We’ve had a blast doing it which was our goal. We’ve met, introduced and celebrated the artistic and musical talent our community has to offer which was our mission. The city leadership and staff have always been incredibly supportive and we are thankful that the City Commission nine years ago decided to take a chance on the idea. Watching friends and neighbors flood the park for a fun-filled, family day is exactly what we had hoped for but to watch it happen has at times left us speechless. Joseph County United Way and Radiant Life Church seek us out and asked, “How can we help you keep this growing?” Seeing SHS reunion classes and the Kirsch Company employees choose the festival as their location to celebrate has been incredible. We’ve had individuals and organizations such as the St. The Kiwanis Club of Sturgis has been with us from the beginning. The community comes together and does the rest which is very rewarding to see. Scott and I, with the addition of Steve ever since year three, really just coordinate the event. Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of Homegrown Festival?Ī (Wynes): There have been proud and rewarding moments every step of the way. Underlying it all, we both really wanted to play on the Oaklawn stage and needed a way to get people to the park to see us. We also felt that Oaklawn Park was a beautiful but underutilized asset and Sturgis needed a summer festival as Sturgis Fest wasn’t a thing at the time. Q: What was your motivation when you began Homegrown Festival?Ī (Eric Wynes): Scott and I have always been very community minded and we wanted to create something to spotlight the musical and artistic talent that we knew existed in our local area. Here’s what organizers Eric Wynes, Scott Swihart and Steve Klinger had to say about the festival’s start, its most rewarding aspect, and plans for the future, including next year’s 10th annual festival. This year’s festival takes place noon-10 p.m. Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at Homegrown Festival co-organizers are getting set for another celebration. The family suggests memorial donations be directed to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48018. The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.Ĭathi’s giving spirit continues as she was an organ donor. 6th at the Radiant Life Church in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Catherine “Cathi” Marie Bell will be held at 4:00 P.M. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: John and Wanda Kelly. She was a member of the Radiant Life Church in Sturgis.Ĭathi is survived by her husband: Jeff three sons: Robert (Gabi) Blair, Jr., Neil Blair and Cory Blair two daughters: Jennifer (Ken) Bickle and Jessica (Mike) Wood three grandchildren: Andrew Blair, Owen Bickle and Oliver Bickle parents: Jean (Kelly) and Greg Wright sister: Dawn (Ryan) Quirin and special friend: Kandi Bell. Catherine Marie “Cathy” (Kelly) Bell age 53 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Wednesday afternoon, Septemat the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Ĭathi was employed by the Sturgis Hospital as a receptionist in patient access.
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