ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — It will be extra cool to hang out along the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, on July 17 when Honor Credit Union, the Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust and St. Joseph Today present the Mike Yore Memorial Car & Music Show. This free summer event showcases classic cars along Lake Boulevard and groovy concerts at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell from 4 to 11 p.m.

“Area residents and vacationers are sure to enjoy the classic cars and music lineup at Friday’s event,” said Jill Stone, executive director at St. Joseph Today. “But there’s lots more summer fun planned on Saturday and Sunday, too, including the return of our Lighted Boat Parade July 18 at 10 p.m.”

Stone said on Friday, classic vehicles would 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 may contact Larry Pascoe at (269) 757-3149 for information. The car show officially starts at 4 p.m. with DJ “Rockin’ Randy” Poole spinning classic rock and roll tunes along Lake Boulevard.

Event attendees will also enjoy live music overlooking the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell that evening. Guests are encouraged to use the bench seating or bring blankets and lawn chairs for the grassy knoll. Picnics or takeout from downtown restaurants are welcome.

“Come ready to dance,” Stone said.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with Bud Light, microbrews from The Livery and Round Barn and wines by Tabor Hill and Round Barn Winery available for purchase. The popular, high-energy dance band, Top Secret Band, performs at 7:15 p.m. and George Bedard & The Kingpins, credited with being among the best rockabilly pickers in the nation, will bring the audience to its feet starting at 9:15 p.m.

Stone said in addition to Honor Credit Union and the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust managed by the Neumann Financial Group of Hilliard Lyons, event sponsors include Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, Tyler Honda and Brookfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Summer Celebration events continue on July 18 with the 2015 Race for 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 offering locally grown food will be held at Lake Bluff Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will host its SummerFest Music and Microbrews Concert at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion from 4 to 10 p.m.

This event, held on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, 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.

The evening culminates after dark with the return of the free, Lighted Boat Parade on the St. Joseph River. The parade will be judged and prizes awarded for this 80s themed contest. To register a boat for the parade, boaters can contact Pier 1000 Marina at (269) 927-4771.

Also that evening, visitors and residents will enjoy the Movies in the Park Series where “Frozen” 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 19 Summer Celebration events include two free Municipal Band Concerts, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., at the band shell. Stone said when families add in the city’s beaches, a great selection of downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain and downtown Splishin’ and a Splashin’ outdoor art exhibit, everyone will return home feeling great after their mid-summer time together here.

 

St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about the Summer Celebration or upcoming July/August events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center or call (269) 985-1111.