Thimbleberry Jam Fest Saturday
Thimbleberry Jam Fest Saturday
Full slate of entertainment, activities planned in MohawkMOHAWK — Fresh roasted, fresh brewed coffee; a variety of thimbleberry products, including chocolate covered thimbleberry candies; brats, hot dogs, ice cream cones and thimbleberry sundaes; art to do as well as art to purchase; and a wide variety of music will be available for the public to watch, listen, eat and enjoy at Keweenaw Krayons Thimbleberry Jam Fest 2006.
The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday in the Mohawk Park, is Keweenaw Krayons’ summer fundraiser. “The proceeds from this day literally help us keep our doors open and programs free,” said Director Susan Hallwachs. “We have many people volunteering their time and talents and businesses donating supplies. The support we receive is so rewarding.”
There are several things unique to this festival, including the fact that much of it is planned and carried out by the youth in Keweenaw Krayons’ Teen Assistant Program.
“Kids, ages 14 to 16, have been out selling ads, scanning in the art work; making posters, posting flyers and more,” said Carol Rose, Graphic Art and Marketing Program Director.
Keweenaw Krayons is especially thrilled to have two members of the musical group Lake Effect, Graham Parsons and Dan Schmitt, performing. It was four years ago that Darlene Basto, who was Arts & Education Director at the time, discovered the group at a CLK Talent Show. They went by the name “Blurred Thoughts” at the time. She invited them to perform at the 2002 Thimbleberry Jam Fest, their first public appearance outside of the talent show.
The crowd loved them and they were subsequently invited to play for other local events.
Over the past four years they have played at Reggie Days, Bridgefest, Calumet Street Dance, Al’s Supper Club, The Irish Times and The White House Inn. They also have written and performed their own music, which has been recorded and is in the final mixing stages, with a CD release coming in the near future.
Basto will be on hand this year to introduce the group and do a bit of reminiscing.
Another unique addition is the guest appearance of “A Harpo,” alias Ariel Lake playing Harpo Marx. Lake became interested in the life of Harpo and is now performing locally, including Calumet Theatre’s Vaudeville Show. She will be around most of the day entertaining the crowd with “Harpo’s funny antics” and will be performing a short skit during one of the band breaks.
While admission to the event is free, there will be plenty of ways to support Keweenaw Krayons financially once there. Pablo Pig Casso will be making his yearly appearance. A large paper mache piggy bank, Pablo is a “Pig with a Purpose,” his purpose being to raise funds for the non-profit art organization.
“He’s very hungry,” said Keweenaw Krayons’ office manager and artist, Adria Simpson. Simpson designed Pablo and created him with the help of Keweenaw Krayons youth. “He eats everything — paper money, change, checks.”
In addition to Pablo, there will be a variety of piglets for sale. These small piggy banks, painted by Keweenaw Krayons staff and youth, range from $15 on up.
The music line-up includes:
11 to noon Erin Smith
Noon to 1 deeperstill
1 to 2 p.m. Lake Effect’s Graham Parsons and Dan Schmitt
2 to 3 p.m. Crawfish Moiakka
3 to 5 p.m. Fiddlehead
5 to 8 p.m. The Polka Kings
Special guest performances during break times will be Don Rupp on the harmonica.
And while the yearly event has never been rained out, the Ahmeek Fire Hall has been booked as the rain alternative. “Better to be safe than sorry,” said Hallwachs, adding there is still room for a couple vendor tables. To register as a vendor or to obtain more information on the event, call 337-4706 or email staff@keweenawkrayons.com.
Vendor applications, plus a complete schedule is also available on the Web page, www.keweenawkrayons.com.
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