Ship n Shore August 12, 2011

The New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival began as a small arts and crafts fair 27 year ago. Since then, it has evolved into a signature, three-day annual event in historic downtown New Buffalo, MI, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary! This year’s fest take place on Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14 (hours of operation, etc appear below).

Presented by Four Winds Casino and the New Buffalo Business Association, Ship & Shore Festival is a unique summertime tradition on Whittaker Street where the road is closed down to vehicles but opened to everyone in the community for arts, crafts, games, live music and more! The event is perfect for the entire family, whereby kids will enjoy: watermelon eating or ice-cream eating contests, moonwalks, face-painting, magicians, carnival games, a balloon artist (from 2-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday only), or fun-filled activities by Curious Kids all weekend long. Parents can browse the artistry of local arts-and-craft vendors while sipping on varietals from Round Barn Winery and Free Run Cellars as they showcase mouthwatering micro-brews, sangria and regional wines. Food vendors will include a wide range of cuisines from Tacos to Pizza to Bar-B-Que!

One of the most beloved family friendly elements of the fest is the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks display on Saturday evening where participants transform their floating pleasure boats, cruisers, and yachts into illuminated spectacles! Immediately following the parade, Casey’s Bar and Grill is presenting a fireworks show over the lake that will light up the night sky. With a suggested donation of only $5 for admission, even those on a budget can still come out and join the fun.

The Music:
The weekend entertainment is as follows (more bands to come in subsequent releases):

Friday Aug. 12
5:00 Top Secret Band
7:00 Midwest Hype
8:45 Impact 7
10:30 Dot Dot Dot

Saturday Aug. 13
noon How Far to Austin
2:00 Keith Scott Bandm,
4:00 Alligator Blackbird
6:00 Ralph Covert & Bad Examples
8:00 Gone to Paradise (Buffet Tribute)
*9:30 Lighted Boat Parade in Harbor. Best place to see parade at Bridge / Marina
10:15 Libido Funk Circus

Sunday Aug. 14
12:30 The Solution
3:00 Studebaker John
4:30 Mr. Blotto mix set
5:30 Mr. Blotto Beatles set

The Fine Print:
Ship & Shore festival is August 12-14, 2011. Visit newbuffalo.org for the latest information or call. Located at 126, South Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117. A $5 donation is suggested for admittance. Festival operating hours are Friday August 12: 5pm-midnight; Saturday August 15: 11am-midnight; Sunday August 14: 11am-7pm.