By EVELYN CAIRNS
Trenton Summer Festival-goers can count on a weekend of fun beginning with a preview party for the 39th annual celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday in downtown Trenton.
Highlights of the kickoff will include entertainment by award-winning country music star Alan Turner and the Steel Horse Band, known for high-energy country with a rock beat.
Other attractions will be a wine and craft beer tasting, sampling of local restaurant specialties and a performance by Empty Canvas, featuring Mike McMath, who will complete a painting while singing.
Tickets, which include a wine glass or mini beer mug, are $15 in advance or $20 at the preview ($10 with last year’s glass).
The festival will continue Friday through Sunday, starting with a buffet breakfast for $14 at 8 a.m. Friday under the big tent. Attendees will
receive goodie bags and will be entered in a drawing for prizes.
Additional attractions will include performances by some 20 top bands, sporting events and sales of works by approximately 200 artists and craftsmen.
Also planned are a Kids’ Korner offering arts and crafts, games, a diaper derby and a toddler trot.
For more information about the event, go to www.trentonsummerfestival.org.
Committee members for the festival include Al Sidebottom, food and other vendors; Kay Sidebottom, organizations; Brenda Oaks, Kids’ Korner; Mary Evans, beverages; Bob Baker and Scott Kloock, entertainment; and Kathy Kane, marketing and sponsors.
Others are Scott Barr (committee chairman), Pat Labadie and Corky Peck, arts and crafts; Joe Oaks, logistics; Ilene Flannagan, photography; Bryan Cailouette, volunteer coordinator; Pauline Arthurs, breakfast; and Joann Gonyea, Trenton Parks and Recreation.
Beatles show is scheduled
Wearing authentic clothing and hairstyles, members of the BackBeats Beatles Tribute Show will entertain audiences with the top songs of the legendary musicians Wednesday at a Taylor Conservatory Foundation Music & Art in the Gardens series concert.
The performance is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 22314 Northline Road. A cash bar will open at 5:30 p.m. with food and a variety of beverages available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person, and all ages are welcome, a foundation spokesman said.
Weather updates and a rainout location are available by calling 888-383-4108 or going to www.facebook.com/taylorconservatory.
Final buffet is planned
An international theme has been chosen for the final buffet brunch in a series at Henry Ford College, 5101 Evergreen, Dearborn.
The meal, to be served beginning at 10:30 a.m., will start with chilled strawberry soup and continue with a variety of salads and yogurt and fruit parfaits.
Eggs Benedict and Huevos Rancheros will be prepared to order. Other menu items will include chicken and asparagus crepes, Beef Burgundy, Potatoes O’Brien and hand-carved Canadian peameal bacon.
A chef’s assortment of international desserts, along with Strawberries Romanoff and house-made vanilla ice cream, will complete the meal.
The cost is $14. Reservations are being accepted at 313-206-5101.
Coming up . . .
June 26 – 29 —Taylor Summer Festival, featuring country star Phil Vassar in concert June 28 at Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road; for concert tickets ($10 in advance; $15 at the door), go to www.etix.com or call 800-514-3849
July 2 – 5 — “Salute to America,” four-day Fourth of July celebration featuring activities for adults and children, games, food, nightly concerts by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and fireworks; for tickets ($15 to $60) and more information, go to www.thehenryford.org/salute or call 313-982-6001.
July 10 – July 13, Uncle Sam Jam, with carnival rides, petting farm, camel rides, games and free concerts; at Woodhaven Civic Center Park, near 1-75 and West Road.