Santa Videos

Order yours between November 5th and December 10th!

Surprise your kids with a personalized video from the big man himself! Register today and provide some details about your child’s wish list, activities, etc. Then we will work with Santa to record your child’s video (approx. 30-60 sec) and Santa will email it to you on or before December 23rd.

Cost: $10 (Resident) | $15 (Non-Resident)

Military, Veteran, & First Responders Santa Videos 2025

Sign up to send a video message to someone in the military, a veteran, or a first responder!
Register today to share your appreciation and holiday cheer with a special video from Santa. Just sign up and we'll work with Santa to create a festive, pre-recorded message (approx. 30–60 seconds). The video will be emailed to you/them on or before December 23rd, ready to be shared with a hero in your life.

FREE

Evergreen Centerpieces

Tuesday, December 9th - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Create Your Own Fresh Evergreen Centerpiece! Join us for a hands-on holiday workshop where you'll craft a beautiful centerpiece using fresh evergreens, floral foam, and your choice of ribbons, candles, and decorations.

• No experience needed! Our friendly instructor will guide you step by step.

• All materials included – just bring your holiday spirit!

• Perfect for a girls' night out, date night, or solo creative escape.

Spots are limited – reserve yours today and take home a beautiful, custom creation that will last well into the new year!

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: $55 (Resident) | $65 (Non-Resident)

Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Chemung Hills (Ages 21+)

Friday, December 5th - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Dress in your finest and enjoy a night out at Chemung Hills Golf Club and Banquet Center. This event will include wine tasting, dinner, and raffles.

All proceeds will benefit the Howell Senior Center.

Site: Chemung Hills, 3125 Golf Club Rd.
Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

Thanksgiving Leftovers Dash

Saturday, November 29th - 10:00am

Just like Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve got leftovers — and we want to share them with you in a fun, quirky way! The Thanksgiving Leftovers Dash is a quick half-mile dash on the outdoor paved path, specially groomed and maintained just for this event.

Participants will enjoy:

• A lighthearted holiday weekend run to burn off the turkey and pie

• A finisher reward at the Community Center: your choice of a past Howell Recreation race shirt, medal, or other award (limited sizes and styles available)

• This dash is all about celebrating community, having fun, and giving our past race swag a second life. Shake off the stuffing, snag a unique finisher prize, and make this Thanksgiving weekend one to remember!

Site: Start: Oceola Soccer Complex Pavilion, 1557 N. Latson Rd.
Finish: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.

Cost: $10 (Resident) | $15 (Non-Resident)

Give back by giving blood! We’re excited to partner with the American Red Cross to help give back to our community.

Buck Pole

Saturday, November 15th - 4pm-8pm

Join us in commemorating the opening day of hunting season at the annual Buck Pole. Come weigh your deer, swap stories with other hunters, and win fantastic prizes. No pre-registration is required.

Prizes will be awarded for those who bag:

• The Heaviest Buck

• The Highest-Scoring Buck

• The Highest-Scoring Buck (Woman) '

• The Widest Rack

• The Most-Unique Rack '

• The Youngest Hunter To Bag a Buck (Under 18 Only)

*All deer must be scored by 8pm to be eligible for prizes. There will also be raffle baskets and more!

Cost: $10/deer
Bring extra cash for our annual raffle baskets!

Canvas and Calm: Yoga & Painting Night (Ages 21+)

Friday, November 14th - 6pm-8:30pm

Unwind and reconnect at Canvas & Calm — a peaceful evening that begins with a 30-minute gentle yoga session, followed by a relaxing painting class led by artist Maureen.

Start your night with calming breathwork and mindful movement, then let your creativity flow as Maureen guides you step-by-step through creating a beautiful piece of art you’ll be proud to take home.

No yoga or painting experience needed — just bring your sense of calm and curiosity. All supplies are included. Wear comfy clothes and don’t forget your yoga mat!

Spots are limited, so register early and treat yourself to a night of movement, mindfulness, and creativity at the Oceola Community Center!

Deadline to register is November 14th.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: $30 (Resident) | $40 (Non-Resident)

Turkey Toss Free Throw Challenge (All Ages)

Saturday, November 8th - 10:00am-1:00pm

Kick off the Thanksgiving season with our Turkey Toss Free Throw Challenge. This lighthearted competition is open to all ages, giving everyone a chance to step up to the line and show off their free throw skills. Winners in each age group will go home with a Thanksgiving turkey.

Whether you’re aiming to bring home a turkey or just want to cheer on friends and family, this event is a fun way to celebrate the season and enjoy some holiday laughs before heading home. Please note that only one turkey prize may be awarded per family.

