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Serving the
Chain of Lakes Area
Acme * Alden * Atwood
Bellaire * Central Lake
Eastport * Ellsworth * Elk Rapids
Kewadin * Rapid City
Torch River * Williamsburg
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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%. | | |
This year, the Chamber has chosen to adopt three of our nonprofit members for the holiday season. With food insecurity on the rise, we are focusing our efforts on supporting local food pantries that are working tirelessly to help our neighbors in need.
Each pantry has shared a short list of items that would make the biggest difference right now. We invite you to take a look, donate what you can, and help us spread a little extra kindness this season.
We’ll have a clearly labeled tote for each nonprofit inside the Chamber office for easy drop-off. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for families across our community.
Thank you for giving back, supporting local nonprofits, and showing what the Elk Rapids area is all about—caring, generosity, and community.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW NONPROFIT LISTS
| | Join us downtown while we close down River Street between Dexter and Cedar for lots of fun and celebration! The ERHS dance squad, jazz band, and many others will be playing and dancing to holiday music. Santa's elves, Frosty, and a few special guests will welcome Santa as he arrives on the fire truck to Cedar Street. From there, he’ll be escorted by the dogs to help light the tree and say hello to all the kids! Second-chance mushers will be downtown to show off their sled – stop by to meet the dogs! | | |
Buy Nearby Shoppers can enter to win a $500 gift card in the Holiday Season Edition of the Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
To enter, shoppers must:
- Visit THREE Elk Rapids retailers or small businesses between Nov. 28-30, 2025.
- Fill out their punch card at each stop
- Get a stamp or initial from each business
- Submit their completed punch card by Dec. 5 and they'll be entered to win a $500 gift card!
The winner will be drawn and contacted during the week of Dec. 8, 2025 by the Michigan Retailer Association!
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Congratulations, Scott Moore at EXIT Northern Shores Realty - 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! 🍽️
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The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates John Mach on being named the 2025 Director of the Year for communities with a population under 10,000 by the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA). This prestigious recognition honors outstanding leadership, innovation, and collaboration in advancing downtown revitalization and economic development.
We are deeply grateful for the vision and steady leadership John brings to the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority. His commitment to strengthening our downtown and fostering a vibrant, resilient local economy benefits our entire community.
Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved honor.
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Trivia with Quizding
Tuesday, November 25th - 6 to 8pm
Shorts 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!
Click here for details!
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Bingo at Short's Pull Barn
Wednesday, November 26th - 6-8pm
Shorts Pull Barn
Liven up your Wednesday night with Bingo at the Pull Barn! Head over to the Pull Barn for a night of thrilling games, delicious brews, and great prizes!
Click here for details!
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Holiday Greens Class
Friday, November 28th, 29th, 30th
11am-1pm & 2-4pm
Pine Hill Nursery
Create your own beautiful wreath ($55), porch pot ($55) or centerpiece ($40) in this fun workshop. Wreath class fee includes wreath form, greens, natural bits. Porch pot class includes a black pot with soil, greens, red twigs. Centerpiece fee includes a container, floral foam, greens, natural bits, and one embellishment (we will have a few items to choose from). Other embellishment items available for purchase. Classes are held in our greenhouse. We recommend dressing in layers. Please bring your own garden gloves and pruners. We will have some for purchase if you need them. Coffee and hot cocoa will be available for class participants. Class participants also receive a coupon to use for gift shop items that day! Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Click here to sign up!
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Birobur Mel Release
Friday, November 28, 29 - 1 to 10pm
Ethanology
This year's holiday release is quite special. A double oak Mel®. After six years housing our blue corn bourbon, we utilized this well-seasoned cask to finish our flagship, Mel®. The end result exceeded our expectations.
The coup de grace after a decade of co-development. This bourbon finished Mel® is double-oaked to form aromatics of blackberry, red licorice, and subtle paw paw. The palate opens with bold honey flavor and closes with a long candied almond finish. Rich, well-married, and coating, truly a singular spirit.
Click here for specials!
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Pizza and Pipes
Friday, November 28th - 5:30 to 7pm
The Music House Museum
The Music House once again presents a Post-Thanksgiving Pizza and Pipes, a delicious gourmet pizza dinner and a very special concert from Red Wings and Tigers organist, Dave Calendine, on the ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ theater organ. Enjoy a great dinner with great music. Doors open at 6 PM for dinner, with the concert around 6:30 pm. This is a very popular event so reservations are highly recommended. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under.
Click here for tickets!
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Small Business Saturday Sale
Saturday, November 29th - Noon to 8pm
BOS Wine
10% off 3-5 bottles
15% off 6 or more bottles
Click here for details!
