[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=49803.93

Old Towne Fun Fest Slated
The Michigan City Mainstreet Association on June 23 will host its first Olde Towne Fun Fest. Organizers said it will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include food, music, artists, a trunk sale and family activities.

The Olde Town Fun Fest begins immediately following Summer Festival's Kiddie Parade and ends in time for the Shake, Rattle and Roll Car Cruise and Street Dance.

"The Mainstreet members are offering this family fun event to residents and visitors of our community," said Roger Potratz, owner of dh2w and president of the Mainstreet Association. "There will be no entry fee and no fee to participate in the activities, experience great art, and listen to good music. Food vendors, including restaurants and non-profit organizations will be selling many different types of food and beverages."

A trunk sale - like a large multi-family garage sale - will take place at Eighth and Franklin streets.

"We are still accepting some reservations for space at this event," said Donna Howard, Station 801, who is managing the trunk sale along with her husband, Mike. The trunk sale will be open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the fee to reserve a space is $20.

Tim Haas, of Haas & Associates and vice president of the Mainstreet Association, said, "The Summer Festival's annual Kiddie Parade will go down Franklin Street, beginning at the library and ending at Eighth Street, at 11 a.m. During the parade, food and beverages will be available along the sidewalks of north Franklin Street, and artists will have displays of their work set up for viewing and purchase. The trunk sales will also be open, so the Historic Downtown will be busy and exciting."

Music and family activities will begin as soon as the parade ends, said Haas. "Downtown businesses and local non-profit organizations are hosting activities for families. The intent is to provide fun and entertainment."

Restaurants and non-profit organizations are still able to register for this event, said Jan Kostielney, marketing and community relations consultant to the city and secretary of the Mainstreet Association. "Registration forms are available at www.mcmainstreet.com, and forms for the trunk sale and for artists who want to display and sell their work are also available on our Web site," she said.

Questions about the Olde Towne Fun Fest should be directed to Kostielney at (219) 363-1407 or via e-mail to info@mcmainstreet.com.

[Roger Kaputnik]

is this a new thing? I have never heard of it before.

[RedDevilMC]

I'm not sure if it's new or not. I'm participating. So, if you want to play Hopscotch or do the Hula Hoop, stop by my booth. I think I'm going to hand out giveaways to the kids.

[Southsider2k12]

It is brand new, and hopefully it gets more attention than Cinco De Mayo did.

[Roger Kaputnik]

Hula hoop? You know what would happen if I tried that??