Community invited to free Sept. 26 anniversary celebration featuring family activities, art contest winners, food, touch-a-truck experiences and more
ST. JOHNS, Mich.—For 25 years, Clinton Transit has helped Clinton County residents stay connected to the people, places and services that matter most, helping people reach jobs, healthcare, education, family, friends and other important destinations regardless of challenges, disabilities or circumstances.
This September, the Blue Bus is inviting the community to celebrate alongside the riders, employees and community partners who helped make the milestone possible.
Clinton Transit will host a free 25th Anniversary Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at its facility at 215 N. Scott Road in St. Johns, Michigan.
“Reaching 25 years is about so much more than the buses and the miles we’ve traveled. It’s about the people we’ve had the privilege to serve and the community that has supported us every step of the way,” said MaLissa Schutt, Clinton Transit’s executive director. “Every ride represents a connection — someone getting to work, making it to an appointment, visiting someone they care about or simply being able to participate in their community. Those everyday connections are what have driven Clinton Transit for 25 years. This celebration is our chance to thank the riders and the entire community who have made those 25 years possible — and to celebrate together.”
The free event will give residents an opportunity to learn more about Clinton Transit and the role accessible, reliable transportation plays in workforce access, healthcare, education, independence and everyday mobility throughout Clinton County. It will bring the spirit of community connection to life with activities and entertainment for all ages, including:
- Chuckie D’s BBQ Food Truck
- A touch-a-truck experience featuring vehicles and representatives from the Clinton County Road Commission, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton County Emergency Operations Center and St. Johns Ambulance
- Children’s activities presented by Briggs District Library, Bath Township Public Library and local health and human service agencies
- A bounce house and lawn games provided by TNT Party Rentals
- The announcement of winners of Clinton Transit’s “Creating Everyday Connections” Art Contest
- A live remote broadcast with Dave Geronimo of Z92.5 The Castle
“Creating Everyday Connections” Art Contest
As part of its 25th anniversary, Clinton Transit has partnered with the Clinton County Arts Council to invite local students and artists to help tell the story of connection through art.
The “Creating Everyday Connections” Art Contest is a community-centered celebration of creativity, transportation and the connections that shape daily life in Clinton County. The contest showcases local artistic talent while highlighting the many ways public transportation supports independence, opportunity and community connection.
There are three entry categories: middle school students, high school students and adult artists. Winners will receive cash prizes of up to $1,000, and the winning pieces will be permanently displayed in the Clinton Transit Administration Facility.
Contest winners will be announced during the September 26 anniversary celebration. To learn more and enter, click here.
Sponsor Appreciation
Clinton Transit thanks the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose support is helping make the 25th Anniversary Celebration possible.
- Platinum Sponsors: K Group Companies, Pitch Black of Michigan, and VFW Post 671 DeWitt
- Gold Sponsors: JC Electric, Mercantile Bank, King Media
- Silver Sponsors: AIS Construction Equipment, D.L. Kesler & Sons Construction, Hobbs + Black Architects Hosford Concrete, Rehmann, The Rusty Concho, Michigan Graphics & Signs, and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
- Bronze Sponsors: American Legion Ray Barker Post 412, Big Boy, Chuckie D’s BBQ, Cupcakes and Kisses, Granger Waste Services, MSUFCU, Mr. Andrew and Dr. Renee Stevens, Pauli Ford, The Parts Store NAPA, Tinder Smith Bolan Family Reunion and TNT Party Rentals
Parking & Entry Information
Because parking at the Clinton Transit facility is limited, attendees are encouraged to use the event’s free shuttle service from designated off-site parking areas:
- Attendance is free; no registration is required
- Primary parking: 1059 E. Steel Street, St. Johns – open field west of Michigan Graphics
- Secondary parking: Saylor Beall Manufacturing Co., 400 N. Kibbee Street, St. Johns
- Quick shuttle service, including accessible transportation if needed, will transport guests between the off-site parking locations and the celebration.
For more information about the event, visit mybluebus.com/25years.
About Clinton Transit
Clinton Transit’s curb-to-curb service ensures residents stay connected—no matter their challenges, disabilities, or circumstances. Committed to providing safe and accessible transportation for all of Clinton County, the “Blue Bus” operates as a demand response system, running only when a ride is requested. Learn more at mybluebus.com.
