After a year of challenges and cancellations caused by the COVID-19 virus, Midland is seeing the return of two community staples: Midland Blooms and The Dow Tennis Classic and Women’s Tennis Association Series events.
In May, Midland Blooms will line Eastman Avenue with flowers, and in November, world-class tennis is returning to the Greater Midland Tennis Center.
Midland is soon to be in bloom
Midland Blooms is coming back this year with a new business sponsor — Corteva Agriscience.
To recognize this new partnership, the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) launched a new Midland Blooms logo featuring Corteva and will display signage along the planting route.
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This year, marigolds will be planted on the 2.5 mile stretch on Eastman from Wackerly to Buttles.
“Corteva’s Values are to Enrich lives, Stand tall, Be curious, Build together, Be upstanding, and Live safely,” says Sarah Brooks, Corteva Operations and Site Communications Manager. “Through this partnership with the MBA and Midland Blooms, Corteva and our employees are able to showcase these values. We are glad to be a part of the Midland Community and are proud [to] support the Midland Blooms program that we look forward to each year.”
The MBA has coordinated the program since its inception in 1989 with the assistance of a volunteer committee comprised of community members and business representatives, as well as City staff members.
The program typically brings over 500 community residents and businesses together for a one-day volunteer service project planting flowers on Midland’s Eastman Avenue corridor. This year, marigolds will be planted on the 2.5 mile stretch on Eastman from Wackerly to Buttles.
“Midland is a beautiful community and the Midland Blooms program not only brings together residents, but is a source of pride for all of Midland throughout the summer,” says Tony Stamas, MBA President and CEO. “In what has been a challenging year, the bright flowers and major volunteer effort will bring some positivity and a sense of normalcy to the community. We are thrilled to bring back Blooms this year.”
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While the event is entirely outside, volunteering will look slightly different this year due to COVID-19 precautions. Volunteer groups are asked to wear masks and stay distanced while planting.
The event is planned to take place on Saturday, May 22. If there should be an executive order or any local, state or federal directive issued that would demand a change or cancellation, the MBA will comply to keep everyone’s safety a top priority.
While the event is entirely outside, volunteering will look slightly different this year due to COVID-19 precautions. Volunteer groups are asked to wear masks and stay distanced while planting. A free breakfast will be provided for volunteers at Primrose Retirement Communities, but it will likely be a drive-thru offering.
If you are interested in volunteering for Midland Blooms, learn more on the
MBA's website. You can also donate to the program through an endowment fund established with the Midland Area Community Foundation. Midland Blooms will also participate in Give Local Midland on May 4. For more information, visit
www.givelocalmidland.org.
Serving up world-class tennis this November
With COVID-19 restrictions lessening, the Dow Tennis Classic is also returning to Midland.
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As a global leader in women’s professional sports, the WTA consists of more than 1,650 players and is recognized as one of the most high-profile sports organizations.
The Dow Tennis Classic and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) are announcing two major changes this year: the event will be elevated to a WTA 125K Series, and it will be held in November through 2023. Since its inception in the 1980s, the tournament was held in late January/early February. Last fall, the announcement was first made to push the Classic back in 2021 to November and now the November dates will be in place through 2023.
Each year, The Dow Tennis Classic event generates $1.5 million in economic impact with 15,000 fans traveling from across the region, state and Midwest to witness world-class athletes in action. The tournament also supports educational outreach opportunities with area schools and local colleges.
In Feb. 2020, it was announced that this event will continue to be staged in the Great Lakes Bay Region thanks to a three-year extension of title sponsorship by Dow. The agreement between Dow and Greater Midland calls for the tournament to remain at the Greater Midland Tennis Center, ensuring this long-standing international event will continue to have a home in Midland.
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The tournament also supports educational outreach opportunities with area schools and local colleges.
“The Dow Tennis Classic has been a staple of the USTA Pro Circuit family for over 30 years and we have been incredibly fortunate to witness the growth of the event during that time,” says Megan Rose, Managing Director of Major Events at the USTA. “We are thrilled to see they are elevating to a WTA 125K and will be cheering them as they continue their tradition of world-class tennis combined with world-class hospitality in Midland."
As a global leader in women’s professional sports, the WTA consists of more than 1,650 players and is recognized as one of the most high-profile sports organizations.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the WTA and recognize this as an opportunity to bring the Dow Tennis Classic to the next level,” says Steve Cook, Executive Director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center. “Since its inception, the Dow Tennis Classic has had a rich history of introducing the top players in tennis while positively impacting the Great Lakes Bay Region."
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Each year, The Dow Tennis Classic event generates $1.5 million in economic impact with 15,000 fans traveling from across the region, state and Midwest to witness world-class athletes in action.With total prize money of $125,000 and 160 ranking points for the champion, WTA 125K Series events are one level above the ITF World Tennis Tour and USTA Pro Circuit. The Dow Tennis Classic previously offered $100,000 in total prize money and 140 ranking points for the champion.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the Dow Tennis Classic to our lineup of WTA 125 series of tournaments which will provide a great opportunity for the next generation of WTA stars,” says Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO. “Midland has a rich history of hosting world-class tennis events, where current WTA stars Coco Gauff, Caty McNally and Shelby Rogers have enjoyed success, and we are confident that the new WTA 125 event will be no exception.”
Follow @DowTennisCl on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or online at
www.dowtennisclassic.com.