It pays to advertise, some DeTour business owners and municipalities have reported, after they have noticed favorable results this summer from their promotional efforts, which include this billboard that invites travelers to visit DeTour. It’s on I-75 north near Vanderbilt, said organizer Mary Kostecki, and in its first year local shop owners say it seems to have helped boost interest in the village as a destination. The tourism promotions have been a collaborative effort in the community, with John and Mary Kostecki proposing the idea, and contributions chipped in by the Chamber of Commerce, the Village, DeTour Township, private businesses, and individual donors. Other promotional efforts in DeTour include printing and distributing information packets through Michigan Welcome Centers and to boaters at the marina, brochures, and paid newspaper advertising. (Photograph courtesy of Mary and John Kostecki) I attended the opening night performance of “Chicago” last night. This was the best community theater production I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen most of the recent plays in this area, and many downstate. Congratulations to director David Rhinard, the cast, and the EUP Fine Arts Council, sponsors of the event. My only disappointment is saying goodbye to musician accompanist, Lyle Juracek. Lyle brought his talent as a dance accompanist to this performance and along with choreographer Sherry Bailey, taught people who thought they had two left feet how to dance and deliver a song at the same time.

If you missed the musical in DeTour Village, call (906) 632- 1930 now for tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at the Soo Theatre in Sault Ste Marie.

At Thursday’s performance EUP Fine Arts Council President, Sandy Wytiaz, pointed out during opening remarks that electrical work on the building is almost complete and most of the wires for the stage lighting have now been enclosed, thanks to a grant from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, which also helped fund “Chicago,” and the generosity of the community. With everyone’s continued support, this wonderful historic building that holds so many memories for area residents will soon be restored to better than new.

Another successful event this week was the Union Presbyterian Church Health and Safety Fair. Event organizers were Jennie Brussow, Marilyn Grevel, Pastor Judy Arnold, and Bill Mordecai. Area agencies and volunteers worked hard to provide information and services, and the businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals who donated items for the gift bags, food, and prizes for the free drawings.

The new Lower St. Marys River Chapter of Habitat for Humanity met Tuesday evening at the school to finalize plans for the Habitat Flea Market Fun Day Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church. Proceeds from the day will be used to build a home for a family. Chairpersons Julie Rucker and Verna Fountain could still use more people to sponsor tables. If you are interested in setting up a table to sell some of those things you never use, call Verna at (906) 297-8400. The Habitat volunteers, led by Mary Volkers, will also be serving lunch that day. Even if you choose not to sponsor a table, come by the church, see if you can find a new treasure someone else is discarding, and enjoy lunch.

While working at the Health and Safety Fair Tuesday, I saw Barb and Anna Lee Buschbacher. Barb was enjoying Anna Lee’s visit for the week and Anna Lee was having a great time catching up with old friends. Many of us miss the good food and conversations we had with her in the restaurant. It was good to see you back home, Anna Lee.

It doesn’t seem possible, but school board member Debbie Fountain reminded me the other day that the back to school barbecue will be Tuesday, September 8, at 5:30 p.m. Girls volleyball coach Sara Galarowic has been having practices, and games have started. Even though school doesn’t start for another two weeks, everyone seems to be moving toward fall.

If you’re looking for something to do, visit the DeTour Passage Historical Museum for the open house Thursday, August 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

While I was at the play, Paula Bardsley from Drummond Island mentioned that this year has the earliest Memorial Day and the latest Labor Day, making this the longest summer possible, by calendar. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, making it feel like a “short” summer.