As the annual Main Street cel
ebration approaches this Saturday, it appears some members of the headliner band Wayland are stepping up to volunteer for the dunk tank besides provide music.
Mayor Tim Bala announced that he and other city officials are seeking “celebrities” willing to get themselves wet for a cause, and Phillip Vilenski and his comrades have indicated their cooperation.
The mayor did not mention whether he or City Manager Mike Selden would be willing to take the plunge. Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that Police Chief Steven Harper has been tapped for duty, along with an assortment of local firefighters.
The dunk tank will be in plac
e from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday for an opportunity to get local “celebrities” wet.
Meanwhile, plans are proceeding apace for the Main Street Celebration scheduled for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday in the downtown area.
The day will be kicked off by the pancake breakfast at the Wayland Fire Station from 7 to 10 a.m. It will be all you can eat breakfast with pancakes, eggs, potatoes, sausage with orange juice, coffee, milk and water. The breakfast will be 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/MainStreetCelebration.
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.
