‘Firemans’ kicks off Fall

ROSCOMMON – The annual Firemen’s Memorial Festival is set for Sept. 19-21.

The memorial service is on September 20 at 9 am, The parade starts at noon in downtown Roscommon, with the flag raising at the festival grounds at the end of the parade, September 21, Sunday morning will be the pancake breakfast starting at 7am by the Higgins Fire department.

Music and dancing in the Big Red Barn runs from 8 to 11 p.m. for ages 21 and older with badge and ID required.

The Fire Apparatus Parade begins at noon Saturday, followed by the Search and Rescue Competition at 12:30 p.m., Waterball and Gray’s Towing Demo at 1:30 p.m., the Gold Badge Auction at 3 p.m. and fire demonstrations at 4 p.m. The evening includes a money raffle drawing at 8 p.m. and music, dancing and cornhole in the Big Red Barn from 8 to 11 p.m.

The festival concludes Sunday, Sept. 21, with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Big Red Barn, sponsored by the Higgins Township Fire Department.

Art Explosion

CRAWFORD COUNTY – The 2025 Great Northern Art Explosion at the AuSable Artisan Village in Grayling is scheduled to run through Sept. 7.

The free, public exhibition features artwork from around the world and transforms downtown Grayling into a hub of creativity and inspiration.

Visitors can vote for their favorite piece throughout the event to help determine the coveted People’s Choice Award.

The venue is located at 122 Michigan Ave. in Grayling. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More upcoming events

REGION – The Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Crawford-Roscommon Conservation Districts are inviting you for a fun, FREE, family event with activities for everyone at Camp Timbers in West Branch on Sept. 13. 

Engage in a compass treasure hunt or enjoy a family hike! If water is your passion, take the kayaks out for a spin or enter the Youth Fishing Tournament. 

There will be vendors, door prizes, arts and crafts and more. Visit www.ogemawed.org for more information. 

OSCODA COUNTY – If the Outdoor Extravaganza isn’t’ your thing, visit Fairview on Sept. 13 from 12-4 p.m. for the annual Harvest Fest at Boney Park. Enjoy the Pie Baking Contest, pumpkin painting, kids’ games, Petting Zoo, local goods, and more!