CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY & MAKING MEMORIES: FALL FESTIVIES IN LESLIE, MICHIGAN
READY
TO GROW
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY & MAKING MEMORIES: FALL FESTIVIES IN LESLIE, MICHIGAN
READY
TO GROW
Welcome to our re-envisioned Total Local Community Resource Guide for Leslie 2023! In this guide, you’ll find useful information and resources unique to Leslie, Michigan
Discover your local government, community, and educational organizations, as well as listings for Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce members, our paid business listings, and advertisers. If you would like your business listed next year in Total Local Leslie, please see page 38 for more information.
Also new this year is our feature article on the Fall Festivities in Leslie, Michigan. This familyfriendly event offers free admission and parking, great food, awesome entertainment, and plenty of activities. Learn about connecting with your community and making lifelong memories at this annual fall event on page 40.
One thing you may miss in Total Local’s Community Resource Guide are the residential listings. We’re no longer publishing residential listings for several reasons: 1) we have found the listings we receive to be very inaccurate; 2) we no longer receive them from Comcast; and 3) for legal reasons, we are not able to publish cell phone numbers. For these reasons, and the increased use of cell phones, we determined that it is no longer a viable option to publish residential listings.
Our vision for Total Local Leslie is to provide an attractive, high-quality publication to help readers connect with and discover the community and to help promote Leslie and its local businesses. For more information, visit our website at totallocal.com/leslie, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/totallocalleslie.
Please contact us with questions and to submit recipes, photos, or feature story ideas for next year at info@totallocal.com or at 517-663-2405.
Thanks for reading!
Teresa Miller President • PublisherWe have been printing LOCAL Community Resource Guides covering rural & suburban Lansing, Jackson, Battle Creek, and Ann Arbor for over 30 Years.
We publish 14 annual guides, covering 34 communities across mid-Michigan. We distribute 125,000+ directories annually through Every Door Direct Mail and community distribution, which equals 250,000+ initial impressions.
For more information about advertising in this or any other Total Local Guide, contact Teresa Miller, at 517-663-2405 or tmiller@totallocal.com.
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We provide ONE FREE copy of our Total Local Community Resource Guide to each residence in every community where we publish a guide. However, we know that sometimes you’d like an extra copy for friends or family members. We also offer additional copies of each community’s Total Local Community Resource Guide for nonresidents to purchase.
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Located 28 miles south of Lansing and 17 miles north of Jackson, Leslie is a small city with a real Main Street populated with shops, restaurants, and more. Though it is close to some of the largest cities in Michigan, Leslie has a small-town atmosphere where people look out for each other and greet one another by name. Surrounded by nature and numerous creeks, the community of Leslie combines the best of both worlds: the peace of a small community and the easy access to the benefits of the larger cities.
Before pioneers began to settle in the area that would become the village of Lesie, the land was inhabited by Native Americans of the Pottawattomie and Chippewa tribes, who hunted and trapped throughout the Saginaw and Grand river valleys, in pursuit of the game that was abundant at that time. The Treaty of Saginaw occurred in 1819, when the United States government negotiated with prominent Native American chiefs, resulting in the U.S. government taking possession of most of the land in lower Michigan. In the 1830s and 1840s, early pioneers traveled from New York and eastern states and began to purchase the land that would eventually become Leslie and the surrounding areas. As more pioneers chose to settle in the area, land was converted for agricultural use. This reduced the amount of wild game that the Native Americans had counted on. Also, diseases such as smallpox and measles hit the Native American population hard and their population dwindled, as the land became settled by more and more pioneer families.
An early timeline, up to the 2020s, traces some of the major developments of Leslie that forged the charming city it has become today.
In 1836, Elijah Woodworth was the first settler in what would become the city of Leslie. Woodworth was originally from New York. He is said to have crossed the Grand River in a raft, as many early settlers did, until Freeman bridge was built.
In 1837, Leslie was organized into Leslie Township. Originally called Meekerville and originally part of Aurelius Township, that officially changed on December 30, 1837. Legislator Dr. J.A. Cornell of Spring proposed naming the village and the township “Leslie” after a well-respected family he knew from New York. The name was accepted and the rest is history.
In 1838, the first Leslie Township meeting was held at the home of Henry Fiske.
In 1839-1840, the first store was built in the village, by V.H. Powell of Ann Arbor.
1840s
In 1841, a post office was assigned to the area.
In 1844, the first hotel was established, converted from a dwelling, by Nathaniel and Horace Smith.
1850s
In 1852, the first hotel burned and was rebuilt that same year by Horace Smith.
In 1852, the Eagle Hotel was built by Hiram Austin.
1860s
In 1864, the First National Bank of Leslie was established, with a capital of $50,000.
In 1865, the Michigan Central Railroad’s Saginaw Branch, which ran from Jackson to Bay City via Lansing and Saginaw, opened to Leslie.
In 1869, Leslie was incorporated into a village.
In 1869, James McDaniels purchased the Eagle Hotel, enlarging and repairing it.
In 1869, the newspaper The Leslie Herald was established by J.W. Allen.
1870s
In 1870, the village purchased several hand fire extinguishers. By 1872, it was decided that the village
would purchase a fire engine, which could not exceed $1,000 in cost.
In 1875, Protection Fire Company No.2 was organized, with 26 members.
In 1876, The Leslie Herald became the Leslie Local, and W.W. Cook took control of that paper.
1880s
In the summer of 1880, the Protection Fire Company was reorganized with 30 members.
In 1880, a new grist mill was built by the Wilcox brothers.
In 1888, a creamery was established by Edwin Stone, who owned it for about seven years.
1890s
In 1892, the elevator for the first bean mill was established by W.S. Prescott & Company.
In 1894, Edwin Stone sold his creamery to Geo. Wilcox, who ran it for about four years.
The Leslie train depot was built around 1902.
In 1903, a memorial hall was dedicated to Leslie veterans of the Civil War, at a total cost of $4,500.
In 1908, the Leslie Home Telephone Company was organized.
In 1909, interurban Michigan United Railways constructed the main line of the Northern Division, which ran from Jackson to Lansing. It ran over local streetcar lines in both Lansing and Jackson, but there was additional street-running in Leslie as well.
In 1912, Arthur J. Tuttle, who was born in Leslie in 1868, was confirmed to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
In 1917, children’s book author Holling Clancy Holling graduated from Leslie High School. He wrote and illustrated Paddle to the Sea and Pagoo.
