July 2013 – Page 3 – Blissfield Advance

30th River Raisin Festival begins: Magical History Tour!

When the 30th Annual Blissfield River Raisin Festival returns to Bachmayer and Ellis parks on both sides of the River Raisin in Blissfield July 10-13, there’s a big change in the schedule: A shift to a pumped-up Thursday, Friday and Saturday, rather than the traditional Friday-Sunday schedule. The reason; the popularity and growth of the Thursday evening events.

“We have had Thursday night activities for a few years now with the carnival actually opening on Wednesday — which it will again this year,” Fetzer said. “Our Thursday attendance was growing, but Sundays were dropping off.’ She explained that the growth of Thursday afternoon and evening is seen as an opportunity to add even more activity on Thursday night including acts on the main stage and the Car and Bike Show — with a free “drive-in movie” to follow as well as the opening of the festival beverage tent for Everyone’s Homecoming Party, bingo, Princess Walk and big entertainment on the Pavilion Stage, the Dockside Deck and the Tugboat Stage for kids. The carnival will be in full swing, too. “We’re bringing it Thursday night!” she said.

The committee has been discussing concluding the festivities with a bang —Saturday fireworks — for several years and decided that the 30th anniversary was the time to do it. Fireworks two nights, a free lumberjack show, a giant sand sculpture, the return of Bingo, what is billed as the best entertainment package ever and much more at the festival means a memorable weekend for all. Best of all, admission continues to be free for the summer event. Because of business sponsorships, the festival will offer to all who wish to attend three free stages of entertainment, crafts, children’s activities, a major parade, a Miss America local preliminary pageant and more. Organizers are inviting visitors to come for a “Staycation” weekend and to enjoy the many facets of the festival — again, with no admission charge.

Held in the charming Village of Blissfield, the festival continues to grow each year. While the committee worried about the rising River Raisin, due to all the rain, the river never broke the banks and just a few adjustments in where things would take place were made to accommodate areas where the ground was too soft or wet for activities.

The festival grounds are just south of U.S. 223 at the three bridges (actually, there are now four bridges in succession over the River Raisin), and west of the downtown area. However, it isn’t just a party (though a grand party it definitely is), but it’s also an important cog in the charitable wheel of this unique community. Many organizations, clubs and churches raise significant percentages of their funds with activities, raffles, drawings and more during festival weekend. The theme of “Magical History Tour: 30 Festive Years” was chosen to pay homage to the past by bringing back some favorites — Bingo, hosted by the Blissfield Athletic Booster; a Saturday noon Chicken BBQ; and a lumberjack competition, the Great Lakes Timber Show along with the annual favorites people expect — and adding some exciting new activities including three amazing bands Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights on the Pavilion Stage; a sand sculptor who transforms giant piles of sand into works of art over the week; and moving the Car and Bike Show from Sunday’s intense midday heat to a late-day event when the cool breezes off the River Raisin provide a more comfortable setting and an outdoor movie on the big screen.

DSCN2033 — In the 2012 parade Saturday of the festival, Miss River Raisin Festival Charlotte Squires made her first appearance.

Sand sculpture comes to life at Blissfield River Raisin Festival

Roger Powell works on one of his Easter sculptures in Findlay, Ohio. — Roger Powell works on one of his Easter sand sculptures in Findlay, Ohio. He is creating a special new work for the Blissfield River Raisin Festival.

As children, many people have memories of building sand castles at the beach. It took just the right amount of sand mixed with a little water packed firmly in a pail to produce a basic sand sculpture. Roger Powell of Findlay, Ohio, has taken the concept to a much grander scale with intricate artistry and design. This week he will bring his amazing sand art to the River Raisin Festival. Approximately 80 tons of sand is being delivered to Ellis Park in the area of the bridge close to U.S. 223 where Powell will spend the better part of the next three days creating a larger-than-life sand sculpture depicting the festival’s “Magical History Tour: 30 Festive Years” as well as highlighting some of the icons and images that are specifically Blissfield. Powell is known for his creations that draw tens of thousands of people to his hometown each year to witness his sculptures of Easter scenes such as the Crucifixion with a 25-foot long Christ and the Last Supper.

