By J. PATRICK PEPPER
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The city’s annual five-day community fair starts today, and attractions will feature some old favorites along with some new wrinkles.
On Wednesday the theme is “community,” with free acts by local scholastic talent. Among the outfits expected are the pom pon squad, chorus, and jazz band from Divine Child; the pompon squad, cheerleading squad and jazz band from Crestwood High School; and the chorus and jazz band from Annapolis High School. Representing the younger crowd will be the Riverside Middle School chorus.
On Thursday it’s all food and fiddles, as the popular Taste of the Heights food fest returns, along with another favorite from last year, country band Kentucky Chrome. The Taste event brings together some of the city’s best-known restaurants, giving hungry residents the chance to taste some of their most popular dishes. Tickets for the two-hour taste fest cost $6 for adults, $4 for ages 3 to 12 and free for children younger than 3.
Friday features a senior appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. offering brunch, entertainment and games. Starting at 6 p.m., the Crestwood cheerleaders will offer their Pasta & Pizza dinner. Entertainment for the evening will include performances by classic rock cover band MaTTo, followed by The Pulse, which plays ’70s and ’80s nostalgia rock,” according to a city press release.
Saturday’s theme is appreciation and remembrance for America’s servicemen and -women. Veterans of Foreign Wars halls have been invited from around the area to attend. Musical acts for the evening include perennial Spirit Fest favorite Steve King and the Dittilies, as well as polka group Big Daddy.
Sunday marks the end of the celebration and is punctuated by two musical acts. Festivalgoers can enjoy some New Orleans jazz from the band DIXIECRATS. Also performing a set will be former Detroit Lions player Larry Lee and his Back in the Days Band. The group specializes in Motown hits from the ’60s and ’70s.
Along with the community-themed events, each Spirit Fest day will have traditional midway games, concession tents and carnival rides.
For more information call the Department of Recreation at (313) 791-3600.