1920s
In 1924, the enrollment for Leslie Junior and Senior high was 181, larger than usual, so it was necessary to put in 16 new seats.
In 1938, chef Frank L. White died and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie. A prominent chef in Chicago, White lived his last decades in Leslie. He is believed to be the model for the fictional breakfast chef featured on the boxes of Cream of Wheat breakfast cereal.
In 1941, at age 18, Leslie native David Latter signed with the Detroit Tigers and pitched for the Muskegon Club and the Texarkana Twins farm teams.
In 1944, federal judge Arthur J. Tuttle died. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie.
In 1946-47, David Latter also played in the National Basketball League for the Detroit Gems and was the top scorer for that season.
In 1948-1952 Leslie native David Latter played for the New York Yankees farm teams the Binghamton Triplets and the Beaumont Roughnecks.
In 1968, the village of Leslie was incorporated into a city. Robert W. Shipman, Sr. was the city’s first mayor.
In 1970, the Leslie Historical Society was established. The Society’s mission is to “promote awareness and an appreciation for the history of our community and to preserve and display our heritage from the past for our future generations to learn from.”
In 1987, the Leslie Depot Diner began serving delicious food in the old train depot and had been run by the same family for over 20 years. One of the diner’s favorites is the “Train Wreck”--a plate full of biscuits, hash browns, eggs, onions, and cheese topped with sausage gravy.
In 1996, the new Leslie High School was built at 4141 Hull Road.
In 1999, the White Pine Academy was founded by a group of local parents looking for a back-to-basics curriculum and small class sizes.
In 2005, White Pine Academy built a new facility at 510 Russell Street.
In 2007, the concrete grave marker on Frank L. White’s grave was replaced with a granite gravestone.
In 2013, The Leslie Depot Diner was featured on MLive. com’s “Michigan’s Best Breakfast Joint.”
In 2019, Boss Cider opened in downtown Leslie, serving hand crafted hard ciders and a full menu.
In 2020, the well-known and well-loved Depot Diner closed because of lost business due to COVID-19. Many other area businesses and the schools were temporarily closed as well.
In 2021, the Vibe Dance Center opened offering classes in all styles of dance and for ages two to adult.
In 2022, the City of Leslie designated a social district downtown to support local businesses and provide a year-round, festive atmosphere. Value-Land, the Pharmacy, and the Ice Cream Shop in Leslie closed.
In 2023, Mitchell’s department store, family owned for four generations, closed after 136 years in business. White Pine Academy, the K-8 charter school that opened in 1999, closed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. New businesses sprouted up including several beauty salons, US127 Coffee Shop, and the Depot Dispo Dispensary in the historic Leslie train depot. Boss Cider expanded its space and added a brewery.
Leslie is a pleasant city surrounded by natural beauty and gently rolling hills. Though Leslie is close to the larger cities of Lansing and Jackson, its local businesses and friendly residents make it a special place with small-town charm.
For a more detailed history and links to source material visit totallocal.com/leslie/history/.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
LESLIE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.leslieareachamberofcommerce.org
PO Box 214
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-6918
see pages 26-27 for more information
CHURCHES
CHILD’S BIBLE CHURCH
3985 Crain Rd
Onondaga MI 49264
517-993-3409
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
9900 N Meridian Rd
Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-2333
FAITH CHURCH
4020 N Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9121
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
212 S Sherman St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-0250
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
LESLIE CONGREGATION
4861 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9890
LESLIE CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
114 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5226
LESLIE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
202 E Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8056
LESLIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
401 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9211
NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
4691 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5549
ONONDAGA COMMUNITY CHURCH
4474 Onondaga Rd
Onondaga MI 49264
517-628-3086
ORTHODOX MONASTERY OF DORMITION
3389 Rives Eaton Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-2873
PLEASANT LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
6562 E Territorial Rd
Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-2183
RIVES BAPTIST CHURCH
2800 W Berry Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-3457
CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
AMERICAN LEGION
LYLE EDWARDS POST 491
422 Woodworth St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9122
FRIENDS OF THE LESLIE LIBRARY
201 Pennsylvania St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9400
LESLIE AREA HISTORIC SOCIETY
107 E Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-712-5459
LESLIE FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 496
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8670
LESLIE OUTREACH INC
112 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5814
LESLIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
PO Box 322
Leslie MI 49251
517-914-1516
YOUTH HAVEN RANCH
3796 Perrine Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-3328
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
HIGHFIELDS INC - MICHIGAN
5123 Old Plank Rd
Onondaga MI 49264
517-628-2287
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
HENRIETTA TWP FIRE DEPARTMENT
11732 Bunkerhill Rd
Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-6656
LESLIE FIRE DEPARTMENT
4279 Oak St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8670
ONONDAGA FIRE DEPARTMENT
5603 Bellevue Rd
Onondaga MI 49264
517-628-2600
RIVES-TOMPKINS FIRE DEPARTMENT
7975 Woodard Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-2200
GOVERNMENT
CITY OFFICES
CITY OF LESLIE
www.cityofleslie.org
602 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8236
see pages 14-15 for more information
COUNTY OFFICES
INGHAM COUNTY www.ingham.org
341 S Jefferson Mason MI 48854 517-676-7200
JACKSON COUNTY www.mijackson.org
120 W Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49201 517-788-4335
MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
www.house.mi.gov
www.housedems.com
www.gophouse.org
JULIE BRIXIE D DISTRICT 73 housedems.com/julie-brixie/ Office
