Welcome to Independence Day Weekend in northern Michigan! As we head into this likely busy weekend, we would like to focus on something a bit different then our normal Friday post.
Most in the area are by now, familiar with our Grayling Main Street Fundraiser, the Paddle Battle, taking place on Michigan Ave in Downtown on July 4th. For those who are not, this is a competition like no other! A total of 32 paddlers and non-paddlers will try to best each other in a challenge of power. We at Tip’n the Mitten are excited to be the sponsor for one of these wonderful sports.
Matt Smith is a 12 year Army Vet and served in Mogadishu, Somolia in 1993.
An avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt, fish and farm for wildlife habitat, Matt is also s personal trainer, coach and focused on his health and the health of others around him.
Matt and his wife Julie started and owned Smittys Iron Works gym for 12 years before merging with Greater Midland Community Centers where Matt now serves as the Director of Personal Training and over see a staff of 25 trainers and 6 operating units. In addition, he is also an Impact Coach for The Rock Youth Center and Coach Track & Field at Meridian High School.
In his free time, in addition to paddling, Matt competes in triathlons, marathons and ultra marathons and in 2014 completed a Double Ironman in Virginia.
Not only will Matt be representing us in the Paddle Battle on Monday July 4th, we are a proud to sponsor of Matt and Brad, his partner in the Annual Ausable River Canoe Festival this year! Both rookies in the race this year, Matt and Brad are paddling for a GREAT cause. Paddling to raise awareness and to raise money for the Fallen and Wounded Warriors Fund, their canoe is covered with the names of those killed or wounded in defense of our country.
We are proud of our veterans and those currently serving in all branches of the U.S. Military.
If you are interested in seeing Matt and Brads canoe that they will be racing in this year’s Ausable River Canoe Marathon come on down to Tip’n the Mitten on July 4th and check in out! Don’t forget to head to the Paddle Battle and cheer for Matt and the others that day as well!
Happy Independence Day! Come and celebrate in Grayling this year, the Heart of the North!
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