Baroda celebrates history, future plans

BARODA — Nestled in the center of Berrien County and surrounded by beautiful and bountiful orchards and wineries, Baroda is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Southwestern Lower Michigan.

To celebrate the community’s prospering wine industry, city leaders have been hard at work for months planning an inaugural event aimed to attract people from all over Michiana.

To accomplish this goal, the village of Baroda will be hosting the first Party on the Pavers Wine and Food Festival from 3 to 8 p.m. The event will take place downtown beginning on the first block of First Street.

A small community with big aspirations, it is hoped Party on the Pavers will be a successful part of their revitalization efforts. Village of Baroda Clerk Tina Boehm explained some of the history and future hopes for Baroda.

“We have always been known as the ‘tool and die’ capital. When tool and die all went away, Baroda was empty and nearly dead and forgotten. Since then, the businesses and council in the village have worked very hard to recover, regroup and refocus,” she said. “We have a beautiful new downtown streetscape, we have new businesses coming to the area and we have since recognized that we need to focus on our agri-tourism.

Boehm said she hopes that Party on the Pavers will get people outside of the community to come and take some time and see what Baroda is all about.

“We have a very plentiful region of agriculture and vineyards in our area. We are the heart of wine country. We want to showcase that and promote all the wonderful wineries, restaurants, orchards and small businesses we have in our community,” she said.

Organizers of Party on the Pavers chose to do this event because it is what people enjoy: good food, good drinks, good music and good art.

There are nine breweries and wineries scheduled to participate. Lemon Creek Winery, Greenbush Brewery and Free Run Cellars are just three of the local vendors that will be on hand to offer samples to those 21 and older.

There will also be four local restaurants offering samples of their menus, including Outdoor Kitchen and Organic Gypsy.

Party on the Pavers will also include a local Farmers’ and Artisan Market offering homegrown produce, handmade jewelry and crafts and live music.

Zelvis-Zelvis is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m., and at 6 p.m. Slim Gypsy Baggage will take the stage.

Sponsors for this event include the Baroda Area Business Association, the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, A&J Hardware, Carson Wood Specialties, Fence Masters and the Village of Baroda.

Boehm said she hopes Party on the Pavers will become an annual celebration.

“People are very excited about this event. We are right in the heart of wine country and this is a great opportunity to show what the community of Baroda has to offer,” she said.

Boehm said there is plenty of parking with a suggested $5 donation.

Tickets for beer and wine samples will be sold on site.

For more information about Party on the Pavers, contact Tina Boehm at (269) 422-1779.