First-ever Summerfest set for late June

The calendar may indicate it’s still March, but Shelby Township officials already have their sights set on the summer months.

Officials announced on Monday that a pair of summer favorites have been combined into a single, two-day event called Shelby Township Summerfest. The festival will feature family-friendly entertainment, activities, refreshments and a drone light show.

The event is scheduled for June 28-29 on the grounds of the municipal campus on Van Dyke Avenue, just south of 24 Mile Road. The township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the presenting sponsor.

Summerfest is the new occurrence made up of the former Summer Kick-off and the Shelby Township DDA Independence Day Celebration.

Lucia Di Cicco, a township trustee who serves on the DDA, said in a news release that Shelby Township is a “very patriotic” community that counts many veterans and active-duty families among its residents.

“It’s one of the many reasons Shelby Township is the best place to celebrate Independence Day in metro Detroit, and this year’s festivities will further cement that honor,” she said.

Summerfest includes a touch-a-truck event, strolling princesses and superheroes, face painting, magicians, and a petting zoo.

One big highlight will be a live taping of the Shelby Township TV’s award-winning “The Treehouse,” featuring special segments with host/producer Kelsey Kobylarek and her team filming science demonstrations from Mad Science of Michigan and animal encounters from Wildlife Safari.

“How many kids can say they co-starred in the nation’s best government access children’s show on their summer vacation,” said Community Relations

Director Brad Bates.

The festival’s first day ends with an outdoor movie screening under the stars. The name of the film will be released at a later date.

“Supporting the local economy on the Van Dyke Ave. corridor is our focus with everything we do, and bringing 5,000-10,000 people to our municipal campus this summer should help,” DDA Chair Greg Gagnon said.

Events for the second day include a patriotic extravaganza featuring a spectacular Macomb Symphony Orchestra live performance and done show to salute the nation’s independence. The drone light show is produced by Firefly Drone Shows.

Various food trucks will be on hand as well as a craft beer tent. Residents can browse through vendor offerings from Connect Macomb, which also offers businesses the chance to get involved by becoming a sponsor. More information is available at 586-731-5400.