Party on the Pavers

Published 12:04 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Submitted photo.

Submitted photo.

BARODA, Mich. — It’s time for another round of summer revelry in downtown Baroda, Michigan, where the second annual Party on the Pavers brings local food, drink and live music from 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15.

After a turnout of 1,500 guests in the event’s 2014 premier, the Baroda Area Business Association aims for a strong follow-up in hosting this year’s festivities.

“We have 11 different wine and beer vendors,” said Tina Boehm, Clerk at the Village of Baroda. “Plus local food vendors, as well as a great line-up of live music.”

Alligator Blackbird, a band formed in South Bend, Indiana, leads the musical acts at 3 p.m. South Haven’s Jared Knox follows at 5 p.m. and the Northwest Indiana-formed Crawpuppies take to the stage at 7:15 p.m., so visitors can enjoy a host of delectables and refreshments to accompanying entertainment throughout the day.

Learning from last year’s event, BABA plans additions to make the festival more accommodating than its predecessor.

“We have added staging, tents and covered seating,” Boehm said. “We have also added more directional signage for entrance and parking.”

Hoping to encourage parking within the village instead of the busy through way of Lemon Creek, Boehm said they’ve also designated a more centrally-located entry to the event.

Once visitors make their way to the downtown streets of Baroda on Saturday, they’ll find an added community-centered draw.

“There is an artisan market throughout the day with some fabulous treasures to be found,” Boehm said.

Guests will be able to peruse and shop the local scene of handcrafts and produce, never far off from the resonant melodies or wineglass refills.

Baroda has its sights on building a summertime staple in Party on the Pavers. With a solid 2015 turnout, it finds itself that much closer to its goal among August attractions.