Bay City Magazine Nov Dec 2022

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Broken To Blessed Author Inspired by God

Just like most books about faith in God start, a tragedy of life-altering proportions brings upon eye-opening revelations that contribute to a new awakening.

Author Patricia Zbranek never thought about writing a book. It actually never even crossed her mind until she experienced the devastating loss of her husband Jeff to COVID on August 20, 2021.

Her memoir, ‘Broken to Blessed: The Lord is Close to the Broken Hearted and Binds Up Their Wounds’ is about transformation.

When one individual makes the decision to believe in God’s promises, that change affects everyone in a family, like ripples over water.

The devastation COVID-19 has left on multitudes of families around the world is a profound tragedy.

A massive global failure at multiple levels.

For over two years the pandemic has been a source of disruption and misery to all Americans.

Many who have experienced the loss of family members, spouses and friends to the deadly disease continue to exist, but are filled with isolation, mourning and despair.

Grappling with the untimely death of a loved one can cause a person to carry that grief on their shoulders, unable to move forward.

She was not prepared for the devastation COVID-19 left on her life but when it began to wreak havoc, she made the decision to document her journey without knowing exactly why at first.

“I never had any plans to write a book, it just happened,” said Zbranek.

“When I look back at the process, I know it was all God written,”

“I kept a journal from the first day Jeff became sick,”

“I would write down my thoughts and feelings,”

Zbranek’s family had endured the pain of losing four members within a four month span, after burying his mother, Jeff was admitted into the hospital with

symptoms.

“We checked into the hospital on August 5 and stayed for five days to get his oxygen up,”

“The five days went fine, his oxygen went up, then another five days went by and I was at home sick myself too,”

“I was quarantined with nobody at home so my son came home from the Woodlands to stay with me,”

“He didn’t care that I had COVID, he just wanted to take care of me regardless,” said Zbranek.

It was during this time her husband was transferred to the intensive care unit and put on a ventilator.

Consequentially, seven years prior, Jeff’s father had been put on a ventilator in an unsuccessful attempt to preserve his life.

He made it clear to Zbranek, giving her instruction that if he needed to be intubated to go ahead and do it.

“I got a call on the morning of August 20,” said Zbranek.

“They told me that my husband had taken a turn for the worse. That I needed to get my children together and go to the hospital immediately,”

“We never got to see him any other time, we always had to look at him through a window, but this time we had to put on protective gear to go in and see him,”

“When we walked in, we stood next to him and we were praying and praying for him,” said Zbranek.

Jeff’s mother died on July 11 and just one month after her passing, Zbranek’s husband Jeff lost his battle with COVID.

Almost immediately after losing her husband, during her darkest hour, Zbranek decided to begin the task of writing her book.

“Most of it came when I was at my most broken,”

“I would sit in my room all by myself, read the word, write my thoughts, cry and keep writing,”

“Everything just started rolling and that’s how the book writing process has been for me,”

“One day I started putting my journal entries together and ended up with a book,” said Zbranek.

With her family being a substantial support system, Zbranek continued moving forward with the writing of her book.

“My mom would always tell me that I am stronger than I know,”

“She has supported me through sharing her own experience with the loss of her own daughter,”

“My brother Pastor Pat prayed with me every day and my daughter Dan’Yelle has been with me through this journey, never leaving my side,”

“My son Jared stepped up as the man of the house, just as his dad would have expected him to do and my son Joshua reminded me of the promises in the word of God when I would waver in my faith,” said Zbranek.

“I will forever be bonded in a special way with all the ladies in my grief share class at Harvest Time Church.”

With so much support, Zbranek was able to finish within a year’s time, as well as publish it with no major issues blocking her purpose.

With seven chapters included within the pages of her book, chapter one titled ‘Broken’ is followed up with five chapters covering the stages of grief.

The last chapter titled ‘Blessed’ was, according to Zbranek, entirely inspired by God.

“I told the Lord, this chapter is yours,”

“I won’t write anything in it until you tell me exactly what to write,” said Zbranek.

