St. Joe Today is inviting the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 14-16. The weekend kicks off with the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 14 from 4:00p-8:00p in downtown St. Joe. Step back in time and enjoy over 150 vintage cars lined up along Lake Boulevard as DJ Mark Durocher spins classic hits.
Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1:00p on Friday. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p. Please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. After parking, all participants are asked to register the day of the event between 4:00p-6:00p at the Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street.
The Car Show honors the memory of Mike Yore, a downtown St. Joseph businessman and enthusiastic booster of Summer events in the city. Yore owned an antique store downtown and was one of the founders of the ‘Venetian Festival on the St. Joseph River’ more than 40 years ago. Yore enjoyed restoring and showing vintage vehicles and chaired the Car Show in its early years.
For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union, Pier 33 and Edward J. Todd. Special thanks to the SWMI Car Collectors.
That is just the beginning of this celebratory weekend, as visitors and residents alike can enjoy extended shopping hours, featured menu items, and other area specials throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest.
“Love Local Weekends are jam-packed with summer fun,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joe Today. “It’s so fun to see both residents and visitors take part in all the festivities and specials.” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list of all that our various stores and restaurants offer.
The July Love Local Weekend also marks the return of the Friday Night Concert Series. This free, hour-long concert series will be held weekly at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell from 7:00p-8:00p, July 14-September 1. The concert on Friday, July 14 will feature Blue Shoes (Big Band Jazz). Visit stjoetoday.com/fridaynightconcerts for a complete schedule. This series is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro with support provided by: The John & Dede Howard Endowments held at the Berrien Community Foundation.
On Saturday, July 15 the Love Local Weekend continues with the Race for YMCA 5K/10K presented by the YMCA of Greater Michiana held at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum at 8:30a. Money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. That same morning, head over to Lake Bluff Park for two events – the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9:00a to 4:00p (extended hours) and the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair from 10:00a-5:00p. St. Joe Farmers Market vendors will hand out a limited quantity of free market tote bags; first come, first serve. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket and stjoetoday.com/artisanfair. While you stroll the bluff, swing by the Krasl Art Center (KAC) for their Summer Art Market on the Green from 10:00a-5:00p to shop more local artisans on the KAC grounds. KAC has indoor and outdoor exhibitions on view during their event.
Saturday evening, stop by the Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion and listen to the sounds of music as the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra performs “Ella and Gershwin on the Shore” at 6:30p, gates open at 5:30p. Ticket information and details can be found at smso.org.
That same night, visitors and residents can watch a showing of The Rookie as part of the City of St. Joseph’s Summer Movie Series. The film will begin at 7:30p at Dickinson Park. Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.
On Sunday, July 17, the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7:00p. “Love Local is the perfect way to celebrate the summer season,” Zapal says, “There are breweries, concerts, vineyards, beaches, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, local businesses, and the breathtaking lighthouse and piers–there’s something for everyone in Southwest Michigan.”
