Lapeer Area View

Columbiaville Days set for July 19-20




COLUMBIAVILLE — With the 2019 edition of Columbiaville Days fast approaching, organizers are putting the finishing touches on a festival they hope will be the perfect mix of crowd favorite events along with some new additions to keep the long-standing summer tradition fresh.

Opening ceremonies are slated for 6 p.m. Friday, July 19 on stage at Vermilya Park and youth band Frame 42 will provide the rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner to kick things off. “We’re super excited to have Frame 42 joining us this year, we’re looking forward to seeing them perform,” said Tonia Plumb, Village of Columbiaville treasurer and organizer of the annual festival.

Plumb said Friday will also mark the opening of Columbiaville Fire Dept.’s beverage tent, a vendor’s area and returning from last year, a movie night sponsored by Columbiaville Baptist Church. “Everyone really loved to have that last year,” said Plumb. Friday night will conclude with a performance by Westfall, slated to begin at 9 p.m. inside the beverage tent.

Saturday’s festivities begin at 9 a.m., and an hour later the new Columbiaville Farmers Market will hold special Saturday hours to align with the festival. The special hours will give visitors to the festival a chance to check out the new market. “We’re really trying to keep that small-town feel (with the market),” said Plumb. “We’re working to highlight our local vendors.” The market’s debut was June 30, and is scheduled for every other Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At noon on Saturday, the streets of Columbiaville will clear out for the annual Columbiaville Days Grand Parade, this year featuring grand marshal duties handled by the LakeVille Wrestling Team in honor of their successful season. This year’s parade route will begin at Fifth Street, heading to Water Street, to Central Street, to Pine Street, to Third Street back to Water Street and returning to Fifth Street.

For the athletically-inclined youngsters (and adults) this year will also feature a co-ed soccer tournament organized by LakeVille Community Schools soccer coach Krista Daniels. Grouped by age brackets of 2-7th grade, 8-12th grade and adults, the tournament is free to participate and will feature trophies and medals awarded to winning teams.

After the parade, crowds will gather at 1 p.m. to take in popular event the Mid-Michigan Electric Unlimited RC Boat Show. “It’ll be right on the boardwalk,” said Plumb. “They’re really excited to come and be a part of our festival.” The Mid-Michigan Electric Unlimited club has been featured at events and festivals throughout the state.

At 3 p.m., the stage in Vermilya Park will once again feature Magic Steve. “That’s one of my favorite acts,” said Plumb. “Such an amazing act for the kids.” Also slated to close out Saturday is the MT Pocket Pullers Mini Tractor Pull at Sports Park, Music on the Water by Rich Clark, a performance by Rachelle Rae and the Banned at 9 p.m. inside the Beverage Tent and at dusk on the water, the fan-favorite event Holloway Lake Association Boat Parade. To wrap up the weekend festivities, crowds will enjoy a fireworks show scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. over the Holloway Reservoir from the Southern Links Trailway.