Three decades of A Day in the Village have celebrated the coming of summer
by Tina Cole-Mullins
When it’s Father’s Day weekend, school’s out and temperatures warm up, it’s time to get out and celebrate.
For three decades, Stockbridge’s annual A Day in the Village has enabled families and friends to gather together for fun, food and festivities in town. This year, the festival marks a special anniversary.
“The 2024 A Day in the Village is our 30th year,” said Mike Klimkiewicz, of the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC). The chamber sponsors the annual event, held each year on the Friday and Saturday before Father’s Day.
The festival begins this year on Friday, June 14, and will continue Saturday, June 15.
“A variety of food, festivities and fun can be found for the entire family between the park and the Town Square in Stockbridge,” Klimkiewicz said.
Friday evening’s entertainment is a local favorite with classic rock band Flyte, beginning at 7 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park.
The Father of the Year Award will be presented at 9 p.m. Friday, followed by fireworks sponsored by the Stockbridge DDA.
Saturday’s events at the Town Square and Veterans Memorial Park include kids’ inflatables, Peddle Pullers, belly dancers, balloon guys and food vendors. A street party will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday on Elizabeth Street. The band Renegade will be featured.
SAAC Art Show coincides with A Day in the Village
Another popular attraction of the festival is the annual A Day in the Village Art Show sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Arts Council (SAAC). In the show, local artists can display their work and compete for awards and cash prizes.
SAAC is accepting entry applications for A Day in the Village Art Show 2024. Entry deadline is June 10; artwork must be delivered to the Stockbridge Township Hall on June 13 (from 3-7pm). If you participated as an artist in 2023, you should receive a letter and application by email. Application forms are available at the Stockbridge Library and also can be dropped off there. A small fee of $10 will allow for up to four entries by an artist.
The artwork will be on display from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, and from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, June 15, in the Stockbridge Township Hall. Awards and cash prizes will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday for first, second, and third place in fine arts and photography categories. In addition, a cash prize for People’s Choice will be awarded based on votes cast by visitors to the show.
The Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce is key to organizing A Day in the Village. According to Klimkiewicz, “Our SACC future looks great and we’re considering many new innovative ideas to help Chamber members in the upcoming year.” In addition to Klimkiewicz, the SACC board includes Carrie Graham as vice president and Shannon Sandecki, Donnie Anderson, and Andrea Place.
The SACC is looking for volunteers with additional ideas or suggestions for A Day in the Village or to join the committee. Contact Mike Klimkiewicz by calling 734-648-6111, or stop in most evenings at the Stockbridge Bowl, stockbridgebowl@gmail.com.
