ROSCOMMON – The Village of Roscommon is hosting its first ever ‘WOW’ weekend on July 7-9. And there is something for everyone: Movies, art and fun on the AuSable River.
On Friday, July 7, the first ‘Movies Under the Moonlight,’ will be held at Wallace Park on the East Branch of the AuSable River. The movies are sponsored by Campbell Canoe Livery and First Congregational Church.
The first scheduled movie is ‘Inside Out.’
The event is the first of a Friday night series where families are invited to come down to the park about 9 p.m. for the movie. Spokesperson Jan Wilkerson said the event is free, but said people should bring snacks, chairs, and especially, bug spray.
‘We’re hoping this will give people a community feel that everyone misses. It will give you that drive-in feeling without the car,’ Wilkerson said.
Due to handicapped accessible improvements in the park, it’s easier for everyone to utilize the riverfront area.
Wilkerson and her husband, who are new to the community, have done the same type of movies where they lived before.
‘The best thing we had happen last year, we had a family that came with someone in a wheelchair,’ Wilkerson said. ‘He came onto lawn in a wheelchair with his family and experienced the movie with everybody. There is something about watching a movie and laughing together. It’ the experience with your friends and neighbors.’
‘It’s about being a community together.’
For a complete schedule of movies this summer pick up a copy of the Voice, or visit the calendar at UpNorthVoice.com.
49th Annual Art Festival
Hosted by The Higgins Lake-Roscommon Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the Roscommon DDA, the 49th Annual Roscommon Arts Festival is Saturday, July 8, from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m. Held on the CRAF Center lawn and a portion of Lake Street, this yearly event is anticipated and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
‘We have a nice variety of new Artists this year, in addition to some of our returning favorites. We added a couple food trucks and live music last year, and they were both so popular, we’ve brought them back AND added more food trucks,’ said Cathy Boyle, executive director of the chamber.
Art styles include watercolors, pastels, acrylic, and unique crafts for your garden walks, pets and much more.
Food and drinks include Spiral vegetables, Maple Spice and Bourbon BBQ wings, fresh squeezed lemonade, Mexican and Philly Potato Skins, Butterfinger Caramel Apples, as well as fresh hot dogs and Brats available from the Roscommon Lions Club.
Also new this year, the Lighthouse of Roscommon will offer face painting, and a sidewalk chalk painting area for budding artists. And Greg Bogus and his guitar will be returning to the gazebo spotlight, with music for all to enjoy.
For information call the Higgins Lake-Roscommon Chamber of Commerce: 989-275-8760 or email info@hlrcc.com.
Roscommon Riverfest
Rounding out the weekend is Roscommon Riverfest, an exciting day based around the river and targeted toward kids, dogs and families.
‘We’re just trying to get kids and families to come to the river. See what it’s about and have a little fun,’ said Riverfest Committee Chairperson Mark Constance. ‘We want people to learn to appreciate the river and the environment, and getting kids onto the river for an event like this is one of the ways to do it.’
Held at Wallace Park on the South Branch of the AuSable River, the day starts at 10 a.m. with the dock dog jump. Dogs of every shape and size are invited to participate in the event. Whether the dogs actually jump doesn’t matter as each will get a small prize for participating.
RULES: All dogs must be on a leash when not in the physical act of jumping. Overly aggressive dogs are prohibited. Owners are not allowed to stand on the platform.
At noon, the ‘internationally recognized’ cardboard boat races begin. Heats will be separated at age 12 and under, and 13 to 17.
Any boat design is allowed. The only materials that can be used are cardboard and duct tape. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cardboard. There will be a small amount of material and tape available at the site.
Everyone who enters the cardboard boat race will be entered into a drawing for a kayak donated by Walmart.
Participants must provide their own life jackets and paddles.
Aside from face painting, corn hole, casting contests and much more, new this year is fly tying provided by local fly fishing expert Mark Rais of the Mason-Griffith Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Rais and his team will teach anyone who wants to learn how to tie a fly.
Home Depot of Houghton Lake is also donating kids prizes and materials for the boat race.
Duck Race
As part of the event, the Roscommon Rotary Club will host its annual Great AuSable River Duck Race at 2 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to win up to $1,000 in cash if their duck should cross the finish line first. Tickets are available at the office of the Roscommon County Voice or by contacting any Rotarian.
Setting the backdrop for the day will be live music from 11 a.m. To 4 p.m. Musician Randy Gulder will lead off the day, followed by Carrie Westbay, ‘Party of Two.’
For additional information visit Roscommon Riverfest on Facebook or call 989-275-1170.
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