For the complete copyrighted story, please see Melissa Burnor’s story in The Advance, July 10, 2013, edition. And to see this sculpture as it takes shape, please visit the Ellis Park side of the Blissfield River Raisin Festival July 10-13.

Blissfield police chief plans to retire

By Melissa Burnor

After 11 years at the helm of the Blissfield Village Police Department, Chief Jane Kelley will hang up her gun belt and badge at the end of the year. The announcement was made at the July 8 Blissfield Village council meeting.

Kelley said she announced her retirement early so that the village could take begin the process of hiring a new police chief. Her intentions are to retire Dec. 31.

Victoria McKelvey

Victoria Nieves McKelvey, age 38, of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Tiffin, Ohio. She was born on March 19, 1975, in Adrian, Michigan, to Juan B. and Alice Villarreal. She had attended the Ohio State University and earned an associates degree from North Central State College.

Victoria was an active wife and mother who enjoyed traveling with her family. She was a Daisy Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts, a dance mom, a member of the Heisey Collector’s of America, and the Buckeye Study Club. She enjoyed collecting antiques and other collectibles, and volunteered with the Richland Pregnancy Services. She was an AWANA leader and member of the Westwood Alliance Church in Mansfield. She is in Heaven today with her Savior Jesus Christ. Victoria’s spirit and generosity lives on, as she was an organ donor.

Victoria is survived by her husband, William Vogel McKelvey whom she married on June 22, 2002; daughter Electa Grace; and adored dog, Nocchio. Her mother, Alice Martinez of Adrian; three brothers, Mateo J. Villarreal; Valentine R. Villarreal; and Juan Opel Villarreal; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Sandra McKelvey; sister-in-law, Barbra Wechter; brother-in-law, Rev. Barton (Candace) McKelvey all of Willard; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Juan B. Villarreal; brother Juan B. Villarreal, Jr.; grandparents, Miguel and Eusebia Martinez; and Valentine and Nieves Villarreal; and a brother-in-law, Edward McKelvey.

Vistation was on Friday, June 28, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Christian Alliance Church in Willard. The funeral service was held at the church on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11a.m. with the Rev. Doyle Peyton officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences are encouraged for the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com

Jacob Wingerd

ADRIAN — Jacob “John” Wingerd, 89, of Blissfield, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013, at Lynwood Manor. He was born on October 17, 1923, in Madison Township to Charles and Mildred (Hall) Wingerd. John served his country in the Army during WW II. On February 14, 1962, he married Margaret Jacques in Blissfield. John worked at Blissfield Manufacturing for 25 years, he also helped area farmers. He enjoyed collecting tractors, stamps and coins. Survivors include his children, Doris Ostrander of Adrian, Paul Wingerd of Blissfield, Joe Wingerd of Blissfield and Dale (Audra) Wingerd of Clinton; a brother, George of Michigan, and grandchildren, Zachary Wingerd, Jessica Ringle, Jordan Wingerd, Brent Wingerd and Alexa Beckey; two great-grandchildren and special friend, Margaret Braun. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Margaret, step mother Frances, sisters Janet and Betty, brother, Art and granddaughter Kassie Wingerd. A memorial service for John was held Monday, July 1, 2013, at Tagsold Chapel, Wagley Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Harley Betz

AKRON, Ohio — Harley P. Betz, Sr., age 86, passed away July 1, 2013. He was born February, 2, 1927, in Riga, Michigan. He owned and operated Harley Sunoco Gas Station in Akron, Ohio. Preceded in death by parents, Stanley and Rose, and sisters, Erma and Sedonna, he is survived by wife, Shirley; children, Bonnie, Sonnie (Karen), Linda (Harold), Wanda (Mark), Judy; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Susie (John), Sally (Don); brothers, Homer (Donna), Herbert (Joyce); nieces, nephews and extended family. The funeral services was July 5, 2013, at Cox Funeral Home, Barberton, Ohio, with the Rev. Richard Schumacher officiating. Entombment was at Greenlawn.

