Serving the

Chain of Lakes Area

Acme * Alden * Atwood

Bellaire * Central Lake

Eastport * Ellsworth * Elk Rapids

Kewadin * Rapid City

Torch River * Williamsburg

Guide to Newsletter

Chamber Events
Job Listings
Events/Classes/Workshops
Member News/Specials/Information
Snapshot of Upcoming Events
Local Government News and Public Meetings

To ensure your events are included in the Monday Minute, please email christina@elkrapidschamber.org by Friday. Reaching over 2.7K subscribers with an open rate of over 60%.

Chamber News & Events

There will be a chance for shoppers on Men's Night to win one of three prizes. To enter they must pick up one of these cards at any of our local restaurants, make purchases at 5 participating stores and collect initials on the card. The cards will be collected at the gathering area downtown (Yuchasz walkway). At the end of the night all are encouraged to gather at Short's Pull Barn where three cards will be drawn and winners will be announced.

The Acme Christian Thrift Shop & Food Pantry is excited to join the fun in downtown Elk Rapids during Men's Night! Stop by Harbor Wear on Thursday, December 18th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and let us take one holiday task off your list.

Bring your gifts and our volunteers will wrap them beautifully in exchange for a donation to ACTS, supporting our local food pantry and families in need this season.

Ribbon Cutting for YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha-Camps for their new office located at 212 River Street in Elk Rapids. The office is located between their two camps, one on Torch Lake and the other at Arbutus Lake. For more information on their amazing programs, visit hayowentha.org.

Staff, from left to right: Santa-Josh Moody (Asst. Director for Torch Lake), John Carlson (holding scissors, CEO), Amanda Macaluso (holding certificate, Director of Development & Alumni Experience), Mackenzie Morison (holding ribbon, Director of Camp Arbutus), and in the crowd Bronwen Dingeman (seasonal Program Coordinator, Gina Georgiou (Director of Wilderness Experience & Group Retreats), Cat Zimmerman (Director of Employee Experience & Business Services, Liz Clark (Registrar and Day Camp Director), Tristan Dougans (Seasonal Program Coordinator), all surrounded by Camp Alumni, Friends and Community Supporters.

Ribbon Cutting for Fitzpatrick Insurance, celebrating their new office location at 215 River Street in Elk Rapids. Stop in and say hello or visit them at fitzinsurance.com for more information on the insurance services they provide.

From left to right: Wendy Fox, Mary Meier, Patrick Lavis, Adam Brown, Michelle Brown, Josh Tanis, and Amy Anthony. Not pictured, Tyler Rodenbo

Fitzpatrick Group Photo: Fitzpatrick Team joined by a great group of clients and community supporters at the ribbon cutting.

Congratulations Are in Order!

We are proud to share some exciting news from the Village of Elk Rapids. The Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, owned and operated by the Village, has been awarded the 2025 Marinas.com Boaters’ Choice Elite Fleet Award—a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional service and outstanding experiences for boaters. This achievement reflects the pride, professionalism, and dedication that make our harbor a destination of choice. Village Manager David Tait captured that pride perfectly in the message below: "I am thrilled and honored that Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor in Elk Rapids has been awarded the 2025 Marinas.com Boaters' Choice Elite Fleet Award. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere we provide to boaters from near and far. As Village Manager, I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our Harbor staff, who go above and beyond every day to make this harbor such a great place for everyone to enjoy”

🎄 Holiday Office Hours Update 🎄

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce office will be closed for the holidays beginning Friday, December 19th at Noon through January 5th. With the exception that we are open on Monday, December 22nd. We hope everyone enjoys a joyful and restful holiday season!

Starting in January, the Chamber will transition to new winter office hours, and our physical office will be open Tuesday–Thursday each week.

While our in-person hours are shifting, please know that we are still here for you. You’re welcome to reach out at any time throughout the week, and our staff will continue to respond remotely.

Thank you for your continued support, and warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

Congratulations, Chef Chucks - Winner of the breakfast giveaway.

🤩 WIN Breakfast for Your Office!

The Dam Shop has teamed up with the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to give away a breakfast pack for 6–8 people every single week thru January 2026!

How to enter:

👍 Like

👥 Follow

💬 Comment on Facebook or Instagram

One lucky workplace will be drawn every Friday.

Be the office hero—enter now and start your morning the delicious way! 🍽️

Job Board

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL JOB OPENINGS!

Community Events This Week

Line Dancing with Kay

Monday, December 15th - 6-8pm

Town Club

Kay will spin the tunes from various genres and show us the moves for line dancing to those tunes, so whether you are novice or a pro at line dancing bring your moves and have some fun.

