Midland celebrates Neighboring Week with family-friendly events and opportunities to get involved

As the community unites to celebrate Midland Neighboring Week from Sept. 22 to 28, several City of Midland departments are offering family-friendly, free activities and events designed to foster community spirit and engagement.

Neighbor Chase scavenger hunt
Explore our community in a fun new way while winning prizes! Starting Sept. 23 and running through Oct. 6, Midland Parks and Recreation invites residents to join in the Neighbor Chase scavenger hunt. Sleuths can download the free app and entering the code BINB. The interactive hunt includes photo, video, quiz, and GPS-related challenges. Prizes include coupons, gift cards, and items from local businesses. 

Floats with Goats at the Library
Visit Grace A. Dow Memorial Library on Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the anticipated return of Floats with Goats. Enjoy Faygo floats served by local celebrity scoopers, interact with animals at a petting zoo, and take part in yard games. Animal feed cones will be available for $1 and carrots for $3 (cash only). Food trucks will also be on-site offering meals for purchase. 

Pack a Patrol Car for Paws
The Midland Police Department is organizing a "Pack a Patrol Car for Paws" donation drive on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Soldan’s Pet Supplies, at 2033 N. Saginaw Road. Be sure to bring donations such as pet food, pet supplies, and cleaning products, all of which will benefit the Humane Society of Midland County.

About Midland Neighboring Week
Midland Neighboring Week is a citywide, week-long celebration promoting community well-being and a sense of belonging. While led by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, all community members and organizations are encouraged to celebrate in their own unique ways. For a full list of events and activities, visit the community calendar.

How to get involved
Besides attending events, anyone can get involved by hosting their own Neighboring Week gatherings. Whether it's an event in your neighborhood, workplace, or community group, you can make a difference.
  • Host a Neighboring Week event or activity in your physical neighborhood, workplace, or any community organization you’re involved with.
  • Record your Neighboring activities on Max Loves Midland. Make sure to include the “Neighboring” tag when submitting your event.
  • Spread the word on social media by sharing the "Know Your Neighbor" flyer and tagging the Cultural Awareness Coalition (@midlandculturalawareness) in your posts.
  • Visit the Cultural Awareness Coalition website to access the Neighboring Week toolkit. Share with friends, family, and colleagues.
  • Consider partnering with other organizations to support neighboring efforts and strengthen community ties.
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Read more articles by Misty Barron.

Misty Barron is a Mid-Michigan native who has proudly called Midland her home for the past six years. She served as Editor-in-Chief for the Delta Collegiate, where she earned various awards for her writing, including Journalist of the Year in 2023 from the Michigan Community College Press Association. In her free time, Misty enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoying all our beautiful state has to offer.