Anderson House Office Building 124 N Capitol Ave Lansing MI 48933
517-373-0218
juliebrixie@house.mi.gov
Mailing Address PO Box 30014 Lansing MI 48909-7514
SARAH LIGHTNER R DISTRICT 45 gophouse.org/member/repsarahlightner/posts Office
Anderson House Office Building N-894 House Office Building Lansing MI 48933 517-373-1773
SarahLightner@house.mi.gov
Mailing Address PO Box 30014
Lansing MI 48909
MICHIGAN SENATE
www.senate.michigan.gov
www.senatedems.com
www.misenategop.com
SARAH ANTHONY D DISTRICT 21 senatedems.com/anthony Office
S-324 Capitol Lansing MI 48933
517-373-6960
Mailing Address PO Box 30036
Lansing MI 48909-7536
SUE SHINK D DISTRICT 14 senatedems.com/shink Office
4200 Binsfield Lansing MI 48933
517-373-2426
855-347-8014
Mailing Address PO Box 30036 Lansing MI 48909-7536
POST OFFICES
www.usps.com
170 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5201
5555 Oak St
Onondaga MI 49264
517-628-2232
11586 Bunkerhill Rd Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-6198
38955 Rives Eaton Rd Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-2478
STATE OFFICES
www.michigan.gov
SECRETARY OF STATE www.michigan.gov/sos
806 Hogsback Rd Mason MI 48854
1184 Jackson Xing Jackson MI 49202
888-767-6424
TOWNSHIP OFFICES
BUNKERHILL TOWNSHIP www.bunkerhilltownship.org
871 Decamp Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9886
HENRIETTA TOWNSHIP
11732 Bunkerhill Rd Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-6925
LESLIE TOWNSHIP
www.leslietownship.org
4279 Oak Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8201
RIVES TOWNSHIP
www.rivestownshipmi.com
348 E Main St Rives Junction MI 49277 517-569-3100
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
www.house.gov
www.dems.gov
www.gop.gov
ELISSA SLOTKIN D DISTRICT 7 slotkin.house.gov
Lansing Office
315 W Allegan St Lansing MI 48933 517-993-0510
Washington DC
2245 Rayburn House Office Building Washington DC 20515 202-225-4872
TIM WALBERG R DISTRICT 5 walberg.house.gov
Jackson Office
401 W Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49201 517-780-9075
Washington DC
2266 Rayburn HOB Washington DC 20515 202-225-6276
UNITED STATES SENATE
www.senate.gov
www.democrats.senate.gov www.republicans.senate.gov
GARY PETERS D www.peters.senate.gov
Lansing Office
124 W Allegan St Ste 1400 Lansing MI 48933 517-377-1508
Washington DC 724 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510 202-224-6221
DEBBIE STABENOW D
www.stabenow.senate.gov
Mid-Michigan Office
221 W Lake Lansing Rd Ste 100 East Lansing MI 48823
517-203-1760
Washington DC
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510 202-224-4822
LIBRARIES
CAPITAL AREA
DISTRICT LIBRARYLESLIE BRANCH
www.cadl.org
201 Pennsylvania St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9400
see page 22 for more information
JACKSON DISTRICT LIBRARYHENRIETTA BRANCH
11744 Bunkerhill Rd
Pleasant Lake MI 49272
517-769-6537
POLICE DEPARTMENTS
LESLIE POLICE DEPARTMENT
151 Commercial Dr Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9700
SCHOOLSPUBLIC & PRIVATE
LESLIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
www.lesliek12.net
4141 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8200
see pages 20-21 for more information
UTILITY COMPANIES
AT&T
www.att.com
Residential Services 800-288-2020
Small Business Services 800-660-3000
Large Business Services 800-480-8088
COMCAST
www.xfinity.com
800-934-6489
CONSUMERS ENERGY
www.consumersenergy.com
800-477-5050
FRONTIER
www.frontier.com
Residential Services 800-921-8101
Business Services 800-921-8102
GRANGER CONTAINER SERVICE
www.grangerwasteservices.com
888-947-2643
LANSING BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT
www.lbwl.com
517-702-6006
Form of Government
City Council (7-member)
City Manager
Population (2020) 2,178
Settled 1836 Incorporated as Village 1869
Incorporated as City 1968
Zip Code 49251
Area Code 517
County Ingham
Land Area 1.28 sq mi
Water Area 0.14 sq mi
Matthew Johnson Mayor
Pam Beegle Council Member
Grady Doane Council Member
Melissa Eggleston Council Member
Randy Fox Council Member
Martha Owen Council Member
John Stewart Council Member
The City Council regularly meets
the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the City Hall, 602 W Bellevue St.
Hours 8am - 3:01pm
212 Pennsylvania St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5151
Kristin Phillips Principal
Hours 8am - 3:01pm
400 Kimball St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8218
Pat Weber Principal
Hours 8am - 3:01pm
4141 Hull Rd Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9500
Andrea Roach Principal
Welcome
Scott Powers Superintendent
Joan Beachey Executive Secretary
Julie Fletcher Business Manager
Melissa Fauser
Business Office Technician
Matt Johns Athletic Director
Tamara Eyer Transportation
Kristen Hawkins Food Service Director
Transportation Center
500 Kimball St 517-589-8413
Special Education Office
4141 Hull Rd 517-589-9500
Maintenance Office 487 Kimball St 517-589-8413
Dave Cowing President
Bud Fifield Vice-President
Eric Isham Secretary
Deann Maynard Treasurer
Beth Yeider Trustee
Dominic Ambroggio Trustee
Brad Dunlap Trustee
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
This unique park designates the spot where all township, range, and section measurements begin for the entire state of Michigan. It is being preserved for its historic value. It is approximately a one and a half mile round trip hike to view the monuments. Parking is located off Meridian Road at the trailhead. There is currently no water or restroom facilities. For more information, contact the park at 734-475-8307
Leslie is a small, rural community that is surrounded by family farms and family-run businesses. The sense of community is evident with projects like the Russell Park Playscape which was built by the entire community. The renovation of Tuttle Park was made possible by a hometown benefactor.
The Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1975. The Chamber was organized to promote our Chamber Members and to advance the welfare of our community.
Each year our Chamber organizes and sponsors several community events. These include the Leslie Fall Festival, the Lighted Holiday Parade, decorating contests, and more to promote the Leslie Area.
Our involvement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Leslie Historical Society, along with the Leslie Development Finance Authority (LDFA) shows our commitment to improve our community.
You can learn more about the Chamber by visiting our website at leslieareachamberofcommerce.org, our Facebook Page @LESLIE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, or by emailing info@leslieareachamberofcommerce.org.
Our mission is to grow business, build community and preserve the quality of life that makes Leslie such a special place to live and work by advocating, supporting and educating our business organizations.
AHH THE SPA
100 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-878-3000
AWAKEN HAUNTED ATTRACTION
4760 Churchill Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-930-0791
B & T EXCAVATING
4059 Oak St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8798
BOSS CIDER
139 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-878-6044
BYRUM ACE HARDWARE
832 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8300
CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARYLESLIE BRANCH
201 Pennsylvania St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9400
see page 22 for more information
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF STS JAMES CORNELIUS & CYPRIAN
1010 S Lansing St Mason MI 48854
517-676-9111
CINDY’S GREAT EXPECTATIONS
109 Carney St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-3377
CITY OF LESLIE
602 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8236
see pages 14-15 for more information
COUNTRY MANOR PARK & STORAGE LLC
4400 Edgar Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5600
DENOMME ACCOUNTING SERVICES
126 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5868
EATON RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
501 Union St
Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-663-2124
ELHORN ENGINEERING CO
889 Eden Rd
Mason MI 48854
517-676-3786
EPIC AUCTIONS & ESTATE SALES
127 W Grand River
Okemos MI 48864
517-927-5028
FAITH CHURCH
4020 N Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9121
FOGG OIL & PROPANE CO
315 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5200
see our ad page 23
FRIENDS OF THE LESLIE LIBRARY
201 Pennsylvania St Leslie MI 49251
517-614-1883
HIGHFIELDS INCMICHIGAN
5123 Old Plank Rd
Onondaga MI 49264
517-628-2287
THE HIVE SALON & BOUTIQUE
206 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-643-3422
HOMESTEAD SAVINGS BANK
4625 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8182
HOWARD HANNA
REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
2101 N Aurelius Rd Ste 3 Holt MI 48842
517-819-8642
INDEPENDENT BANK
144 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8222
JL COLLISION 4915 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8234
LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
500 E Michigan Ave Ste 200 Lansing MI 48912
517-487-6340
LESLIE CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
121 Pennsylvania Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5226
LESLIE ESTATES
714 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8772
LESLIE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
202 E Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8056
LESLIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
4141 Hull Rd Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8200
see pages 20-21 for more information
LESLIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
PO Box 322 Leslie MI 49251
517-914-1516
LESLIE TOWNSHIP
4279 Oak Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8201
MAIN STREET BAKERY & CAFE
125 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8505
MAPLE GROVE PROPERTIES
209 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-0098
see our ad page 10
MASON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
148 E Ash St
Mason MI 48854
517-676-1046
McDONALD’S
4500 N Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8878
MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
600 S Walnut St
Lansing MI 48933
517-371-2100
MOOD SALON & SPA 149 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-878-3009
ORTHOPAEDIC REHAB SPECIALISTS PC
828 W Bellevue St Leslie MI 49251
877-202-2175
RELIABLE AUTO SALES & SERVICE
206 Mill St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-0800
ROUSE AGENCY LLC 208 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5313
SCHOOLHOUSE DOGS
3220 Wright Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-420-7146
SPROAT REALTY PROFESSIONALS
163 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9677
TOP NOTCH TREE CARE LLC 4645 Walker Rd Leslie MI 49251
517-712-3721
TOTAL LOCAL 117 E Knight St Ste A Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-663-2405
VICKERS LESLIE-SPRINGPORT FUNERAL HOMES 109 N Church St Leslie MI 49251
517-878-6600
WILLIAMSTON AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 102 S Putnam St
Williamston MI 48895
517-655-1549
YOUTH HAVEN RANCH
3796 Perrine Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-3328
Belleville *Call USPS
Bellevue 49021
Belmont 49306
Bentley 48613
Benton Harbor *Call USPS
Benzonia 49616
Bergland 49910
Berkley 48072
Berlin 48002
Berrien Center 49102
Berrien Springs *Call USPS
Bessemer 49911
Beulah 49617
Beverly Hills 48025
Big Bay 49808
Big Rapids 49307
Bingham Farms 48025
Birch Run 48415
Birmingham *Call USPS
Bitely 49309
Black River 48721
Blanchard 49310
Blaney Park 49836
Blissfield 49228
Bloomfld Hlls *Call USPS
Bloomingdale 49026
Boardwalk 48638
Bois Blanc Island 49775
Boon 49618
Borculo 49464
Bridgeport 48722 Bridgewater 48115 Bridgman 49106 Brighton *Call USPS
Brimley 49715
Britton 49229
Brockway 48097
Brohman 49312
Bronson 49028 Brooklyn 49230 Brown City 48416
Brownstown *Call USPS
Bruce 48065
Bruce Crossing 49912 Brunswick 49425
Fairview 48621
Falmouth 49632
Fargo 48006
Farmington *Call USPS
Farwell 48622
Felch *Call USPS
Fennville 49408
Fenton 48430
Fenwick 48834
Ferndale 48220
Ferrysburg 49409
Fibre 49780
Fife Lake 49633
Filer City 49634
Filion 48432
Flat Rock 48134
Flint *Call USPS
Flushing 48433
Forest Hills 49506
Forest Lake 49862
Forestville 48434
Fort Gratiot 48059
Foster City 49834
Fostoria 48435
Fountain 49410
Four Mile Lake 48130
Fowler 48835
Fowlerville 48836
Frankenmuth *Call USPS
Frankfort 49635
Franklin 48025
Fraser 48026
Frederic 49733
Free Soil 49411
Freeland 48623
Freeport 49325
Fremont *Call USPS
Frenchtown 48161
Frontier 49239
Fruitport 49415
Fulton 49052
Gaastra 49927
Gagetown 48735
Gaines 48436
