Courtesy Photo Art in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at McRae Park in Alpena.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, presents its “SummerView 2024” Exhibit, featuring the artwork of nearly 40 artists on display and for sale now through Aug. 31. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Classes are also offered, and can be viewed online. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877 for more information.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Linda Beeman, the 2023 juried art show winner, has a solo exhibit on display in the Center Gallery. The 2024 juried art exhibit is on display as well, now through Oct. 30. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 25 local artists’ work on display and for sale. Gary Etzler, award-winning carver, is the gallery’s featured artist for August. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

∫ Dragonfly Art Gallery, 116 E. Main St. in Harrisville, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. August visiting artists are Karen Cracchiolo and Chuck Schroeder. The Dragonfly Art Gallery was founded in 2009 as a cooperative nonprofit, owned and run by the gallery’s member artists. The gallery’s mission is to provide local artists with the opportunity to display and sell their work, while also offering the residents of and visitors to Alcona County a venue for enjoying art. Find out more about the gallery at dragonflyartgallery.net, as well as on Facebook.

Today, August 13

∫ The Alpena County Fair continues, with a goat/alpaca show at 9 a.m., Northern Michigan Fiber Festival sheep to shawl demonstration from noon to 4 p.m., a sheep show at 5 p.m., and micro wrestling at 7 p.m. General admission for micro wrestling is $15 per adult/$10 per teen and child; $30 per person for bleacher ringside seating; and $35 per person for premium ringside seating. The fair gate fee is $3 per person, or $15 for a weeklong pass per person. Free admission for children age 3 and younger.

∫ Efree Church’s Alpena Campus will host Kidz Camp from 9 a.m. to noon today and Wednesday, for ages newborn through sixth grade. The free event will feature crafts, snacks, dancing, games, and more, at 500 N. 2nd Ave. Then from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a block party will be open to all ages at the church, with free hot dogs, a bounce house, games, and more.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

∫ Great Start Collaborative Playgroup is held weekly at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Alpena County Library. No registration necessary.

∫ TOPS #1614 Alpena welcomes new members who are looking for support in their weight-loss journey. Meetings are held every Tuesday morning at the First Presbyterian Church at 1600 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. Weigh-ins start at 9:45 a.m. and meetings start at 10:30 a.m. There is no obligation to join if you attend your first meeting. For more information, call 989-255-4787.

∫ Potential homeowners can find out the steps they need to take to get closer to homeownership from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Habitat for Humanity offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena.

∫ Every Tuesday, practice ukulele at 10 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library, with ukuleles available for checkout, and players of all skill levels invited to join.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center offers quilting at 10 a.m. and Spitzer at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

∫ Good Grief is a grief support group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St.. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ The Family Search Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is closed for regular visits during the month of August. The center is available by appointment by calling Ella Purkiss at 989-306-6250.

∫ The AHS Class of 1953 will hold a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the 19th Hole. If you have questions, call Jeanne Szymanski at 989-356-0606.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Presbyterian Church, Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook. For detailed membership information, call 989-464-5313.

∫ ALL presents Understanding Financial Products from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at ACC’s Madeline Briggs Center. Marc Ferguson will discuss various basic financial products, how they work and which and what kind of products work best for which kind of financial need. Marc has qualified to attend the Edward Jones annual Managing Partner’s Conference 10 years in a row, an honor reserved for the firm’s top 400 financial advisors in North America. Graduated in 1986 from Lake Superior State University and 1994 from Central Michigan University, he holds both a Bachelor of Science degree of business administration and an MBA in finance and international business. Before coming to Edward Jones, he was a manager at The Dow Chemical Company. Marc’s community involvement includes having served on the NEMROC Board of Directors, Hospice of Northeast Michigan Board of Directors, Alpena Community College Board of Trustees and as a trustee for the ACC Foundation.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring projects ranging from Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D Printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits, sewing and more. Let your curiosity take over and explore! Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 4 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly meeting is for those in the LGBTQ community, their families, and supporters, at Bay View Center, 710 N. 2nd Ave. If you have questions, call 989-340-0955.

∫ ALL’s Moveable Feast will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today at Hopside Brewery, 129 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. With 24 beers on tap, a full line of house-distilled spirits, and a full lunch and dinner menu, they are ready to serve you. Reservations are required by calling the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or emailing all@alpenacc.edu.

