GBPA Members,
We are excited to be planning one of the largest Gladwin County events, the Gladwin County Tree Lighting and Festival of Lights Christmas Parade! The theme that was chosen for this year’s parade is “Unwrapping 250 Years of American Tradition”.
Mark your calendars for the first Saturday in December! The Tree Lighting is at 5:30PM on Saturday, December 5, 2026, on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Silverleaf Street. The Festival of lights Christmas Parade is at 6PM following the tree lighting. We can’t wait to see you all there!
Please consider being a sponsor for the 2026 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. As all of you know, it takes the support of our community to make this event successful. We have been able to create this tradition that people love, because of our community’s generous support. With your sponsorship, you support a crowd-pleasing event with community-loved balloons for all ages.
When you choose to sponsor this event, your business name will be mentioned in a thoughtful thank you in the Gladwin County Record. Your business name will also be posted on Facebook on the Gladwin County Festival of Lights Christmas Parade page. We appreciate your generosity and look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you for supporting another great event brought to you by the Gladwin Business & Professionals Association.
Stacy Plude GBPA President
Thank you to the Master Gardeners!
For helping to make our Town Beautiful!
GBPA MEETINGs
First Wednesday of the Month
Meeting: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
@ Riverwalk Place, 777 W Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624
CLICK BELOW to view last month’s meeting minutes.
Saturday, Sept 12th
THE FINAL THUNDER ON THE STRIP
After 17 incredible years, Thunder on the Strip will roar down the runway one final time on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport.
Recent changes involving the FAA and the use of federally funded airports for non-aeronautical events have forced us to make the difficult decision to bring Thunder on the Strip to a close. While we are certainly disappointed to see this chapter end, we refuse to let our final event be a sad one. Instead, we are going to make it a celebration worthy of 17 years of racing, friendship, community, and unforgettable memories!
Over the years, thousands of racers, spectators, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and community members have helped make Thunder on the Strip something truly special. Whether you raced every year, attended once, volunteered behind the scenes, sponsored the event, or simply came out to enjoy the sights and sounds, you have been an important part of the Thunder family. We cannot thank you enough for your incredible support.
So, let’s send Thunder on the Strip across the finish line the same way it began—with roaring engines, smiling faces, friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun!
Please join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as we celebrate 17 years of Thundering down the Strip—one final time.
Let’s make the last Thunder the loudest one yet!
DALMAC
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