St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 19-21. The weekend kicks off with the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 19 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, July 19. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p (entrance may close before 4:00p if all spaces are filled). 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. 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. Special thanks to the SWMI Car Collectors.
The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is dedicated to the memory of St. Joseph businessman Mike Yore, the originator of a downtown classic car show and one of the founders of the legendary Venetian Festival on the St. Joseph River. Yore also was one of the first personal watercraft dealers in the area when the devices were invented in the 70s. Yore was always on the ‘cutting edge’ of whatever people were doing to create family fun.
The car show is just the beginning of this celebratory weekend downtown, as visitors and residents alike can enjoy extended shopping hours, featured menu items, and other area specials throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest. “There’s something for everyone during Love Local Weekends,” says Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. “It’s a joy to see downtown come alive with residents and visitors alike!” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list of special offers throughout the weekend!
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 19-August 30. The concert on Friday, July 19 will feature Blue Shoes (Big Band Jazz). Visit stjoetoday.com/fridaynightconcerts for a complete schedule. This series is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
On Saturday, July 20 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. 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.
On Sunday, July 21, 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 a great way to enjoy downtown St. Joseph and experience all our beautiful town has to offer,” Knapp says, “Whether it’s the fountain, beach, lighthouse, or one the many restaurants, breweries, wineries, and concerts there is something for everyone in St. Joseph.”
Catch these upcoming St. Joe Today summer events:
Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-Oct. (10:00a-5:00p)
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 25-Oct. 12 (9:00a-2:00p)
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: June 1, July 20, Aug. 17, Aug. 31 (10:00a-5:00p)
Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28 (12:00p-1:00p)
Wednesday Night Market: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28 (4:00p-8:00p)
Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 19-Aug. 30 (7:00p-8:00p)
Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 19 (4:00p-8:00p)
Chalk the Block: August 2-4 (All Weekend)
