The Blog

Arts Midwest is bringing the Arabian flamenco jazz of Farah Siraj to Albion as part of Arts Midwest World Fest! Named Jordan’s Musical Ambassadress, Farah Siraj balances a career that spans the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, having performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the United Nations, Nobel Prize Hall, World Economic Forum, and …

In 2015 the Build Albion Fellows program was built to bridge the gap between the community and Albion College. The vision for the program centers around local Albion students gaining a post-secondary education and experiences within their home community. Each year the program welcomes up to ten local Albion students, and in exchange for financial support, the students complete community …

Collectively, the staff and board of Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum are gearing up to host their largest fundraiser of the year, Bids ‘N’ Stuff. Primarily a live and silent auction, the event offers an array of items for attendees to bid on, including unique experiences, vacations, signed memorabilia, tickets, memberships, and artwork. The theme for this year’s event is, …

Since 1967, the Festival of the Forks has been engrained in the culture and community of Albion. Beginning as a heritage celebration, the Festival is an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate one another, our ethnic diversity, and our love for Albion. Although the food is amazing, from tamales to BBQ, the Festival of the Forks is …

Meet the Fuentes, the owners of Honey P’s Flower Farm! Named after their daughter Penelope, Nathan and Audra Fuentes started their flower farm this year with the vision of adding something new to the community of Albion. Located at their fourth generation family farm off of 28 ½ mile road in Albion, Michigan, this hidden gem is a breathe taking sight. …

“Our goal is to help support the academic growth and well-being of our area kiddos.” – Eddie Williams, Albion Branch NAACP Education Committee Member As school is fast approaching, so is the Albion Branch NAACP’s Annual Back to School Celebration! The annual celebration is chance for community connection and school preparation for Albion’s youth. I’ve recently spoke with a few …

In late June, eight youth and four adults set off to Noisy-le-Roi and Bailly, France for a two-week trip! This adventure was the most recent of those coordinated by Albion’s Sister City Committee. Each traveler stayed with a host family in our sister cities, creating a unique and special experience. The group of travelers spent their trip exploring Noisy-le-Roi and …

The Albion Community Foundation has completed two of their three 2024 grant rounds, impacting several community organizations. Over the two rounds, the Foundation has awarded over $70,000!The Albion Community Foundation is dedicated to building community focused capital that serves community needs. They focus on three central tenets: community improvement, cultural heritage, and youth development. This is done through grantmaking to …

Difference Makers is a local opportunity for students 3rd through 12th grade in the Albion area. Students receive support in developmental skills outside of the classroom including character and leadership building. Difference Makers offers afterschool and summer programming with a mission to impact students’ educational success by “empowering future leaders with the tools necessary to become engaged members of our …

Welcome to the ultimate ice cream adventure in Albion, Michigan! If you’re an ice cream lover like me, you’re in for a treat—literally. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a sweet treat in hand, and the sound of laughter as families and friends gather to indulge in the creamy, dreamy delights that Albion has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of …

Albion Rainbow Connection (ARC) was founded in 2012 by a few passionate Albion College students who found a gap in the Albion community when it came to LGBTQIA+ representation. It was needed to build a “safe space in places, minds, and hearts”* for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and expanding identities (LGBTQIA+). This overarching goal of creating …

The City of Albion has 17 registered parks within our humble community. Ranging in play structures, splash pads, walking trails, and more, each park is unique in it’s offerings. Bournelis Park Named after local shoe merchant Pete Bournelis, this small park offers the best view to the restored Coca-Cola Mural. The mural is the only one in the country painted …

The Vision and Beginning  The vision for the Father & Son Picnic, a cherished annual Albion event, began in the late 90s when Greg Gant gained inspiration from National Father-Daughter Work Day and his work at STARR Commonwealth. Working at STARR’s youth home, Gant saw a pressing need to bridge the gap in role models and mentors for young boys. …

Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Albion, the weekend of June 28th and 29th. Whether you’re an art buff, a car enthusiast, or simply seeking a weekend filled with fun, Albion has you covered. Join us as we embark on a journey through this vibrant community, where every corner holds the promise of adventure and discovery. …

For students who haven’t found that thing that lights them up, robotics can be that. Caroline Hurteau, is involved in various local initiatives in Albion, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Albion. One of Hurteau’s biggest engagements is with INNOVATE Albion, a local STEM education hub. As the Executive Director, Hurteau has played a crucial role in promoting …

Get ready to laugh with the latest production of ACT II Community Theatre, Dear Camp. This play explores the journey of Hildy, a recently widowed woman, preparing to sell her husband’s hunting camp. With the help of some friends, the story takes us on a journey of memories, mysteries, and joy mixed with a full liquor cabinet. I had the …

Albion holds a rich history beyond our work ethic in the factories and passion for the river. Among our many stories is the telling of Mother’s Day, a tradition that resonates with love and gratitude, deeply rooted in the fabric of Albion’s community. The journey of Mother’s Day in Albion traces back to the early 20th century when Juliet Calhoun …

In the realm of education, Peg Turner is a leader of advocacy and wisdom. As a retired educator from Albion Public Schools, her dedication has left an indelible mark on the community. Turner educated Albion area students for over 40 years and implemented one of the most impactful mentorship programs in the school system. Recently, Turner has voiced her opinion …

Are you looking for summer activities, workshops, or events? Do you enjoy creating, relaxing, or eating? EBMY Farm just outside of the city is offering some fun activities this summer from ceramic hand building, flower arranging, and brunches. After my conversation with owner and artist, Paige Young, I gained some insights to the excitement happening this summer and where her …

Maddie Davis is filling the gaps in media with her new children’s book May’s Big Day. Maddie is a current senior at Albion College finishing up her capstone project, a children’s book about a young Autistic girl navigating the Festival of the Forks in Albion, Michigan. While completing her service work as a Build Albion Fellow, Maddie had the opportunity …

Meet Tommie Fagan and Steve Sinden, co-owners of the latest thing to do in Albion, axe throwing! Fagan lives just outside of Albion and his main work is at DTE Energy. Sinden lives in Concord, running his own business, Northwoods Plumbing. Inspired by a conversation at his son’s graduation party, Fagan was motivated to pursue opening his own business. Knowing …

It’s all about passion and curiosity. – C.J. & Stacy Frost The idea of historic restoration may seem overwhelming. You may think, where do you start? How do you do it? How is restoration different than construction? In episode 13 of the Brick by Brick Podcast, I had the chance to speak with C.J. and Stacy Frost from Frost Historic …

Although National Reading Month will be soon be coming to a close, there are still plenty of ways to continue to enjoy reading in the Albion community. There is still time to explore Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum’s traveling exhibit Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™. Travel through the interactive exhibits with your little ones as they immerse themselves fan …

“Music is the great connector.” Although Ramona Kidder is not originally from Albion, she has created a long-lasting impact on the Albion community as the Co-Owner of Dickerson Music Company, Festival of the Forks Committee Chair-Person, Walk the Beat Board Member, and assisting with Fête de la Musique. Clearly with all her involvements in the community, Kidder holds music close …

“I believe that if you are going into education you need to have that hands-on experience” Mae Ola Dunklin found her passion for education growing up in Louisiana. With a handful of factors impacting her passion, from a compassionate high school teacher to helping out in her younger sibling’s classroom, Dunklin loves to see the sparkle in a student’s eyes …