Good morning, Bay City.

Applications are now open for the Miss Bay County Scholarship Pageant where young women from Bay and Tuscola counties can compete for scholarships—orientations will be held on July 14 and the pageant will be on August 17.

The contest offers two divisions, with the main division for ages 18 to 28 and a teen division for ages 13 to 18 available to statewide applicants, including Delta College students.

Maplewood Park Sports Complex behind Baytown Apartments on First Street is open today with new basketball courts, mini soccer pitches, workout stations, a walking path, and pavilions — automatic lights turn on at dusk.

The park is the result of a seven-year effort to redevelop the neighborhood.

Three puppies—Ambrosia, Eclair, and Truffle—were tossed over the shelter fence after Memorial Day Weekend and are still waiting for forever homes; the 5.5-month-old labrador, mastiff, and bully breed mixes have been spayed, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed and microchipped and need continued socialization and puppy training with a home that has a social dog.

The St. Stan’s Athletic Club is hosting its 75th annual Polish Festival this weekend with Polish food, music, raffles and carnival rides starting at noon today on Saturday and continuing on Sunday.

The event will feature a helicopter landing for the kids’ raffle — local police and K-9 units will perform demonstrations.

Eleven Michigan beaches were closed or had contamination advisories as of Friday morning (June 27) due to high bacteria levels from storm water and other sources, with Bay City State Recreation Area (closed since June 25) among them while officials update tests to keep swimmers safe.

Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet and Congressman Jack Bergman introduced the Military PFAS Transparency Act yesterday to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide annual reports and a public dashboard for PFAS cleanup at military bases affecting Michigan communities.

Bay City will host the Bass Pro Tour finale at Wenonah Park on August 9 and 10 where 66 top anglers will compete for the championship—fans can join a downtown watch party featuring free food, hourly giveaways, live music and meet-and-greet opportunities with finalists—adding a festive atmosphere to the event.

Bay City Fireworks Festival

Festival — Jul 3-5 — Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell — Free entry — Enjoy three days of spectacular fireworks and community festivities in Bay City.

The Lion King Jr. Production

7 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the vibrant youth performance of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. in a community theater setting.

Cool City Car Show & Cruze

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Midland Street Business District — Donations benefit American Cancer Society — Celebrate cars and community at this annual charity cruise and block party.

3rd Annual USS Edson 5K Run

10 AM – 2 PM — U.S.S. Edson - Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum — Registration fee applies — Celebrate history and support veterans in this fun 5K run honoring the legacy of DESRON 13.

Wednesdays in the Park - Mystic Highway

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell — Free entry — Enjoy a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival in a scenic park setting.

Bay City Rib Fest

Jul 24-27 — Veterans Memorial Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a delicious rib cook-off with entertainment and live music for the whole family.

Blue Oyster Cult Live Concert

3-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — VIP tickets available — Experience a legendary band with exclusive VIP offers and premium seating options.