“I was almost through writing the book when I went for a walk at Blessing Park,”

“I love to walk and that’s when I asked God to tell me what he wanted me to tell his people,”

“So when I say what’s in this book is what ‘He’ wants people to know it is because I asked him directly,”

“After my husband Jeff passed all I kept saying was, ‘Lord, show me heaven, show me my husband and that he is there with you in Heaven’ so of course that is what I thought he was going to show me,” said Zbranek.

That night Zbranek had a vivid dream of her husband. He gave her a direct quote from the Bible, a scripture to include in her book.

That verse, ‘John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.’

“I knew right there and then without a doubt that’s what the Lord wanted to share with his people,” said Zbranek.

“Why would the Lord want me to tell people about heaven if they don’t know how to get there?”

“Isn’t that just like God to keep it all in perspective because they have to know how to get there first, how to prepare for eternity,”

“There are so many people who do not know how to get to heaven,” said Zbranek.

“I have been asked if I was ever going to write another book,” said Zbranek.

“I never even had plans of writing this book, but if

God has plans of another book, one thing is for sure, it will happen.”

“As for my life, I live one day at a time,”

“I have been asked to speak at a few churches about sharing my story,”

“I hope to be an inspiration to others who are going through the same journey of grief and sorrow,” said Zbranek.

“I encourage anyone who is or if you know anyone who has experienced loss to read my book,”

“I believe you will find comfort while walking through the unknown.”

“I have had nothing but good responses from everyone who has read my book,”

“People have reached out to me to thank me for sharing my story as many can relate to it through their own loss.”

Patricia Zbranek is a teacher for the Tidehaven Independent School District and continues to live in Blessing, Texas.

Broken to Blessed: The Lord is Close to the Broken Hearted and Binds Up Their Wounds is available to purchase at The Mustard Seed, Matagorda Regional Medical Center Gift Shop, Heavenly Helpers in El Campo and online at BarnesandNoble.com, amazon.com and walmart.com.

Fair Weather for Matagorda Day

Beautiful weather ushered in Matagorda Day and parade Saturday, October 8.

Adults and children alike cheered as sirens and lights from the Matagorda Fire and Rescue vehicles signaled the start of the parade. It’s become an annual parade of golf carts, all-terrain vehicles and kid-size adaptations decorated in colorful balloons and décor.

The parade participants made sure to supply their audience with handfuls of candy in part as thanks for everyone showing community support.

Following the parade folks were ushered into the outdoor vendor booth area and inside the Fireman’s Hall for a Fajita

lunch prepared by Coastal Que BBQ & More, raffle ticket drawings, a silent auction and live auction. Margarita Contest judging, the Fajita Cookoff Contest judging were also held. First Place winners for Best Margaritas went to The Cookers’ Team. First Place winners for the Best Fajitas went to The Shell Belly Cookers. Estimated funds for the Live Auction alone was $19,650. Final totals will be released soon. Proceeds from the day go to support the Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department. Volunteers of the department were applauded for their dedication, bravery, and service by the community and county officials in attendance.

Following in the Footsteps of Family

When it came to entering the field of firefighting, city of Bay City Fire Marshal Daniel Shook just followed in the footsteps of his father, brother and extended family.

He was inspired by his family to get his start in the field. His father, older brother and even members of his extended family were all firefighters. You could say it’s all in the genes.

Shook is also a licensed paramedic, certified firefighter, fire investigator, fire inspector, advanced level police officer, firearms instructor, police instructor, Special Response Team (SWAT) and last but certainly not least the Bay City Lions Club’s newest member. He also has a B.A. degree in business administration.

The fire marshal handles fire investigations, fire prevention and code enforcement.

Shook was born and raised in Painesville, OH., a small town a lot like Bay City in terms of size and demographic, about 30 miles east of Cleveland.

After high school, Shook worked as a career firefighter/ paramedic with Fairport Harbor Fire Department in Ohio. He also worked as a part-time police officer in Madison, OH.

In 2007, Shook changed over to the nuclear industry and served as the Fire Marshall at Perry Nuclear Power Plant. He then moved to Bay City in 2013 and was the Fire Marshal at STP for two years before moving back into the public sector. He went through police academy and got hired on with Bay City Police Department which eventually led him to the Fire Marshal position where he services the city of Bay City.

