No Shortage of attractions at third-annual festival
By Rosalie Currier
Sturgis Journal
Saturday is the third annual Experience Sturgis festival and there will be activities from one end of Sturgis to the other.
Local businesses, clubs, the school, churches, and service organizations are joining to help the community enjoy the hometown and its history.
Rebecca Reeg and Sharon Matkin came up with the concept for Experience Sturgis several years ago. An inspiration for the festival camp from Reeg, who loves history and wanted the stories of downtown buildings and businesses to be told on plaques for the public to read, year 'round- a walking tour.
This year, seven more businesses will have plaques mounted. The Sturgis Journal has printed a history for each. "Twenty-six stories have now been told," Reeg said.
As for the festival, "When you have so many people putting together the pieces that make up the... festival, you know it has to be something special," she said.
There will be stages at Pleasant Street and Free Church Park, events at the fire department, North Street, Citizens Plaza, Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, the Sturgis Historical Museum and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce.
To set the mood, The Sturgis Jr. Women's League has again decorated the business district with corn shocks and pumpkins.
Planned activities include a mixture of fun, history, art, food, fashion, and community service. Doug Bates, owner of Designs by Vogt's will create and display a city of Sturgis logo made entirely of flowers. The Salvation Army is sponsoring "Can You Do It?" sculpture contest. The sculpture winner will be announced and the food pantry shelves restocked. Corner Cafe is sponsoring the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-off. The Hair Crafters are hosting a Judge John Sturgis beard growing contest. Life House Books and Gifts features a cherry dessert bake-off and the Sturgis Garden Club will take entries for a pumpkin-carving contest. The Episcopal Church is hosting a historical tea and there will be Pumpkin Painting at Open Door.
The Sturgis Public Schools music department will be well represented with two children's choirs singing and two bands playing.
"It is amazing to me how generous and giving so many of our Sturgis poeple are and continue to be, even when their time is at a premium," Reeg said. "When I attend this festival and history walk, I will remember to appreciate all those who have worked to bring about such a special day for our community."
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