What's Up Big Rapids?

What's Up Big Rapids
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated Weekly

Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

  1. 5d ago

    Birthdays, Business & Big Summer Energy

    Summer has officially arrived in Big Rapids, and so has one of the busiest weekends of the year. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate Dom's 50th birthday, preview Summerfest, debate the upcoming hot dog eating contest, and welcome Sarah Dixon and Matt Schneider from the newly formed Regional Chamber. We dig into why the new Chamber was created, what it hopes to accomplish, and how local businesses and community members can get involved. Plus, there's plenty of talk about upcoming events, local developments, live music, and a jewelry heist that has everyone talking. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:25 – Pat's latest home projects 🏠2:19 – Chris plays his first contra dance 💃3:29 – Summer concert season & Worship in the Park 🎶4:27 – Thanks to Jennifer Jones for joining us last week5:02 – Featured Creature: African Killifish 🐟7:35 – Could E&E Tropical Fish bring live animals onto the show?9:02 – Happy 50th Birthday, Dom! 🎂9:45 – Chris reveals Dom's birthday gifts 🎁11:25 – Dom's plans for the next 50 years12:05 – Pat's birthday gifts for Dom13:29 – Guest intro: Sarah Dixon & Matt Schneider (Regional Chamber) 🏛️15:02 – Why create a new Chamber?16:45 – Community leaders, consultants, and fresh ideas19:09 – Matt's perspective as a board member20:35 – Chris reflects on rebuilding Summerfest after COVID21:53 – Challenges of launching multiple initiatives at once23:00 – Pat gets a chance to settle his "beef" with Reed City 😄23:45 – Chamber kickoff breakfast recap25:25 – Remembering names and building relationships27:16 – Sarah's background28:49 – Chris and Sarah remember the Save the Ponds effort29:59 – What's coming next?31:10 – The pitch to potential investors34:35 – Pat's summary of the Chamber vision35:15 – Matt on the benefits of Chamber membership36:03 – Ways to get involved37:08 – Where to find the Chamber38:12 – Thanks to Sarah and Matt39:57 – RIP Hometown Pharmacy41:11 – Site plans approved for a new homeless shelter41:52 – New Schuberg's menu released 🍔42:36 – Big Rapids Computer Repair moves locations 💻43:37 – The local jewelry heist story 💎46:04 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗47:00 – Free Worship Night at RezLife 🙏48:25 – Ferris Community Concert Band kickoff 🎺48:42 – Summerfest arrives June 6 ☀️51:55 – Hot dog eating contest predictions 🌭54:00 – Chris remembers the early post-COVID Summerfest years55:00 – Pocket Park hot dog showdown details55:55 – Stop by the Banded Raccoon during Summerfest56:15 – Hand of Giants at the Sawmill Saloon 🎸57:49 – Chamber plans for Summerfest58:15 – WUBR T-shirt design contest reminder 🎨59:44 – Dom's viral video & local student success story1:02:24 – Joey Chestnut and the hot dog world record 🤯1:04:18 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerfestBR

    1h 5m

  2. May 27

    Cars, Concerts & Community Comeback

    Big Rapids is officially in full summer mode. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from road trips and Korean BBQ to a growing list of events, projects, and momentum across the community. We’re joined by Jennifer Faris Jones, Director of Explore Big Rapids, who breaks down how the Chamber, DBA, and Explore Big Rapids all work together, and what’s being done to bring more visitors (and energy) into the area. From Back to the Bricks to future ideas like drone shows and expanded regional branding, there’s a lot in motion right now. We also hit a packed list of local happenings — from the return of the Farmers Market and Pocket Park concerts to new businesses, summer festivals, and one very important update… the splash pad is OPEN 😄 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:55 – Thanks to last week’s guest Luke Wyckoff 📸1:40 – Weekly recap: what the guys have been up to2:40 – Chris’ trip to South Carolina 🎉3:46 – Pat’s long weekend recap4:26 – Korean BBQ in Grand Rapids 🍖5:45 – Chris vs his never-ending home projects6:15 – Summer live music preview 🎶7:20 – Featured Creature: Burmese Clouded Archer Fish 🐟9:50 – Wanting more for the community11:27 – Chamber changes discussion12:07 – Guest intro: Jennifer Faris Jones (Explore Big Rapids) 🌆12:45 – New role: exciting or intimidating?13:14 – Chamber vs DBA vs Explore Big Rapids14:36 – Marketing opportunities for local businesses15:13 – Jennifer’s background16:58 – Chase Creek Smokehouse update17:35 – Moment of silence for Schuberg’s sweet potato fries 😄17:50 – RIP South Admiral18:48 – “Heads in beds” — tourism focus18:52 – Back to the Bricks bringing 250+ cars 🚗19:32 – Smaller projects in motion20:09 – Drone light shows someday?20:27 – Drone contest idea21:09 – Parade plans21:32 – More upcoming projects21:45 – Rebranding Explore Big Rapids regionally22:45 – Blessing of the Bikes & more events23:27 – Poker run details25:00 – How businesses can get involved25:22 – Adding events to BigRapids.org 📅26:45 – Intern helping expand event listings29:01 – Callery Pear trees are now illegal 🌳30:10 – Five Below, car wash, Burlington updates 🏗️30:42 – Splash pad is OPEN 💦31:04 – Zinnia Day at the Farmers Market 🌸31:45 – Pocket Park concerts (Fridays all summer)32:29 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃33:15 – Angels of Action Summer Block Party (June 12)33:53 – Free medical clinic this weekend34:40 – Back to the Bricks (June 5)35:00 – What Back to the Bricks is all about35:55 – Event amenities breakdown36:40 – Summerfest vendor preview ☀️37:32 – Banded Raccoon pop-up market38:09 – Bandshell concert series begins June 17 🎶39:25 – Jim Crow Museum progress39:45 – Theater review 🎬41:20 – New ice cream spot: Whipped and Dipped 🍦42:50 – Crusted Creations arcade shoutout43:15 – Congrats to students finishing the school year 🎓44:38 – Viral traffic stop video 🤯46:37 – AI song debate 🎧50:01 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    51 min

  3. May 20

    Photos, Percussion & Summer Kickoff

    Big Rapids is hitting that early summer stride — and this week’s episode covers a little bit of everything. Chris recaps a trip to the Chicago Drum Show, Hand of Giants gets ready to open for Saving Abel, and the guys try to make sense of Detroit sports and… whatever was going on with nutrition in the 80s 😄 This week’s guest is Luke Wyckoff, a National Geographic photographer and Ferris alum with a fascinating path — from stepping away from photography for 20 years to finding his way back and shooting in Kenya with one of the best wildlife photography teams in the world. It’s a great conversation about creativity, burnout, reinvention, and chasing meaningful work. Plus: drum circles, garage sales, summer events, and a whole lot happening around town as we head into June. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:20 – It’s (almost) shorts weather ☀️2:25 – Chamber Golf Outing forces early recording3:52 – Detroit sports check-in 🏀4:50 – Life keeping Pat busy6:25 – Chicago Drum Show + Grateful Dead vibes 🥁7:30 – Hand of Giants opening for Saving Abel 🎸8:50 – Why did people look older “back in the day”? 😄9:50 – Featured Creature: White (Dumpy) Tree Frog 🐸12:40 – Chris goes deep on bird colors 🐦13:58 – Thanks to Jenn from Schuberg’s Bar and Grill15:08 – Guest intro: Luke Wyckoff 📸16:55 – Luke’s background & journey18:05 – From business & marketing to creative work22:05 – Staying fresh by diversifying23:20 – Why Ferris & returning to Michigan27:30 – Remote work vs photography travel29:30 – Getting started in photography31:30 – Walking away from photography for 20 years35:15 – National Geographic trip to Kenya 🌍37:27 – What a safari shoot looks like39:15 – Wildlife photography legends41:35 – Favorite photos (not what you’d expect)46:35 – What’s next: Japan, hockey, Ferris football49:45 – Where to find Luke’s work50:28 – Coach Tony Annese Hall of Fame nod 🏆51:05 – Shoutout to local maker Daniel Evelend52:30 – Community Drum Circle (Friday) 🥁53:04 – Saving Abel show (Saturday)53:30 – Canadian Lakes garage sales54:00 – Walmart remodel reveal54:53 – Folk for Now at the Bandshell 🎶55:25 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 2955:58 – Free RAM Clinic (May 30–31)56:30 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃56:50 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) 🚗☀️59:05 – Dom’s Corrections: birds & Shaq wisdom1:01:00 – Outro & thanks #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    1h 2m