Trivia with Quizding

Tuesday, December 16th, 6 to 8pm

Short's Pull Barn

Think you’ve got the brains to back up your beer? Join us at the Pull Barn for Quizding Trivia and put your knowledge to the test!

Three rounds of general knowledge questions, about two hours of friendly competition, and plenty of beer to fuel those genius moments.

Bring your crew, grab a pint, and let’s see who’s walking away with bragging rights!

Catholic Schoolhouse Showcase

Wednesday, December 17th - 12:30 to 2pm

Sacred Heart Church

Please join us for a presentation by the Catholic Schoolhouse children. They will be delighting us with a few songs and showcasing several subjects that they have learned during the first semester.

We will enjoy a potluck lunch immediately following.

Gingerbread House Decorating

Wednesday, December 17th - 3 to 5pm

Elk Rapids District Library

After-School Gingerbread Decorating Party

Kids are invited to join us for a sweet and creative afternoon! We’ll be building “gingerbread” houses using graham crackers, frosting, and lots of candy to bring our masterpieces to life. This hands-on program is perfect for kids who love to build, decorate, and get a little messy—after-school fun at its best!

Foodie Book Club

Wednesday, December 17th - 6 to 7pm

Art & Connection

Join us for a special Holiday meeting! We will be exchanging our favorite Christmas treats. Sign up at the library and bring 2 dozen treats to share with other participants.

Beachglass Workshop

Thursday, December 18th - 3 to 6pm

Shorts Pull Barn

Get crafty and coastal this holiday season! Join us for a night of creativity, sparkle, and beachy vibes as you turn tumbled glass into festive masterpieces. Choose your project — from a classic tree (complete with starfish topper!) to a Grinchy tree, wreath, angel, or a 3-pack of ornaments.

Two classes: 3 PM & 6 PM

Beginner-friendly • Ages 10+ • Waiver required

Come for the fun, leave with something handmade and full of holiday cheer!

Tyin' Thursdays

Thursday, December 18th - 6 to 8:30pm

Ethanology

November-March we will host a bi-monthly fly-tying class, curated by DNR biologist, and avid fly fisherman Eric Crissman. The classes will feature 1-2 unique fly patterns, and will encompass a multitude of techniques, tricks, and styles.

Attending each class will allow you to build on your skills and perfect different fly designs. All skill levels are welcome, all material will be provided, and if needed, all tools will be provided.

Classes start at 6:00pm sharp and will end at approximately 8:30.

Suggested donation is $20 to instructor to cover material costs.

Men's Market

Friday, December 19th - 5 to 9pm

Ethanology

Gentlemen, and those shopping for gentlemen (ladies), we have an evening for you! We have lined up purveyors of fine men's goods, and incredible food vendors for a unique evening at the distillery.

Amvets Fish Fry

Friday, December 19th - 5:30 to 7pm

Elk Rapids Amvets

Amvets Post at 410 Bridge St Elk Rapids

Serving a generous portion of Cod for $13.00 including Cole Slaw and Fries or Baked Potato and offering an additional plate of Cod for $5.00.

We also serve Chicken Tenders Dinners for $10

As always thank you for all your support.

All proceeds go to helping with various projects to help veterans in need.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 20th - 9:30 to 11:30am

Grand Traverse Resort

Join us for a magical Breakfast with Santa in the Michigan Ballroom. Kids can participate in holiday activities and crafts, plus enjoy time with Santa himself.

Christmas Tree Sale

Saturday, December 20th - 10am to 1pm

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, December 20th - 10am to 4pm

Hubbell Farm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Hubbell Farms! Bring your family for a festive day filled with holiday activities, delicious food, and plenty of farm fun. This event is designed with families in mind — engaging activities for kids, relaxing moments for parents, and Christmas magic for everyone.

A Starry Starry Night

Saturday, December 20th - 6pm

HERTHA

Enjoy an evening of joyous celebration including a strolling dinner, cocktail hour, auction, music, dancing and community.

Click here for more info!

Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 20th - 6:30 to 9:30pm

Johnny's Torch Riviera

We are Celebrating Christmas!

Christina Teresa will be here singing all of your favorite Christmas songs.

You are encouraged to dress for the occasion! Dress as your favorite Christmas character, your ugliest sweater, or your most outrageous Christmas outfit. We will have Christmas surprises for the best outfits!

Lighting of the Bridges

Saturday, December 20th - 6-8pm

Grass River Natural Area

Join us for a magical evening as we light up the bridges of our boardwalk with colorful lights and lanterns for one night only. Enjoy a 1/3 mile winter stroll on the boardwalk to the dock with the bridges lit up with lights, and then warm up with a campfire and hot cocoa at the pavilion. Inside the Center we will have a variety of holiday crafts to make! You can come any time during this two-hour "open house" style event and walk the self-guided trail, enjoy the fire, and make crafts in the Center. Snowshoes are available for rent if there is deep snow.

