Paul Martis, a resident at Grace Haven, doesn’t just attend the St. Johns Mint Festival — he helped create it. Now celebrating its 40th year, the beloved community tradition owes its start to Paul and his late wife, Joann, whose passion and leadership helped bring the very first festival to life back in 1985.
In the early 1980s, Joann, then a member of the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce, saw the potential for a local event that would celebrate the town’s farming heritage — especially its identity as the Mint Capital of Michigan. She and Paul were deeply involved in the process from the start: brainstorming ideas, fundraising, and traveling to other festivals for inspiration. One such trip took them to North Judson, Indiana, where they gathered ideas to bring back home to St. Johns.
Backed by a small but determined group of Chamber members and community leaders, Paul and Joann helped organize everything from parade routes to vendor booths and pageants. Their attention to detail and dedication to the town’s identity created an event that captured the spirit of the community — and that spirit has endured for four decades.
What began as a grassroots effort is now a statewide celebration that draws families from across the region for a weekend of food, entertainment, crafts, and plenty of mint-flavored fun. Paul and Joann remained active in the festival for many years and were honored as Grand Marshals in 2000, a fitting tribute to their foundational role.
Today, Paul calls Grace Haven home, where his legacy continues to inspire. A section of the Memory Care music wall is dedicated to Joann, who also lived at Grace Haven before her passing — a heartfelt reminder of the lasting imprint they’ve made on their community.
Shine Every Day at StoryPoint Group Communities
Residents like Paul Martis show us that passion and community spirit can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s launching a town tradition, performing on stage, or cheering like it’s 1943, the residents of StoryPoint Group communities are living proof that it’s never too late to make a difference. To learn more about StoryPoint Group communities and how we support meaningful experiences, visit the one nearest you or call 1-844-275-9990.
