Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of Fox 17.
WMTA photo contest entries open
The West Michigan Tourist Association's annual photo contest is officially open through July 29!
Photographers 18 and older can submit original shots across five categories, including Shorelines and Sunsets, Vibrant Communities, and Into The Wild. Public voting runs August 3 through 17 on the WMTA Facebook page.
The grand prize winner walks away with an incredible package, including a two-night stay and ski passes at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, a stay at Shanty Creek Resort, a day at Binder Park Zoo, and more! All photos will be featured in the 2027 West Michigan carefree travel guide.
For more details, head to wmta.org.
Freemasonry in Michigan documentary screening at Wealthy Theatre
A new documentary celebrating 200 years of Michigan Freemasonry makes its Grand Rapids premiere tonight. "A Light on the Lakes" was produced for the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Michigan and traces the Masonic history in the state, starting back in 1826 when Michigan was still a territory.
The film highlights notable Masons including Henry Ford and Herbert Dow, showing how their leadership helped shape communities across Michigan. It's all part of a statewide screening tour called 200 Nights of Light.
Doors open at 6 P.M. and admission is $5 and open to the public. For details visit wealthytheatre.org.
Community Celebration at Uptown Church
Find some free family fun this weekend at the Community Celebration in Grand Rapids! Uptown Church, Extended Hands Inc., and L.E.A.D. Exchange Network are teaming up to Present Event on Saturday from 12 to 4 P.M. at Uptown Church on Lake Drive.
Families can enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs, a bounce house, face painting, live entertainment with Lamplight, and a demonstration from the Conquerors Strength Team! There will also be backpack giveaways while supplies last and a bike raffle for a chance to win your own set of wheels.
Michigan Flywheelers Museum operating Hanson Express 902 locomotive
The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is firing up a historic steam locomotive this Saturday for only the second time in 50 years. The Hanson Express number 902 was once used to pull vacationers at the famous Eden Springs Amusement Park in Benton Harbor. It will be back in action this weekend pushing Stone Ballast, the stone gravel bed that stabilizes railroad ties through the newly-built track tunnel. This completes the final stretch of the museum's Black River Railroad Project.
From 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturday, the public can watch the 15" grand scale engine in action and help the track crew spread and pack ballast. No experience is necessary.
Volunteers should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and work gloves are recommended. For details, visit michiganflywheelers.org.
Scam prevention workshop
Chase Bank is hosting a free workshop to help protect older adults from scams Thursday from 10 to 11 A.M. at its Grand Rapids branch on 28th Street.
The event comes as new FBI data reveals Americans over 60 lost $7.7 billion to scams last year, including roughly $170 million in Michigan alone. Experts will discuss how thieves use A.I.-cloned voices and romance scams to manipulate trust, how to spot key warning signs, and how tools like a trusted contact person can serve as an early-warning system.
Follow the FOX 17 Morning Mix on: Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok
