Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Home Builders Association of Western Michigan is launching its 35th annual Parade of Homes today in Kalamazoo where residents can tour eight new builds, one remodel, and one virtual home.

The event runs today through Aug.2 and again from Aug.7 to Aug.9 + visitors can learn about smart home features and modern design ideas from local builders.

Global cocoa prices have reached nearly $10,000 per metric ton this year due to crop disease, climate challenges in West Africa, and a tighter supply chain — market analysts expect prices to stay high through 2025 while big companies plan price hikes.

In downtown Kalamazoo, a local chocolate shop is keeping costs manageable by absorbing part of the increase and diversifying its menu.

Ozzy Osbourne, who died last week at age 76, once stirred controversy during his 1982 Kalamazoo show when officials feared he might harm live animals and reports emerged of an onstage wedding proposal while guitarist Randy Rhoads gave one of his final performances before his death. Archival photos from the concert have been recently uncovered at WMU’s Zhang Legacy Collections Center — offering a rare look at the event.

Today, the Kalamazoo County board held its annual budget retreat as officials warned that if state funding stops on October 1 due to potential legislative delays in Lansing and Washington DC, services such as health, indigent defense, law enforcement, and the courts could face cuts—leaders will deliberate on the budget at every meeting into fall before finalizing the 2026 plan.

Ramona Park Beach remains closed as officials reported high E. coli levels in water samples and further tests were performed yesterday—health officials warned against water contact—and the beach will reopen only when the water meets Michigan standards.

Next Level Sports Center in Schoolcraft announced its dome is now named the Kalsee Dome after partnering with Kalsee Credit Union — the new name reflects their shared focus on youth development and wellness.

The dome will also feature a Kalsee Interactive Teller Machine to offer banking services for visitors.

Next Level Sports Center partnered with Kalsee Credit Union to rename Schoolcraft's iconic dome as the Kalsee Dome.

The change marks a long-term commitment to youth development and wellness at the facility—announced Wednesday.

The 2025 season for SAC-Lakeshore high school football teams starts with practices on Aug.

11 and games lined up as part of a competitive schedule where Kalamazoo United, last season's champion, is expected to defend its title with contenders like Constantine, Parchment & South Haven joining the race.

Whack For Warmth Golf Outing Fundraiser

7 AM-4 PM — Cedar Creek Golf Course — All proceeds benefit heating assistance programs — Play for a cause at this engaging community golf outing.

Concerts in the Park

4-5 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy live summer music brought by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local food, music, and community at this vibrant summer festival series.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime and gaming culture with panels, special guests, and a pirate theme.

Dokidokon 2025

Aug 10-12 — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Dive into an anime and gaming convention with panels, concerts, and cosplay fun.

Read to Eleanor

3:30-5 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free — Spend quality time reading to a friendly therapy dog and take home a book.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and cosplay at a community-driven convention with a pirate theme.

Artful Evening with Leo Villareal

6-7 p.m. — Kalamazoo Institute of Arts — Free entry — Explore the career of an acclaimed light artist and visionary during this engaging virtual discussion.

Michigan Storm Chasers Beer Launch

2-5 p.m. — Latitude 42° Brewing Company Kalamazoo — Tickets required — Celebrate the release of a new Michigan-brewed beer with family-friendly fun and meet and greet activities.

Branden Mann Live Music Event

6-9 p.m. — Brewery Outré — No cover — Enjoy original tunes and crowd-favorite covers from a lineup of Kalamazoo musicians.