∫ Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and Boy Scouts meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ Lighthouse Baptist Church will be presenting “Growing in God’s Garden” a Vacation Bible School program for all ages, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today through Friday. Evangelist Dennis Regling and his wife Karen and their twin daughters will be using amazing optical illustrations, hilarious puppets, outrageous games, cool prizes, and fun music to teach Bible lessons and encourage everyone in attendance. The program is designed to be entertaining and motivating for all ages and families are invited to attend together. Children 6 and older may attend without a parent. The event will be held at 7420 U.S.-23 N (about five miles north of Alpena, at the corner of U.S.-23 and Long Lake Road). For more information, or if you need a ride, call 989-595-2715.

∫ ALL presents Photography Club from 7 to 9 p.m. at ACC’s Madeline Briggs Center. Come and join the club to discuss reorganizing the focus of camera club to rekindle the excitement of taking superb photos. For the Zoom link, email all@alpenacc.edu.

∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.

Wednesday, August 14

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena.

∫ The Alpena County Fair continues, with a rabbit show at 9 a.m., draft horse show at 11 a.m., carnival rides and games opening at 2 p.m., pleasure horse show at 3 p.m., and Michigan mower racing at 7 p.m., for $10 per person ($5 for ages 10 and younger). Grandstand pit passes for 18 and older are $20. Brad Corpus trivia will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. in the tent.

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center exercise is from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

∫ Guys Like Us is a Wednesday morning coffee crew of men who are coping with cancer, meeting at 10 a.m., in-person at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday for Weekly Storytime. Come for a few stories, then stay for an activity or craft! All ages are welcome. If you can’t make it on Wednesday, join ACL at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday mornings for Open MakerLab! Makers of all ages can tinker, collaborate, and create a project of their choice in our lab. Staff help is available if needed. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. A signed waiver is required prior to using the MakerLab. MakerLab rules apply in the lab at all times because participant safety is our top priority! If you have questions about lab rules call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Do you have a gadget that you need a little help with, or a technology question that you need answered? Get help with your computer, phone, or tablet from ACL’s knowledgeable and patient staff, offering a one-hour, four times a week session with our Technology Specialist on a first-come, first-serve basis.

∫ ALL offers pinochle from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center with Julie Byrnes.

∫ Women on Wednesday is a support group for women with cancer meeting in-person and via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Friends Together. Come for a dash of hope, some laughter, and real talk.

∫ Alpena Sportsmen’s Club is a nonprofit located at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena, open to members and non-members — everyone with an interest in shooting sports. Skeet and sporting clay shooting are offered from 5:45 p.m. until dark on Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.

∫ Rich Rider hosts Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Black Sheep Pub, 113 S. 2nd Ave., downtown Alpena.

Thursday, August 15

∫ Thursday is senior day at the Alpena County Fair, with those 60 and older getting in the gate for free. Small animal sweepstakes will begin at 9 a.m., a speed horse show will be at 11 a.m., the carnival opens at 2 p.m., the Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be from 4 to 6 p.m., large animal sweepstakes at 5 p.m., and the Flying Star Rodeo at 7 p.m., for $15 per person, $10 per child age 10 and younger. Grandstand pit passes are $20 for ages 18 and up. Stoker Variety Classic Rock will be from 7 to 11 p.m. in the tent.

∫ Community Walking Club for Everyone meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Call 989-724-6796 for more information.

∫ Join the Alpena County Girlfriends at 10 a.m. on Thursdays for coffee and conversation. This is a women-only group whose purpose is to make friends and socialize with women from Alpena County and the surrounding areas. Please contact Betty at 734-693-2869 for weekly location.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.

∫ Zoom Book Club is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Thursday, with the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. For more information, call 989-356-3585.

∫ Friends Together presents Journaling with Friends, from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Explore creative ways to organize your thoughts. Registration is required by calling 989-356-3231.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Needles and Threads group is held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Thursday at the Grand Lake branch of Presque Isle District Library. Bring your latest knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, or other crafts. Call 989-734-2477, ext. 2 with questions. The library is located at 18132 Lake Esau Highway, Presque Isle.

