By Rob Peterson
Schoolcraft is ready to get back to normal with a full slate of summer activities.
Fourth of July Festivities
Community volunteer Toni Rafferty reported to the village council that, after a two-year hiatus, organizers are bringing back Fourth of July with a bang.
The day will start with the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, starting at 7 a.m. at the elementary school.
Patrons will then be able to burn off calories by running the Firecracker Five, a five-mile race that is billed as “one of the fastest, flattest, 4th of July race events in Michigan.” The race kicks off at 8 a.m., and begins and ends at the high school. The Five also includes a 5k walk.
The 25th annual car show will be held at Burch Park starting at 8 a.m. The 95th Schoolcraft Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
Food will be available in abundance, with several food trucks at the elementary school, BBQ at the American Legion, and BBQ and an ice cream social at the United Methodist Church.
Even the new owners of Bud’s Bar hope to be open for the festivities, and other local favorites may be open as well. Be sure to check their websites and social media before you set your dining plans.
The American Legion will also host a dance from 2-6 p.m.
The fireworks this year will be launched from the north side of the elementary school.
The organizers are seeking sponsors to help defray the estimated $30,000 cost of putting on the event. Those wishing to provide funds or volunteer their time are encouraged to go to the Fourth of July website. A link can be found on the home page of the village site.
Food Truck Rallies Return
Also this summer, Schoolcraft is working with the Experiential Learning Center to hold four food truck rallies. Adding to the experience will be the music of Uncle Charlie’s Band.
Patrons at the rallies will find multiple food trucks, each of which is a chef-driven restaurant on wheels with its own cuisine.
The events will run from 6-8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month: June 15, July 20, and August 17.
New Police Chief
At its April 4 meeting, the Schoolcraft Council welcomed its new police chief, Scott Miller. Miller retired from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and brings decades of experience to the position.
At that same meeting, the council expressed its appreciation for the work of Sergeant Jamie Edwards, a long-time employee of the department who acted as chief while the search for a permanent chief was underway.