According to at least one recent radio promotional announcement: “Well, summer is officially over.” Whatever you do don’t tell that to the crew at St. Joseph Today, or the folks setting up shop for the Tri-State Regatta and more.
St. Joe Today says that downtown St. Joseph is doing everything it can to keep the summer vacation spirit alive right up through Labor Day. The Lake Michigan waterfront will host a series of fun activities for all ages from August 30th to September 2nd.
St. Joe Today leader and Executive Director Amy Zapal admits, “It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph,” but strongly encourages folks to “Come back and visit us for one more weekend of summer fun.” She says, “Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, local wineries and breweries, or the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, there is something for everyone!”
The Labor Day weekend’s activities kick off with a free, outdoor concert on August 30th at 7:30 pm, at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell overlooking the St. Joseph River. Concert sponsor The Boulevard Inn & Bistro will bring Blue Shoes Jazz to wow concert goers with their big band jazz.
On Saturday, visitors can get an up-close look at the sailboats that have raced from Chicago in the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta. They can then go to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park to bring home fresh-picked apples, blueberries, squash, tomatoes and more as well as great artisan cheeses, locally crafted wines, late summer fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, made-from-scratch pies, fresh cut flowers and much more. The market is open 9 am to 2 pm.
From 10 am to 5 pm along the bluff, regional artisans and crafters will share their talent at the Lake Bluff Artisan Faire. Visitors can also shop and dine in downtown St. Joseph or play on multiple family-friendly beaches.
On Sunday, early risers can send off the Tri-State racers as they chase one another to Michigan City, Indiana. Then from 10 am to 5 pm, more than 50 vendors will showcase their treasures at Antiques on the Bluff.
Music enthusiasts can also enjoy the season’s last Municipal Band concerts at 3:30 and 7:30 pm on Sunday and Monday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Free, horse-drawn trolley rides, sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, will entertain all ages from 11 am to 2 pm (weather permitting).
Zapal says the fun doesn’t stop after Labor Day weekend either, noting, “On Saturday, September 21st, we will host a Fall Festival weekend to celebrate autumn, which includes family fun activities such as a face painter, balloon twisters, a Critter Barn and more.” Zapal adds, “St. Joseph is really a destination for year-round fun! In addition to the many spring and summer events, fall and winter are also jammed packed with fun for all ages. Meet me in St. Joseph – Explore all four seasons!”
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, stop by the Welcome Center downtown, or call 269-985-1111.