Galesburg 49053
Galien 49113
Garden 49835
Garden City *Call USPS
Gay 49945
Gaylord *Call USPS
Genesee 48437
Georgetown 49428
Germfask 49836
Gibraltar 48173
Gilford 48736
Gladstone 49837
Gladwin 48624
Glen Arbor 49636
Glendora 49107
Glenn 49416
Glennie 48737
Gobles 49055
Goetzville 49736
Good Hart 49737
Goodells 48027
Goodison 48306
Goodrich 48438
Gould City 49838
Gowen 49326
Grand Beach 49117
Grand Blanc *Call USPS
Grand Haven 49417
Grand Junction 49056
Grand Ledge 48837
Grand Marais 49839
Grand Rapids *Call USPS
Grandville *Call USPS
Grant 49327
Grass Lake 49240
Grawn 49637
Grayling *Call USPS
Greenbush 48738
Greenland 49929
Greenville 48838
Greenwood 48006
Gregory 48137
Grindstone City 48467
Grosse Ile 48138
Grosse Pte *Call USPS
Gulliver 49840
Gwinn 49841
Hadley 48440
Hagar Shores 49039
Hale 48739
Hamburg 48139
Hamilton 49419
Hamtramck *Call USPS
Hancock 49930
Hanover 49241
Harbert 49115
Harbor Beach 48441
Harbor Point 49740
Harbor Sprgs *Call USPS
Hardwood 49807
Harper Woods 48225
Harrietta 49638
Harris 49845
Harrison 48625
Harrison Twp 48045
Harrisville 48740
Harsens Island 48028 Hart
Schoolcraft 49087
Scio 48130
Scotts 49088
Sebewaing 48759
Selfridge 48045
Seneca 49256
Seney 49883
Shaftsburg 48882
Shelby 49455
Shelbyville 49344
Shepherd 48883 Sheridan 48884
Sherwood 49089
Shingleton 49884
Sidnaw 49961
Sidney 48885
Silver Lake 49436
Silverwood 48760
Six Lakes 48886
Skandia 49885
Skanee 49962
Smiths Creek 48074
Smyrna 48887
Snover 48472
Sodus 49126
Somerset 49281
Somerset Center 49282
South Boardman 49680
South Branch 48761
South Haven 49090
South Lyon 48178
South Manitou 49654
South Range 49963
S. Rockwood 48179
Southfield *Call USPS
Southgate 48195
Spalding 49886
Sparta 49345
Spring Arbor 49283
Spring Lake 49456
Springfield 49015
Springfield 49037
Springport 49284
Spruce 48762
Stalwart 49736
Stambaugh 49964
Standale *Call USPS
Standish 48658
Stanton 48888
Stanwood 49346
Stephenson 49887
Sterling 48659
Sterling Hts *Call USPS
Stevensville 49127
Stockbridge 49285
Stony Creek 48160
Stronach 49660
Strongs 49790
Sturgis 49091
Sumner 48889
Sunfield 48890
Suttons Bay 49682
Swartz Creek 48473
Sylvan Beach *Call USPS
Sylvan Lake 48320
Tawas City *Call USPS
Taylor 48180
Tecumseh 49286
Tekonsha 49092
Temperance 48182
Thompson 49854
Thompsonville 49683
Three Oaks 49128
DENOMME ACCOUNTING SERVICES
126 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5868
AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS
ABSOLUTE COMFORT HEATING & AIR INC
Mason MI 48854
517-676-9700
ASPEN HEATING & COOLING
4131 W Michigan Ave
Jackson MI 49202
517-748-5033
see our ad page 44
BRIGGS MECHANICAL INC
409 S Putnam St
Williamston MI 48895
517-655-7040
see our ad page 39
HORN HEATING & COOLING
Mason MI 48854
517-676-2083
see our ad page 11
JENKS PLUMBING & HEATING INC
2011 Sandhill Rd
Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
MID-MICHIGAN MECHANICAL & CONSTRUCTION INC
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8920
see our ad page 31 & our coupon page 45
ANTENNAS
SPECIALTY SATELLITE & ANTENNA SERVICES
100 S Clinton St Stockbridge MI 49285
517-851-9100
see our ad page 11 & our coupon page 45
ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE
BANKS & BANKING SERVICES
HOMESTEAD SAVINGS BANK
4625 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8182
INDEPENDENT BANK
144 S Main St
www.islandcityseniors.com
1507 Kyle St
Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-233-0000
see our ad page 22
ATTRACTIONS - HAUNTED
AWAKEN HAUNTED ATTRACTION
4760 Churchill Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-930-0791
AUCTION & AUCTIONEERS
EPIC AUCTIONS & ESTATE SALES
169 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-927-5028
YUTZY’S AUCTION SERVICE
4431 N Chester Rd
Charlotte MI 48813
517-543-7113
AUTO BODY REPAIR
J L COLLISION
4915 Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8234
AUTO PARTS & SERVICE
RELIABLE AUTO SALES & SERVICE
206 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-0700
BAKERIES
MAIN STREET BAKERY & CAFE
125 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8505
SCHWARTZ FAMILY MARKET
4200 S Williamston Rd
Stockbridge MI 49285
517-589-0827
Leslie MI 49251 517-589-8222
BARBERS & BEAUTY SALONS
AHH THE SPA 100 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251 517-878-3000
CINDY’S GREAT EXPECTATIONS
109 Carney St
Leslie MI 49251 517-589-3377
THE HIVE SALON & BOUTIQUE
206 S Main St Leslie MI 49251 517-643-3422
MOOD SALON & SPA
149 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251 517-878-3009
BOILERS
JENKS PLUMBING & HEATING INC
2011 Sandhill Rd Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
BREWERIES
BOSS CIDER
139 S Main St Leslie MI 49251 517-878-6044
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
www.chem-dry.net/fullersmi
206 W Louis Glick Hwy Jackson MI 49201 517-783-4634
see our ad page 11 & our coupon page 45
SCHOOLHOUSE DOGS
3220 Wright Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-420-7146
DOORS
DOORS UNLIMITED INC
PO Box 1182 Jackson MI 49204
877-962-5502
see our ad page 44
DUCT CLEANING
TITAN MOLD REMOVAL & AIR
DUCT CLEANING LLC
214 S Wrenwood Ave
Jackson MI 49201
517-798-6601
see our ad page 31
ENGINEERS - CIVIL
KEBS INC
2116 Haslett Rd
Haslett MI 48840
517-339-1014
EXCAVATING
B & T EXCAVATING
4059 Oak St
Leslie MI 49251
517-202-7144
GAS - PROPANE
FOGG OIL & PROPANE CO
315 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5200
606 W Bellevue St
www.foggoil.com
315 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5200
606 W Bellevue St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9099
see our ad page 23
FUNERAL HOMES
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9099
see our ad page 23
www.sherrellexcavating.com
4335 Byrum Rd Onondaga MI 49264
517-589-8041
see our ad page 23
FIREPLACES
THE GRATE HAUS
www.TheGrateHaus.com
4131 W Michigan Ave
Jackson MI 49202
517-750-0300
www.swanfuel.com