Event Timeline:

• 10:00am-12:30pm - Drop-in shooting. Participants take their shots and log scores with staff.

• 12:30pm - Winners and tie-breakers announced for each age group. Anyone not present at this time forfeits, and the next highest scorer moves up.

• 12:30pm-1:00pm - Sudden-death shootout for tie-breakers in each age bracket.

Age Groups:

• Ages 5–7

• Ages 8–10

• Ages 11–13

• Ages 14–17

• Ages 18 and older

Deadline to register is November 8th.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: $5 (Resident) | $10 (Non-Resident)

 This playful session combines refreshing yoga flows with light-hearted fun, perfect for those looking to unwind and celebrate the season with a drink in hand. All levels welcome; suitable for beginners and experienced yogis. We will be doing yoga flows while incorporating drinking the beverage of your choice!

Bring your favorite beverage* of choice and join us for a fantastic series of tipsy yoga! Please bring your own mat. Limited mats available.

Cost: $10 (Resident) | $15 (Non-Resident)

*This class is not included in the Fitness+ Membership.

Join Howell Recreation and UMAISE (University Of Michigan Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Experience) for an Adaptive Halloween Hike at Filmore Park! This event is open to the public and FREE! Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to the activity, this hike is designed to be inclusive and accommodating to everyone. A 1 mile, grassy terrain hike will head off around 5:00pm!

Everyone is encouraged to dress up or deck out your gear!

UMAISE will provide up to 3 Grit Chairs (GRIT - All Terrain Wheelchair Built for Active Lives) for participants who need them. Please note, there is a limited number. Please contact Nikki at (nwattles@howellrecreation.org) to reserve your Grit chair, today!

Please note, Filmore Park's trail system is non-paved and GRIT chairs are manually operated with upper body. Staff and participants will be on site to assist.

FREE

Dust off your costumes, smear on some fake blood, grab a drink and get your freak on at this 45-minute Halloween-themed WERQ Dance Fitness class! No experience necessary! Bring your drink (wine or beer) of choice and stick around after class for a drink and some social time! Costumes encouraged but optional!

Cost: $10 (Resident) | $15 (Non-Resident)

*This class is NOT included in the Fitness+ Membership.
**Beer and wine only.

Monster Mile - 5:30pm-6:00pm
Headless Horseman 5K - 6:00pm

The Headless Horseman 5K is BACK and SPOOKIER than ever! This dusk event will be in-person and kick-off at State and Clinton Streets in beautiful Downtown Howell. Costumed participants will wind their way through the historic neighborhoods and through Scofield City Park. Participants will receive a long-sleeved 50/50 blend shirt if registered by the end of the day on September 28th.  

This year's race will have a rolling start with runners starting at 6 pm, you can start the race anytime between 6 pm and 6:10 pm. This will allow for participants to be spaced out at the start of the race, along the course, and at the finish line. Walkers, strollers, assistive devices, and dogs on 6ft leashes are welcome. 

Please note that funds from this program help to cover not only costs incurred from the program itself but also help to make the Legend of Sleepy Howell possible. This longstanding community event offers a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience and helps especially those kids living in rural areas. Thank you for your support!

Volunteer With Us!

We are looking for race course volunteers to help us on October 18th for the Headless Horseman 5K!

Packet Pick-up:

Early Packet Pick up will take place Oct. 14th -17th at the Oceola Community Center 1661 N. Latson Rd. Howell MI 48843 during normal business hours. 

Get a Refund By Referring Friends!

Refer 1 or more participants and get a refund of up to $1.00 per participant!

Tuesday, October 14th - 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday, October 15th - 10:00am-5:00pm

Join us for our Annual Purse and Jewelry Sale! Find lots of treasures for fantastic prices. We also accept donations of purses and jewelry for the sale! All proceeds from this event go to support the Howell Senior Center.

We are now accepting donations of gently used purses, bags, and jewelry. If you have anything you’d like to donate, please drop off your donations at the Oceola Community Center during our office hours.

Tuesday, October 14th - 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday, October 15th - 10:00am-5:00pm

Join us for our Annual Purse and Jewelry Sale! Find lots of treasures for fantastic prices. We also accept donations of purses and jewelry for the sale! All proceeds from this event go to support the Howell Senior Center.

We are now accepting donations of gently used purses, bags, and jewelry. If you have anything you’d like to donate, please drop off your donations at the Oceola Community Center during our office hours.

Tipsy Yoga - NEW DATE (21+)

This playful class combines refreshing yoga flows with light-hearted fun, perfect for those looking to unwind and celebrate the season with a drink in hand. All levels welcome; suitable for beginners and experienced yogis. We will be doing yoga flows while incorporating drinking the beverage of your choice!

