Mount Pleasant still has much to do over summer months

Though school activities may slow down over the summer, Mount Pleasant still has much to do in the warmer months.

Celebration Cinema, 4935 E. Pickard St. and the Ziibiwing Center, 6650 E. Broadway Road, will bring international movies to Mount Pleasant May 16 and 17. Eight films will be screened during the “Film Forward” event, which is free and open to the public.

The Soaring Eagle outdoor summer concert series will include artists such as Toby Keith, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Maroon 5, Train, ZZ Top and Ted Nugent.

The Ziibiwing Center has permanent and rotating exhibits throughout the summer.

“It’s an enlightening (experience) and is designed to take you on a journey of our ancestors,” said Yvette Pitawanakwat, visitor service coordinator of the Ziibiwing Center.

The permanent exhibit begins with the pre-European era of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s ancestors, Pitawanakwat said.

“Car bingo” will be held in the center’s parking lot Aug. 1.

“It was the first form of gambling on the reservation in the ’60s,” Pitawanakwat said. “It’s similar to a drive-in theater.”

Downtown Mount Pleasant also has several events scheduled.

In celebration of 30 years of the Art Reach of Mid Michigan, 111 E. Broadway St., historical photos will be placed next to recent pieces of art displayed in the shops of downtown Mount Pleasant.

On May 21, “Paint the Sidewalk” will take place from downtown Mount Pleasant to campus on Main Street.

There will also be an open-art exhibit at Art Reach with Mount Pleasant High School student art and there will be a free watercolor painting class on June 4.

“Those interested should register soon because there are a limited number of spots,” said Allie Boyer, Art Reach program coordinator.

The Mount Pleasant Street Festival will take place July 21 to 23 and will also involve downtown Mount Pleasant, Boyer said.

The Ragbirds, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Jeff Daniels and Brian Van Der Ark will perform in downtown Mount Pleasant during Max and Emily’s summer concert series.

Those looking for outdoor activities to enjoy the weather may be interested in Deerfield Nature Park, 2425 W. Remus Road, which has hiking and paved trails, beaches, and a disc golf course.

“It is an 18-hole course,” said Sue Ann Kopmeyer, director of Isabella County Parks and Recreation. “We have regular tees and short tees.”