1615 E Mason St
Dansville MI 48819
517-623-6087
see our ad page 44
www.mitchellfuneral.com
424 S Main St Stockbridge MI 49285
517-851-7755
see our ad page 23
MILLS FUNERAL HOMESHELLY-ODELL CHAPEL
518 S Main St
Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-663-5331
VICKERS LESLIE-SPRINGPORT
FUNERAL HOMES
109 N Church St Leslie MI 49251
517-878-6600
GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS
www.doorsunl.com
PO Box 1182 Jackson MI 49204
877-962-5502
see our ad page 44
GROCERS
SCHWARTZ FAMILY MARKET
4200 S Williamston Rd
Stockbridge MI 49285
517-589-0827
GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS Call 517-915-8951
see our ad page 31
HARDSCAPES
www.dwhardscape.com
600 E Michigan Ave Grass Lake MI 49240 517-418-7845
see our ad page 23
HARDWARE
BYRUM ACE HARDWARE
832 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8300
HEATING CONTRACTORS
ABSOLUTE COMFORT HEATING & AIR INC
Mason MI 48854
517-676-9700
www.aspenonehourmi.com
4131 W Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49202
517-748-5033
see our ad page 44
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8920
see our ad page 31 & our coupon page 45
HOSPICE SERVICES
EATON COMMUNITY
PALLIATIVE CARE
2675 S Cochran Ave
Charlotte MI 48813
517-543-5310
INSURANCE
FIEDLER INSURANCE AGENCY INC
www.fiedlerinsurance.com
117 E Maple St
Mason MI 48854
517-676-2449
409 S Putnam Williamston MI 48895
517-655-7040
see our ad page 39
www.masoninsurance.com
801 S Cedar St Mason MI 48854
517-676-5534
see our ad page 10
ROUSE AGENCY LLC
208 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5313
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
www.rivesqualitymeats.com
396 Main St Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-3915
see our ad page 11
www.mistylanefarm.com
4109 S Williams Rd Stockbridge MI 49285
517-589-8159
see our ad page 31
MEMORY CARE
ISLAND CITY ASSISTED LIVING
1507 Kyle St
Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-233-0000
see our ad page 22
MOBILE HOME PARKS
COUNTRY MANOR PARK & STORAGE LLC
4400 Edgar Rd Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5600
Mason MI 48854
517-676-2083
see our ad page 11
SPECIALTY SATELLITE & ANTENNA SERVICES
100 S Clinton St Stockbridge MI 49285
517-851-9100
see our ad page 11 & our coupon page 45
LAWN MAINTENANCE
TRIPLE T LAWN MAINTENANCE
LESLIE ESTATES
714 Mill St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8772
2011 Sandhill Rd
Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
2015 Baseline Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-240-3145
See page
www.titanmoldremoval.com
214 S Wrenwood Ave Jackson MI 49201
517-798-6601
see our ad page 31
MUSEUMS
LESLIE AREA HISTORIC SOCIETY
107 E Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-712-5459
TOMPKINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
10138 Tompkins Rd
Rives Junction MI 49277
517-569-2100
OPTOMETRISTS OD
EATON RAPIDS EYE CARE PC
136 S Main St
Eaton Rapids MI 48827
517-663-2020
MASON FAMILY EYE CARE
109 E Maple St Mason MI 48854
517-676-4499
PHYSICAL THERAPY
ORTHOPAEDIC REHAB SPECIALISTS PC
828 W Bellevue St
Leslie MI 49251
517-878-6180
PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
ASPEN HEATING & COOLING
4131 W Michigan Ave
Jackson MI 49202
517-748-5033
see our ad page 44
RESTAURANTS
McDONALD’S
4500 N Hull Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8878
SATELLITE TELEVISION
2011 Sandhill Rd Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
PUMPS
HART SERVICES WATER WELLS & PUMPS
Mason MI 48854
517-676-0600
WILSON’S PUMP INC
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-8361
see our ad page 39
REAL ESTATE
www.samsphysicaltherapy.com
148 S Main St Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9050
see our ad on the front cover
www.mgphomes.com
209 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-812-2182
see our ad page 10
SPROAT REALTY PROFESSIONALS
163 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-9677
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
MAPLE GROVE PROPERTIES
209 S Main St
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-0098
www.specialtysatellite.com
100 S Clinton
Stockbridge MI 49285
517-851-9100
see our ad page 11 & our coupon page 45
SEPTIC TANKSCLEANING & SERVICE
WILD SANITATION
PO Box 188
Stockbridge MI 49285
517-851-7695
SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING
JENKS PLUMBING & HEATING INC
2011 Sandhill Rd Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
www.rooter.express Call 517-777-0111
see our ad page 44
STORAGEHOUSEHOLD & COMMERCIAL
COUNTRY MANOR PARK & STORAGE LLC
4400 Edgar Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-589-5600
SURVEYORS - LAND
KEBS INC
2116 Haslett Rd
Haslett MI 48840
517-339-1014
TREE SERVICE
TOP NOTCH TREE CARE LLC
4645 Walker Rd
Leslie MI 49251
517-712-3721
WATER - BOTTLED
1ST CHOICE WATER SOLUTIONS
212 W Mt Hope Ave Lansing MI 48910
517-325-0000
see our coupon page 45
WATER CONDITIONING
ASPEN HEATING & COOLING
4131 W Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49202
517-748-5033
see our ad page 44
WATER HEATERS
JENKS PLUMBING & HEATING INC
2011 Sandhill Rd
Mason MI 48854
517-347-0770
see our ads page 22 & 39
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT
1ST CHOICE WATER SOLUTIONS
212 W Mt Hope Ave
Lansing MI 48910
517-325-0000
see our coupon page 45
ELHORN ENGINEERING CO
889 Eden Rd Mason MI 48854
517-676-3786
WATERPROOFING
www.bdrymidmichigan.com
922 Eden Rd Mason MI 48854
517-676-2379
800-548-4100
see our ad page 10
Not only do we publish the print version of Total Local Leslie, we also post community information and advertisers profiles on TotalLocal.com.
When you’re on the go, visit our website for community information, links to the flippable version of our guide, and links to our advertisers. View the Leslie section of our website at totallocal.com/leslie or follow the QR Code.