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Hands-On Mushroom Workshop
Friday, November 29th - 1 to 3pm
7915 Cameron Street, Central Lake
At Great Lakes Mushroom Company, we're thrilled to be your guides into the captivating world of fungi! Embark on a journey with us as we delve into the fascinating realm of mushrooms, unraveling their mysteries and unlocking the secrets they hold.
Click here for details!
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Alden Christmas Celebration
November 29th - 3-7pm
Downtown Alden
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Makers Market
Sunday, November 30th - Noon to 3pm
Short's Pull Barn
Dive into the festive spirit at our Makers Market @ the Pull Barn! Discover a treasure trove of local talent – from snazzy ceramics to blingin’ jewelry, luscious hand salves, frame-worthy photography, stunning paintings, nifty woodwork, groovy tie-dye, mouthwatering jelly, luxurious soaps, and sparkly permanent jewelry. Plus, don’t miss out on some rad stickers and awesome clothing options. ‘Tis the season for one-of-a-kind finds!
Click here for details!
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ER Library Monthly Volunteer Social
Sunday, November 30th - 4 to 7pm
ER District Library
Come join the fun and make a difference!
elkrapidslibrary.org
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Register for upcoming classes and workshops on our website! Check back often as we will be posting more classes and workshops
REGISTER FOR CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
Art and Connection
🎨965 Green Street 🎨Elk Rapids
🎨 (231) 498-2522
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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
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Next Week
December 2, Ladles of Love SOUPer Fundraiser, 11am-1pm
December 2, Rotary Christmas Dinner & Auction, 5pm-7pm
December 3, Holiday Afternoon Tea at Applesauce Inn, 1pm
December 3, Mike Ridley Live at the Town Club, 6-9pm
December 4,5,6,7, The Christmas Journey at New Hope, 5:30-7:30pm
December 4, Tyin' Thursdays at Ethanology, 6-8:30pm
December 4,5,6,7, Holiday Greens Classes at Pine Hill Nursery, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm
December 5, Pint Night For A Cause: Townline Ciderworks, 5-7pm
December 5,6, ER Players Present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 7-9pm
December 6, Kids Community Christmas at Amvets, 11am-2pm
December 6, Christmas Decor Swap at the ER Library, Noon-2pm
December 6, Free Community Dinner at The Lions Club, 5-7pm
December 7, Breakfast with Santa at The Blue Pelican, 9-11am
December 7, ER Players Present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 2-4pm
December 7, Share the Love of Christmas Dinner & Food Drive, 5-7:30pm
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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
~ Adult Coloring Club at Art & Connection, 4:30-6:30 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
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
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
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Visit Santa at the Village Market
Save the date!
| | | Third Coast Wealth Planning | |
A Starry Starry Night
Save the Date!
Get your tickets now for the HERTHA Fundraiser
Click here
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Vote for ACTS - Nonprofit Giveback
We’re thrilled to be in the top 10 for this nonprofit giveback! Please vote for ACTS and help us spread the word about our services and mission.
Voting ends November 28th
Click here to vote!
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Real Estate One To Double Your Red Kettle Donations During The Thanksgiving Holiday
Dennis Irelan, Associate Broker of REAL ESTATE ONE is sponsoring the Red Kettle at Elk Rapids Village Market over the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 26 – Saturday, November 29 to double your donations to The Salvation Army of Petoskey. Donations help local families in Antrim County with critical needs such as food, heat, electricity, and more. Thank you for helping us care for our struggling neighbors.
Staying indoors?
You can also donate at SAPetoskey.org
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Hurricane Relief Drive
Collecting Donations Thru November 26th
Torch Lake Cafe
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Community Cupboard -
Updated Hours
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PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 Elk Rapids Harbor Days – Schedule Change
Due to contract negotiations between the Elk Rapids Lions Club and Arnold’s Amusements—an agreement entirely separate from the Harbor Days Association—the 2026 Harbor Days Festival will occur one week later than the traditional schedule.
Revised 2026 Dates • Opening Ceremony: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
• Festival Conclusion & Zambelli Fireworks: Saturday, August 8, 2026
We recognize that many residents, visitors, and long-time supporters plan vacations and annual gatherings around the historic Harbor Days schedule. This notice is being issued so the public can plan accordingly.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Harbor Days.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days Association
| | For more information on these resources click the links above. | | Community Public Meetings | | -
Tuesday, November 25th, ER Planning Commission, 7:00pm - Agenda
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Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
(231) 264-8202 | WEBSITE | EMAIL
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