With the Youth Fair wrapped for another year and back to school shopping high on the priority list, a sense of melancholy can tend to creep into the old psyche in the waning days of summer, but the crew in downtown St. Joseph is doing everything it can to keep the summer vacation spirit alive right up through Labor Day. The community has planned a series of fun activities for all ages August 31st-through-September 3rd.
Amy Zapal is Executive Director of St. Joseph Today. She says, “It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph,” and adds, “Come back and visit us for one more weekend of summer fun! Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, local wineries and breweries, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, or the downtown Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph Public Art exhibit, there is something for everyone!”
The weekend’s activities kick off with a free, outdoor concert on August 31st at 7:30 pm at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell overlooking the St. Joseph River. Concert sponsor The Boulevard Inn & Bistro will bring Summer Reunion to wow concert goers with their classic rock.
On Saturday, visitors can get an up-close look at the sailboats that have raced from Chicago in the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta. They can then go to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park to bring home fresh-picked apples, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, cheeses, bottles of wine, late summer fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, made-from-scratch pies, fresh cut flowers and much more. The market is open 9 am to 2 pm.
From 10 am to 5 pm along the bluff, regional artisans and crafters will share their talent at the Lake Bluff Artisan Faire. Visitors can also shop and dine in downtown St. Joseph or play on several family-friendly beaches.
On Sunday, early risers can send off the sailboats as they race to Indiana. Then from 10 am to 5 pm, more than 50 vendors will showcase their treasures at Antiques on the Bluff. Additionally, music enthusiasts can also enjoy the season’s last Municipal Band concerts at 3:30 and 7:30 pm on Sunday and Monday at the Howard Bandshell. Free, horse-drawn trolley rides sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation will entertain all ages from 11 am to 2 pm (weather permitting).
Zapal says the fun doesn’t stop after Labor Day weekend. “Later in September, we will host a Fall Festival weekend to celebrate autumn, which includes family fun activities in the daytime followed by a 21 and over event, Roots & Brews, in the evening.” She adds, “St. Joseph is really a destination for year-round fun! In addition to the many spring and summer events, fall and winter are also jammed packed with fun for all ages. Meet me in St. Joseph – Explore all four seasons!”
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market, a Tri-State Regatta sailor takes a hard-earned nap before embracing the fun in downtown St. Joseph at last year’s race.
