REED CITY — Reed City is preparing for the Great American Crossroads Celebration, an event that aims to bring a fun-filled family outing to the heart of the town.
Taking place Aug. 18-20 across Reed City, the festival is meant to have something for all ages to enjoy.
Chamber coordinator Alanna McBee said the celebration showcases the best of what the community has to offer.
McBee hopes the festival brings people from outside the area to experience Reed City.
“Having a big event like this and multiple items for all ages to be able to participate in really attracts a number of different tourists to our area,” she said.
The first event, a comedy show planned for 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Sunny’s Sports Bar featuring Joey Elder and friends, is for a mature audience.
The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, by Bethel Church on Lincoln Ave. and end on South Higbee Street, leading to a parking lot party behind Sunny’s Sports Bar featuring a drink tent and live music.
Friday night will also mark the start of the softball tournament, which is in a round-robin format. It will take place 6-9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Children’s Carnival returns this year, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in a new location, Westerburg Park, on 210th Avenue just south of U.S. 10.
The car show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Saturday on Upton Avenue.
Another parking lot party, sponsored by Sunny’s and Buckboard, will take place from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday with the Slick Jimmy Band.
For McBee, the event is not just about creating a memorable experience for visitors; it’s also about showcasing the true essence of Reed City.
With various activities and events, such as the bike trip down one of the trails, museum visits and sampling local restaurants, visitors can immerse themselves in the community’s culture.
McBee said that The Great American Crossroads Celebration isn’t just an event, it’s an opportunity for Reed City to shine and demonstrate its potential as a tourist destination with the influx of visitors expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, and businesses benefiting from increased patronage.
With the growing interest in the event and the continuous development of the city, McBee hopes more visitors are likely to return for future vacations.
McBee also said her gratitude to the numerous sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and the planning committee, whose support and dedication have made this celebration possible year after year. She emphasized that the event’s success is a collective effort that involves various organizations coming together for the greater good of the community.
For more information on events, visit www.facebook.com/gaccreedcity.