Shook said the biggest challenge of his job is having to service over 700 businesses in Bay City for fire inspections and he’s the only person who’s able to do so. He must ensure that every business is meeting the current fire code.

“Put simply, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get to every business, especially with newer businesses coming into the city,” Shook said.

When asked how he approaches fire investigations and if they’re all the same, he said, “No. They are not all the same. The biggest thing to keep in mind with a fire investigation is you have to rule out a bunch of things to find the cause of the fire, and sometimes there’s so much damage it’s impossible to find the cause. I start by working from the least amount

of burned material to the most burned. Sometimes you can’t determine the cause and it has to remain undetermined.”

His biggest case to date is one that remains unsolved. It was a fire in Ohio on July 9, 1997, where he was part of a county wide unit. A mother and her son were killed in a house fire, while the husband and daughter lived.

“It’s just a bad case that’s stayed with me. Part of it was because sometimes you think and believe you know what happened but being able to prove it is another thing and impossible. So, the case is still inactive to this day,” Shook said.

As for fire prevention and safety, he recommends visiting the National Fire Protection Association’s website at nfpa. org/Public-Education where the content features articles such as “Smoke alarm safety,” “How to make a home fire escape plan” and overall good fire prevention tips for the home.

“One of the best things you can do is to have a working smoke detector and test them regularly. Practice a fire drill in your home with your children and always know two exits out of your house. Hopefully you don’t get to this point but do remember to not panic and stop, drop and roll if you do find yourself in that situation,” Shook said.

Gettingtoknowlocallawenforcement Patrol Officer Estrada

1. What is your title? Patrol Officer

2. How long have you been an officer? 5 years

3. What made you sign up to be an officer? I enjoy helping the community and citizens. As a Veteran I love structure.

4. Are you the first officer in your family? No. I have two un cles who work for the Houston Police Department.

5. What is/was your proudest moment? My son always has loved police officers. Seeing his face for the first time he saw me in uniform was priceless.

6. What’s your favorite thing about your career? I can attend classes to further my education on being a police officer. This allows me to assist the citizens and the community better.

7. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a United States Marine. Prior to being a police officer, I was in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years.

8. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Stay at home father. I love being around my children and family.

9. What’s the best advice you could give to someone? No matter how hard the task is in front of you, do not be afraid to attempt the task. Sometimes we surprise ourselves on things we can handle or do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either if needed.

10. What’s the last book you read? I am not a

book reader. I enjoy reading news articles.

11. What’s your favorite movie? Why? Rudy. People would put him down saying he was too small to play football at the University of Notre Dame. He had a huge heart and believed in himself. He set goals not only to prove he could do it for his self but to show others no matter how small you are, if you believe in your dreams they can come true with hard work and dedication.

12. What’s your favorite sport? Football and Basketball

13. What’s most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) while in the military.

14. What song best sums you up? Eye of the Tiger.

15. On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are? 2 LOL.

10 ideas for homemade Thanksgiving wreaths

When you welcome friends and relatives into your home this ho liday, make sure they’re greeted by a beautiful wreath hanging outside. Here are 10 festive op tions to adorn your front door.

1. A shallow, round woven bas ket wreath filled with faux fall foliage and small gourds

2. A deep green silk magnolia leaf wreath dotted with silver painted acorns

3. A grapevine wreath embel lished with faux bittersweet vines and cranberries

4. A pine cone wreath adorned with metallic leaves, a burlap bow and copper glitter

5. A foam wreath wrapped in strips of orange, yellow and red tulle

Give thanks to the planet with a plant-based meal

For many families, a traditional meal is at the heart of their Thanksgiving celebrations. Some might argue that the holi day would be incomplete without a lavish turkey served alongside stuffing and gravy. So while a growing number of people are transitioning to a plant-based diet for ethical or environmental reasons, it can be particularly challenging to adapt holiday meals to this lifestyle.

