There’s only one place in the entire Great Lakes region where you can stand high atop the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan while every parking space on the boulevard is occupied by a classic or collector car and DJ Hunter Stephen is cranking out the hits this July 14th. That place is along Lake Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph when Honor Credit Union teams up with the Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust and St. Joseph Today to welcome the return of the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show to anchor the Beach Town Blast.
The free summer event showcase of classic cars, classic music and an awesome face-to-face time with friends, neighbors, and visitors alike will spring to life on the afternoon and evening of Friday, July 14th, kicking open the door onto a Beach Town Blast that will continue for the better part of the entire weekend.
Amy Zapal is Executive Director of St. Joseph Today. She is convinced that, “Area residents and vacationers are sure to enjoy the classic cars at Friday’s event.” However, she adds, “There’s lots more summer fun planned on Saturday and Sunday, too, including the Lighted Boat Parade July 15 at 10pm.”
On Friday classic vehicles will roll in throughout the day and line up along Lake Bluff Park for public viewing. Anybody with a car 25 years old or older is welcome to participate and may contact Larry Pascoe at 269-757-3149 for information. The car show officially starts at 4pm with DJ Hunter Stephen spinning classic rock and roll tunes along Lake Boulevard.
Zapal said in addition to Honor Credit Union and the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust, event sponsors include LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC and Mid-West Family Broadcasting.
Those who turn out for the event will also enjoy live music courtesy of the Friday Night Concert Series at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell that evening. Guests are encouraged to use the bench seating or bring blankets and lawn chairs. Plus, picnics or takeout from downtown restaurants are welcome. Zapal adds, “Come ready to dance!”
Beach Town Blast events continue on July 15 with the 2017 Race for YMCA 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run presented by Chemical Bank. Money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign. The St. Joseph Farmers Market will be held at Lake Bluff Park from 9am to 2pm.
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will host its SummerFest Music and Microbrews Concert at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion on both July 14th and July 15th. That event brings together some of the region’s best brews, foods and music. Ticket information and details can be found under the events section at smso.org.
Saturday evening culminates after dark with the return of the free, Lighted Boat Parade on the St. Joseph River. The theme for this year’s parade is TV shows from the 60’s and 70’s. The parade will be judged and prizes will be awarded immediately following the parade. To register a boat for the parade, boaters can contact Pier 1000 Marina at 269- 927-4771.
Also that evening, visitors and residents will enjoy the Movies in the Park Series where the movie Moana will play on the big screen at Whirlpool Centennial Park. The movie begins at dusk and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
On Sunday, July 18th, Beach Town Blast events include two free Municipal Band Concerts at 3:30 and 7:30pm at the bandshell. Zapal says the entire weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate mid-summer, noting, “Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, the downtown Fishing for Fun Public Art exhibit, the movie in the park, our local wineries and breweries, or a little bit of everything, there is something for everyone!”
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and its surrounding communities. For more information about the Beach Town Blast or upcoming July/August events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center or call 269-985-1111.
