After a week like we’ve all just come through, it should come as no surprise that there will be a lot of folks who are dreaming of a warm, tropical getaway, and there’s actually good news in that regard inasmuch as your friends at the Shadowland Ballroom and Silver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph are teeing up their annual Waikiki Weekend tomorrow night, Friday, February 1st and running through the weekend.
The popular Hawaiian-themed event is held jointly at the center’s Shadowland Ballroom and Silver Beach Carousel located at 333 Broad Street. The festivities are part of the city’s 15th Annual Magical Ice Fest getting underway tomorrow as well.
Suz Schalon is President of the Silver Beach Carousel Society, and she says, “We are cranking up the heat and the island music all weekend long.” She adds, “This is the happiest warming house in the city whether you are downtown looking at the ice carvings or going to Silver Beach to see nature’s creative ice formations.”
Waikiki Weekend is packed with hours of entertainment:
Friday, February 1st: Leis & Laughter Friday will run from 11 am to 5 pm at the Silver Beach Carousel. Each rider will receive a Hawaiian party lei as they board the Carousel. “Dress up” hats, giant sunglasses and more will create lots of giggles and memorable social media posts for the entire family.
The 9th Annual Fire & Ice Party takes place Friday evening in the Shadowland Ballroom from 8 pm to midnight. Party-goers for this adult-only celebration must be 18 years or older. The $10 cover includes dancing music by DJ 27 Entertainment and Hawaiian fire performers. The first 200 attendees also will get free ice cream from Fire & Ice Creamery. To learn more, visit stjoetoday.com.
Saturday, February 2nd: Hula-Hoopla Saturday will take place at the Silver Beach Carousel from 11 am to 5 pm, when all ages can challenge each other to spontaneous hula hoop spinning contests. Giveaways of ride tokens will happen throughout the day during random “prize rides.”
Two additional free events on Saturday are: “The Barefoot Hawaiian” Hula Show and Dance Lessons held in the Shadowland Ballroom at 1:30 pm and 3 pm. This professional dance troupe from Chicago will perform its 2019 hula and Polynesian dance routine as well as give free Hawaiian dance lessons to adults and children in the audience.
At 4 pm, Magician John Dudley will dazzle audiences with his illusions and magic tricks during his Tropical Magic Show in the Shadowland Ballroom.
Sunday, February 3rd: The weekend fun ends with Surfin’ Sunday at the Silver Beach Carousel from noon to 5 pm. This is a great time to ride the tropical “Lillybet” Clownfish, “Pfeffernusse” Dolphin, “Sanibel” Hippocampus/Seahorse, “Kelly” the Flamingo and the “Sea Serpent” chariot. Or take a spin on the St. Joseph Bear, the featured figure on the 2019 token available for the first time this weekend. Long-time and new collectors are encouraged to add the new token to their collections.
Suz Schalon adds that the Carousel House is a great place for Magical Ice Fest-goers to stop in and get affordable treats, too. The refreshment stand will serve frozen Dippin’ Dots, Slush Puppies, warm popcorn, fresh cotton candy, caramel corn and more during Carousel hours.
Silver Beach Carousel (circa 2010) features 48 beautifully hand-carved and hand-painted, unique figures and two chariots (one is wheelchair accessible), that whirl beneath 1,000 twinkling lights. Around the top of the carousel are 18 rounding boards that tell the area’s rich history.
The Carousel House is also home to The Brass Ring Gift Shop and the site of the Silver Beach Amusement Park diorama model, interactive displays and memorabilia. Additional family entertainment includes board games, activities and an electric miniature train layout. The third major attraction within Silver Beach Center is the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone. For more information or hours, visit www.silverbeachcarousel.com or call (269) 932-1141.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Mayo Studios in St. Joseph.
