November Newsletter
The spooky season is over and the holidays are here!
A NIGHTMARE Success!
This year, Nightmare on Lake Street saw an incredible turnout, double the ticket sales compared to 2023! The Chamber provided our riders with an exhilarating and terrifying experience with help from amazing volunteers.
A heartfelt thank you to Todd Murawski from Bird Creek Farms and Danny Thuemmel for generously providing the wagons year after year, and to Jeff Babcock from Century 21 Babcock Realty for the continued use of his tractor.
Our wonderful MCs, Scott Zaleski from Grime Fighters Carpet Cleaning, and Mike Anderson, enthralled riders with their storytelling. Paul Nienaltowski from Port Crescent Market and Arron Antaya from Leafy Additions took turns safely navigating the village of Port Austin while coordinating with our actors.
We would like to give a standing ovation to our fantastic actors: Steve Radlinski from Radical Marine, Michelle Radlinski from Busha's Sweet Treats, Allie Radlinski, Ford Bailey, Amanda Bailey from Amanda's Wearhouse, Nick and Jamie Strozeski from D&C Excavating, Jon Mauk from Dirty Time Landscaping, David Thacker from Thacker's Art Gallery, Sasha Scoviac, Blair Conrad, Liam Jenks, and Brendan and Kat Murray.
Many thanks to Lake Street Local, Port Austin Playhouse, PAK's Garage, and The Garfield Inn for accommodating the scare actors, and all of their efforts to play along with our haunting stories. Special recognition goes to the DPW for always providing tremendous help with Chamber events. Last, but certainly not least, the Chamber would like to express our gratitude to Jill Babcock from 85ten Boutique Hotel and Events. Jill’s coordination and facilitation have helped to make Nightmare on Lake Street a standout event.
We are committed to continually improving this event and establishing it as the premier scare attraction in the Thumb area. Save the date for October 18 and 25, 2025 for the "Grimm’s Fairy Tale" edition of Nightmare on Lake Street.
Welcoming New Board Members
Following our September elections, the Chamber is pleased to welcome our newly elected Board members: Penny Ferreri, Michael Goforth, and Dave Kady. The current Board of Directors includes: Embry Fura, President, Deanna Kidd, Vice President, Dawn McCune, Secretary, Jon Mauk, Treasurer, and trustees Penny Ferreri, Michael Goforth, and Dave Kady. We are excited for great things to come as we continue working together to enhance our community.
With the September election and new Board, came the time to bid farewell to Jill Babcock who has been an integral part of the Chamber for many years. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for her many years of service. Our community is fortunate to have dedicated individuals invested in its success. Thank you, Jill, for your expertise and hard work!
With the holiday season upon us, we look forward to all of the upcoming community and member events!
Member Events
Members are asked to notify the Chamber of any upcoming events to be added to the website calendar and December holiday advertisement. Please see below for an example from 2023.
To be included on the December holiday ad, events must be submitted by November 25th.
Mini Tree Fundraiser
November 22nd - December 8th
Everyone is welcome to donate a decorated mini tree! To learn more and order your tree, visit our website here. For your convenience, you can now order a mini tree to be shipped directly to you by choosing one of the pre-selected trees from Amazon or Walmart. Trees must be dropped off to the Welcome Center by Wednesday, November 20th at 5pm. For questions or assistance, please contact the Chamber.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 29th, 6:30pm
Join us at the Village Green as we kick off the Christmas season! Enjoy hot cocoa from Corner Beverage, stay warm by the fire pits provided by Bird Creek Farms, make s’mores with Szymanski's Creekside Acres, and greet Santa as he rides in with the Port Austin Fire Department. Participants are welcome to donate an ornament and help us decorate the tree!
Soup Stroll
December 7th, 11am - 2pm
Get ready for another Soup Stroll! To participate in this culinary contest, please notify the Chamber by Sunday, December 1. Recognition will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for the best soups, with 1st place receiving an official display for their business as a 2024 Port Austin Soup Stroll Champ!
SAVE THE DATE!
Winter Carnival - Saturday, February 1, 2025
Planning for the 2025 Winter Carnival is underway! Additional activities are welcome and helping hands are always crucial to the success of our community events. To coordinate an activity or volunteer, please contact the Chamber. Proposed activities must be submitted by January 15, 2025.
To submit upcoming events or for questions, you can reply to this newsletter or contact the Chamber. We are here to support you. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy holiday season!
Warmest regards,
Lisa Marie Samann
Executive Director
& The Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce
(989) 738-7600
Chamber@portaustinarea.com