Pentwater Homecoming parade and fireworks cancelled.
PENTWATER — The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce has canceled the annual Homecoming Grand Parade and fireworks display, due to COVID-19 concerns.
“Celebrating Homecoming with the entire community is one of my favorite experiences of the year,” Executive Director Eva Gregwer said. “Many people have gone to this event year after year since they were young, and they now bring their own children and grandchildren to it. I am disappointed that we’re unable to have some of our favorite activities during this event, which has been a tradition for me and so many friends and neighbors. I am sure that everyone shares this disappointment. In the end, the safety of our community and our families is more important than all other considerations.”
This is the 90th year of the Homecoming.
Despite the cancellation of the traditional Fireworks display and Grand Parade, the Homecoming Celebration will continue with some other activities. The Chamber is asking for feedback from visitors and community members while also keeping in mind health and safety concerns.
“The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the community for its patience as it reviewed the situation and explored alternative options for holding the show,” a posting on the chamber’s Facebook page stated.
“We should continue to celebrate our village and its traditions with our friends and families. We are already working behind the scenes to deliver an even bigger fireworks display in 2021.” Gregwer said.
The annual Les Bailey Memorial Concert, a joint concert with the Scottville Clown Band and the Pentwater Civic Band has also been cancelled.
The following events are currently scheduled:
- Pentwater Lake Youth Fishing Tournament: Beginning mid June and ending August 16 the Pentwater Lake Association hosts the youth fishing tournament in Pentwater Lake. Children under age 16 are invited to participate in the fishing contest. The largest fish of each 17 species will win. Visit www.pentwaterlakeassociation.org for full details.
- Sand Sculpture FunFest: The Pentwater Service Club will host the 47th annual Sand Sculpture FunFest. This year’s theme is, “Discover Pentwater, come for a day, a week, a life.” The contest will take place between July 18 and August 15. Participants should submit photos of their completed designs to pentwaterserviceclub@gmail.com . For a full list of information please visit www.serviceclub.org .
Thursday, August 13:
- Beach yoga, 9:30 a.m.: hosted by Kalon Arts and Yoga at the Charles Mears State Park. Bring a towel and water. Cost to participate is $10.
- Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Village Green, hosted by chamber of commerce.
Friday, August 14
- Beach yoga, 9:30 a.m. (see above for info).
- Story telling by Storybook Village, 1 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
- Horseshoe tournament, 10 a.m. at Art Audrey Horseshoe Pits. Contact host Dennis Veine at 231-869-4169 to participate.
- Celebrate in the Street, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce will open up Hancock Street to only foot traffic to provide additional space for social distancing and allowing shops and restaurants to overflow onto the sidewalk.
- Pentwater Yacht Club Ensign Race, noon.
- Light Up Pentwater, 9:30 p.m. People are encouraged to light sparklers, wave glow sticks and light up Pentwater.
Sunday, August 16
- Worship on the Village Green, 9:30 a.m. Bring a lawn chair.
- Live jazz at Gull Landing, 6 p.m.
Additional Homecoming event details:
Strawberry Shortcake Social, to be announced.