In most places, Fourth of July fun and festivities serve as summer’s main course.
But in Oxford Township, they’re merely an appetizer for one of the area’s biggest celebrations of the year.
The Seymour Celebration will return to Seymour Lake Township Park from Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11.
‘It’s just quality, family fun,? said Ron Davis, director of the township Parks and Recreation Department. ‘We pride ourselves on great facilities, great events. With the continued support of our local sheriff’s department, fire department and community leaders, we continue to provide a marquee program. It attracts a lot of people from outside our community. It kind of showcases our community.?
Now in its seventh year, the festival will continue to feature a variety of carnival rides and games, live music, a community garage sale and fireworks displays.
‘We thought about adding stuff, but it’s not broke, (so) why add more?? Davis noted. ‘It’s running smoothly now. We try to use the same vendors, so it’s a well-oiled machine.?
Carnival rides and games will continue to be provided by the Skerbeck Entertainment Group, based in Fennville, Michigan. The carnival will run from 5-10 p.m. on July 9 and from noon to 11 p.m. on July 10-11.
Armbands that provide all-day access to carnival rides will be available for $20 each at the box office. Each is good for a single day only. Discounted armbands can be purchased on-line for $17 each before noon on July 9. The website is www.seymourcelebration.com and all sales are final.
As always, there will be no shortage of live music. On Friday, July 10, the band Rhythm Factor will take the stage at 7 p.m. The band schedule is as follows for Saturday, July 11 ? 12 p.m. The Deals; 1 p.m. Plethora; 2 p.m. 3Z!P; 3 p.m. Misspent Youth; 5:30 p.m. SoulQuest; and 7:45 p.m. The Bush Pilots.
Fireworks shows will follow the musical acts on both nights. Colonial Fireworks, based in Clayton, Michigan, will once again light up the sky beginning at dusk.
Folks hunting for a bargain or looking to unload unwanted items are invited to participate in the Clean Sweep Community Garage Sale on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s Seymour Celebration will feature a 3v3 soccer tournament for U7-U17 gold and silver levels. Local teams are scheduled to play July 10, while travel teams will play July 11. The cost to enter is $125 per team and there’s a four-game guarantee. To learn more or register, visit www.oxford3v3.com
Festival-goers are invited to enjoy park amenities such as the Kids Kingdom playground, KLR Splashpad, softball fields and courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball.
There is a charge for the splashpad, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s $1 each for Oxford kids and $4 for non-residents.
Admission to the Seymour Celebration is free with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights. After 7 p.m., a fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged.
Both alcoholic beverages and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited in the park. Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies will be on patrol and on the lookout for violators.
For more information, please visit www.seymourcelebration.com