And yet, there are many benefits to making plant protein and vegetables the stars of your Thanksgiving dinner. In addition to causing less pollution than meat options, a plant-based holiday meal tends to be healthier, makes use of seasonal ingredients and allows you to explore new flavors. Here are just a few delectable comfort food dishes to consider for this year’s spread:

• Hearty chickpea “meatloaf” with a maple glaze and thyme mashed potatoes

• Lentil, mushroom and walnut balls topped with a sweet pear-cranberry sauce

• Sweet potato gnocchi with an apple cider sauce and sauteed rapini

• Butternut squash vegducken, stuffed with eggplant, zuc

If you’re looking for a festive way to spend time with your family over Thanksgiving, here are five fun games that will get everyone moving.

1. TURKEY TAG

Transform clothespins into turkeys using feathers, googly eyes and other craft supplies, then clip them on to the back of each player’s shirt. When the game begins, try to unpin other players’ turkeys wit hout losing your own. The last per son with a pin on their back wins.

2. SWEET POTATO RACE

The first person to roll a sweet po

6. An olive branch wreath with dried white orchids and sprigs of lavender

7. A grapevine wreath decorated with fake apples, walnuts and cinnamon sticks

8. A gathered burlap wreath with faux sunflowers and sprigs of pine

9. A multi-color flint corn wreath filled in with dried husks and beige tulle

10. A floral wreath in fall colors with a “thankful” or “welcome” sign cut out of wood

Keep in mind that many of these suggestions can easily be adapted to create matching centerpieces for your dining table.

Thanksgiving quiz

Thanksgiving celebrations are steeped in tradi tion, but how much do you know about the his tory of this holiday? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.

1. During which historical event did Thanks giving become an annual federal holiday?

a. World War I b. The Civil War c. The Great Depression d. The American Revolutionary War

2. When was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

a. 1904 b. 1871 c. 1989 d. 1924

3. Under which president did the turkey pardon become an annual tradition?

a. George H. Bush b. Abraham Lincoln c. Jimmy Carter d. Dwight Eisenhower

4. How long had the Wampanoag been living in the Cape Cod area when the English settlers arrived?

chini and an onion-lentil stuffing • Tempeh shepherd’s pie or pot pie with corn, carrots and peas

• Individual pumpkins stuffed with rice, black beans, corn, cashews and mushrooms

An additional perk is that most of these dishes can be pre pared in more flexible portion sizes than the traditional 15-pound turkey or whole ham. This allows you to waste less food and prepare a hearty meal regardless of how many people will be gathered around the table this season.

5 fun Thanksgiving games

tato across the floor and over the finish line wins. The catch is you can only use a spoon to push it. Alternatively, see who can blow a feather across the room the fastest using a turkey baster.

3. THANKSGIVING CHARADES

On individual pieces of paper, write down holiday-themed phrases such as marching in a pa rade, carving the turkey, setting the table, baking pumpkin pie and playing football. Take turns pic king a phrase and silently acting it out while other players try to guess.

4. GRATITUDE PICK-UP STICKS

Use a multi-color set or make your own by painting wooden skewers. Assign a category (person, place, food, thing) to each color. When a player picks up that color stick, they have to say something they’re thankful for in that category.

5. TURKEY WADDLE

This is a great game to play out doors. Each player holds a bal loon between their legs, and the first person to waddle across the finish line with their balloon still in place wins. For larger groups, create teams and make it a relay race.

a. 100 years b. 1,000 years c. 10,000 years d. 100,000 years

5. Which classic Christmas song was originally meant to be sung on Thanksgiving?

a. Silent Night b. Jingle Bells c. Winter Wonderland d. Deck the Halls

6. Why did President Franklin Roosevelt move up Thanksgiving by one week in 1939?

a. To coincide with the launch of the final phase of the New Deal b. To allow soldiers to spend time with their families before deployment c. To appease businesses that wanted a lon ger Christmas shopping season d. To make sure the annual football game wouldn’t be held in the snow

7. When was the first Turkey Trot?

a. 1831 b. 1643 c. 1919 d. 1896 Happy Thanksgiving!

"Check out" these books suggested by the Bay City Public Library

Fiction: Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini

In June 1917, General John Pershing arrived in France to establish American forces in Europe. He immediately found himself unable to communicate with troops in the field. Pershing needed operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, speak fluent French and English, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet, since the calls often conveyed classified information.

