Metro | Published April 26, 2023
1. Puppy parade
April 29 • Utica
In honor of national Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, Utica will hold its annual puppy parade at 2 p.m. Saturday. Local fire and police vehicles will provide an escort from Grant Park to Pioneer Park Dog Park, where attendees can visit rescue and vendor tents, hear speeches from those involved in advocacy for animal protection, eat from Pops Sweets on the Streets food truck and more. They can also meet this year's special guest Blu, a 2-year-old dog in the care of Saving Destiny Animal Rescue. For more information, call (586) 739-2867.
Read the story: Utica’s Puppy Parade to return for another canine celebration
2. 'Blooming in Color' exhibit
Opening reception April 28-29 • Southfield
Umoja Fine Arts will host an opening reception for its “Blooming in Color” exhibit from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Crossroads Building, located at 16250 Northland Drive, Suite 102, in Southfield. People can register for an opportunity to meet the stars of the showcase, which includes internationally acclaimed artists Della Wells and LaShun Beal, as well as premier artist Alga Washington and emerging artist Lamarr Sanders. The exhibit will continue to be open until June 30. For more information and to view some of their works, visit umojafinearts.com.
Read the story: New exhibit in Southfield is ‘Blooming in Color’
3. Healthy Kids Day
April 29 • Various locations
More than 1,000 YMCA locations across the United States will host Healthy Kids Day events this Saturday. In the C & G Newspapers' coverage area, this includes: Macomb Family YMCA, located at 10 North River Road in Mount Clemens; Birmingham Family YMCA, 400 E. Lincoln St.; South Oakland Family YMCA, 1016 W 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak; and Farmington Family YMCA, 28100 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills. The national initiative is meant to encourages families to stay active and celebrate kids being kids. Some of the activities will include family Zumba, storytime yoga, swimming and gaga ball. There may also be bounce houses, healthy snacks, crafts and local vendors. The events are free, but registration is required. For more information, visit ymca.org.
4. Walk to end pancreatic cancer
April 29 • Detroit
PurpleStride is a national movement that funds programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. This Saturday, a local walk to aid in the cause will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Milliken State Park, located at 1900 Atwater St. in Detroit. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., but participants can show up as early as 8:30 a.m. PurpleStride Michigan's goal is to raise $381,000. To register and for more information, visit purplestride.org/Michigan.
Read the story: ‘PurpleStride’ walk scheduled this weekend
5. Mother's Day Sip & Shop benefit
April 30 • Grosse Pointe Woods
Maria Lamia Boutique, located at 19653 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods, will host its Mother’s Day Sip & Shop from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event will benefit Gianna House Pregnancy & Parenting Residence in Eastpointe. For a donation of $25, attendees will enjoy an afternoon of shopping, refreshments, special gifts, health and beauty tips, and a chance to win raffle prizes from local businesses. The boutique will donate 20% of the day’s sales to Gianna House, which provides residence to pregnant young women and mothers who don’t have safe housing; offers educational, parenting and life skills resources; and assists with baby supplies, equipment, clothing and more. For more information and to register, visit giannahouse.org.
For more events, visit our Community Calendar at candgnews.com/calendar. To upload your own events for free, create an account at login.cityspark.com.