Chalk Block-Michigan

There are 208 colleges within 100 miles of St. Joseph enrolling a total of 2,540,847 students. However, the closest one to this active city of St. Joseph is Lake Michigan College located next door in Benton Harbor. It is a small distance of only 4.9 miles.

This public 2-year college is the home of the Mendel Center, a performing arts center, which can offer memories to last a lifetime. Upcoming visiting celebrities such as Jonathan Dely with his all-star Jazz Band in Sept., Tim McGraw in Oct. and Step Afrika in Nov. This community college has 80 academic programs including associate degrees and certificates.

Summer is on it’s final stretch in the St. Joseph area as many students return to get ready for school. There are still some last minute events not to miss, however. You are invited to come and watch local, regional and national artists participate in Chalk the Block August 4-6. Amateur and professional artists take over Broad Street and part of the Pleasant street Plaza in the downtown area to show- case their talents.

Event-goers can participate by voting for their favorite artists in the People’s Choice vote. To vote, purchase tickets at the People’s Choice Tent located on Broad St. Tickets cost one dollar per vote. The artist with the most votes by the end of the weekend wins the People’s Choice Award. To catch a glimpse of this year’s artists check out https://www.stjoetoday.com/chalktheblock

Additional Friday fun includes the Friday Night Concert Series from 7-8 p.m. held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. On Saturday morning, mosey downtown and check out the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Lake Bluff Park. featuring the B-Side Growlers. Saturday afternoon, get artsy at the Chalk the

Block Kids Zone kids of all ages are invited to showcase their chalk skills in the Giannola Parking Lot from noon to 4 p.m.

On Saturday evening enjoy the City of St. Joseph’s Summer Movie, featuring Remember the Sonic 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Milton Park. On Sunday, view the completed chalk masterpieces all day long! Artists will finalize their pieces by noon. Voting will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the People’s Choice Tent. Antiques on the Bluff returns to Lake Bluff Park from 10-5. Find hidden treasures along the bluff with over 50 vendors. Close out the weekend with a free concert by the City of St. Joseph Municipal Band at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell, music starts at 7 p.m.

• - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -