DEERFIELD — Harley G. Sharrock, age 75, of Deerfield died Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. He was born December 21, 1938 in Ypsilanti to Lester and Helena (Perry) Sharrock. On October 18, 1961, in Monroe he married Gaynell Witt and she survives. Harley was a graduate of Deerfield High School. He worked in management with Seaway Food Town from 1960-2000. Harley was a former School Board President and served on the Parish Counsel at Light of Christ Catholic Parish (St. Alphonsus). His favorite pastimes included playing cards, bowling and watching his beloved Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. Harley had a love for gardening, animals and flowers and he enjoyed playing softball and held the position of coach for the Iott Insurance softball team. Harley truly embraced life and was at his happiest surrounded by family and friends. In addition to his wife, Gaynell, Harley is survived by his children, Shellie (Rob) Iott, and Roxanne Sharrock both of Adrian and Harley “Jason” (Tracey) Sharrock of Sand Creek; a sister, Delores (Tom) Denniss of Petersburg; seven grandchildren, Ashley and Jake Snyder, Jason, Rebecca, Samantha, Hailey and Harley Sharrock and two step-grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; his aunt, Carrie Wandt of Deerfield; and two sisters-in-law, Floryann Sharrock of Deerfield and Cathy Sharrock of Trevor, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Marvin and Sherman Sharrock and a granddaughter, Rachelle Ann. Harley’s family would like to especially thank nurse’s Nancy McKenzie and Cindi Young for the excellent care that was given to him. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service for Harley was at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Light of Christ Catholic Parish (St. Alphonsus), Deerfield with Fr. Jack Loughran as celebrant. Visitation was on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com .
Month: July 2014
Richard Delzeith
Richard Delzeith Richard Theodore Delzeith, Jr, 59, passed away June 6, 2014. Rick was born to Richard “Ted” Delzeith, Sr., and Mildred Delzeith July 21, 1954. After graduation from Blissfield High School in 1972, he attended Grand Valley State College. Rick spent much of his life as a tradesman, making his living in the vinyl siding installation business in Southeastern Michigan and Northwestern Ohio. He was a very creative person, adding his touches to many residential properties and making many a vinyl starburst which graced the front roofline of many area homes. He loved fishing, collecting and tinkering. His survivors are children William (Mollie Monroe) Delzeith, Toledo; his daughter Lauren Delzeith, Adrian; his father Ted, Punta Gorda, Florida; sisters Becky (Brian) Tejkl, Liberty Center, Ohio; Sarah (Ron) Rudland, Jackson, Michigan; Lisa (Mike) Jordan, Clarklake, Michigan; Anne (Rick) Ryan, Sylvania, Ohio; many nieces and nephews, as well as his former wife Lisa Wilkie, Adrian. He was predeceased by his mother Mildred and his youngest son Tom. Cremation has taken place. A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.
Townsend Porter Sr.
Townsend Porter Sr. Townsend Henry Porter, Sr., known to his family and friends as Tom, he was born in Blissfield, on September 26,1918, the son of Stanley Porter and Ethel Loar Porter. He had three siblings, Merland “Mike” Porter, Carroll “Ike” Porter, and Faith Porter Bohs. He passed away at age 95, on June 5, 2014, in Sarasota, Florida, which was his home with Betty for the last 12 years. He is survived by his wife Betty Jane Girard Porter, his son Townsend “Tom” Porter, and his son David Porter. He was also blessed with a large and caring extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Ann Porter McCullough. Tom’s career as a chemist spanned 55 years, and included research, production, and sales of polyurethanes and fine chemicals. The majority of his career was spent with Anderson Development Company, of Weston, and subsequently Adrian. Tom enjoyed gardening, raising roses, reading, and traveling with Betty. He was affectionately known to the family as “Mr. Fix It”. We, as a family, are incredibly blessed to have had such a caring and gentle individual as our patriarch. We believe, as does everyone who ever met him, that the world is a better place for his having been here. He will be an inspiration and a guiding light to the end of our days.
Cecil Marsh
RIGA — Cecil Eldene Marsh was born the 1st of March, 1933, in Adrian, and was relieved of his fight with cancer the 11th of June, 2014 at Provincial House in the care of Hospice of Lenawee and surrounded by his family and the caring staff. He proudly served his country as Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict where he earned the National Defense, Korean Service and the United Nations Service medals. He was always proud of his service and spoke highly of anyone who had served. On Christmas Day in 1958 he wed the love of his life, Jacqueline Faust, in Toledo, Ohio. They were married for 51 wonderful years, and she preceded him in death on the 14th of March, 2010. He was also preceded in death by an infant son and several siblings, his parents and step-parents. He is survived by his two daughters, Phyllisanne (David) Southard of Riga and Kimberly (Jeff) Burgess of Adrian; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren who love and will miss him dearly; and several siblings in Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Countless others who knew him as “Gabby” will also miss him. He could play nearly any musical instrument he picked up and loved holding country and bluegrass jam sessions with his friends and neighbors. His dream was to one day perform for the Grand Ol’ Opry. At his request, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the donor’s charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.
Byron Cluckey Jr.
Byron A. Cluckey, Jr., passed away on June 7, 2014, in Prescott, Arizona. Byron was born in Petersburg, Michigan, on May 8, 1930, to Byron A. Cluckey, Sr., and Marie (Barry) Cluckey. His family moved from Petersburg, Michigan in 1940. Byron graduated from W.K. Kellogg High School in Nashville, Michigan, and joined the U.S. Navy in 1949. Byron proudly served on the USS Sicily CVE 118 during the Korean War, earning the Korean Medal, UN Medal three Bronze Stars and the Navy Unit Citation. After discharge from the navy, Byron attended El Camino College in Torrence, California from 1953 to 1955 earning an Associate Degree in Engineering. After college Byron was employed at Northrup Air Craft in California. In 1956 Byron returned to Michigan and joined the Michigan State Police in May 1957. He served at posts in Battle Creek, Bad Axe, Blissfield and Adrian, Michigan. He retired from the Michigan State Police in 1988, and joined the Village Police Department in Blissfield, Michigan, retiring from that department in 1994. Byron and his wife, JoAnn, moved to Arizona in 1994, living in Cottonwood, Arizona, and moving to Prescott Valley, Arizona, area in 1997. Byron enjoyed his family reunions, flying radio control airplanes and taking trips with his wife JoAnn, on their Honda Aspencade and with their RV. One of their favorite areas to visit was the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and their cruise to Alaska. Byron is survived by his wife, JoAnn, of 30 years. He is also survived by three children: Byron A. Cluckey III (Karen) of Plainfield, Ill.; Laura S. Sconyers (Dan) of Merritt Island, Fla.; and David Cluckey of Adrian, Michigan. He is survived by two stepsons, Jeff Davis and Chris Davis, and four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is predeceased by three brothers, Lawrence B. Cluckey, Robert Cluckey, Dale Cluckey and two sisters, Evelyn McGuire and June Duncan. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, Michigan.
Ida Adams
Ballston Lake, NY — Ida M. Adams, 79, of Meridian Lane, died on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York, following a long illness. She was born on February 1, 1935 in Adrian, Mich., and was the daughter of the late Sherman O. and Nellie E. (Stevens) Clough. Mrs. Adams had lived in Ballson Lake since 1971 and was formerly of Adrian. She taught in the Schenectady School District for many years. Mrs. Adams had attended the Ballson Lake Baptist Church since the late 1970s and formerly served as one of the church’s instrumentalists. She also enjoyed traveling. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur Adams; step-mother of Amey Louise Adams, Andrienne Jean Hall, Arthur David Adams and the late Andrea Joan Adams; sister of the late Ralph D. Clough, Robert Clough, Eleanor (Paul) Brigham and Venus (Roy) Etter. Ida is also survived by several caring friends form her church and community. Private burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Memorial contributions may be made in Ida’s memory to the Ballston Lake Baptist Church. Location arrangements were handled by Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com
Salt brining of roads topic of Palmyra Twp. special meeting
PALMYRA — Due to recent public comment and question on application of salt brining on Palmyra Township roads, a special meeting was held to discuss the issue Tuesday, July 15. With the summer season progressing and the fall season creeping up, the Palmyra Township board examined the benefits of applying salt brine to roads in the township. Treasurer Dale Terry said the application of salt brine to the road, especially on gravel, allows the gravel to harden up, hold together and makes it less possible for flying road debris and dust. The application is also effective during and before the winter months to combat possible snow and ice hazards. Palmyra Township Supervisor Jim Isley said he made contact with Mission Chloride Sales (MCS) to discuss options and costs of salt brine applications as compared to estimates provided by the county. The contract price from MCS totaled $11,626.75 with the county going $12,182. According to township clerk Angie