Clinton Summerfest coming soon; antique tractor show to be featured

Kids’ events are fun for the little ones and there is family fun for all at the Clinton Summerfest. Photo courtesy Tonya Couture

by Marsha Chartrand

The Clinton Summerfest and Antique Tractor Show committee is looking forward to bringing its 15th annual free event coming up on June 8, running from 9am to 4pm. “We are very excited to continue this tradition and provide a free family-oriented festival for the Clinton community and the surrounding areas,” said John Schiel of Manchester, one of the co-Chairmen of the event. “There are lots of great attractions for children to look forward to, from the kiddie tractor pull (with trophies), kids’ crafts, games, and money pits, all under the tent. Children get prizes for just about everything. And this year it’s on my birthday, so it’s especially exciting for me!

“On the adult side under the pavilion we have line dancers, great country bands, and cloggers. There will be free wagon rides all day long. Climb aboard with friends or family and take a ride. There will be food trucks on the grounds to provide you with your favorite food item. (You will have to pay for food!)”

The committee is currently looking for crafters and vendors who would like to have a booth at this year’s festival. It is a great opportunity to get to know people who live in the area and sell your crafts. If you have any questions or would like an application to participate, please call Jamie at (734) 260-0120 or by email at Luckytrucker88@yahoo.com.

Manchester residents, if you own an antique tractor or two and would like to bring one or several to the Clinton Summerfest, we would love to have you join us with your piece of history. Come with a tractor and you will receive a free lunch. We also have many, many nice prizes that you can win and larger items on which you may want to bid. Our tractor parade is at 3:30 through downtown Clinton. Questions, phone Basil Greenleaf at (517) 215-5645. There is a goal of reaching 100 tractors in this year’s parade — last year they had 76, said Schiel, so it would be easy to get to the goal of 100!

Summerfest would not be possible without the many local business sponsors and volunteers who donate time and money to help make this event possible. One hundred percent of all donated funds go to support their cause of providing sponsorship money directly into the hands of recent graduates every spring.

Clinton Summerfest and Antique Tractor Show is held at Tate Park on W. Michigan Ave. in Clinton. Mark June 8 on your calendar; come out with your family and friends. You’ll have a great, free, fun-filled day in Clinton — and you’ll be glad you did!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.