St. Joseph Today says Summer may be almost over, but there are all kinds of activities ahead in downtown St. Joseph. “Everyone’s favorite fall activities are coming together during Love Local Weekend, September 17-19. Throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest, businesses will host extended shopping hours, free gift wrapping, new products, specials and a wide variety of area events!, according to St. Joseph Today Executive Director Amy Zapal.
Downtown St. Joseph will host Fall Fest from 10:00a-3:00p in Lake Bluff Park on Saturday, September 18, sponsored by RE/MAX by the Lake. Fall Fest activities in Lake Bluff Park include:
St. Joe Farmers Market | 9:00a-2:00p
Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! This event is held Saturdays in the scenic Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan.
RE/MAX by the Lake Big Balloon Walk Through | 9:00a-11:00a
Join the RE/MAX by the Lake team for a “walk through” of the partially inflated balloon! This activity will be located in the lot at the corner of Lake Blvd. and Pleasant St.
Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Pumpkin Raffle | 9:00a-2:00p
Presented by the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club from 9a to 1:45p, this fun-filled event culminates with the Great Pumpkin Raffle drawing at 2p. The first five tickets pulled win $500, $400, $300, $100 and $50. A $10 raffle ticket benefits the Benton Harbor Rotary community youth projects, including the construction and distribution of over 400 student desks to promote home learning and an outdoor STEM learning platform at the Boys & Girls Club. All tickets will be sold by 1:45p and entrants do not need to be present to win.
Critter Barn | 11:00a-3:00p
Enjoy their FARM ON THE GO! and meet the animals of Critter Barn.
Storytime with Poppy | 11:30a & 12:30p
Join Forever Books for Storytime with Poppy & Diana!
Interactive Fun in Lake Bluff Park | 11:00a-3:00p
Attendees will enjoy interactive games, crafts and/or photo opportunities with our Fall Fest vendors: RE/MAX by the Lake, Balloon Twisters, YMCA of Greater Michiana, Interact Club and Fusion Center for Dance.
Business offerings during the September Love Local Weekend include, but are not limited to: Forever Clean Soap Works hosts “On the Porch” which features a variety of area vendors on Friday and Saturday; Olive Cart offers 25% off all spice packets while supplies last; State Street Stuff offers 25% off select pantry items; Wanderlust Outfitters hosts “Kuhl PANTcakes Event” on September 18 from 10:00a-1:00p. Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal and stjoetoday.com/fallfest for more information.
The fun continues deeper into the fall and winter season. “We have a full roster of events scheduled for the last quarter of the year,” said Amy Zapal.. “Everything from the St. Joe Farmers Market and Pumpkins on Parade to Luminary, Small Business Saturday, Window Wonderland, Reindog Holiday Parade and more!”