At the time, nearly all well-trained American telephone operators were women—but women were not permitted to enlist, or even to vote in most states. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them.

The women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps served with honor and played an essential role in achieving the Allied victory. Their story has never been the focus of a novel…until now.

Children’s: Boxitects

by Kim Smith

Meg is a brilliant and creative boxitect. She loves impressing her teacher and classmates with what she makes out of boxes. But there’s a new kid at Maker School: Simone. Simone is good at everything, and worst of all, she’s a boxitect too.

When the annual Maker Match is held, Meg and Simone are paired as a team but can’t seem to stop arguing. When their extraordinary project turns into a huge disaster, they must find a way to join cre ative forces, lift each other up, and work together.

Nonfiction: The Fisherman and the Dragon by Kirk Wallace Johnson

By the late 1970s, the fishermen of the Texas Gulf Coast were struggling. The bays that had sustained generations of shrimpers and crabbers before them were being poisoned by nearby petrochemical plants, oil spills, pesticides, and concrete. But as their nets came up light, the white shrimpers could only see one culprit: the small but growing number of newly resettled Vietnamese refugees who had recently started fishing.

Turf was claimed. Guns were flashed. Threats were made. After a white crabber was killed by a young Vietnamese refugee in self-defense, the situation became a tinderbox primed to explode, and the Grand Dragon of the Texas Knights of the Ku Klux Klan saw an opportunity to stoke the fishermen’s rage and prejudices. At a massive Klan rally near Galveston Bay one night in 1981, he strode over to an old boat graffitied with the words U.S.S. VIET CONG, torch in hand, and issued a ninety-day deadline for the refugees to leave or else “it’s going to be a helluva lot more violent than Vietnam!” The white fishermen roared as the boat burned, convinced that if they could drive these newcomers from the coast, everything would return to normal.

Teen: Hold Back the Tide

By Melinda Salisbury

Here are the rules of living with a murderer. One: Do not draw attention to yourself. It's pretty self-explanatory -- if they don't notice you, they won't get any ideas about killing you. Be a ghost in your own home, if that's what it takes. After all, you can't kill a ghost. Of course, when you live with a murderer, sit opposite them for every meal, share a washroom and a kitchen, sleep a mere twelve feet and two flimsy walls away from them, this is impossible. Even the subtlest of spectres is bound to be noticed. Which leads to the next rule. Two: If you can't be invisible, be useful .Everyone in this quiet lakeside community knows that Alva's father killed her mother, all those years ago. There wasn't enough proof to arrest him, though, and with no other family, Alva's been forced to live with her mother's murderer, doing her best to survive until she can earn enough money to run away. One of her chores is to monitor water levels in the loch -- a task her father takes very seriously. His family has been the guardian of the loch for generations. It's a cold, lonely task, and a few times, Alva can swear she feels someone watching her. The more Alva investigates, the more she realizes that the truth can be more monstrous than lies. And while you might be able to outrun anything that emerges from the dark water, you can never escape your past . . .

Useful gifts for practical people

If you’re not sure what to buy your lo ved ones for Christmas, you may want to consider giving them something practi cal. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

• A gas station gift card

• A firewood sling

• Reusable containers, food wrap or sandwich bags

• A set of quality bedsheets

• A portable cell phone charger

• A bathtub tray

• A gardening tote

• Heated gloves

• A bike repair kit

• Car storage accessories like a trunk or seat organizer

• Compact camping dishes such as a pot with a folding handle

• Warm socks

To find a host of gifts that will make your loved ones’ lives easier, visit your local retailers.

Organizing a gift exchange is a great way to kick off the holidays. However, it can be difficult to buy the perfect gift when you don’t know who will receive it. This is es pecially true if your group has folks of va rious ages. Here are a few things that will please most people.

1. An insulated water bottle or coffee mug

2. A locally made spirit, beer or wine

Gifts to entertain them

Do you want to give your loved ones gifts that help them forget their worries?

If so, here are some presents to include under your tree.

• Tickets to a performance. Offer your friend or family member a night out on the town with tickets to a concert, co medy act, dance recital, circus or play.

• Board games. Playing board games is a great way to spend quality time with the people you love. Pick out one that matches your loved one’s age, abilities and interests.

