By Gari Voss
Bridgefest Activities to watch for…
Downtown Allegan may be under construction, but that should not dampen Bridgefest fun. Wonderful experiences can be found in every corner of the city on June 10. The shops will be open with in-store surprises, the community and arts tents will offer treasures and information, rides and games will be available for the family, and wonderful foods will match taste buds.
For those who begin at Walnut and Hubbard Streets, they partake in a wonderful breakfast offered by Delightful Gatherings at the Good Shepherd Church. After which, visitors can take a peek into the past of Allegan at the Old Jail Museum. Then cross Hubbard Street and enjoy the inflatables behind the Griswold Auditorium and the Library, and sign up for Summer Reading.
Head down the boardwalk and cool off at the splash pad, listen to Panda Pete on the Riverfront Stage and play Corn Hole. Then travel up to Hubbard Street again and check out A-Tech to see what is happening with computer gaming. Stroll down Chestnut Street to Trowbridge and enjoy the vehicles assembled for the Cruise In.
Traveling down Trowbridge St., visitors would be wise to take time at Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectibles and Just a Second. Take a brief detour down the alley next to the Regent Theater and pop into Hidden Alley Gaming to check out the cards
Hungry? At that end of town, choose from Schaendorf Brewery, Mug Shots or Minnie’s Café. Each has its own way to tickle the pallet.
Locust Street will be busy with community and arts tents for all ages. At the same time, the shops will have in-store surprises. The new Museum Obscura: True Crime & Obscure History will provide tidbits for the adventurous.
Once back to Hubbard Street, turn toward Water Street and discover the new Heronmark, Brewery and Winery for wine or a beer, or stop at On the Grid for lunch and take a moment to examine the new mural that tells the story of Allegan. Travel a couple blocks down Water Street and into the old industrial area to check out Baker Allegan Studios, Fiber Arts Studio and Old Mill Yarn Shop.
Retrace some steps turn onto State Street then to Brady Street and enjoy the new EccentriC Garden and Flippin’ Vintage. Each contains a wide range of homegrown items. Be sure to stop for a snack or more at the new Tilt 118 or Sherwood’s Cove.
Cross Brady Street to spend some time in Mahan Park to enjoy a picnic or just rest for a bit. Then return to the Riverfront for a bite at Tantrick Brewery or Tantrick Down Under or head up to the Hubbard Street. In the transformed parking lot, visitors will find the Ferris Wheel, a Fun House and Food Trucks, but don’t forget to try a nutritious shake at Riverfront Nutrition or buy something for your 4-legged friend at Beyond Bones.
As the afternoon moves into evening, the Zion Lion will perform on the Riverfront Stage. When the evening sky darkens, fireworks will fly over the River to the delight of the young and young at heart.
Bridgefest at a Glance
9-Noon: Ultimate Benefit Breakfast by Delightful Gatherings at the Good Shepherd Church at 101 N. Walnut St.
10am: Red Turtle 5K or 10K Run begins at 239 Hubbard St. with proceeds to benefit the SW Michigan Land Conservancy and Armintrout/Milbocker Preserve; organized by Riverfront Nutrition. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Allegan/RedTurtleRun
10am-4pm: Old Jail Museum on N. Walnut St.
11am-1pm: Panda Pete live music on Riverfront Main Stage
11am-3pm: Cornhole on the Riverfront thanks to Tantrick Brewing
11am-6pm: Tie Dye Factory by Women on Wednesday on Locust St., bring a shirt and the other materials will be provided for $5.
11am-6pm: Inflatables in Hanson Park behind the Allegan District Library. Also enjoy bubbles, music and info on the Summer Reading Program!
11am-8pm: Art Market on Locust Street, organized by The Sassy Olive.
11am-10pm: Splash Pad on the Riverfront.
12-5pm: Cruise In along Chestnut & Trowbridge Streets. No registration thanks to Hairworks 404.
1-3pm: Open Jam Session in the Allegan Folklife Tent on Locust St. All are invited and chairs will be available.
1-10pm: Ferris Wheel Hubbard St. Parking Lot for $5 a ride.
1-10pm: Fun House Hubbard St. Parking Lot
8-10pm: Zion Lion live music on the Riverfront Stage
10:15pm: Fireworks on the Riverfront