VillageFest Brings Cars, Art, Entertainment and Food to Kercheval

Grosse Pointe's largest community celebration, VillageFest, sponsored by Beaumont Health System, takes place September 7 and 8, 2013 in The Village. VillageFest is produced by the Grosse Pointe Village Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

A free festival open to the public, VillageFest features a special focus for each member of the family. VillageFest includes an art exhibition, live music and entertainment, food and refreshments, along with a car show and activities for children. 

VillageFest activities take place throughout The Village. Vehicular traffic is diverted off Kercheval Avenue, the main thoroughfare downtown, in order to create areas for hospitality and safe play for all ages. VillageFest takes place on the first weekend following Labor Day each year. It covers the entire three block shopping district on Kercheval Avenue, between Cadieux and Neff in The Village.

A Taste of Grosse Pointe is sponsored by The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe. Sample menu items from the area's most popular dining destinations include Blue Bay Fish & Seafood, Blue Pointe, Bogartz Food & Spirits, Cleopatra, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Pierogi Gals, Red Crown, Jet’s Pizza, and Salvatore Scallopini.

 There is live entertainment each day from noon to 5 p.m. from the VillageFest Stage sponsored by Becker Ventures. Included are performances by Grosse Pointe Theatre, Sweet Adelines, Crossroads, Efficiency Jazz Combo, Metro Jazz Voices, The Jukes, and more.  The Saturday Night Dance Party from 7- 10 p.m. features live music by The Sun Messengers.

The juried art show features dozens of local artists displaying and selling their artwork.

Back by popular demand are several fun art activities including Upcycle Art, coloring contests and fun with Art Road. This year monetary awards will be presented at the end of the show on Sunday. They range from $100 for 3rd Place, $150 for 2nd place and $250 for 1st place.

The Village Car Show sponsored by Ray Laethem celebrates the Grosse Pointe area's rich automotive history. Featured automobile classes include classic, exotic, hot rod, and antique vehicles. All entries qualify for People's Choice judging and special awards, as well as daily awards and door prizes. The People's Choice award is sponsored by Haggerty Insurance. This year, visitors can test drive a new model vehicle from Les Stanford at the corner of Cadieux and Kercheval.

Kids on the Block produced by El's Boutique includes a kids’ bounce house, a giant slide, carnival games and other activities for youngsters. The Sunday afternoon "Pooch Parade" is sponsored by Camp Bow Wow and produced by the Michigan Humane Society. Leashed dogs walk the Village at 12:30.

For a complete list of events and times visit http://www.thevillagegp.com/.

This year there are several new features that highlight health, community and family. These include new entertainment for children, including Signing Time demo by Momcat's Signing Academy, and Music Together demo by Hummingbird's Music Together. The programs are presented by Macaroni Kid Grosse Pointe and Grosse Pointe MomPreneurs.

Yoga and Zumba take the stage with The Yoga Shelter's GP's Largest Yoga Class on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Pointe Fitness' Sunday Zumba at 2 p.m. Instructors for both activities are on the stage to lead participants in the exercise programs. The event is open to participants of every level and all ages. There is no fee to participate.

Beaumont is offering a variety of demonstrations and the latest on getting and staying healthy from Bowkwa demonstrations, to sleep evaluation, blood pressure checks, parenting tips and experts from various specialties.

VillageFest is going green this year. Guests and patrons are encouraged to utilize the recycle beverage containers. All proceeds will go to local student groups. 

The Community Corner Sponsored by Clarkson Law is where guests can meet community organizations offering a variety of services from health and support services to education and outreach of all kinds. Community Corner is located at Kercheval and Notre Dame.

 Information provided by the Grosse Pointe Village DDA.