I Bike Lake, Michigan" Fun Family Ride on June. 17, 2023

This annual family ride along the Pere Marquette State Rail Trail acquaints riders with the value of “Pedal Tourism” and raises funds and awareness for improved sinage and for maintenance of this Rail Trail. $25 when Pre-Registering, $30 with same-day registration

Ride Choices:
Ride 1 — Lake to Clare Moose Lodge and return (approximately 20 miles)
Ride 2 — Lake to Evart and return (approximately 30 miles)
Ride 3 — “The Loop” - Lake to Clare Moose Lodge, back through Lake to Evart, and return to Lake (approximately 50 miles)

 

Helmets are Mandatory and must be worn by all riders.

Registration starts at 7:00 am. Download the Registration Form Here (Adobe PDF required for you to be able to fill it out.)
Questions?
Contact:
Karen Lewandowski 989-944-9481 or karenlewandowski50@gmail.com
Leslie Walker lesbillwawa@hotmail.com
Joy Simmer 989.386.7541 x 213 jsimmer@cityofclare.org of Clare City Parks and Recreation

15th Annual GATEWAY AFFAIR: Tentative date September 27, 2025 at the Clare Moose Lodge.

The 15th Annual Gateway Affair, 5:00 - 8:00 pm was an evening of fun, food and live music to raise funds to support parks and recreation in Clare County. Ticket price is $30.00, 12 and under $10.

 

The Gateway Affair is always a fun-filled evening, with tickets that included a great meal, catered by Tracy of Farwell, a raffle, a silent auction, live music, and a presentation. This year's program is TBD, and there will be information about the Friends of Clare County Parks and Recreation Grant Programs. Attendees a great meal, and also a cash bar. All this while raising funds for grants and recreational projects in Clare County.

 

Corporate Sponsorships for the Gateway Affair are available now
. Click to apply for these Sponsorships: $1000 Advocate, $500 Partner, $250 Supporter, and $100 Friend.

Thank you to our 2024 Corporate Sponsors:

• Advocate Sponsor; ,Jays Sporting Goods, Tom Kunse, State Representative, and Isabella Bank & Trust
• Partner Sponsor: Clare County Democratic Party, Harrison Moose Lodge #2235, Rotary Club of Clare, and Members First Credit Union
• Supporter Sponsors: Reiss Real Estate, Harrison & Newman CPA, and Motorless Motion
• Friend Sponsor: Friends of Garfield Township Parks, Sharon Mair, Harrison Do-It-Center, Jim's Body Shop, and Timeout Tavern

 

The 2024 Door Prize Winners:
1st Place --- $500 Jays Gift Certificate won by Jjeff Haskell
2nd Place -- $250 Cash Prize won by Tom Kunse
3rd Place -- $100 Cash Prize won by Reiss Real Estate

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS YEAR'S GATEWAY AFFAIR A SUCCESS!
download the list of Sponsors

Click here to view other past Gateway Affair photos.

The event took place at the Moose Lodge in Clare. The funds raised support Friends of Clare County Parks and Recreation initiatives, Pere-Marquette Rail Trail Projects, and Friends Grant Program. Friends is a 501(c)3 organization. All or part of the donations may be tax-deductible.

 

The 2024 Gateway Affair Sponsors

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

Fall, Fun, Halloween Events

• Check out all the Halloween Events in the City of Clare:
  
  
  
• Spooky Monster Magic Show at the Clare Family Night
  Shine up the spotlight and set the stage for fun! Magician Gordon Russ and his Spooky Monster Magic Show is headed your way! Gordon’s haunted magic trunk is chock-full of Monster Magic, Spooky Tricks and Hilarious Horrors and ready to entertain. So, call your friends, tell your neighbors and bring the family to Clare Family Night Out, 185 E. 4th St., Clare, MI, on October 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm for a magical time with Gordon! Admission is Free. For more information call 989-424-4074.
  While Gordon always brings his best to any stage, this time around he’s bringing along some amazing friends; the always clever Frankenstein’s Monster, Witchy Poo and the magically appearing Scare Crow! “With magic, the important thing is that kids have fun and involve themselves in the event. Magic has a natural connection with Halloween, and There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when Witchy Poo drops in for that unexpected visit”, Gordon says.
  
  So, get ready! Gordon and his Spooky Monster Magic Show is on his way to the Clare Family Night Out. Be there and prepare to take a ride with Gordon and his Spooky Monster Magical adventure!
  
  
• Tract or Treat at Emerald Isle Recreation Complex in Clare, 12:00 - 2:00 pm (or until prizes run out).
  Come on out and trick or treat with us and our hauntingly awesome tractors. Wear your cosutmes!! Location is 303 Pinecrest St. in Clare.
  Click for the event flyer:
  
  
  
• Pumpkin Find Contest in Clare.
  CAN YOU FIND THE 3 GIANT GOURDS/PUMPKINS LOCATED AROUNT THE CITY OF CLARE!?!
  Take pictures with them and tag us at #clareparksandrec to be entered into a prize drawing. Do not post location, just the picture. This pumpkin hunt will end on 10/31, and winners will be notified November 1st.
  Click for the event flyer:
  
  
  
• Pumpkin 5K Run & Costume Contest in Clare, Oct. 26, 2024.
  Dress up in costume and run or walk to win Clare Cash! Prizes to top 5 best costumes and a prize for the top group. Win up to $50 in cash!
  Location is the Emerald Isle Recreation Complex at 303 Pinecrest St in Clare. Registration begins at 9 am, and the Costume Parade begins at 9:45 am.
  Click for the event Registration Form:
  
  
  
• Witches of the West Walk-Through Spooktacular Oct. 26th. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
  At 712 W. Fifth St., City of Clare
  
  
• Trick or Treat in the City of Clare, Oct. 31st. 8-6 pm
  
  
• Halloween Candy Check at the Clare Fire Department 6-8 pm
  The Clare Fire Department will be handing out Hotdogs and checking candy during Trick or Treat hours at 207 W. Fifth St. in Clare on October 31st.
  
  
  
• Trunk Or Treat at the Lincoln Township Hall Parking Lot in Lake George.
  Trunkers line up in parking lot or get a table indoors by 4:30 pm. Dress up your vehicle, dress up your table, wear a costume! Just want to donate candy? You can do that. Drop off at township hall m-f 8am to 1pm by Oct. 31st.
  Click for the event flyer:
  
  
  

Watch this space for information about other Halloween Events in the future. Visi tour Calendar to find out about local Halloween events.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT WITH THE CLARE HALLOWEEN EVENTS:
Contact Joy if you want/need some volunteer hours
jsimmer@cityof clare.gov or (989)424-4074

Annual Winter Blast

A Day of Free Family Fun ! Activities include: snowshoeing, ice fishing demo, cross country skiing, fat tire biking, winter craft activity, disc golf, making s'mores....And MORE!

JOIN US for this fun family event!

Location: the Poet Family Outdoor Ed. Center of MMC, Harrison Campus. 1375 S. Clare Ave., Harrison. Event is hosted by MMC, MSu Extension 4-H, and Jay's Sporting Goods.

OUR MEETINGS

The Friends of Clare County Parks and Recreation meet on the 4th Thursday of the Month.

Our meetings are at 6:00 pm and we are currently meeting in various locations.

Check our Calendar for the location of this month's meeting. Also check our Calendar for any changes in our schedule or for special meetings.

The Public is Welsome To Attend!