(STURGIS) – The 2019 Sturgis Fest Celebration officially started Monday evening with the annual Kick Off Dinner.

As part of the festivities, the Citizens of the Year, Monica Smith and Bruce Gosling were honored for their contributions to the community. State Representative Aaron Miller of Sturgis presented resolutions to Smith and Gosling, signed by himself, State Senator Kim LaSata, U.S. Representative Fred Upton and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Smith, the Executive Director of the Sturgis Neighborhood Program, says she learned three important things while working at a store in her home town of Burr Oak that she has carried with her to this day. LINKC.

Gosling, a 1976 Sturgis High School graduate and a certified public accountant with Gabridge and Company, says the reason he gets involved is very simple. LINKD.

Both Smith and Gosling will be a part of the Sturgis Night Parade on Friday.