Koester, the county’s list of road repairs has Palmyra as one of the bottom townships on the list in need of repairs. “We’re lower on the list,” Koester said. “I have mixed feelings on it.” Terry said that the application and scraping are quite necessary if the township wants to have it completed before summer departs. “Time is the essence on this project if we do it,” he said. After further discussion among the board members and audience member Jim Leonard, Trustee Steve Papenhagen made a motion to approve a contract with the road commission. Terry supported the motion on the basis of the county scraping the road and the township paying for the scrape out of their maintenance funds. “It’s their ball game,” Terry said. As more discussion ensued before a vote on the Papenhagen motion, Isley said he had sent an email to MCS on Friday, July 11, inquiring about proper brining procedure. A Monday morning response to the email by the company said they would start scraping Tuesday morning. Terry and Leonard both said they saw workers scraping by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, despite the township never actually requesting the scrape be done. “It would be interesting to see what they would have done if we had turned this down since they already began the scrape,” Papenhagen said. Following discussion, the vote on the Papenhagen motion was carried 3-2 with Isley and trustee Perry Pooley voting no on the county’s contract. Isley said that he would get in contact with the county regarding more questions pertaining to the project. The current total the township would need to pay at the start of the project is $4,263.96. In other Palmyra Township news:
• Two millages are slated to be on the August primary ballot. One four-year, one-mill renewal on the ballot for the funding of the Palmyra Township Fire Department on a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000 will create an increase of $50 per year for that taxpayer. Millage number two supports the upkeep and maintenance of the U.S. 223 cemetery in the township and is a .2-mill, two-year levy. On a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000, the added tax comes out to about $10 per year.
• At the regularly scheduled July 10 meeting, resident Norma Clement expressed concerns with the burning of trash in the village areas of the township. Pooley motioned that Isley create a letter for village residents that describes the Michigan State burning regulations and have it sent to their homes. Terry supported the motion with both Isley and fire Chief Paul Rohlan needing to sign the document. The Pooley motion carried.
• Repairs to the annex roof of the fire hall community room was put in motion by Papenhagen. Terry supported the motion with a contract from Mission Home Improvement to replace the roof per a quote of $1,200. The motion was unanimously approved.
‘Fun on the Farm’ as town meets country for 31st Annual River Raisin Festival
When approaching the 31st Annual Blissfield River Raisin Festival, be sure to take in the surrounding farmland where the corn will be just about ready to tassel and the wheat will be harvested leaving golden fields, if all is going according to schedule at festival time July 9-12.
And if you think farm life looks fun … plan to have a lot of “Fun on the Farm!” at the 2014 festival. The festival gets a head start with a sand sculpture sponsored by Blissfield Insurance Agency depicting a surprise theme starting to take shape on Tuesday, then the carnival opening Wednesday evening.
By Thursday night, the tractors will be rolling in for a Tractor Show in Ellis Park and the classic cars and bikes will be parking in downtown Blissfield for a Town and Country Fun Night! There will even be a Hoedown on the Pavilion Stage with line dancing and square dancing throughout the evening. And pie-eaters … be sure to sign up for a pie-eating contest Saturday featuring Beckey’s Kountry Kitchen homemade pies!
Two glorious nights of fireworks are being presented by Adrian and Blissfield Rail Road Co. and the Old Road Dinner Train, which ought to be chugging into station from their weekend evening cruises as the big show overhead lights up the Friday and Saturday night skies, July 11 and 12. 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 improve each year. 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 “Fun on the Farm!” is such an obvious one that some committee members thought it had been used before. But no! Blissfield — even its name says “agriculture” — was founded smack dab in the middle of what has become some of the best farmland in the tri-state area. The corn grows tall and lush, the wheat bends with heavy heads, and the soybeans bush out almost waist-high, not to mention the vegetables and fruits grown in the area. A newRiver Raisin Festival Market Place is planned all week, sponsored by Green Plains Energy, which makes ethanol just east of the village. Festival-goers can buy home-grown produce and hand-made items in the farmers’ market, which includes crafters. It’s not too late to be a displayer. Go to www.blissfield.net for more details on setting up a booth!
Wednesday, July 8
A NEW DESIGN! Giant Sand Sculpture
Ohio sand sculptor Roger Powell, who started a tradition in 1999 with a simple sand sculpture which has become an annual tradition in his home town of Findlay, Ohio, will begin transforming an enormous pile of sand into a work of art reflective of the theme. Thank Blissfield Insurance Agency and Pioneer State Mutual for sponsoring this year’s unique creation. The design will take shape throughout the week. For more, see www.Walkingon Common Ground.com.
