Summer Fest offering fun, food and entertainment

IMLAY CITY — It’s been a busy summer in the area, with activities taking place nearly every weekend.

With the Eastern Michigan State Fair in the review mirror, organizers with the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce now take over in finalizing their plans for the 2024 Summer Fest August 9 and 10.

The Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a lively atmosphere for commerce, networking, promoting local businesses and giving back to the community for supporting their efforts throughout the year.

A dedicated group of Chamber members and volunteers have been working hard to create a family-friendly, fun-filled festival that offers something for visitors of all ages.

From the contests and games to the beer tent and entertainment, a devoted group of individuals take time from their everyday lives to put together a festival that’s sure to please.

This year’s group is no exception. The Festival Committee has put in numerous hours to make sure the 2024 Summer Fest runs smoothly and is lots of fun.

This year’s committee members include:
Danny, Missy, Lorraine, and Dan Filer – Parade and Sponsorship; Nikki Sherman, Lorraine Filer – Little Miss Pageant; Michon Thompson – Kids and Contests; Christe Exline – Pet Parade; Louis Tisch and Jennifer Kulin – Motor Show; Kim Jorgensen – Advertising; John Powell and Sheryl Davis – Clean up; Sally Reinhardt – Vendors and Pet Parade.

The 2024 Imlay City Summer Fest has a number of new events going on, something for the whole family. Much of the activity will be in the area of E. Third St. and Main, including Lamb Steele Park.

A host of food trucks are available to visitors, beginning at 12 noon Friday. Free inflatables, kids games and other activities will also get underway around noon. A $5 wristband provides each youngster a weekend of fun.

The beverage tent will be open and ready to serve up your favorite drinks beginning at 12 noon until 1 a.m. and those wanting to beat the heat can go to the Splash Pad for a free dip in the water from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

DJ entertainment will take over the main stage from 1 to 4 p.m. while live music will run from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a few breaks in between.

To top off a busy first day of the Summer Fest, visitors will want to be in the area of the fairgrounds at dusk when a brilliant fireworks display will light up the sky.

A pancake breakfast kicks off Saturday’s activities bright and early, beginning at 8 a.m. Food trucks, kids games, inflatables and vendors will all be open for business again Saturday morning.

A Motor Show is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Main Street and there will be an ice cream social at 11 a.m. at the Imlay City Museum.

A pet parade will step off at 12:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 11 a.m. A cornhole tournament, Jaws of Life demonstration by the Imlay City Fire Department and a Meet-n-Greet of Imlay City police officers will all take place before the Grand Parade takes to the streets at 4 p.m.

Outhouse races at 6 p.m., along with more live entertainment until 1 a.m. will cap off a full two days of Summer Fest.

Be sure to support those who have spent countless hours planning the Summer Fest August 9 and 10. Make plans now to attend this year’s event. You’ll be glad you did.