Food, fun and live music at Chelsea Summerfest this weekend

As a sure sign that we are in the peak of summer, Chelsea Summerfest takes place this weekend. The weekend kicks off with a big concert on Thursday night featuring Rare Earth and the Howling Diablos. This is technically a Sounds & Sights concert, but those of us who love to relax in the Food & Entertainment Court (aka beer tent) don't mind which festival it is, as long as there is food, fun, music and friends.

Thursday, 7/23:

• Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights takes place from 6:30 until 8:30. (Be sure to stop by and give a listen to my friends Bull Halsey, playing in front of Westside Gym on Middle Street)
• Rare Earth and the Howling Diablos concert - If you purchase tickets ahead of time, you get them at a bargain of $35 each. You can buy tickets at the gate for $40. VIP tickets are $100 and you get preferred seating and a pretty awesome pre-party experience among other things

Friday, 7/24:

• Kid Zone: Opens at 10:30 a.m. For the past few years, the Kid Zone committee has been headed up by Michele Balaka, Chelsea native and owner of the Chelsea TreeHouse. Kid Zone features all sorts of activities and entertainment, including Colors the Clown and of course the huge bouncy tent and slide.
• Car Show: Check out the very cool classic cars lined up along Middle St. on Friday night. Featuring a cruise, contests and plenty more for car enthusiasts, kids who love things that go, and anyone who enjoys a stroll down memory lane.
• Food & Music: Great chow and live music in the entertainment tent from 5pm until 11pm. Friday night features Kentucky Chrome, Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies and Trilogy

Saturday, 7/25:

• Kid Zone: continues
• Pet Parade: This is the cutest darn thing. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to take the family to check it out. The theme this year is "Country Western" so we're sure to see puppy dogs in cowboy hats. There are also cats, birds and pets of all kinds in this short and sweet parade. If you'd like to participate, call Chelsea Farmer Supply at 475-1777. If you just want to watch, check the website (link above) for the parade route.
• Food & Music: More tasty food and live music in the entertainment tent. But on Saturday, the fun starts at 1pm and continues up til 11pm. Saturday's bands include Center Stage (featuring Dr Dwayne and the Bad Boys from Spain -and- The Fred Vanreesema Review), The NoteWorthy Band, Hullabaloo and ending Summerfest off with a bang is Fifty Amp Fuse

Many local events have been facing cuts with sponsors and supporters, and Summerfest is no exception. I think the Committee took an excellent to this challenge by keeping the annual favorites, and scaling back the rest. So you won't see as much street activity in terms of vendor booths and arts and crafts. Be sure to let them know what you think of the "getting back to basics" approach. They can always use feedback ... and most importantly --- volunteers!

Have a great weekend!