July is one of the busiest months of the year in St. Clair and Sanilac counties, with county fairs, festivals, concerts, car shows and community celebrations filling calendars across the region. While Independence Day fireworks and parades may dominate the first week of the month, summer fun doesn’t end there.
From Port Huron’s Blue Water Festival and the St. Clair River Classic to Port Sanilac’s Family Fun Day and the St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair, July offers no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy live music, carnival rides, classic cars, waterfront entertainment and small-town traditions. Here’s a look at some of the month’s events.
Wondering where to watch fireworks? Check out our Fourth of July guide for fireworks displays, parades and other holiday events across the area.
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day will bring live music, animal presentations and hands-on activities to the historic village grounds in Port Sanilac. The event will feature performances by The Humbuckers, exotic animal presentations from Timber Creek Petting Farm, tours of the Loop-Harrison Mansion and a Port Sanilac Farmers Market operating alongside the festivities.
Second Saturday at Four South Lake Street
Second Saturday at Four South Lake Street will feature an outdoor market with local vendors offering antiques, baked goods, florals, massage services and more. Visitors are invited to browse the open-air market on Main Street in Port Sanilac, shop local businesses and support area makers. The market is also scheduled to return in August and September.
24th Annual River Classic Car Show
The 24th Annual River Classic Car Show will fill Palmer Park and the St. Clair River waterfront with classic and custom vehicles. Cars will be displayed on the grass along the boardwalk throughout the day, with owners on hand to discuss their vehicles. Awards will be presented during the afternoon.
The Gothic Market
The Gothic Market will bring a folklore- and gothic-themed indoor market to the Blue Water Convention Center, featuring vendors, artists and alternative fashion. Organizers say the two-day event will showcase a curated lineup of creators, artisans and performers.
America250 Block Party
The America250 Block Party will bring live music, family activities, historical demonstrations and museum exhibits to 6th Street as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Port Huron Museums describes the event as a family-friendly neighborhood celebration centered around the Carnegie Museum site.
Senior Picnic
The Senior Picnic will offer adults ages 60 and older a free lunch at the Pine Grove Park pavilion, along with live music by Ian Smith and Company. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the event of rain, the picnic will be held Tuesday, July 21.
Blue Water Festival (Boat Week)
Blue Water Festival will bring live music, a street fair, food trucks, family activities and race-related events to downtown Port Huron as part of the annual Bayview Mackinac Race celebration. The festival is one of St. Clair County’s largest summer traditions.
A full Boat Week preview will be published in an upcoming story.
Harsens Island 8th Annual Car Show
The Harsens Island eigth Annual Car Show will bring classic, custom, muscle and specialty vehicles to Browne’s Field for a daylong island gathering accessible by auto ferry. The event will feature a DJ, concessions, raffles and more than 30 trophy classes, including veterans awards and a 6-foot Best in Show trophy.
St. Clair County 4‑H & Youth Fair
The St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair will bring livestock shows, youth exhibits, carnival rides and nightly entertainment to Goodells County Park. Fair organizers are encouraging participants to meet online entry deadlines and purchase discounted ride mega passes ahead of the weeklong event.
A full preview of the St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair will be published in an upcoming story.
Science Heroes: Digging It!
Science Heroes: Digging It! will invite children to explore everyday science through hands-on demonstrations covering topics such as pressure, energy, and physical and chemical changes. The St. Clair County Library System offers programs throughout the year, with additional events available on the library’s online calendar.
St. Clair River Offshore Race Weekend
St. Clair River Offshore Race Weekend will bring the St. Clair River Classic back to the downtown riverfront with three days of powerboat racing and race village activities. Race boats will be on display Friday and Saturday, with competition taking place Sunday on the St. Clair River. Vendors, food and public viewing areas will be available throughout the weekend along Palmer Park and the boardwalk.
Whether you’re lining up along the riverfront, browsing a small-town market or taking in the sights and sounds of the county fair, July offers plenty of ways to enjoy summer across St. Clair and Sanilac counties.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming August events guide, featuring more fairs, festivals and community gatherings across the Blue Water Area.
Have an event to add or notice something we missed? Share your event information with reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Boat Week, car shows and county fairs headline July events calendar
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
