By Staff
It's officially summer and that means that festival-fair season is getting ready to hit its stride.
We would encourage those who want to save gas this summer to take a look at our local communities for some quality and cost-effective entertainment.
Dowagiac and Niles there are concert series that run throughout the summer.
Dowagiac holds its concerts on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., while in Niles concerts are held three nights a week – Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. and Sundays, 6 p.m.
Buchanan also has a concert series, which begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Here is a list of upcoming events:
Buchanan's Pear Mill presents "Working with Wood" on Sunday, June 29 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with wood turning demonstrations. Music will be provided by members of Riversong. The Mill is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day.
23rd annual Eau Claire Cherry Festival, July 1-4. Includes a car show, three-on-three basketball tournament, baking contest, prince and princess contest, parade, fireworks and lots of other events.
35th annual International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship at TreeMendus Fruit Farm on Eureka Road between Indian Lake and Eau Claire, July 5. Qualifying rounds, 10 a.m. to noon. Championship round, 1-3 p.m.
Annual Reds, Whites and BBQ Festival, Baroda, July 5-6.
Lady Lions Craft Bazaar at Sister Lakes Lions clubhouse off 95th Avenue, July 12. Featuring handmade works of 75 Michigan and Indiana crafters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fernwood Friday, Niles, 5:30-9 p.m, July 18. Band: The Three Gringos.
Seventh annual Niles Burn Run Motorcycle Ride, July 20. Niles firefighters benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp. Police, fire and EMS are escorted through Berrien and Cass counties, ending up back in Niles at the Apple Festival grounds. Free hog roast along with vendors, games and entertainment.
Enjoy more than 45 hours of entertainment, July 24-26, at Fun Fest, Dowagiac's most diverse music mix, from African drumming and dance to Caribbean and reggae, Celtic, jazz, the Big Band sound and soft rock. This festival has it all, plus, just for fun, a twist of hillbilly-style punk rock. Watch exhibitions of jazz, ballet and tap and even a talent show.
Three Oaks will be holding its second "Three Oaks Inside Out Summer Fest!" on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Businesses, individuals, artists, musicians, and all are encouraged to participate. Contact Tim Baker at (269) 405-2400 or baileyscafe@comcast.net
There will be plenty of more things to do throughout the summer, so check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out what is coming up.
You don't have to travel very far to have a good time. Plus, you will also be giving something back to our local communities.