  4. May 13

    Birds, Burgers & Big Rapids Boom

    Big Rapids is buzzing — and not just with birds. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate the unveiling of the new bird statue at Northend Riverside Park, talk bird walks, and even float the idea of bringing back the local Audubon Society. We’re joined by Jenn Rumsey, owner of Schuberg’s Bar and Grill and President of the Downtown Business Association. From growing up in the Schuberg’s legacy to navigating its viral popularity, Jenn gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Big Rapids’ most iconic spots — plus updates on what’s ahead for downtown. We also cover major development updates across town, summer events right around the corner, and everything else that makes this place feel alive right now. 0:00 – Intro & welcome2:00 – New bird statue + community birding event 🐦6:00 – Bird walk this Friday at 4:309:00 – Restarting the Big Rapids Audubon Society?10:30 – Guest intro: Jenn Rumsey (Schuberg’s + DBA President) 🍔11:45 – First memories of Schuberg’s14:00 – Family legacy behind the restaurant14:30 – Going viral — handling the popularity16:18 – Small space, big demand18:30 – Managing expectations when it’s packed21:25 – Running a business with your spouse24:40 – The mystery of bar tools 😄25:35 – Jenn’s go-to Schuberg’s order27:55 – Downtown Business Association updates32:33 – Social district awareness push35:05 – Downtown discount cards available now36:30 – Collaboration between DBA, CVB & Chamber37:55 – Featured Creature: Dwarf Gourami 🐟41:10 – Big changes around town (Five Below, Chipotle, carwash, more) 🏗️42:09 – New childcare center on east side43:30 – Thanks to Dr. Pink44:55 – Former Clark station site discussion46:30 – Hanchett property update (55+ housing)48:14 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15) 🎤49:00 – Toastmasters at Ferris (2nd & 4th Thursdays)52:58 – Wheatlake 5K (May 17) 🏃53:32 – Pocket Park Music Series starts soon 🎶54:50 – WISE 5K (May 30)55:30 – Free RAM clinic at Ferris (May 30–31)57:28 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗59:00 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:00:15 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs event 🌭1:00:52 – Personal note: prayers for a family friend ❤️1:01:30 – Dom’s Corrections: chaos as usual1:04:55 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories Follow us on Facebook here On Youtube Here Follow Schuberg's Bar on Facebook

    1h 5m

  5. May 6

    Spring Blooms, Bulldog Builds & Big Rapids Buzz

    Big Rapids is officially in that sweet spot — trees blooming, projects moving, and the calendar filling up fast. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we finally solve the mystery of those white flowering trees downtown (spoiler: not dogwoods), check in on the Chipotle construction progress, and recap a busy weekend that included live music, a marriage retreat, and a whole lot of community activity. We’re joined again by Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink, who gives updates on everything from the new marching band energy on campus to major projects like Stadium Hall, the Jim Crow Museum, and a planned indoor activity facility. It’s a great look at how Ferris continues to grow and shape the future of Big Rapids. Plus: farmers market kickoff, Mother’s Day plans, car shows, concerts, job fairs, and one very serious debate about Schuburgers. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:05 – The mystery of the white flowering trees 🌸 (Callery Pear!)2:10 – Chipotle site nearly ready for construction 🌯3:40 – Sawmill show recap + marriage retreat weekend6:15 – Are mixtapes still a thing? 🎶7:40 – Thanks to Arthur Johnson from Artworks8:15 – The Beard Mechanic ribbon cutting 💈9:15 – Featured Creature: Heckel Discus fish 🐟11:15 – Guest intro: Dr. Bill Pink (Ferris State President) 🎓11:45 – Strong opinions on mixtapes (analog wins)14:55 – New marching band energy on campus16:10 – Campus construction updates (Stadium Hall, Jim Crow Museum)19:20 – Dorm upgrades coming soon22:05 – Jim Crow Museum timeline (September opening)23:05 – Indoor activity facility plans 🏟️29:05 – Katke Golf Course update ⛳30:00 – Cody “Beef” Franke story & legacy31:32 – Diesel Days impact on students33:40 – RAM Clinic returning May 30–3135:20 – Building connections with local clergy41:35 – The Big Event + community connection45:00 – Thanks to Dr. Pink47:45 – Farmers Market starts Friday 🌱48:05 – Library love + Book It program returns 📚50:33 – Theater updates (tickets + signage) 🎬51:41 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show 🚗52:20 – Mother’s Day plans 💐53:20 – The guys’ Mother’s Day strategies (or lack thereof 😄)54:55 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15)55:55 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16) 🏃56:46 – Pocket Park music series starts May 29 🎶58:20 – WISE 5K (May 30)58:45 – Free RAM medical clinic at Ferris59:45 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) ☀️1:01:10 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs hiring event 🌭1:02:30 – Final thoughts with Dr. Pink1:03:15 – Schuberg’s debate + Pizza Hut talk 🍔1:08:30 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    1h 10m

