Downtown Battle Creek was teeming with activity on Saturday, with fly fishers casting lines into the Battle Creek River, people getting active through yoga and cardio drumming and patrons supporting local small businesses.
Sept. 26 was recently proclaimed Downtown Day in Michigan by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said “Michigan downtowns distinguish a community, are the drivers of economic development, and contribute significantly to the quality of life of residents.”
The proclamation was made at the request of the Michigan Downtown Association to help support downtowns struggling across the state due to the pandemic.
Yoga class was presented by Otterdance Yoga and cardio drumming was presented by the Energy Nook, and a fly fishing class was courtesy of Uncle Jake’s and Smitt’s Sport Shop.
Lakeview High School sophomore Ada LeAnn brought her guitar and vocals to BC Cargo, creating a moment for community members to once again enjoy live music together.
Additionally, there was a historical walking tour and a Sojourner Truth Speech recited by Donna Rickman.
At noon, around 20 people gathered at the Urban Memorial and Racial Healing Garden to plant mums in honor of Chadwick Boseman, American actor and social justice warrior, and Vivian Laws-Ritter, National Ambassador to the Sojourner Truth Institute.
It was Laws-Ritter’s stepmother, Gurtha Laws’, first time visiting the downtown garden. She called it “wonderful.”
“It’s always good to have a place to be able to go to, and you can come here and have a quiet moment,” Laws said.
Alyssa Keown is a visual journalist at the Battle Creek Enquirer. Contact her at akeown@battlecreekenquirer.com or (269) 832-9344. Follow her on Instagram @aj.keown and on Twitter @alyssa_keown
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