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S
E W C A Q I C X G N A E Z F V L O N E Y I A R M L F L J Y T V K O R B F
G Y O O C O L O N V A C C O Z J H S S K L K X D C M W O H S T F A R C X
F A U Z I R D T N C E T F E L O Z O H T L U T X T A P C Y K W H A C R O Z A
G Y O O C O L O N V A C C O Z J H S S K L K X D C M W O H S T F A R C X
B U W I A N W L Q X N A A E P A M L X O U N F V L P B K G U E R Z N O N H X
F A U Z I R D T N C E T F E L O Z O H T L U T X T A P C Y K W H A C R O Z A
B A R T L P B T C O X X N T L A E H W P T M F G G U Y V H F E F G C W N U O
B U W I A N W L Q X N A A E P A M L X O U N F V L P B K G U E R Z N O N H X
R V E I D K N N E H J M M W Q F S I E O G P R E H X E P Y K C O G N E P A S L B
B A R T L P B T C O X X N T L A E H W P T M F G G U Y V H F E F G C W N U O
I H N F A A V L W O S A H U Z L K D N W A W Z J S E I Y T Z D L O B S C W R R E
R V E I D K N N E H J M M W Q F S I E O G P R E H X E P Y K C O G N E P A S L B
R G R U S S E L L P A R K F I W H C W T R F M F X S L Y B C W K B C F L A R B R
I H N F A A V L W O S A H U Z L K D N W A W Z J S E I Y T Z D L O B S C W R R E
E N O Y T V Y T Y C K M I E K A F M I J I S M Z C S V S J K E L O H N R O C O Y
R G R U S S E L L P A R K F I W H C W T R F M F X S L Y B C W K B C F L A R B R
B Z V C F I N R B J L X Y R L Z A A O X Q N A R T W F U E S V D F D B W D U H G
E N O Y T V Y T Y C K M I E K A F M I J I S M Z C S V S J K E L O H N R O C O Y
M I C U G C F H Q E C P K F H R U P C N I P G N M H Q J Q G G B E H O L F Z P Q
B Z V C F I N R B J L X Y R L Z A A O X Q N A R T W F U E S V D F D B W D U H G
E P E Q H R S C M E Q R Y L T D P T L M I H Q C N J V V C O P G W R D M F E P V
M I C U G C F H Q E C P K F H R U P C N I P G N M H Q J Q G G B E H O L F Z P Q
T F R R D Z C N M L H B I Y O D G Q C F D J P Z E S E D I R L A V I N R A
T F R R D Z C N M L H B I Y O D G Q C F D J P Z E S E D I R L A V I N R A C H H
P T P T L A O E S E I P C W A A X P L O B O X Z C P N J L C B I G D J H P B C
Q M N R Y D W K D O M H R N I D N F T V X R V X I K I F R Q J C U G L X R U
V Z Y Z F J R H W T W V I R G Z X U R Q X C M D I P D U X T U H M G O F U S
H N Q X E X G N X G T X G N H R E T U Q Y N A V L N T K L W Q K B I W D J Q
H W T W V I R G Z X U R Q X C M D I P D U X T U H M G O F U S
Z O K O Q G W E D M I H G T A
H N Q X E X G N X G T X G N H R E T U Q Y N A V L N T K L W Q K B I W D J Q
Z O K O Q G W E D M I H G T A D Y C Z Z G Z Q K V K E D Q F I W H E C V
G C M V T Y I O K I M T B P Q C N K F X A G V G S U J T V H Z M T E B A
M J U I A P C G O Z E S O C X X S H Q I N U F A H C V B C L G U N M
H V M D E N O S C N O L B I H W E B K A S N Y Y K H P H P D I E M
W S T D F R S Z M I Y E R N B V A Y P V I R X N X B R L J H T V
E V P L T T O M N P S O E X S N C V F D K U C T D O I N S H I
P K T W K O X F G D B T B R E P N O U K Q W W H O J M Z Y H
K H S C R A A W F M Z X J C S N I K J W S F N X D E J Z Z K X O D K H
WORD LIST:
AUTUMN
CARNIVAL RIDES
CAR SHOW
CEMETERY
CORNHOLE COSTUMES
CRAFT SHOW
DECORATING
DOWNTOWN
FACE PAINTING
FALL
FESTIVAL
FOOD TRUCKS
FRIGHTENING
HALLOWED HALF HALLOWEEN
LESLIE
LIGHT POLES
MUSIC
OCTOBER
PETTING ZOO
RUSSELL
SEPTEMBER TREAT TRICK
Located about 28 miles directly south of Lansing and surrounded by numerous creeks and gently rolling hills, downtown Leslie features a true Main Street dotted with shops and restaurants, churches, and parks. If you stop and look around, you’ll see a couple of colorful murals spanning the walls of downtown buildings. The residents of Leslie are a combination of folks who have lived there all their lives and newcomers who have chosen the peace and quiet of living off of the beaten path.
No matter whether your family has been in this area for generations, for just a year, or somewhere in-between, one thing that brings everyone together here is a strong sense of community. People will go out of their way to help each other and if you walk down Main Street, chances are you will see a friendly face.
Part of living in a small community is the opportunity to reach out and be part of events and projects that bring people together in ways that make life more meaningful and memorable. When asked what the community of Leslie means to her, City Clerk Chelsea Cox summed it up this way.
“My community is everything. I am fortunate to be able to live and work in the city of Leslie. Growing up, my parents and grandparents were very active in Leslie. Our family roots run deep in the 49251. As a child, I watched my mom and dad organize and build the Russell Park Playscape, as well as serve on various volunteer boards. The importance of community service and volunteering was embedded in me. Leslie is a small city, but a very proud community.”
One of the ways this strong community spirit comes through is by putting together great fall events year after year. As summer temperatures cool and leaves
begin to turn, residents and visitors are treated to lots of ways to savor the season, small-town style.
The Leslie Fall Festival is one of these beloved time-honored annual events. This year the festival will be on September 9th, offering a full day and evening of fun for the whole family. If you’re looking for great food, awesome entertainment, and plenty of activities, you won’t want to miss it. Admission and parking for this event are free, thanks to the large number of volunteers, sponsors, and donors. The Fall Festival draws around 3,000 people, from Leslie and the surrounding areas.
In 2022, the Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce took over the running of the Fall Festival, previously run by Chelsea Cox since 2017, and before that run by various entities including the Historical Society, the 175th Anniversary Committee, and the Legion. Dom Ambroggio, President of the Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Main Street Bakery & Cafe, is impressed and grateful for the outpouring of support from local businesses and individuals who are willing to help out with the festival.
“It’s amazing when a community comes together like this,” said Ambroggio. “Whether it be donations, sponsoring an event, or volunteering time and energy, we couldn’t put on this festival without them. This community is our lifeline.”
The Fall Festival will all take place in the downtown area. In Russell Park there is a craft show, which sometimes has over 100 vendors. Also at the park are numerous other activities, including a petting zoo, bounce houses, an escape room, caricatures, carnival rides, mobile gaming, face painting, food trucks, kids games, and more. Topping it off is a free evening movie in the park.
