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Laurel Krauss
The End of Summer Bash runs all day on Saturday, September 3 at Pier Park.
GROSSE POINTE FARMS – As apparently the favorite summertime sport in the Pointes, pickleball is new to this year’s End of Summer Bash, Saturday, Sept. 3, at Pier Park.
An adult pickleball tournament with beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions begins at 10 a.m., using one of the park’s tennis courts that this season has been converted into two pickleball courts.
With a $10 participation fee, pre-registration is required and can be done online at parks.grossepointefarms.org or by calling the parks office at (313) 343-2405.
“We’re looking forward to hosting that and potentially hosting a pickleball tournament maybe once a month going forward or next year,” Parks and Recreation Director Chris Galatis said, “so (we’re) trying to gauge the interest in it.”
As always, the day’s festivities begin with check-in for the annual fishing rodeo at 8 a.m. The actual event runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m., leading up to the pickleball tournament and a full day of activities, bookending with fireworks at dusk. This is the second year the annual fireworks display has moved from the Fourth of July weekend to the end of summer holiday.
Courtesy photos
This is the second year the Farms’ annual fireworks display has been moved from July 4th weekend to the end-of-summer celebration.
“We have activities throughout the day,” Galatis said, “things for both kids and adults.”
Children’s activities, which run from noon to 3 p.m., include face painting, bounce houses and a petting zoo. Magic shows take place at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, while a cornhole tournament starts at 2pm.
For entertainment, the Steve Floyd Trio Band plays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and the Mixx Band takes the stage from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
The Pier Houz concession stand will be joined by an on-site Batter Up Waffle Company food truck from noon to 7 p.m., as well as an Atwater beer, wine and seltzer tent from noon to 9:30 p.m.
“There’s something for everyone,” Galatis said, adding that the pool will also be open. “… It will be the last weekend for the pool due to Labor Day coming up and just a great way for parents, kids and families to stay home and have something to do at his park”.
During the End of Summer Bash, as well as throughout Labor Day weekend, admission to Pier Park will be limited to two guests per valid Farms 2022 park pass.
