6:15 – Are mixtapes still a thing? 🎶 7:40 – Thanks to Arthur Johnson from Artworks 8:15 – The Beard Mechanic ribbon cutting 💈 9:15 – Featured Creature: Heckel Discus fish 🐟 11:15 – Guest intro: Dr. Bill Pink (Ferris State President) 🎓 11:45 – Strong opinions on mixtapes (analog wins) 14:55 – New marching band energy on campus 16:10 – Campus construction updates (Stadium Hall, Jim Crow Museum) 19:20 – Dorm upgrades coming soon 22:05 – Jim Crow Museum timeline (September opening) 23:05 – Indoor activity facility plans 🏟️ 29:05 – Katke Golf Course update ⛳ 30:00 – Cody “Beef” Franke story & legacy 31:32 – Diesel Days impact on students 33:40 – RAM Clinic returning May 30–31 35:20 – Building connections with local clergy 41:35 – The Big Event + community connection 45:00 – Thanks to Dr. Pink 47:45 – Farmers Market starts Friday 🌱 48:05 – Library love + Book It program returns 📚 50:33 – Theater updates (tickets + signage) 🎬 51:41 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show 🚗 52:20 – Mother’s Day plans 💐 53:20 – The guys’ Mother’s Day strategies (or lack thereof 😄) 54:55 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15) 55:55 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16) 🏃 56:46 – Pocket Park music series starts May 29 🎶 58:20 – WISE 5K (May 30) 58:45 – Free RAM medical clinic at Ferris 59:45 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) ☀️ 1:01:10 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs hiring event 🌭 1:02:30 – Final thoughts with Dr. Pink 1:03:15 – Schuberg’s debate + Pizza Hut talk 🍔 1:08:30 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

Art, Accolades & Spring Ahead

Winter tried to sneak back in this week… but Big Rapids isn’t slowing down. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we recap a huge community turnout for the National Championship parade, celebrate local wins in real estate and business growth, and look ahead to a packed spring calendar full of events. We’re joined by Arthur Johnson, Director of Artworks, who shares his journey into the role, his vision for expanding access to the arts, and what’s coming next — including exciting plans to bring creative experiences out into more rural parts of the community. We also touch on everything from new businesses opening up, to car shows, concerts, and a growing list of ways to get involved around town — plus a heartfelt moment supporting a local family in need. 0:00 – Intro & welcome (winter tries to come back ❄️) 1:23 – Shoutout to Ferris students for The Big Event 🧹 1:57 – Studio chaos with Dom and the intern 😄 2:35 – Real estate wins + Pat heads to a marriage retreat 🏡 3:25 – National Championship parade recap 🏆 3:50 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (Saturday) 🎶 4:45 – Detroit sports update + golf season talk ⛳ 6:50 – New businesses opening soon in Big Rapids 💼 7:25 – Thanks to the Pickleball Club 8:15 – Featured Creature: Denizen Barbs (Roseline Sharks) 🐟 11:23 – Guest intro: Arthur Johnson (Artworks Director) 🎨 12:55 – Arthur’s background before Artworks 15:25 – What brought him to Big Rapids 17:55 – Transition to leadership 20:45 – Vision for Artworks moving forward 21:45 – Expanding art access to rural communities 24:30 – Artworks Gala shifting back to spring + Artstock preview 27:10 – How to support Artworks 29:05 – Thanks to Arthur for joining us 30:25 – Check out the Painted Turtle gift shop 🛍️ 31:12 – Scooter accident footage debate 😬 32:33 – Big Rapids named Tree City (48th year!) 🌳 34:04 – Movie talk: Michael 🎬 36:30 – The Shark is Broken at Crossroads Auditorium 39:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤 40:55 – Farmers Market returns soon 🌱 42:05 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show (May 9) 🚗 43:50 – Mother’s Day Brunch at the Peaks 💐 46:07 – Dom’s questionable gift choice 😅 46:30 – Comedy Night at the Peaks (May 15) 50:10 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16) 50:45 – WISE 5K (May 30) 53:35 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 29 🎶 56:00 – Free Pop-Up Medical Clinic at Ferris (May 30–31) 57:00 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 57:57 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️ 1:00:28 – Supporting Jennifer Knowles after house fire ❤️ 1:01:38 – Dom’s Corrections: Tigers stats + viral moment 1:04:15 – Outro & thanks to Arthur