Carnival
Even before the carnival rolls into Blissfield with its colorful array of top-notch thrill rides and children’s rides, games and concessions, the festival will be selling reduced-rate presale, unlimited, one-day ride tickets for $15 (normal all-day ride rates are $20; these are good any day of the carnival) at Borchardt Brothers Market and The Advance in Blissfield in an effort to provide breaks for families who wish to entertain their children at affordable prices in a challenging economy. Presale ends at noon Wednesday. The carnival opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday with an exciting midway featuring everything from thrill rides to children’s rides for tots, along with games and concessions.
Thursday, July 10
TOWN & COUNTRY NIGHT! NEW! Tractor Show in the Park Anyone with a tractor is invited to drive in starting at 4 p.m. to the Ellis Park side of the River Raisin (enter from the Pearl Street entrance) and display your classics as well as the latest-and-greatest models of farming equipment. NO entry fee! Just be prepared for a lot of looking and swapping of stories!
Car & Bike Show Downtown
The Blissfield River Raisin Festival Car and Bike Show has NO entry fee! By moving the event into Blissfield’s downtown, organizer Mike Ennis is hoping to attract the largest number of classic, antique, unique and souped-up vehicles and motorcycles ever! Lots of door prizes will be awarded . For details, please visit www.blissfield.net or contact Mike Ennis at mennis29@frontier.com or 734-755-5593. Registration starts at 4p.m.
Carnival
The carnival will open at 5 p.m. with concessions, rides and games for all ages. All-you-can ride for $15 on this night only or with presale bracelets for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, all-you-can ride will be $20 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Giant Sand Sculpture Check in on Roger Powell’s progress as the sand sculpture, sponsored by Blissfield Insurance Agency and Pioneer State Mutual, begins to really take shape.
BACK AGAIN!! Bingo! The Blissfield Athletic Boosters will open their pavilion (white Rotary Pavilion in Ellis Park, east side of river near the baseball field) will be calling the letters and numbers from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and from 3-10 p.m. Saturday.
Three Stages of Entertainment get the ball rolling The Tugboat Stage sponsored by D&P Cable, in Kids’ Corner opens with My Adventure Theater, an interactive theater experience with costumed characters who will be roaming the park and presenting onstage throughout the evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Princess Walk, “Fun on the Farm Jr.” begins at 6 p.m. Thursday on the Pavilion Stage in Bachmayer Park. Girls 3-12 will be onstage with the Miss River Raisin Festival Pageant contestants and Miss River Raisin Festival Nicole Miller. Each will be crowned!
It’s a Hoedown!
Dance the night away on the Pavilion Stage. Professional squares caller and line-dancing, too. Something for all! Kids’ Corner The fun begins in Kids’ Corner with Lowe’s providing a make-and-take project. There will be picnic games, crafts and activities by local churches, pedal tractor races, stick pony races and more — ALL FREE! The Kelly’s Inflatables will be ready for more bouncing and laughter. And the Toledo Zoo will be there with animals each night from 6-8 p.m.
Festival Marketplace!
Concessions, vendors, crafters and more What’s a farm-themed festival without a farmers’ market? A new Farmers’ Market sponsored by Green Plains Renewable Energy will present the best in homegrown and handmade! Anyone interested in displaying should visit www.blissfieldadvance.com for information! Many booths will be open with fun festival foods and festive goods on Thursday night, with more arriv ing
Friday. Friday, July 11
Three Stages of Entertainment
The Tugboat sponsored by D&P Cable, in the Kids’ Corner, opens at 4:30 p.m. on the west side of the river with the Wannabees, with fun career inspiration for preschoolers with costumed real-life characters such as a policeman, doctor, construction person, etc., and a second show at 6:30 p.m. Joel Tacey of Tip Top Entertainment will have shows at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. He juggles, he works his magic, he walks on stilts, he’s funny and kids of all ages love him. Watch for him stilt-walking around the park! Over on the Dockside Deck, located at the east side of the footbridge, enjoy Stephen E. Woodley and Suburban Soul from 7-10 p.m.. They play a little of everything and really get the crowd going.
