By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — It hasn’t looked much like spring in spite of the calendar’s claim, but Trenton Parks and Recreation Director Joann Gonyea said the department is ready for the season and planning community events, including the Summer Festival.
“We’ve got a great group of people volunteering,” Gonyea said of pre-event planning work for events including the city-wide garage sale, the Great Egg Drop and the community’s signature Summer Festival.
Earlier this month Gonyea updated city council members on the festival’s advertising contract with radio station WCSX-FM, which council approved, and confirmed that the event will run from June 27 to 29.
“This is the second year it will be in June,” Gonyea said.
Last year the festival ran earlier than its traditional July dates, but retained its Hometown USA theme complete with more than 150 artists and crafters, music, volleyball tournament, children’s play area, kayak demonstrations and more.
Tribute band Mega 80s will launch a weekend of live music on Friday, and Gonyea said additional acts will be confirmed in the next few weeks.
Last year’s festival added a Thursday evening kickoff event, “A Sample of Summer,” with offerings from local restaurants and a beer-tasting event. Perna said the pre-festival event will continue this year.
Between now and the festival, Parks and Recreation activities on tap include next month’s Great Marshmallow Drop in Elizabeth Park. The annual event — sponsored by Wayne County Parks in cooperation with the city — begins at 9 a.m. April 18.
Easter-themed activities continue at 9 a.m. April 19 at Westfield Activities Center, 2700 Westfield, with an Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Trenton Civic Commission. The event includes a visit with the Easter Bunny, prizes and more.
Gonyea said the next edition of Buzz magazine will be out the first week in May, just in time for the May 3 and 4 City-Wide Garage Sale, and the city’s Free Shred Day May 10. Another annual tradition will be the May 24 Memorial Day Parade downtown.
For information on city programs or activities go to www.trentonmi.org.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)