Cool weekend weather lessens, does not stop crowds at 27th Mount Pleasant Summer Festival

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More than 10,000 visitors flocked to Island Park for the 27th Annnual Mount Pleasant Summer Festival to enjoy a carnival, live music and a flea market.

Mount Pleasant resident Connor Wright and Saginaw resident Ondraya Holton ride the Lil' Scrambler Sunday at Island Park, 331 N. Main St., during the 27th annual Summer Festival. (Ken Kadwell/Staff Photographer)

Bob Ebner, entertainment director of the Mount Pleasant Summer Festival, said the many activities prove to be a draw for the surrounding area.

“It’s a community event people can come to to relax and enjoy,” Ebner said. “It’s free fun. We’ve been working on it all year round.”

Ebner said the event was designed to feature a “little something for everyone,” and the 27th Annual Festival was no exception.

“We have dance bands, Cajun, polka … there’s entertainment going most of the time,” he said.

He said a portion of proceeds are donated to the local food pantry.

The festival was held this year in conjunction with Le Tour De Mont Pleasant, a bike race, and was moved in order to coincide with that event, Ebner said.

He said the move was made to make the weekend an even bigger attraction for the city with two significant events at the same time.

Stephanie Lukas, a Middleville senior, said she came to the festival with a friend for the fireworks and food.

“I came down to check it out … it’s interesting,” she said. “I’m excited for a funnel cake. There’s pretty cool music and rides.”

Mount Pleasant resident Don Denslow attended the festival with his family, including his six-year-old daughter, Destiny.

“The rides are fun and there’s nice weather,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to be as busy as other years.”

Destiny said she was excited for an elephant ear pastry for dessert and to ride the roller coaster at the carnival.

“It goes fast,” she said. “I rode it last year, too.”

Poor weather Friday led to a smaller crowd than normal, said Mount Pleasant resident Donna Harless. Harless operated a booth at the Festival’s flea market, selling handmade wooden bowls, baby blankets, quilts and dish towels.

“We had 50 buyers,” Harless said Saturday evening. “But a lot more came by to look.”