(STURGIS) – Sturgis Fest 2025 officially started Tuesday night with the annual Kick Off Dinner, at the Sturges-Young Center For The Arts.

Following the meal, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kari Hatt introduced the 2025 Citizens Of The Year. This year’s recipients of the award are Mary Haylett and Harlan Blood, both former educators with the Sturgis Public Schools.

Haylett says her love of teaching started at a young age, thanks to a nun. LINKC.

Blood says after he was told about being named Citizen Of The Year, he realized just how lucky he has been. LINKD.

State Representative Steve Carra presented both Haylett and Blood with proclamations for being named Citizens Of The Year. Hatt also presented them with special awards from the Chamber.

The Keynote Speakers were Haylett, Dianne Gorsuch and Mike Mort, who talked about the Sturgis Historical Museum. In keeping with this year’s Sturgis Fest theme of “Traveling Through Time”, the trio shared information on Sturgis’ history, gave the audience a quiz on Sturgis history and encouraged everyone to visit the Sturgis Historical Museum.