Third annual Clay Day event set for May 11

Highlight will be the Native American Indian Pow Wow 

By Barb Pert Templeton

On Saturday, May 11, Clay Township will host Clay Day, having reduced the event from Clay Days which was a three-day festival to just one day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clay Township Park. 

Storyboards and painted window displays touting the townships history, a live Native American Pow Wow, dozens of Native American Indian Vendors, food concessions and  a chance to purchase a commemorative coin or t-shirt are all on the schedule.

“It is a great event and a great day to be outdoors in the park surrounded by history, culture, music and good food,” Clay Township Recreation Coordinator Cindy Babisz said.

Blue Water Healthy Living posed some questions about the event to Babisz via email and these are her responses. 

Blue Water Healthy Living: How many years has the township been hosting Clay Day? Didn’t it used to be Clay Days? 

Clay Township Recreation Coordinator Cindy Babisz: We started in 2022 with a three-day weekend celebration of our Bicentennial. Then in 2023 and this year it’s just a one day event.
BWHL: What’s the idea behind the event? 

Babisz: The idea behind our event is to commemorate our history and culture in Clay Township and surrounding area. 
BWHL: Is there an admission cost? Is this a fundraiser? 

Babisz: This is a free event with no admission fees. However, there are concession food sales, American Indian Arts and Foods for sale.
BWHL: What’s new on the schedule this year? 

Babisz: There will be more vendors this year. We are also noticing contact with new visitors coming in from the northern part of St Clair County.
BWHL: Which activity do you think draws the public in the most? 

Babisz: Hands down the American Indian Festival is the biggest draw. Art, Crafts, Clothing, Food, Music and Dance. 
BWHL: Who created the storyboards? Can you provide an example of what one might share? Do they have writing and art/pictures?

Babisz: Supervisor Artie Bryson had the idea for story boards and headed up the project. Each one focuses on a specific topic or time in Clay Township history. For instance, one is all about the Colony Tower. Another one focuses on the rail line that came through the area. Each and every one is fascinating concise information and pictures.
BWHL: Who creates the painted windows? Are they different each year or the same original ones brought back year after year?

Babisz: Local Artist Janice Demonte. Janice and local volunteers continually add to the windows each year. 

BWHL: How many windows are on display? 

Babisz: There are 18 actual windows. Some are full panes; some have multiple panes. So. the actual number of paintings is much higher.

BWHL: You have bicentennial t-shirts and coins for sale?

Babisz: Yes, the coins and shirts are sold at the Treasurer Counter and in concessions at the park. The collector coin is the 2022 Bicentennial Coin and it sells for $6.
BWHL: Has the Native American Pow Wow been part of the event from the start? Does that group have a significant role in Clay Township’s past, if so, can you share a bit about that? 

Babisz: Yes, the Native American Festival and Pow Wow has been an integral part of this event since the start. Native American Tribes have a rich history in Clay Township and surrounding area of the St Clair River in both U.S. and Canadian borders. Part of our International Border is with Walpole Island First Nation Territory. Since I relocated here in 1988, I have seen several events highlighting or focused on the Native American heritage in this area. 

BWHL: Any idea what the attendance is for this event each year? Has it grown since the first one? 

Babisz: Absolutely. Visitors are local and from the surrounding region.

BWHL: Does the weather play a factor in attendance each year? 

Babisz: It goes on rain or shine and we have been fortunate so far with beautiful weather and warm temperatures.

Clay Township Park is located at 4768 Pointe Tremble Road.