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Shelby Township's first Summerfest event proved that our community hosts the best patriotic festival in all of Macomb County! It was wonderful to have such a great turnout of residents and friends at the inaugural Shelby Township Summerfest organized by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Shelby Township. Your community involvement makes a difference, and this past weekend's event was no different!
I would like to extend an extra special thanks to hardworking residents and Township employees for a deserved job well done! Key contributors include Greg Gagnon (President, DDA), Joe Youngblood (Shelby Parks & Rec), Nick Monicelli & Brad Bates (ShelbyTV), Kelsey Kobylarek (Treehouse LIVE), Katie Ester (Shelby Library),
The event was a successful outcome of extensive planning and coordination among the DDA, township departments, and community partners over several months. It is anticipated that this event will mark the start of a new tradition in Shelby Township, uniting families to commemorate summer, the 4th of July, and our common values. Below is a quick synopsis of the events and highlights that made Summerfest such a great event!
DAY 1: Touch A Truck, Treehouse live, and Petting Zoo to Name a Few!
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with Touch-A-Truck, Tree House Live, Princess & Superheroes, Face Painting, Petting Zoo and the Outdoor Family Movie selection Migration.
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Despite the drizzle, families and enthusiastic kids still showed up! It marked a fantastic kickoff to summer in Shelby Township. It warmed my heart to see numerous families having a good time at our township grounds and bonding together.
Day 1 highlighted to me just how important it is to offer these types of fun family-friendly events within our community. I assure you, this is just the beginning of many more to come, all aimed at placing emphasis on our families. I am dedicated to endorsing and backing initiatives like Summerfest, which highlight our community and offer a secure and welcoming setting for families.
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The weekend festivities extended to Saturday, featuring additional food trucks, a climbing wall, bounce houses for children, face painting, balloon animals, and a performance by the Macomb Symphony Orchestra. The event culminated with a captivating drone show that mesmerized the spectators.
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DAY 2: Petting Zoo, Orchestra and Facepainting to Name a Few!
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The day was warm and perfect for a relaxing performance by the Macomb County Symphony Orchestra. The performance delighted adults and children alike. It was amazing to see so many families relaxing and enjoying a relaxing summer evening on the township grounds. The gentle breeze carried the tunes across the open space, creating a serene atmosphere for everyone present.
The orchestra played a repertoire that ranged from classical patriotic masterpieces to contemporary pieces, showcasing their versatility and talent.
As the sun began to set, the music seemed to take on a magical quality, transporting the audience to a different realm. Children danced and twirled on the grass, and their laughter blended with the music, while adults sat back and caught up with neighbors to fully immerse themselves in the symphonic experience.
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As the final notes resonated through the air, there was a collective sigh of contentment, a moment of pure bliss that lingered long after the last echoes faded away. The Macomb County Symphony Orchestra had not just entertained that evening; they had created memories that would be cherished for years to come, a testament to the power of music to touch hearts and bring people together.
The grand finale with the drone show was truly a spectacular event that captivated everyone's attention and left a lasting impression on all who attended. The display of lights and choreographed movements in the sky showcased the innovative and modern spirit of our township, highlighting why it is such a vibrant and exciting place to live, work, and play.
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This event not only brought the community together but also served as a powerful reminder of the sense of unity and pride that exists within our township. It was a moment that celebrated our shared values and aspirations, reinforcing the idea that we are all part of a dynamic community.
As we look towards the future, I am committed to exploring new ways to build on this momentum and create even more opportunities for us to come together and enjoy the rich tapestry of experiences that our township has to offer. By fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration, we can continue to strengthen the bonds that make our township a truly special place to call home.
Lucia DiCicco
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