• TV shows or movies. If you want to offer a gift that combines entertainment with relaxation, purchase your friend

or family member a film or TV series you think they’ll enjoy. A gift card to your local movie theatre is also a great option.

• Books. Let your loved one immerse themself in an exciting thriller, fun ny comic or inspiring biography. No matter what they’re passionate about, you’re sure to find a book that interests them.

There are many more enter taining gift options to consider including puzzles, craft kits, video games, CDs and passes to festi vals and tourist attrac tions.

Did one of your friends or family members recently move into a new home? If so, give them a Christmas gift that will help them settle in. Here are a few examples.

1. KITCHEN ITEMS

Consider offering dish cloths, trivets, oven mitts, hand towels, aprons or va rious kinds of utensils. Items for the kitchen are practical and will undoubte dly come in handy.

2. CLEANING PRODUCTS

Give your loved one some of your fa vourite flooring, window, appliance and shower cleaners to keep their space tidy.

3. A unisex toque or scarf in a neutral colour

4. Nut-free chocolates

5. A recently released board game

6. A warm, cosy blanket

7. A nice set of wine glasses

8. A set of reusable straws that includes a cleaning brush

9. A sturdy apron with several pockets

10. A wrist or cell phone strap

3. A TOOLBOX

Give your loved one a few tools for odd jobs like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, nails, screws and fasteners.

4. DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

Ornate cushions, plush blankets, pretty vases, unique wall decorations, plants and assorted picture frames can all make excellent gifts.

5. STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Bins, baskets and closet organizers will help your loved one sort and store their belongings.

LOCAL BUZZ

HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS • EVENTS

Have an upcoming event? Make sure it gets included in The Buzz! Send the event information over to us by emailing the who, what, when & where to: ashley.makara@baycitytribune.com

Nov. 5

City of Bay City will host Day of the Dead Dia De los Muertos Festival and BBQ Cook-off at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds on November 5 from noon to 10 p.m. There will be live music, the cook-off, a cornhole tournament and costume, gri to and jalapeño eating contests. This is a bilingual event. To sign up come by City Hall or email dotd@ cityofbaycity.org.

Nov. 17

Matagorda Regional Medical Center Foundation will host the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Business After Hours on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 1833 Seventh Street, Bay City. Join them for great re freshments and fellowship.

Bay City Main Street Program will host the Annual Christmas Around the Square block party on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Bay City, located at 1700 Seventh Street. Shop early for Christmas and enjoy the festivities. For more information contact Tina Israel at 979-245-8081.

Nov. 18

The Bay City Public Library will host Bad Art Night on Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. located at 1100 Seventh Street, Bay City. This is a monthly after-hours art program with no pressure to make great art. Registrations is required. Ages 21+ only. BYOB (beer and wine only) is allowed during this relaxed event. For more information call 979-245-6931.

Nov. 26

The Artisan & Crafter Markets will host Market Days in downtown Bay City on the courthouse square on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will feature art, crafts, vendors, live

music, food trucks and Snapper bar providing delicious cocktails and beer. For more information, questions or to sign up for a booth call 361-3142226.

Dec. 1

Matagorda County Museum will host the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Business After Hours on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The museum is located at 2100 Avenue F. Come see the beautiful trees on display and enjoy some great refreshments.

Dec. 2

Bay City Parks & Recreation will host the Christmas Lighted Parade on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in downtown Bay City. For more information or to participate in the parade call Parks & Recre ation at 979-323-1660. Trophies will be awarded to the best scoring groups in their category.

Dec. 3

Bay City Parks and Recreation will host a Hometown Christmas Celebration at the USO building (2105 Avenue M) on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. The celebration will feature an ice-skating rink along with photos with Santa and the Grinch. There will also be a giant gingerbread house slide for outdoor fun, booths, crafts, games, and food trucks. From 5:30 to 8 p.m. there will be a Christmas Light Hayride.

Dec. 17

The Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will host Christmas Market Day on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Bay City Civic Center located at 201 Seventh Street, Bay City. For more information or to apply to be a vendor call 979-245-8333 or email info@visitbayc ity.org.