The Blue Water Young Professionals take an active role in supporting the community.
CURRENT PROJECTS
kegs n k's
In 2016, the YPs brought back a crowd favorite, Kegs n K's, as our annual fundraiser. We're all about combining two of our favorite things: beer and running! The event includes a 4K fun run, keg toss competition and beer pong. It takes place in June.
Bed Races
The YPs began organizing the Bed Races in 2012. In our seven years of running this increasingly popular event, there has been between six to 12 teams each year and has shown steady growth in racer participation and audience. We coordinate the event with the organizer of Chilly Fest, which is now the Port Huron Recreation Department. We set up the races, lay out the rules and organize the day of activities. The committee for this event meets for two months leading up to the event.
Cornhole Tournaments
To accompany Port Huron’s Chilly Fest activities, the YPs started organizing a double-elimination Cornhole Tournament held outside the Casey’s on the Plaza on McMorran Boulevard in 2022. Teams of 2 bundle up and toss bags for prizes donated by local businesses. With much success, the YPs decided to host an identical Cornhole Tournament for Port Huron’s Sandfest held at the beginning of August. You can find us tossing bags in the shadow of Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse next to Semi-Pro and Amateur sand sculptures.
Past Projects
Black River Walk
The Blue Water Young Professionals, in partnership with the City of Port Huron Recreation Department, was awarded a $45,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport program, a $5,000 donation from the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and an additional $10,000 from the City of Port Huron to continue work on the Black River Walk. Grant related projects are in the planning stages, with trail heads, gathering areas and signage being the main focus. A second project, a partnership with St. Clair County Community College, includes a tile border and painted mural along the 7th Street Tunnel.
Art Hop
Originally inspired by our focus on supporting the arts and nightlife in the Blue Water Area, Art Hop has become a seasonal staple in the Port Huron area. The Blue Water Young Professions organized and planned the original hop, through the work of the Art Hop Committee, working with local artists and businesses to coordinate a night of art, shopping, music, food and drink. The event is now coordinated by the Downtown Development Authority, and continues to highlight the artistic talent and entrepreneurs that make our area a destination.
Blue Water Volleygrass Festival
Hosted by the Port Huron Northern Athletic Boosters, 2018 marks the YPs fourth year with Volleygrass. The tournament is run by the boosters and their varsity volleyball coach as a fundraiser for the sports programs at Port Huron Northern High School. Annually, approximately 220 teams come out to compete in the 4 on 4 three day tournament. The YPs volunteer their services by running registration and bracketing for the tournament, and are in charge of acquiring sponsorship partners for the event. The event raises approximately $20,000 annually to support their programs, a portion of which they have donated to the BWYPs for our involvement in the event. The Volleygrass committee meets one to two times per week for eight to twelve weeks leading up to the event each summer.
BWYP Community Tour
Celebrating our past, embracing our present, and planning for our future. In June 2017, the Blue Water Young Professionals hit the road, hosting community events along the Blue Water coast.
BWYP vs. SC4 Alumni Hockey
The Blue Water Young Professionals teamed up to play against the SC4 Alumni Hockey team in 2014 and 2015. Funds from ticket sales helped support both BWYP projects and SC4 Alumni Association funds.
Kentucky Derby Party
In May, 2015 the BWYPs hosted our first annual fundraising event, a Kentucky Derby themed party. Hosted at the Alley Room in Port Huron, this race for the roses helped us raise funds to continue work on the Black River Walk project.
I will stay if...
Termed the official launch of the Blue Water Young Professionals, this 2011 event brought together community leaders, young professionals, and local residents to help guide the mission of the BWYP group. From this event, our mission "to be a catalyst of community enhancement for the Blue Water Area by collaborating with fellow forward-thinking, community-oriented individuals who are active in the civic, social and business activities of our region." was formed. We continue to seek community input through our 2017 Community Tour to ensure that our activities make a positive impact on the Blue Water area.
Pine River poker paddle
Started in 2014, this fun summer event is the brainchild of the YP's St. Clair committee. Participants kayak, paddle board or canoe down the Pine River and make five pit-stops along the way, grabbing a poker card at each one. Best hand wins a new kayak. More than 40 people paddled with us at the inaugural event and the second year's participation jumped to more than 100 people (and even some canine friends).