The theme of this year's festival was the 1950s...and what are the 1950s without Elvis?

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Traditional Festival Continues Success

St. Michael's Parish and School's annual festival is another success!

July 20, 2008       Leave a Comment
By: Jeni Joan

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On Friday, July 18th St. Michael's Parish and School kicked off their annual festival with a parade of classic cars and floats reminiscent of the 1950s. Dave Bergman, who played for the Detroit Tigers as first baseman from 1984 to 1992, rode in the front of the parade. This annual, traditional festival has begun and will last for three days (through Sunday, July 20th) at St. Michael's Parish and School. All proceeds will go to both institutions.

Dave Bergman gets ready to lead the parade and kick off the festival.
(MyBayCity Photo by Jeni Joan)

This festival is a tradition for many in Pinconning, but when it started is hard to say. The festival has been going on longer than people can remember. Some of the older, long-term residents speculate it has been around for 50 years or more.

But whenever it was started, one thing remains a constant: it brings in a lot of fun for the community. There are things to do for everyone, no matter what your age is. For the younger crowd, there is the parade (where candy is thrown out to delighted children and the not-so-delighted parents), and there are also games. Some games that you can see at this year's festival include the penny toss, a football throw, golf putt, record toss, duck pond, and more.

There are plenty of prizes to go around, from the looks of this prize table.
(MyBayCity Photo by Jeni Joan)

For the more mature crowd one can find bingo or, for men, the annual blooper ball tournament. But if games aren't your thing, there are other things, like good food, drink, and live music. The Sinclairs are one of many scheduled acts to perform.

Not only are the festival goers having fun, so are those who help run the festival itself. Sharon Skrabut, who helps to run the Deacon's Wheel (a form of roulette), has been a participant since 1973. "Each and every festival has been fun for me and all have been a favorite of mine. The last few festivals have been especially fun because we have been doing themes."

Themes are relatively new to the traditional St. Michael's festival, they have only done four in recent years. Some of the themes in years part include Christmas in July, John Deere Year, zoo, and this year's blast from the past 1950's theme.

A float in the parade displays a 1950s diner, perfect for the theme.
(MyBayCity Photo by Jeni Joan)

While themes may be a changing element for the festival, the festival itself never changes. Each year, the St. Michael's Parish and School festival sets goals of bringing family and friends together, having a good time, and raising money for a good cause. They usually succeed. And this year is no exception!

Friends and family gather around to play games and have a good time.
(MyBayCity Photo by Jeni Joan)

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Jeni Joan
Jennifer Joan is a recent graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with a B.A. in communications. She lives North of Standish and reports on Pinconning area news for O. J. Advertising. More from Jeni Joan

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