Shelby Township Summerfest kicks off June 28-29

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Organizers of Shelby Township’s upcoming SummerFest June 28-29 plan to provide families and individuals with a celebration full of unforgettable moments.

Summerfest 2024 will feature “Treehouse Live,” the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, a drone show and many more attractions on the Shelby Township municipal campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. This first Shelby Township Summerfest will be presented by the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority and will combine the former Shelby Township Summer Kick-off and the former Shelby Township DDA Independence Day Celebration into one two-day event.

“By bringing together cherished traditions and exciting new experiences, this event embodies everything that makes Shelby Township a better place,” Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said in a prepared statement.

Trustee Lucia Di Cicco is overseeing the event as a member of the DDA.

“As a member of the Shelby Township DDA, I am thrilled to invite everyone to join us on June 29 for a truly unique and patriotic celebration at Shelby Township’s Summerfest. For those seeking an alternative to traditional commercial firework displays, we are excited to offer a live performance from the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, culminating in an innovative drone show by Firefly Drone Shows. This event celebrates our nation’s independence creatively and showcases the patriotism and pride of our community. The DDA is honored to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Summerfest, continuing our mission to support local businesses and create unforgettable experiences for our residents. We look forward to celebrating with you all at the municipal campus on Van Dyke Avenue.”

Di Cicco said Shelby Township is a very patriotic community with many veterans and active-duty families who are residents.

“It’s one of the many reasons Shelby Township is the best place to celebrate Independence Day in metro Detroit, and this year’s festivities will further cement that honor,” she said in a press release.

Kelsey Kobylarek, host of Shelby TV’s “The Treehouse” and a content specialist in the Shelby Township Community Relations Department, said that families with young children won’t want to miss Summerfest.

“If your children love TV and making their own videos, this is the event for them! Join us for a live taping of ‘Treehouse Live’ where your kids can be part of the show and participate in exciting segments like science demonstrations, princess singalongs and animal encounters. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will create unforgettable summer memories. Come out, meet me in the treehouse, and let your children be stars on our award-winning show,” she said.

Shelby Township Community Relations Director Brad D. Bates asked, “How many kids can say they co-starred in the nation’s best government access children’s show on their summer vacation?”

“We’re blessed to have host/producer Kelsey Kobylarek and her team bring our children’s programming into residents’ homes with ‘The Treehouse.’ And ‘Treehouse Live’ allows those kids to leave the house and meet Kelsey in her treehouse,” Bates said in a press release.

In addition to “Treehouse Live” on June 28, attendees can enjoy a ton of activities including a touch-a-truck event, strolling princesses and superheroes, face painting, magicians, and a petting zoo.

On June 29, there will be a patriotic celebration featuring a Macomb Symphony Orchestra live performance.

Ryan Sigmon, of Firefly Drone Shows, said the company is excited to bring a drone light show to Summerfest.

“This show will be synchronized to the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and customized around Summerfest,” he said in a press release.

On both days, there will be various food trucks, a craft beer tent and vendors from Connect Macomb. Connect Macomb also offers businesses the chance to become sponsors of the 2024 Shelby Township Summerfest.