  6. Apr 29

    Art, Accolades & Spring Ahead

    Winter tried to sneak back in this week… but Big Rapids isn’t slowing down. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we recap a huge community turnout for the National Championship parade, celebrate local wins in real estate and business growth, and look ahead to a packed spring calendar full of events. We’re joined by Arthur Johnson, Director of Artworks, who shares his journey into the role, his vision for expanding access to the arts, and what’s coming next — including exciting plans to bring creative experiences out into more rural parts of the community. We also touch on everything from new businesses opening up, to car shows, concerts, and a growing list of ways to get involved around town — plus a heartfelt moment supporting a local family in need. 0:00 – Intro & welcome (winter tries to come back ❄️)1:23 – Shoutout to Ferris students for The Big Event 🧹1:57 – Studio chaos with Dom and the intern 😄2:35 – Real estate wins + Pat heads to a marriage retreat 🏡3:25 – National Championship parade recap 🏆3:50 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (Saturday) 🎶4:45 – Detroit sports update + golf season talk ⛳6:50 – New businesses opening soon in Big Rapids 💼7:25 – Thanks to the Pickleball Club8:15 – Featured Creature: Denizen Barbs (Roseline Sharks) 🐟11:23 – Guest intro: Arthur Johnson (Artworks Director) 🎨12:55 – Arthur’s background before Artworks15:25 – What brought him to Big Rapids17:55 – Transition to leadership20:45 – Vision for Artworks moving forward21:45 – Expanding art access to rural communities24:30 – Artworks Gala shifting back to spring + Artstock preview27:10 – How to support Artworks29:05 – Thanks to Arthur for joining us30:25 – Check out the Painted Turtle gift shop 🛍️31:12 – Scooter accident footage debate 😬32:33 – Big Rapids named Tree City (48th year!) 🌳34:04 – Movie talk: Michael 🎬36:30 – The Shark is Broken at Crossroads Auditorium39:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤40:55 – Farmers Market returns soon 🌱42:05 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show (May 9) 🚗43:50 – Mother’s Day Brunch at the Peaks 💐46:07 – Dom’s questionable gift choice 😅46:30 – Comedy Night at the Peaks (May 15)50:10 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16)50:45 – WISE 5K (May 30)53:35 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 29 🎶56:00 – Free Pop-Up Medical Clinic at Ferris (May 30–31)57:00 – Back to the Bricks (June 5)57:57 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:00:28 – Supporting Jennifer Knowles after house fire ❤️1:01:38 – Dom’s Corrections: Tigers stats + viral moment1:04:15 – Outro & thanks to Arthur