∫ Thursday Eve Serenity Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St., Alpena. If a problem drinker has or is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help you. Meetings are anonymous and confidential. Call 989-354-5476.

Friday, August 16

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.

∫ The Alpena County Fair continues, and Friday is Military Appreciation Day (free entry with military I.D.). A 4-H awards breakfast will be at 10 a.m. The carnival opens at 2 p.m. The Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. The 4-H animal sale will be at 5 p.m. The bump and run will be at 7 p.m., for $10 per person. Waylon Hanel will perform in the tent from 8 to 11 p.m.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Then at noon, Mahjong is played, and pinochle starts at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Presque Isle District Library’s Posen branch offers knitting and crocheting from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. All levels are welcome. If you have questions, call 989-734-2477.

∫ On Fridays, Storytime and Craft for Kids meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ The Northeast Michigan League of Women Voters will hold its August Lunch Bunch at noon on Friday at 19th Hole in Alpena. The public is invited.

∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center.

∫ The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night, with your choice of fish or shrimp, potato, coleslaw, roll, and drink. The fish fry is open to the public, and the cost is $12 for the fish dinner or $14 for the shrimp dinner.

∫ ALL hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Fabulous caller Dave Boggs, of Desert Aire, Washington, will be reviewing mainstream calls and teaching and reviewing plus calls.

Saturday, August 17

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. For more information, visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The Harrisville Farmers Market, located in the upper parking lot of the Harrisville Harbor at the corner of N. Lake Street and E. Harbor Lane, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from June through October. Market items are locally produced, grown, harvested, baked, and gathered. For more information, visit The Real Harrisville Harbor Facebook page.

∫ The Sunrise Side Co-op Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the parking lot behind Mango’s Tequila Bar in downtown Alpena. The market will be open Saturdays through October.

∫ Downtown Drive-In and Dine Car Show is 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday in downtown Alpena. All unique cars are welcome; not just classic cars. No prior registration necessary. Ballots will be collected for the voters’ choice award, with a winner being announced at 8 p.m. There will be food trucks and live music! Free and open to all ages.

∫ The third annual Art in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McRae Park in Alpena, featuring 45 vendors, concessions, live music, children’s games, raffles, and more. Proceeds will benefit Hope Shores Alliance. To preview vendors and for more information, vist Art in the Park on Facebook.

∫ Saturday is kids’ day at the Alpena County Fair, with an open speed horse show at 10 a.m., bingo ’round the barnyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., tractor time on the track from noon to 2 p.m. (sponsored by Huron Shores Farm Bureau). The carnival starts at 1 p.m. The Michigan State Police Trailer “Hidden in Plain Sight” will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fireman Andy will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Thumb tractor pulls (local tractors) will take place at 2 p.m. Andy Perrin will play music from 2 to 6 p.m. in the tent. Girls and boys bike giveaways will be held at 5 p.m. in front of the grandstands (must be present to win). The winner of the cutest pet contest will be announced at 5 p.m. Free pedal pulls for ages 3 to 12 will be at 6 p.m. Thumb tractor pulls will be held at 6 p.m. The Country Poor Boys will play from 8 to 11 p.m. in the tent. Fireworks will be held at 10 p.m.

∫ The Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery is in the Kauffman Homestead 8015 E. Grand Lake Road in Grand Lake. The Kauffman Homestead is owned by the Grand Lake Association and is a historical site. They have allowed local crafters and artists to sell their items since the 1970s. An artisan market is like a farmers market, a place giving you an opportunity to meet the creators and learn how and by whom your unique product was made. The Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, now through Labor Day, and some special activity days. For more information, check out the Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery on Facebook.

Sunday, August 18

∫ The Alpena Eastern Star Chapter will host an ice cream social from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the DAV Hall/Masonic Center at 1020 U.S.-23 North in Alpena. The cost is $6 per person for ice cream, cake, and beverages. Everyone is welcome.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 2 to 3 p.m. every Sunday at St. Raphael Church in Mikado.

∫ Ossineke United Methodist Church will host an ice cream social and school supply giveaway from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to students in preschool through 12th grade. The public is invited to this event, which will be held at the church, 13095 U.S.-23 South, Ossineke. If you have questions, call 989-471-2334.

Editor’s note: Submit items for the Community Calendar to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com. Call 989-358-5691.