Bring your favorite beverage** of choice and join us for a fantastic series of tipsy yoga! Please bring your own mat. Limited mats available.

Cost: $10 (Resident) / $15 (Non-Resident)
Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.

*This class is NOT included in the Fitness+ Membership.
**Beer and wine only.

Join us for this boot camp styled camp to sharpen your focus.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: $10 (Resident) / $15 (Non-Resident)

*This class is not included in the Fitness+ Membership.

Give back by giving blood! We’re excited to partner with the American Red Cross to help give back to our community.

Check-in - 9:30am
Event - 10:00am-3:00pm

Get ready for a day full of fun and creativity at Howell Recreation’s Great Brick Build-Off! On September 20th, builders will test their skills in a timed brick-building challenge — no teams, just you and your bricks!

Build-Off Competition:

Format: Individual competition (one builder per entry)

LEGO Set: Each participant will receive an identical 300–500 piece LEGO set, which they get to take home after the competition!

Time Limit: 3 hours to complete your build

Judging: Builds will be judged on accuracy

Prizes: Awarded to the top 3 builders

Rules:

The event will follow basic fair play building guidelines. Final details and rules will be sent out at least one week before the competition. Howell Recreation reserves the right to adjust rules as needed to ensure a fun and fair event for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned master or just love to build, this event is for you — and you’ll get to keep your build set as a souvenir!

Deadline to register is September 12th.

Site: Bennett Rec Center, 925 W. Grand River Ave.
Cost: $40 per person (Resident) / $60 per person (Non-Resident)

Youth Adaptive Pickleball Demo

Howell Recreation is partnering with UMAISE for Wheelchair Pickleball. This event is open to everyone of all abilities. Participants will be learning how to use a sports wheelchair, skills and drills, learning about the adaptations and participating in a game. 

There will be 8 adult chairs and a mix of pediatric size chairs. Youth and adults will be on the court together, participating together. This registration is to account for the pediatric sized chairs.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: FREE

Adult Adaptive Pickleball Demo

Howell Recreation is partnering with UMAISE for Wheelchair Pickleball. This event is open to everyone of all abilities. Participants will be learning how to use a sports wheelchair, skills and drills, learning about the adaptations and participating in a game. 

There will be 8 adult chairs and a mix of pediatric size chairs. Youth and adults will be on the court together, participating together. This registration is to account for the adult sized chairs.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: FREE

Adult Adaptive Basketball Demo

Howell Recreation is partnering with UMAISE for Wheelchair Basketball. This event is open to everyone of all abilities. Participants will be learning how to use a sports wheelchair, picking up a basketball using the wheel, dribbling, passing etc. At the end participants will practice shooting and participating in a scrimmage. 

There will be 8 adult chairs and a mix of pediatric size chairs. Youth and adults will be on the court together, participating together. This registration is to account for the adult sized chairs.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: FREE

Youth Adaptive Basketball Demo

Howell Recreation is partnering with UMAISE for Wheelchair Basketball. This event is open to everyone of all abilities. Participants will be learning how to use a sports wheelchair, picking up a basketball using the wheel, dribbling, passing etc. At the end participants will practice shooting and participating in a scrimmage. 

Youth and adults will be on the court together, participating together. This registration is to account for the pediatric sized chairs.

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: FREE

Looking for a fun evening for the kids while you enjoy the Downtown Rocktober Festival? We’ve got you covered! Drop the kids off at The Hive Youth & Teen Center for a night packed with pizza, games, movies, crafts, and more - all in a safe, supervised space.

Deadline to register is August 29th

Site: The Hive, 925 W. Grand River Ave.
Cost: $35 (Resident) / $50 (Non-Resident)

*Child Information Sheet must be filled out unless your child attended a 2024 camp or already has a 2025 Hive Five Summer Camps packet on file.

Packet Pickup: 

• Early packet pick-up will be on

  • September 9th - 11th from 8 am-8 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

  • September 12th, 8 am - 5 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

  • We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 8 am. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer.

Results:

Your accurate chip time and current overall will be texted to your phone and be available live on this site. 

The race will be timed by the Michigan Running Foundation 

Join us for Canvas & Corks, the perfect way to wind down your week with creativity and good company! On Friday, September 5th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm, local artist Maureen will guide you step-by-step through painting a beautiful piece you’ll be proud to take home.

No experience needed — just bring your friends and your love of wine! We’ll provide all painting supplies and keep the wine flowing to keep those creative juices inspired.

Deadline to register is September 4th

Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Cost: $30 (Resident) / $40 (Non-Resident)