This week will be a busy time in the Village. First on the agenda is summer theater featuring a sweet, romantic story, "The Fantasticks," directed by David Rhinard, who also plays the part of the narrator, El Gallo.

Other cast members include Karen Hughes, playing Louisa, the love interest of Matt. Ms. Hughes is from Pickford, where she has her private studio. Among her many accomplishments we remember Ms. Hughes as Eliza Doolittle in the Cedarville production of "My Fair Lady."

Playing the love interest of Louisa, Matt, is Phillip Quinn, a Cedarville native. He has appeared in many productions in DeTour, Cedarville, Sault Ste. Marie, and Cheboygan.

Dr. Richard Morrison, a wellknown Pickford dentist, plays the character of Bellomy. Bellomy is one of the parents involved in the marriage arrangement between Louisa and Matt. Dr. Morrison has been involved in many area productions,

including lead roles with the LSSU Fine Arts Academy. His performance as Eliza Doolittle's father in "My Fair Lady" is not soon to be forgotten.

Bob Zahara of DeTour is playing the part of The Mute. Bob, who was formerly a "behind the scenes" worker on set production, has only recently begun appearing on center stage. We remember him in his portrayal of the Frenchman who danced the can-can in DeTour's 2004 production of "Annie Get Your Gun."

Michael Kasper, a native of Cedarville, plays the part of Mortimer. Mr. Kasper has had various and numerous roles in the Les Cheneaux Education Foundation productions.

The role of Henry is being played by Dan Harris. Mr. Harris, a Sault Ste. Marie resident, is originally from DeTour, where his family's roots run deep. He is involved with many theater groups, not only acting, but also directing. Recently, he has volunteered time with the Sault Theater Project, a group dedicated to the restoration of the Sault Theater.

The only actor not hailing from the southeastern section of the U.P. is Ben Helmke, who is now retired from Kansas wheat farming, Presbyterian clergy, and community mental health administration and treatment. He now resides in Colorado. Besides acting, he is an accomplished musician who has given organ recitals. Between his stage appearances in "The Fantasticks" as Hucklebee, he will join the other musicians in the "pit" accompanying some of the show's numerous tunes.

"The Fantasticks," sponsored by the Eastern Upper Peninsula Fine Arts Council, will present three evening shows at Sacred Heart Church Hall in DeTour from Thursday, August 17, to Saturday, August 19, with each performance at 7:30 p.m. The Friday and Saturday events will feature a preshow cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at River Threads, across from the post office in DeTour. The contact phone number is (906) 297-6019. Also, tickets may be purchased at the door.

Another event in the Village on Saturday, August 19, is the DeTour Passage Fine Art Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the works of local and regional artists, music and theater. The art exhibits will be on Ontario Street between the boat launch ramp entrance and Sune's Entrance. Artists are to register August 19 at 8 a.m. at the registration booth on Ontario Street, near Sune's Food Center. Music will be provided by area performers. Children can enjoy sidewalk chalk art and more activities. For more information, contact Nancy at (906) 2975021. The Fine Art Festival is free and is sponsored by the E.U.P. Fine Arts Council and the Village of DeTour. What a wonderful and busy weekend this will be, hope to see you around.

Golfers plan on attending the Sixth Annual Bob-O Classic to be held Saturday, September 2, at "The

Rock" on Drummond Island. If you are not a golfer, your contributions are most graciously accepted. This classic is sponsored by Alex and Linda Fisher. All proceeds go to the Bobby Glasser Memorial Scholarship at DeTour High School. For more information, call (906) 2972101. More information will follow in the ensuing weeks.

The DeTour Consolidated Community School Service is starting something new this school year. A Garden Club is being formed for students in grades four to 12. Community members will also be invited to special projects and events. The Club will meet once a week throughout the school year and summer. The purpose of the club is to let the students cultivate a passion for plants, flowers, trees, vegetables, and nature. There will be several projects throughout the year. There will be more information regarding the club soon. The club will need monetary donations to purchase needed supplies. Also needed are clay flower pots, any flower pots or vases, potting soil, soaker and regular hoses, dirt, and volunteers. If you would like to help, contact Sue Lehman at (906) 297-2011 extension 8, or at www.detourccss@eup.k12.mi.us.

The new 2006-2007 sports calendar is now available. The first football game, Cedarville Trojan schedule, will be Friday, August 25, at Posen. The first home game will be Friday, September 1, with Engadine at 7 p.m.

The first girls basketball game will be at Mackinaw City Tuesday, August 29, at 6 p.m. The first home game will be Thursday, August 31, with Brimley at 6 p.m. Be sure to attend to support our young people. See you at the games!

Congratulations to Fred and Pam Payment on their 30th wedding anniversary. The Payments planned a busy day on the road, attending several activities and also dining out at a special place. Many happy returns to the Payments and may they enjoy another 30 years of wedded bliss.

A reminder: Always stay on the good side of the cook.