Petoskey’s Spring Fling: Street party includes art, baseball, birds & a ghost walk By Kristi Kates What serves as a “bookend” for good times in downtown Petoskey? The annal Spring Open House -- a street party that takes over downtown this Friday. “The Spring Open House was actually conceived to be the partner event of Petoskey’s Holiday Open House,” Petoskey Downtown Director Becky Goodman says, “It is the first Friday in June, exactly six months from the winter event which is the first Friday in December. Both events are designed to showcase the stores and restaurants and preview seasonal merchandise. The resorters are returning and they also want to see what happened in downtown over the winter.” Plenty, Goodman goes on to explain. Petoskey’s downtown, while still growing, is also the focus of the city, with new tree-lined medians on Mitchell Street and a plan to turn an old downtown rail corridor into a new park with a passenger trolley. “In spring, the community is also invited into downtown to see what new stores have opened, and this year we have several,” Goodman continues. Sponsored by the Downtown Management Board and organized by Downtown Events Coordinator Kathy Bardins, the event will also serve as a preview of sorts to Petoskey’s upcoming roster of summer events.
EVENT PREVIEW “The summer theme has been expanded on this year, and we will see representatives from summer events like Gallery Walk, Festival on the Bay, Taste of the North, and Art in the Park,” Goodman says, “The Mossbacks vintage baseball team will be demonstrating their skills in the park. SEE North will be here with their birds of prey, and Jania the Magician will be performing around town. The Wright Cycle Shop on Park Avenue, Dave Russell’s collection of Wright Brothers memorabilia and antique bikes, will be open to the public, too.” In addition to the “walkabout” activities, which will also include a mini Farmers Market and a spring fashion show, Blissfest will hold an Old Time Community Dance on Mitchell Street at 6:30 p.m., and local favorites The Jelly Roll Blues Band will kick off Petoskey’s annual summer Concerts in the Park series with a show at 8 p.m.. Outdoor dining will be available at several restaurants as well. And as if the preview of summer wasn’t enough, those interested might also get a little preview of things perhaps more suited for... Halloween. “Folks will also be able to gather at the downtown office at 9 p.m. for a Ghost Walk,” Goodman explains, “this event was held in October last year for the first time, and is back by popular demand. New stories have surfaced, and all those interested in the spooky history of Petoskey’s downtown buildings should plan to attend. Tickets are on sale at the Downtown Office and at the Chamber for $5 each; advance purchase is recommended as the tour may sell out.”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT From a sunset-lit evening of great bargains and entertainment to a night of music, dancing, and ghost stories, Petoskey’s Spring Open House offers something for everyone; but Goodman’s favorite part is the simple fact that the town’s residents and visitors gather, as in olden days, in the center of the city for a little seasonal goodwill. “I love seeing the community gathered in their own downtown and enjoying themselves,” she says, “families and friends who attend this event should expect a lovely, peaceful evening meeting, greeting neighbors and taking pleasure in the hub of the community; it is wonderful to see the downtown being used as it was intended, as the ‘third place’ for all who live in our beautiful region.”
The Petoskey Spring Open House will take place on Friday, June 4 from 6-9 p.m. The downtown streets will be blocked off, with parking available in the parking lots and on side streets. Visit www.petoskeydowntown.com for additional details and a schedule of events.
Send a Press Release