The 20th Annual Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Pageant begins at 6 p.m. on the Pavilion Stage in Bachmayer Park. This is the only Miss America local pageant for Lenawee County. The 19 former titleholders have been invited back for the show to see the 20th Miss River Raisin Festival crowned. The newly crowned Miss Michigan will be featured along with seven contestants from all over Lenawee County — Olivia Miller of Riga, Danielle Johnson of Adrian, Emily Wolfe of Blissfield, Devon Layman of Blissfield, Jocelyn Near of Adrian, Mikayla Humphries of Adrian and Grace Demerath of Clinton — and Nicole Miller, who was crowned a year ago as Miss River Raisin Festival 2013. Miller was named first runner-up at the recent Miss Michigan 2014 pageant in Muskegon.
Former Miss River Raisin Festival Rachel Wandell will emcee. It is hoped that the program will reach the $100,000-mark this year in total scholarships awarded through the 20 years. Borchardt Brothers Market is the event sponsor once again this year, and major scholarship sponsors are Knapp Motors, Blissfield Rotary, Ogden Communications, Blissfield Coney Island, and Yeutter & Associates (as of press time; more are being sought), as well as individual contributors. The winner will represent Lenawee County at Miss Michigan in June 2015.
Bingo
The Blissfield Athletic Boosters will be calling the numbers from 5-9 p.m. Full Swing The festival is indeed in full swing on Friday, July 11, with concessions, merchant vendors, arts and crafts and the carnival all going full-tilt all evening long. Lines are long for elephant ears, homemade lemonade and all sorts of festival food on Friday night. The Kids’ Corner activities get underway, too, with Kelly’s Inflatables back for a lot of bouncy fun! The Toledo Zoo will have different animals children can see and touch, too! Softball Tournament The annual River Raisin Festival softball tournament begins at 6 p.m. Friday and lasts through Saturday. Please see www.blissfield.net to register your team for this marathon event.
FIREWORKS sponsored by Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road Co. and The Old Road Dinner Train!!
Fireworks are the biggest draw during the Blissfield River Raisin Festival in July. On Friday night of the annual party on the River Raisin, vehicles are parked in every lot and on just about every street in the village for the kabooms and sparkling display over the river and parks. Just look up! Enjoy the Friday night’s display from wherever you choose as it will be just as spectacular as in past years, thanks to the premiere sponsorship provided by Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road Co., and The Old Road Dinner Train which has generously agreed to again sponsor both nights of the fireworks shows. Please thank them!
Saturday, July 12
Festival Parade
Entries are still being accepted for the big River Raisin Festival “Fun on the Farm!” Parade sponsored by United Bank and Trust and Green Plains Renewable Energy, which begins at 10:30 a.m. For details and entry form, please see www.blissfield.net and register your parade unit. The parade begins at Blissfield Community Schools, proceeds down Lane Street into the downtown, turns onto U.S. 223 , and then heads back to the school via Depot Street. Shriners units, farm equipment, clowns, marching bands, queens, floats, tractors, classic cars, emergency vehicles and more make a parade that usually lasts at least 45 minutes. Bring your chairs and come early for the best seats. Bring your parade unit and get right in the middle of the fun!
NEW! Pie-eating Contest
If you love Beckey’s Country Kitchen homemade pies, show how fast you can eat one at this new event, specially created for the “Fun on the Farm!” theme. There will be a category for adults with apple pies and smaller cream pies for the kids. Pre-entry is greatly encouraged and there is a small entry fee to help cover the cost of cash prizes! See www.blissfieldadvance.com for details. Limited walk-ups will be accepted, based on how many pies are available after pre-registration. Look for this on the west side of the River, near the Pavilion Stage. Time is 2 p.m. Saturday.
Bingo
The Blissfield Athletic Boosters will host Bingo from 3-9 p.m. Enjoy a shady spot and some competition!
Antique Tractor Pulls
The always-popular antique tractors pull in the pulling area on the west side of Bachmayer Park Saturday afternoon. Carnival It’s a big day at the carnival Saturday as kids ride all day and into the evening.
