Mark calendars now for Day in the Village June festival  

by Erin Clifton, D.C.

The Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce is busy planning the 25th annual “A Day In the Village” (ADIV), and they couldn’t be more excited. Expect new and exciting changes in this year’s festival that will shake things up a bit.

On Friday, June 14, all ADIV activities will be in Veterans Park. Starting at p.m. a variety of family activities begin. Dance, cheerleading and clogging demonstrations will be happening on the stage (provided by Frey-Henderson Sound), along with live music throughout the evening. Local band favorite, FLYTE, will provide tunes from 7 p.m. until the start of fireworks.

New inflatables from Planet X include a thrilling laser tag game for the youngsters.

A pair of magicians will mystify crowds throughout the afternoon (Boyer’s magic balloons, brought to you by Friends of the Stockbridge Library). Always popular face painting by Dee Dee returns, and kids and parents will cheer when the winner of the Father of the Year is announced.

Judy Conklin of Juel Childcare is organizing the first time ever Superhero Kids race. Taking place on the ¼ mile track at the park, kids of all ages will run in their favorite superhero costume or cape to compete for a cute trophy. As dusk approaches on Friday, fire performers Fiend Fyre Charmers will arrive in a blaze of glory, followed by the always dazzling fireworks display. The Chamber gives a huge shout-out to Adiska Family Dental, who sponsor our fireworks every year. Bring a blanket or chair and spend the afternoon and evening with friends and family during this great community celebration.

Saturday, June 15, ALL ADIV activities are on the town square. Get your blood racing by participating, volunteering or cheering during Positively Chiropractic’s “Be Fit 5k Fun Run,” which starts at 8 a.m. Register at www.positivelychiropractic.com.

Vendor booths are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music throughout the day will be provided by various artists such as Mo’ Easy, Letha Allen, Bosco and Phil Tolliver.

Bring your cute pets and walk or carry them in our Pet Parade, organized and sponsored by Animal Blood Resources. After the awards ceremony for furry (or not furry) animal friends, Julie Glair will conduct dog training demonstrations beside the Township Square cannon.

Dee Dee the clown will keep the kids entertained from 11-3 p.m. New this year is a kid’s cool down water sprinkle area behind the township hall from 3-5 p.m. At the same time the Child ID program, run by the Masonic Lodge of Stockbridge, will be in the Township Hall.

At 5 p.m. winners of the bicycle giveaway will be announced. Children MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. A local couple, who wishes to remain anonymous, generously provides bikes year after year for the sole purpose of seeing a child’s face light up with joy when his or her name is announced. Stick around for the SRSLY movie presentation of “Willie Wonka” on the town square to conclude the festival.

Entries for our annual Baby and Toddler contest, along with essays for Father of The Year, may be mailed to P.O. Box 310, or dropped off to Abbott & Fillmore (cc: Deb Winnie) or Positively Chiropractic (cc: Dr. Erin Clifton) by the June 1 deadline. Digital Crumbs photography, Rook’s Roost photography and Farmer’s State Bank are co-sponsoring the Baby and Toddler contest this year, so get those photos submitted for a chance to win cool prizes.

Other activities include:

The Stockbridge Area Arts Council’s annual Art Show in the township hall Friday and Saturday.

The Open Air Farmers Market on the square 3-7 p.m. on Friday.

At 11 a.m. Sunday there will be a community church service on the Township Square.

A “Classic Car Cruise In” at Doug Mill’s Double Deuce Diner starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and will feature Fast Eddies Band kicking out the jams with 50’s music, Shuffle dancing, Greasers and roaring Hot Rods.

A Day in the Village offers family fun for the entire weekend. Bring Dad and the family.