It was a beautiful, late summer evening for the unique annual event hosted by Friends of the Alley. Beneath the twinkling lights of Buckham Alley, 82 attendees enjoyed cocktails followed by an elegant plated dinner created by the accomplished Flint native, Chef Nate Brown. The evening also featured music by a jazz quartet led by Flint’s own Eric MacIntyre, and then the night shifted to dance music provided by DJ Brian Larkin. All funds raised help support the work of Friends of the Alley, whose mission is to beautify and activate the alleys in Downtown Flint and ensure that they are inviting, inclusive and exciting pedestrian-friendly spaces.

The 2023 high school football season kicked off at Kettering’s Atwood Stadium with matchups between intra-county rivals, as well as Genesee County schools taking on visitors from neighboring communities including the 2021 and 2022 state champion, Warren De La Salle Collegiate. On Thursday, Mt. Morris triumphed over Clio (the 100th game in the rivalry) 7-0, and Davison came out on top of Warren De La Salle 31-26. Friday’s games ended with Carman-Ainsworth besting Kearsley with a score of 21-18 and Hamady blanking Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy 48-0.

The weather threatened to dampen spirits, but fans flocked to Grand Blanc to enjoy professional golf action. The event schedule started with a Pro-Am on Thursday afternoon. Thunderstorms postponed Friday’s first round of official competition until Saturday, when they played catch-up with a very early start time. When play concluded, the fan-favorite charity Celebrity Challenge on Holes 17 and 18 featured golf’s greatest champion Jack Nicklaus, legendary Red Wings player Darren McCarty, former Detroit Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema and other sports greats. Attendees also enjoyed two concerts: Don Felder on Friday and the Community Concert on Saturday starring Miranda Lambert, followed by an exciting drone show. On Sunday morning, Zehnders offered complimentary chicken & waffles and that afternoon, three-time major champion Vijay Singh came from behind to win his first Champions Tour victory in almost five years. The World Golf Hall-of-Famer now has won four times at Warwick Hills, including three Buick Opens.

This exciting event commemorated the day the first Corvette came off the production line in Flint on June 30, 1953. The free car show featured over 500 vehicles including a huge display of Corvettes – a complete set of all anniversary models and every series from the 1953 Corvette to today’s 70th Anniversary edition – as well as live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, special displays and more! A special presentation honoring Flint as the iconic Chevy vehicle’s birthplace was held, attended by GM Flint Assembly plant leaders, President of the UAW Local 598 Ryan Buchalski, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and other community guests. Keynote speaker was Ed Piatek, Chief Engineer on Corvette programs.

Hosted by the nonprofit organization Friends of the Alley and presented by Communities First, Inc., this free summertime festival was enjoyed by several thousand people celebrating the season! Attendees enjoyed a variety of unique vendors, performances by more than a dozen live bands and festival fare provided by more than 50 food trucks. FOTA’s mission is to “beautify and activate” Downtown Flint’s alleys by creating “inviting, inclusive” and “pedestrian friendly spaces.”

Folks gathered for summer fun in the Sproutside Garden to bid on great auction items including a Fire Department Package – a tour of the Fire Department, lunch for four with firefighters AND a chance to sit in the fire trucks! Other items included a hot air balloon ride for two, a one-year membership to the UM-Flint Rec Center, and a tasting and tour for up to six people at the Fenton Winery & Brewery. Attendees enjoyed delicious summertime fare while supporting high-quality, playful programming – from securing new exhibits, purchasing materials for hands-on projects and keeping Sproutside gardens blooming with flowers, fruits and veggies!

Once again, the Greater Flint community turned out to support Whaley Children’s Center dressed to impress in their fanciest tennies! The annual gala event included a champagne reception, gourmet dinner and many unique interactive experiences. After donating generously through the live and silent auctions, attendees danced the night away to live music by Bluewater Kings Band sponsored by My City Magazine. Funds raised will support Whaley programs that empower and enhance the lives of at-risk foster children in the Center’s care.

Held in the heart of the beautiful Flint Cultural Center, the 56th annual event did not disappoint! Presented by the Friends of Modern Art (FOMA) and attracting thousands of visitors each year, the 2-day event is juried to ensure the highest caliber of established and emerging artists from Michigan and beyond in various genres including ceramics, glass, painting, jewelry, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. FOMA’s mission is to promote interest, understanding and appreciation of contemporary art among the citizens of the region. Funds raised help fund exhibitions, programs and art acquisitions at the FIA.