The woman who was largely responsible for saving the July 4 parade several years ago amidst the downtown construction is back at it again.
Ginny Schultz however is not looking to create another downtown parade this time. Instead she is seeking help on a downtown picnic she is organizing. The picnic will take place Sept. 5 at Depot Park from 1-4 p.m. Schultz said the picnic is open to village residents only, not citizens of either Springfield or Independence Townships. She asks village residents to bring their own picnic basket, but not to worry about ice cream. She said ice cream is being provided by Crook’s Dairy Farm in Brandon Township.
‘It’s nothing fancy,? Schultz said with a smile from inside her antique store in downtown Clarkston. ‘Just a nice place to see your neighbors and make some new friends. I just thought now that we got all the construction done downtown, it would be a nice time to celebrate.?
Schultz said she is planning on having several different activities during the picnic to entertain the old and young alike. Potato sack races, three-legged races and a penny scramble, where people will hunt for a penny in a pile of sand or sawdust are all in the works. She is simply looking for volunteers to help with the festivities or for possible musical acts to provide some music. Schultz said she was not looking for any specific type of music for the event.
Additionally, children will be able to hop inside a fire truck or police cars, as both government bodies are helping with the picnic, Schultz said. The sheriff’s department will also be represented, she said.
City Manager Art Pappas said the Clarkston City Council at its June 7 meeting approved $500 out of its general fund in support of the picnic. The event itself was approved at its May 24 meeting, Pappas said.
‘She’s a go-getter,? Pappas said of Schultz.
People interested in helping or learning more about the early fall downtown picnic are encouraged to contact either Ginny or James Schultz at 248-625-3122 or can stop by their Country Store off of M-15 just north of Washington between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.