Winnifred Terry

PALMYRA — Winifred L. Terry, age 83, of Palmyra died peacefully at home on July 6, 2013. She was born on December 31, 1929, in Ogden Township, Michigan, to Lester and Velma (Schafer) Klump. She graduated from Blissfield High School. On June 22, 1949, she married Floyd Terry at a service at United Brethren Church of Ogden. They had three boys together: Vernon, Dale, and David. She worked at Sprunk’s Grocery Store in Blissfield and later at Sears, retiring with 25 years of service. She is survived by a sister, Marilyn (Earl) McMunn of Jasper; her sons, Vernon (Jeannie); Dale (Barbara); and David (Susan); her grandchildren, Jessica (Nathan) Bugbee, Jennifer Brewer, Neil (Sarah) Terry, Thomas VanCamp, Laura Terry, Ryan (Tiffanie) Terry, Justin Terry, and Tyler Terry; as well as 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 12, at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Blissfield with Pastors Zachary Dunlap and Doug McMunn, a nephew, officiating. Visitation is immediately preceding the service from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where you may also send condolences and share memories at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Registration deadline nears for Aug. 6 vote

By Melissa Burnor

Michigan residents have until July 8 to register in order to vote in
the Aug. 6 election. Nearly all residents in Blissfield, Riga, Ogden,
Palmyra townships as well as those living in the the villages of
Deerfield and Blissfield will have at least one issue on the ballot.

Residents of the Blissfield School District will be voting on a new
1.25 mill sinking fund millage for a period of 10 years, 2013-2022.

Lenawee County is also developing a district library system and will
ask voters not already considered part of a library system for a 10-
year 6-mill levy. This millage will be on the ballot in Palmyra,
Ogden and Deerfield townships and Deerfield Village. According to
ballot language it would raise $968,400 in the first year to run the
library. Currently the library is funded by the county general fund.
The Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library has contractual agreements with
townships for areas that are in the Blissfield School District.

Festival Kids’ Corner offers lots of free fun – including Toledo Zoo animals

By Chad Hutchinson

The Kids’ Corner sponsored by Blissfield State Bank is offering up a flurry of free fun during the 30th annual River Raisin Festival next Thursday through Saturday. The Kids’ Corner is located near the bridge in Bachmayer Park.

Kids’ Corner organizers Elizabeth Comiskey, Kelly Seidl and Shelley Smith have worked to bring in several new activities for kids, as well as the return of many of the festival favorites since taking over the area five years ago.

Seidl said the Kids’ Corner will feature 17 different performers and vendors this year, which is the most ever offered, and events begin Thursday since the Sunday of festival has been eliminated. Seidl said the focus of the Kids’ Corner is affordable fun for the whole family.

“Our biggest thing is to be eventful for the kids, reasonable and have fun while they’re there,” she said.

New this year will be the Toledo Zoo bringing all sorts of furry and scale-covered friends for a petting zoo and animal education every day from 6-8 p.m. The animal kingdom guests will include monkeys, porcupines, amphibians and reptiles — all touchable.

For more on the Kids’ Corner and the complete River Raisin Festival 2013 Guide, please pick up the July 3, 2013, edition of The Advance.

No millage hike in Blissfield for 2013

By Melissa Burnor

Millage rates for the village will stay the same in 2013. Blissfield village council set the millage rates for after the 2013 Truth-in- Taxation hearing at their June 24 meeting. The millage rates are determined by data received from the Lenawee County Equalization Department.

The total tax approved tax rate is 14.2215 mills. The figure includes 9.7072 mills for general operating millage and 4.5143 mills in the street millage.