Downtown there is the car show, cornhole tournament, community-wide scavenger hunt, and live music. This year instead of a beer tent the festival is featuring a ‘social district’ where people can walk around town with their friends and festive beverages, listening to the music and checking out local businesses.
“The Fall Festival is a great chance for people to come out and enjoy each other’s company,” Ambroggio said. “We’re happy to provide that space and that opportunity.”
It is also a great way for the whole family to take part in activities without breaking the bank. And the growth of the festival shows how much the community appreciates this type of event.
“The festival has experienced massive growth during the past several years. Its focus has always been to provide our community with budget-friendly and family-friendly events,” Cox said.
Along with the Leslie Fall Festival, there are a few more events that make this community shine with small-town charm and spirit.
The annual Hallowed Half Marathon and Frightening 5k are fun Halloween-themed night time races that take place along country roads, through the cemetery, and finish downtown. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, with a costume contest before the race and refreshments at the end. Participants may race, jog, or walk the course and can expect cheering fans along the way.
The annual Light Pole Decorating Contest gives the whole community a chance to get into the fall spirit. Organizations choose a light pole to decorate and then the community gets the chance to vote on their favorite. Whether the decorations have a harvest theme or a spooky Halloween theme, this event makes the whole town look festive for the month of October.
It is comforting to know that the tradition of trick-ortreating is still a big part of Halloween. Downtown Leslie hosts trick-or-treaters from 5:30 to 7:30 on Halloween. Whether you are handing out candy, walking around with your children, or just want to take a look at all the costumes, this is a fun evening for all.
Evening entertainment includes a free family-friendly movie in Russell Park.
The festival has experienced massive growth during the past several years. Its focus has always been to provide our community with budget-friendly and family-friendly events.
Enjoy a craft show, food trucks, live music, free movie, social district, cornhole tournament, car show, and much more. Admission and parking are free.
The City of Leslie encourages public involvement in the enhancement of community parks and facilities. The Adopta-Flowerbed program is a volunteer-based activity where area volunteer groups “adopt” and maintain designated flowerbeds. If you would like additional information, please contact Chelsea Cox at clerk@cityofleslie.org or call 517-589-8236
The Leslie Area Historical Museum
This museum has relocated and reopened after being closed for three years. It is located on the main floor of the Grand Army of the Republic Hall at 107 E. Bellevue St. Admission is free and the museum is open from 11am to 2pm Thursdays, and the third Saturday of each month.
Congratulations to the Leslie Outreach on their Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting at their new location at 210 E. Bellevue in downtown Leslie!
Halloween Pole Decorating Contest
Show your Halloween spirit and decorate for the chance to win! Prizes will be awarded based on voting results. For more information, please contact the Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce at info@leslieareachamberofcommerce.org.
Holiday Window-Display Contest
We want you to help create magic in the 49251! The business display with the most “likes” will win bragging rights and claim to the “Traveling Trophy” for the upcoming year.
You won’t want to miss Leslie’s holiday tradition. Enjoy an evening with your community and get into the holiday spirit. This year the Lighted Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, December 9th
With free events for children, teens, and adults, the library is a great public resource for the community. To learn more about the library events, visit their website at www.cadl.org/about/ our-locations/leslie or visit the CADL Leslie Facebook page.
The strength of a community lies in the willingness of residents to give their time, energy, and resources toward a common goal that benefits the community as a whole. The fact that the people of Leslie are able to put together these events year after year is a testament to their strength and generosity. Despite the setback of the Covid 19 pandemic and economic challenges that all small towns face, the spirit here is still strong.
“Our community is resilient. We are continually growing and progressing,” Cox said.
The rewards of living in a generous, resilient community are many. Ambroggio, who lived in a couple different cities before settling in Leslie, where his wife grew up, is happy to call this place home.
“The support here is remarkable. Everyone comes out to events and the willingness of local businesses and people to help is truly inspiring,” said Ambroggio.
For more information about the fall events in Leslie, or if you would like to find out how to get involved, please visit the Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and the City of Leslie Facebook page.
I F K C P N F S
E W C A Q I C X G N A E Z F V L O N E Y I A R M L F L J Y T V K O R B F
G Y O O C O L O N V A C C O Z J H S S K L K X D C M W O H S T F A R C X
F A U Z I R D T N C E T F E L O Z O H T L U T X T A P C Y K W H A C R O Z A
O N V A C C O Z J H S S K L K X D C M W O H S T F A R C X
B U W I A N W L Q X N A A E P A M L X O U N F V L P B K G U E R Z N O N H X
F A U Z I R D T N C E T F E L O Z O H T L U T X T A P C Y K W H A C R O Z A
B A R T L P B T C O X X N T L A E H W P T M F G G U Y V H F E F G C W N U O
B U W I A N W L Q X N A A E P A M L X O U N F V L P B K G U E R Z N O N H X
R V E I D K N N E H J M M W Q F S I E O G P R E H X E P Y K C O G N E P A S L B
B A R T L P B T C O X X N T L A E H W P T M F G G U Y V H F E F G C W N U O
I H N F A A V L W O S A H U Z L K D N W A W Z J S E I Y T Z D L O B S C W R R E
R V E I D K N N E H J M M W Q F S I E O G P R E H X E P Y K C O G N E P A S L B
R G R U S S E L L P A R K F I W H C W T R F M F X S L Y B C W K B C F L A R B R
I H N F A A V L W O S A H U Z L K D N W A W Z J S E I Y T Z D L O B S C W R R E
E N O Y T V Y T Y C K M I E K A F M I J I S M Z C S V S J K E L O H N R O C O Y
R G R U S S E L L P A R K F I W H C W T R F M F X S L Y B C W K B C F L A R B R
B Z V C F I N R B J L X Y R L Z A A O X Q N A R T W F U E S V D F D B W D U H G
E N O Y T V Y T Y C K M I E K A F M I J I S M Z C S V S J K E L O H N R O C O Y
B Z V C F I N R B J L X Y R L Z A A O X Q N A R T W F U E S V D F D B W D U H G
M I C U G C F H Q E C P K F H R U P C N I P G N M H Q J Q G G B E H O
T W V I R G Z X U R Q X C M D I P D U X T U H M G O F U S
H N Q X E X G N X G T X G N H R E T U Q Y N A V L N T K L W Q K B I W D J Q
Z O K O Q G W E D M I H G T A D Y C Z Z G Z Q K V K E D Q F I W H E C V
G C M V T Y I O K I M T B P Q C N K F X A G V
WORD
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