Noah Johnson Daily Press Mix 2 - A woman looks at her finished look for the annual Mix and Mingle Community Event held at the Island Resort and Casino. Beauticians at Cost Cutters and Delta County Hair Company donated their time and expertise on Monday.

ESCANABA – A formal event for people with all abilities, their families, and people looking to meet others and have a good time was held at the Island Resort and Casino on Monday evening. The Mix and Mingle Community Event, arranged by volunteers and staff and supported by organizations and individuals in Delta County and other areas, is one of several social events organized throughout the year.

The formal featured a prom-like atmosphere, as attendees got makeovers, haircuts, and dressed in gowns and tuxedos for the evening.

“We have approximately 400 plus people attending,” said coordinator Brenda Crow.

“We have the formal dinner, and then we just have a night of dancing and just kind of celebrating and enjoying the day.”

The first dance took place 24 years ago and has continued to grow ever since. The event experienced a minor setback in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is now growing again.

Attendees have the opportunity to choose from a variety of donated items, including gowns, jewelry, shoes, and more, provided by different community members.

“They come in like the month before, and they get fitted for their dresses. We have alterations that are done. So it’s at no cost to anybody else. We have some dress outfits for gentlemen, so if they don’t have dress clothes, because sometimes people don’t, and we want to make sure everybody feels special whether you’re male or female,” Crow said.

On the day of the event, local beauticians donated their hair and makeup services.

During the late morning and early afternoon on Monday, Cost Cutters and Delta Hair Company (formerly The Ritz) welcomed ticket holders of the Mix and Mingle and donated their time and expertise to attendees to make them feel extra special for the formal.

The event is decorated in a ‘summer blooms’ theme, with items donated from Gladstone High School several years ago.

The decorations were completed by Ever After Decorating, a company that Crow holds in high regard.

“She has been with us for years,” Crow said.

The Reflections Band and DJ Mike Flavor performed at the event, with Fawn’s Photography and Amp’d UP providing a combination of fun and formal photos.

Guests also get a buffet dinner consisting of a garden salad, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked ham, roasted chicken and green beans

For dessert, there is a formal cake as well as Sayklly’s chocolate fountain.

Crow reiterated the night is designed for anyone to participate.

“It’s not just for people with disabilities. It’s open to the whole community. It’s people with all abilities, and that’s what I really like to stress,” she said.

“Everybody needs that day, that time; they dress up, they feel extremely special, and just go and enjoy the day and celebrate each other.”

A coordinator at the casino told Crow the event is her favorite to participate in because everybody involved is there to have a good time.

“It’s pure joy,” Crow said.

With the 25th annual event scheduled for 2026, Crow is already preparing to make it the best Mix and Mingle yet.

She said she spoke to various local law enforcement agencies about participating next year.

“What I’d like is for the police officers to come and escort everybody in,” Crow said.

She likes the idea of a guest and officer walking into the event while their names are announced.

“I really want to bridge the gap between police officers and people with all abilities.

So that way, then there’s a general understanding because police officers oftentimes see people at their worst, and I want them to see them at their best,” Crow said.

Multiple departments indicated to Crow that they would like to be involved next year.

Crow thanks those who make the event possible, including Cost Cutters, Delta Hair Company, Island Resort and Casino, the Edward J. Sackerson Foundation, Escanaba Rotary, Gladstone Lions Club, Gladstone-Rapid River Kiwanis, Pathways, and other various community partners and organizations.

To support the Mix and Mingle Community Events among the groups, the Delta County Regional Inclusive Community Coalition (RICC) will be holding a fundraiser at Elmer’s on July 2.

“It’s for our RICC, but the RICC actually supports the mix and mingle dances, so we’ll have have a little bucket there as well,” Crow explained.