DeTour

It was a busy, fine-arts filled weekend in DeTour Village. Judging from the number of people attending and participating, the Art Festival Saturday, June 27, was a great success. This invitational, non-judged show allowed some of our very best area artists to share their work with the public. The entertainment throughout the day was wonderful, and the food by the DeTour Athletic Boosters was delicious.

Another traditional event Sunday, June 28, was the DeTour Community Choir Spring Concert. Several months ago, EUP Fine Arts Council President Sandy Wytiaz said that, in her opinion, sponsorship of the choir is the project for which the Council should be most proud, and I believe she's right. The choir brings together residents from DeTour, Drummond Island, Cedarville, Hessel, Goetzville, and Raber, who enjoy singing harmony and want to share their talent. It brings wonderful music to the community at no cost. The free-will offering that's taken helps send area young people to fine arts camps. Choir members, directed by Jean Bloom and accompanied by Anna Aben, should also be very proud of their performance.

Plans are being finalized for Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, and it will be another busy weekend in DeTour Village. Beginning with the geocache scavenger hunt from the Chamber of Commerce Pavilion at 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, the two-day celebration is full of events. There will be the annual 5K run/walk with registration beginning at 5 p.m. at the pavilion, with the run at 6 p.m The DeTour School "Success Starts Here" whitefish fry will be at the school from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m, the traditional Union Presbyterian Church ice-cream social at the church from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the annual DeTour Area Chamber of Commerce dance at the pavilion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring music by the Wise Guys band.

The Fourth of July will feature traditional hometown events. The line-up for the parade, with Linda and Red Adams as Grand Marshals, will begin at 11 a.m. on Sims Street, with the parade starting at noon. Activities at the pavilion include field games, a bounce house and bungee run, crafts, raffles, the famous Sacred Heart Church Knights of Columbus chicken barbecue, and a brief encore performance by the Wise Guys at 12:30 p.m. The horseshoe tournament will start at 2 p.m. and, new this year, the lawn mower races will begin at 4 p.m. The traditional fireworks will be at dusk.

The Friday, July 3, dance and the activities at the pavilion Saturday, July 4, are the major fundraisers for the DeTour Area Chamber of Commerce. If you could volunteer just a little time to help with the activities Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, or in preparation, there is a sign-up sheet at the Timberdoodle. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

When the Sault Theatre project presents its upcoming performances of the musical "Oliver" Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, DeTour Village will be well represented. The play, directed by David Rhinard, stars Cameron Livingston in the title role of Oliver for the Thursday and Saturday performances. Cameron will sing in the chorus Friday and Sunday. Also representing the community in the cast are Ralph Shiplett and Chase Livingston and DeTour native Sean Fountain.

I received an e-mail from Sharon Sherlund this week announcing a 50-50 scavenger hunt/race to benefit the Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club Sunday, July 12. The event will begin with team sign-up at the Albany Bar from noon to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $10, and the event is open to everyone. For more information, call the Albany Bar at (906) 297-8321.

The DeTour Friends of the Library have a busy Authors Series this summer, owingto the efforts of Janet Schoop, chairperson for the program. The next author is Bernie Arbic Wednesday, July 1, speaking about "The Changing Face of Sault Ste Marie" and the photograph collection of Walter Materna, and Wednesday, July 15, Richard Hill on "Working On A Great Lakes Freighter." All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. at the DeTour School/ Public Library.

Have a safe, enjoyable weekend with all those family visitors who come home for the Fourth of July.