Pavilion Stage
Featuring calypso, Caribbean and jazz music, the ever-popular 21st Century Steel Band — a perennial festival favorite — returns to the Pavilion Stage at noon. “Michael Kernahan’s 21st Century Steel Orchestra is Miami’s strongest link to the steel pan music of Trinidad and Tobago. Kernahan, a Trinidad native who builds the pans (more commonly known as steel drums) he plays, has put together an ensemble that numbers as many as 40, though he plays with more manageable groups at local venues. “They’re the leading steel pan band in South Florida,” says Stephen Stuempfle, curator of the South Florida Historical Museum and a steel pan scholar. The music has roots in the Caribbean, but before that, Africa — though much of it consists of adaptations of jazz and calypso standards.” The 21st Century Steel band will also perform downtown during the parade at 10:30 a.m. Expression through Dance, a Blissfield dance studio, attracts a big crowd every year. This year at 2:30 p.m., be sure to see the show Brandi Archer’s dancers have in store. This is a colorful theatrical-type production each year, so be sure to check it out. At 4:30 p.m., teen heartthrob TJ Craven, who sings the music of Dean Martin, Elvis, Johnny Cash, John Michael and more, will perform. Last year, the young entertainer with the fantastic voice drew a huge crowd to enjoy his vast repertoire of standards. A Saturday night concert and dance sponsored by Blissfield State Bank will feature Detroit’s favorite country rock band, The Taylor Tucky Band. The band will perform from 8 to 11:30 p.m. So grab your supper, sit in the bleachers or in the shade and settle in for their unique sound. They bring an unbelieveable playlist to Blissfield as Saturday’s evening show. There are benches and bleachers, but you may want to bring a comfortable lawn chair for this one!
Kids’ Corner
Families! Don’t miss Saturday in Kids Corner,where there will be picnic games, crafts and activities by local churches, pedal tractor races, stick pony races and more — ALL FREE! The Kelly’s Inflatables will be ready for more bouncing and laughter. There will be a visit from the Toledo Zoo animals, and much, much more. Have talented kids? Enter the Kidtastic Talent Show at 5 p.m.
Tugboat Stage
On the Tugboat Stage, sponsored by D&P Cable, the fun begins with The Huckleberry Hounds and Therapy Dogs dog show! Paul McCormack and his Classroom Critters will take the stage at 2 p.m. Children will have a chance to meet (and sometimes even hold or pet) all sorts of animals, possibly including large snakes, rose tarantulas, Amazon tree frogs, chinchillas and more. Mr. McCormack talks about and demonstrates certain abilities and adaptations of the animals that help them survive in their habitat, helping to instill in children the same wonderment and awe that he feels for the animals. Kids will love a Puppet Sing Along with Brian and Friends which brings family music to the stage at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Kidtastic Talent Show
At 5 p.m., talented local kids will perform their dances, song and other acts in the non-competitive Kidtastic Talent Show. Please visit www.blissfield.net for details on participating. The show is on the Tugboat Stage and gives all children a chance to show their talents in a warm and friendly environment.
Dockside Deck
Kelly Pace will bring a country sound with lead vocals and guitar to the Dockside Deck beginning at 11:30 a.m. Starting at 2:30 p.m., Stephen E. Woodley will appear solo after performing Friday with his band. Mystic Word is the evening’s entertainment. This musical group will begin playing at 6:30 p.m. and entertain until just before the fireworks show.
Sand Sculpture
Don’t miss the sand sculpture on this final day of the festival. Meet sculptor Roger Powell and take some photos before it turns to sand again! Sponsored by Blissfield Insurance Agency/Pioneer State Mutual.
Merchant Vendors, Arts and Crafts
Do a little early Christmas or birthday gift shopping, or look for things for yourself and your home. A great variety of quality items will be offered this year in the park. If you don’t want to carry your purchases around, stop by and “check” them at the festival headquarters tent, next to the arch bridge on the Ellis Park side.
Marathon Softball Tournament
The annual River Raisin Festival softball tournament continues and concludes Saturday night. Please see www.blissfield.net to register your team for this marathon event.
FIREWORKS sponsored by Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road Co. and The Old Road Dinner Train!!
And at dusk, just look up from wherever you are because a second phenomenal Colonial Fireworks show will celebrate our 31st year with a bang and a great aerial display. Without sponsor Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road Co. and The Old Road Dinner Train these shows would not be possible. We thank them! Wherever you are, just look up and enjoy!
DIRECTORY!For a directory of festival contacts as well as a schedule, stop at festival headquarters on the east side of the bridge. T-shirts will be available
- The Adrian and Blissfield Rail Road Co. and The Old Road Dinner Train are presenting two nights of fireworks for the Blissfield River Raisin Festival – Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12.
at headquarters all weekend (on the east side of the footbridge). To register for any of these events or for more details as they unfold, visit www.blissfield.net for registration forms and contact numbers.