A standard phrase we hear from the weather man during the summer time in Michigan’s Great Southwest is “cooler near the lake.” Well, nowhere will it be “cooler” than along the lake bluff in downtown St. Joseph on July 20th when Honor Credit Union teams up with the Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust and St. Joseph Today to present the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show there.
It will be extra cool to hang out along the bluff when that free summer event showcases classic cars all along Lake Boulevard and classic music hits spun by local DJ, Hunter Stephen.
Amy Zapal, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today, says, “Area residents and vacationers are sure to enjoy the classic cars at Friday’s event.” She adds, “But there’s lots more summer fun planned Thursday through Saturday, too, including Rock the Boat Thursday, July 19 at 5 pm.”
On Friday classic vehicles will roll in throughout the day and line up along Lake Bluff Park for public viewing. Anyone with a car 25 years or older is welcome to participate and is invited to contact Larry Pascoe at 269-757-3149 for additional information. The car show officially starts at 4 pm that day with DJ Hunter Stephen spinning classic rock and roll tunes along Lake Boulevard.
Zapal says 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 show 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. Picnics or takeout from downtown restaurants are welcome, as Zapal encourages you to, “Come ready to dance.”
Midsummer Classic events continue on July 21 with the 2018 Race for the 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 9 am to 2 pm, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will host its SummerFest Music and Microbrews Concert at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion on July 21 at 4 pm. 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.
Also that evening, visitors and residents will enjoy the Movies in the Park Series where the movie Cars 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 22, Midsummer Classic events include free horse-drawn trolley rides from 1 pm to 3 pm (weather permitting) sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation as well as two free Municipal Band Concerts, 3:30 and 7:30 pm, at the bandshell.
Zapal calls the weekend, “A wonderful way to celebrate mid-summer, whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, the downtown Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph 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 Midsummer Classic or upcoming July/August events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center or call 269-985-1111.
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of Great Lakes Drone.
