Wayland’s annual 
Main Street Celebration is scheduled for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 18, in the downtown area.
The day will be kicked off with the pancake breakfast at the Wayland Fire Station from 7 to 10 a.m., followed by the 27th annual Wayland
Runaways of Michigan Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. Local enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own your classic car or motorcycle; registration is at the City Park.
An outdoor artist marketplace featuring local artists,
craftspeople and creatives will be open from noon to 5 p.m., along with a variety of free children’s activities.
An interactive painting event is planned at the future home of Jayda Gale Distillery, corner of Pine and South Main streets. Painting times will be from 1 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Pre-register at www.arts-carafes.com.
The Bean Bag Tournament will get under way at 1 p.m. along East Superior Street. Monetary prizes of $250, $150 and $100 will be awarded for first through third place teams. Competitions will be held throughout the day. Registration can be found at
the Main Street office downtown or www.downtownwayland.com/MainStreetCelebrationA dunk tank will be in place from noon to 5 p.m. for an opportunity to get local “celebrities” wet.
Local food vendors and beer tents will be open all day.
Live entertainment will be provided from noon to 11 p.m. Featured bands will be Silent Bark, the Jim Shaneberger Band, and headliner Wayland. Fans will have a chance to meet the band members at the pre-party from 4 to 6 p.m. at TPS, Incorporated, 211 W. Superior St., or after the show, at McDuff’s Bar & Grille,105 E. Superior Street from midnight to 2 a.m. for another opportunity to mingle.
The Main Street Celebration is a sort of revival of local festivals from bygone days, such as the Summerfest and Cowbell Days. The city five years ago earned the Michigan Main Street designation, which is helping Wayland refocus and revitalize the historic downtown area.
Since earning the designation a number of volunteer groups have been working to make Wayland, once again, a vibrant downtown.
This year’s festival will include the first public appearance of new Director Ingrid Miller, who just came on board this spring.
