I.C. Chamber, DDA team up for traditional
event to be held Aug. 13-14

IMLAY CITY — Event organizers are proceeding with plans for Imlay City’s Sesquicentennial—150th anniversary—celebration on August 13-14.

Last year’s scheduled 150th celebration was canceled in keeping with the existing COVID-19 safety protocol.

Support needed

Imlay City Chamber of Commerce Director, Shannon Hamel, said fundraising efforts have begun in earnest for this year’s event.

Hamel said the Chamber’s goal is to raise at least $20,000 through donations and various fundraising efforts.

Organizers plan for the return of an antique car show. Imlay City’s Carol and Leon Petzold proudly displayed their 1948 Dodge pick-up at the 2018 Busker Fest event.

 

“We are now accepting business sponsorships for this year’s Sesquicentennial festival,” said Hamel. “We are offering some wonderful packages to showcase participating business sponsors.”

For information about available sponsorships, call Hamel at the Chamber of Commerce office at 810-542-3256, or email executivedirector@imlaycitymich.com. Donations may also be dropped off at the Imlay City Hall, or at the Chamber office, inside the Halabicky Insurance Group office at 335 E. Third St.

“We are reaching out to our local businesses and the community for their support,” said Hamel. “We want to make this a fun-filled and memorable event for our residents and visitors.”

Planned activities

Listed among the planned activities for the Sesquicentennial are a fireworks display at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds on Friday night; Sesquicentennial Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday; various children’s games throughout the weekend; entertainment at the refreshment tent; a traditional Shady Belle Saloon; street vendors; antique car show; a (by the slice) blueberry and peach pie sale at the Imlay City Historical Museum; and a community pancake breakfast at the now vacant old fire hall on E. Third St.

Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.