By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE — If the heritage of the city is of continuing to grow, expand a little when possible, and celebrate the community, then this weekend’s Southgate Heritage Days — billed as “Summer’s First Festival” — fits the bill.
For its 29th year, Heritage Days organizers will start the festivities a day early when the carnival midway opens Thursday in preparation for a weekend of family fun.
Southgate Heritage Days events will run Thursday through Sunday at Southgate Municipal Complex, 14400 Dix-Toledo, with offerings for all ages and appetites including “Taste of the Town” samplings from local restaurants, Kid-O-Lympic games, and activities complete with medal presentations.
A poker tent will be open to adults 21 and over, hosted by Southgate Rotary. Saturday will feature a fireworks display at dusk.
The city’s runners are invited to take place in the Heritage Half Eight – Four Mile Run, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Running events were added to the 2010 celebration — which reclaimed Heritage Days from a festival that had briefly been known as Founder’s Day — and has included the World Harmony Torch Run, a global relay promoting international friendships.
One highlight among many on Saturday’s calendar is the city parade which begins at 11 a.m. at St. Pius Church, 14101 Superior St., and winds its way toward the action at city hall where a classic car show awaits. Also on display will be an arts and crafts show co-hosted with the Downriver Council for the Arts.
Friday and Saturday feature live music, including regional favorites Fifty Amp Fuse at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday’s entertainment includes Little Davey and the Diplomats at 12:30 p.m., Boogie Dynomite at 6 p.m. and Mega 80’s at 9 p.m.
For registration for the running events and additional information on events go to www.southgateheritagedays.com.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])