    1h 5m

  7. Apr 22

    Pickleball, Progress & Championship Parade

    Big Rapids is buzzing this week — with Championship Weekend, new development across town, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the country taking center stage. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we send our thoughts to those affected by recent flooding, celebrate community efforts like Rotary’s highway cleanup, and check in on exciting progress around town — from the new Chipotle build to Tommy’s Car Wash taking shape. Our guest this week is Scott Lacourse, president of the Big Rapids Pickleball Club. Whether you’re brand new or already hooked, Scott breaks down how the sport works, why it’s exploding in popularity, and how anyone can jump in and play. We also preview a packed weekend of events, highlight ways to get involved this spring and summer, and somehow end up debating the shared universe of the Jetsons and the Flintstones. Just another week in Big Rapids. 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:55 – Chris heads to Cincinnati + new interns join the show3:05 – Flooding update & community support 🌊5:07 – Rotary cleanup + Chris sits in with Kelly Quinn Blues Experience 🥁5:45 – Chamber After Hours recap + Chipotle & Tommy’s Car Wash updates 🏗️7:45 – Featured Creature: Banana Ball Python 🐍11:25 – Thanks to Toastmasters guests13:15 – Guest intro: Scott Lacourse (Pickleball Club) 🥒14:51 – First introduction to pickleball18:10 – Playing across different skill levels19:30 – “Up and Down the River” explained22:10 – Club size and growth23:45 – Is pickleball just for seniors?25:45 – How to get involved (and cost)27:05 – Future of the club and the sport28:45 – Drop-in session details30:25 – Where to find more info (Facebook)31:55 – Thanks to Scott for joining us32:40 – Perry & State construction update 🚧33:45 – Championship Weekend preview 🏆36:45 – Banded Raccoon indoor market (last of season)37:30 – Karaoke for a Cause 🎤38:35 – Farmers Market returns May 8 🌱39:05 – Free pop-up medical clinic at Ferris40:20 – Pocket Park music series kicks off May 29 🎶41:45 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗42:30 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (May 2) 🎸43:35 – Dom’s Corrections: pickleball growth, robots & Wrestlemania 🤖48:25 – Jetsons vs Flintstones debate 🤯49:26 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    50 min

  8. Apr 15

    Speaking Skills, Spring Shifts & Small Town Momentum

    Spring has finally arrived in Big Rapids… even if everyone’s a little too busy to enjoy it. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from the aftermath of The Masters and a successful Chamber kickoff to a wave of new development and momentum across town. We’re joined by representatives from the Ferris State Toastmasters Club, including Dr. Scott Dell and student president Alex. It’s a great conversation about communication, confidence, and why learning to speak well might be one of the most valuable skills you can develop — at any age. We also highlight a major community recognition, preview a packed calendar of events, and dig into everything from road construction headaches to pickle-themed internet algorithms. 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:45 – Spring is here… but everyone’s busy 🌸2:45 – Masters recap + Chamber kickoff success + city momentum4:25 – Thanks to Trudi Clark from Papa’s Place ❤️5:35 – No school Friday or Monday — calendar debate6:35 – MDOT road cleanup — watch for volunteers 🚧7:50 – Featured Creature: PacMan Frog 🐸9:10 – Is Pacman the villain?? 🤯12:50 – Guest intro: Ferris State Toastmasters Club 🎤14:30 – Life in Big Rapids as a Ferris professor16:00 – SS Badger ferry talk 🚢17:07 – Why Toastmasters matters19:20 – What Toastmasters is all about21:38 – What a meeting looks like26:00 – Why Chris wishes he found this earlier28:07 – Meet Alex, student president30:55 – Plans after college32:15 – Public speaking fears vs reality33:35 – The power of group encouragement34:48 – Cross-generational learning benefits35:30 – Preparing for life’s big moments36:50 – How to join (Ferris Business Building, Room 111)40:30 – Thanks to Dr. Scott & Alex41:45 – Local updates: road construction & closures 🚧43:41 – Theater update — sold out shows! 🎬44:45 – Hanchett property likely becoming senior housing45:22 – Chipotle, car wash, Five Below updates — lots of growth 🏗️47:02 – Uplifting Moment: Debe Mitchell honored for 44 years of service 👏49:30 – WUBR logo contest — $500 in prizes 🎨52:00 – Business After Hours (Luau theme) 🌺52:55 – Championship Weekend (April 23–25) 🏆54:25 – Banded Raccoon indoor market55:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤56:09 – FSU Jazz & Concert Band performances 🎶59:28 – Farmers Market returns May 8 🌱1:00:29 – Chamber Golf Outing ⛳1:01:15 – Pocket Park music series begins May 291:02:05 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗1:03:18 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:05:45 – Tigers spend big + Pistons playoff talk 🏀1:07:57 – Dom’s pickle algorithm mystery 🥒1:09:24 – Outro & next week preview (Pickleball Club!) #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    1h 10m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

Information

  • Creator
    What's Up Big Rapids
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What's Up Big Rapids
  • Show Website
    What's Up Big Rapids?