Holiday House PJ Party

Saturday, December 20th - 7 to 10pm

Ethanology

Its the time of the year to bust out the pajamas and Ugly Sweaters and bring the family + your dancing shoes for some good ol' fashion fun.

DJ Franck (Beatnip System) will be spinning house, deep-house, disco/funk, nu-disco and will no doubt pepper in some Christmas Classics- just in time to get you in the holiday spirit.

Naturally we will have contests for the best group, most creative, best group and most ridiculous sweaters/pajamas

Holiday Cheers & Beers

Sunday, December 21st - Noon to 3pm

Short's Pull Barn

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive afternoon of fun! Paint ornaments, make snowflakes, and sip at our hot cocoa bar. Santa will make a special appearance, and a live saxophone performance kicks off at 2. Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday cheer—and don’t forget, there’s beer too!

Pokemon Club

Sunday, December 21st - 1 to 2pm

Elk Rapids Library

Have a young trainer at home? Trainers are invited to bring their Pokémon cards, trade and share with friends, make a fun Pokémon-themed craft, and chat with fellow trainers. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, community, and Pokémon fun!

Christmas Potluck

Sunday, December 21st - 2 to 5pm

Ethanology

You are invited to our annual Christmas Potluck. Bring a dish or don't, and enjoy good company, good drinks and share in the festive holiday cheer.

All bottles, holiday gift crates and merchandise will be 20% the final weekend (Thursday-Sunday) before Christmas

Click here to view the full events calendar!

Register for upcoming classes and workshops on our website! Check back often as we will be posting more classes and workshops

Art and Connection

🎨965 Green Street 🎨Elk Rapids

🎨 (231) 498-2522

300 Isle of Pines

Elk Rapids, MI

(231) 264-9979

www.elkrapidslibrary.org

Library happenings, the newest of the new titles, upcoming events, Friends of the Library updates, and more!

See website calendar for schedules

Save the Dates!

Next Week

December 22, Bingo at Short's Pull Barn, 6-8pm

December 23, Holiday Trivia at Short's Pull Barn, 6-8pm

December 24, Slow Flow at ER Yoga Flow, 5:30-6:30pm

Weekly Reoccuring Events

Mondays

~ Embodied Yoga Flow at ER Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Mug Club Monday at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Chess Mondays at the ER Library, 4-5:30pm

~ Adult Coloring Club at Art & Connection, 4-6 pm

~ Monday Night Flights at BOS Wine, 5-7pm

Tuesdays

~ Elk Rapids Rotary Meeting at The Dam Shop, 8am

~ Kundalini at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Art Group at Art & Connection, 2-4 pm (2nd Tuesday only)

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 10:30 am - 12 pm

Wednesday

~ Antrim Women's Coffee Group, 10-11:30 am

~ Afternoon Tea at Applesauce Inn, 1-2:30pm

~ Crafternoons at Art and Connection, 1-4pm

~ Euchre at Art and Connection, 1-4pm

~ Island House Readers Book Club-ERDL, 12-1:30pm (1st Wednesday of the month)

~ Happy Hour at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Locals Wednesday at Ethanology, 2-9pm

~ Slow Flow at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 5:30 pm

~Trivia at Torch Lake Cafe, 6 pm

Thursdays

~ Strength & Flexibility at ER Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Storytime at ER Library, 10:30am

~ Family Playgroup at Grass River Natural Area, 10:30am

~ Leftover Men's Coffee Group at Art & Connection, 11:00-12:30 pm

~ Puzzle & Pour at BOS Wine, Noon to 6pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 1-2:30 pm

~ ER Knitters at the ER District Library, 2-4 pm

~ Locals Day at the DAM Shop, 2-5 pm

~ Euchre at the Side Door at the Blue Pelican, 6:30 pm

FRIDAYS

~ Vin Yin at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Storytime for all at the ER District Library, 10:30-11:30 am

~ Friday Night Fish Fry at the Town Club, 5pm

Saturdays

~ Vinyasa Flow at Elk Rapids Yoga Flow, 9:30 am

~ Authentic Mexican Foods and farm activities at Providence Farms, 9 am-5:30 pm

~ Euchre at Art & Connection every other Saturday starting (7/19), 6:30-9pm

~ Live Music at Ethanology,

Sundays

Member News and Specials

Updated Class Schedule

Visit elkrapidsyogaflow.com for more information!

Brick Oven Winter Opening

Don’t let the cold keep you away—we’re firing up the oven to bring you our famously delicious brick oven pizza, along with a brand-new lineup of hot, comforting sandwiches and savory wings. Escape the chill and satisfy your cravings with us all season long.

Sundance Brick Oven Hours

Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Take Out Only)

Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM