RARE invites public to ‘Rockin’ Summer Night’ Aug. 8

EASTPOINTE — If you’re into crafts, Nerf battles and live music, then head on over to Kennedy Park Aug. 8.

The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe will be holding its annual “Rockin’ Summer Night” from 5 to 9 p.m. Kennedy Park is located at 24517 Schroeder Ave. in Eastpointe.

“Rockin’ Summer Night is a free event put on every year to thank the community for their support of the recreation authority,” RARE Assistant Director Sara Frederick said. “We want the community to be able to enjoy a fun evening out with their family.”

Over in the kids zone section, families can duke it out in friendly Nerf battles. Adding to the fun, there will be a mobile video game truck, a balloon artist, crafts with the Anton Art Center and a caricature artist. RARE officials also have arranged for a magic show at 5:45 p.m.

The Eastpointe Lions Club will get into the spirit of the evening by setting up a beer and wine pavilion. Along with that, 18 local craft vendors have signed on to be part of the event.

Attendees are encouraged to stick around for live music with a performance by Collision Six from 7 to 9 p.m. On its website c6band.com, Collision Six describes itself as “a fun, energetic and versatile cover band serving Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Northern Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.”

According to RARE Director Tony Lipinski, Rockin’ Summer Night is a spin-off from the Sizzlin’ Summer Night events done since the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe formed. A lot of work is done ahead of time planning and preparing for the event.

“The Eastpointe Department of Public Works and Parks Maintenance do a great job preparing the park, as well as the cooperation from the Eastpointe Police Department the day of the event,” Lipinski said. “Of course, the support provided by the Eastpointe Lions Club and sponsor Motor City Pawn Brokers makes it possible for us to have such an event. The majority of our recreation authority staff will be working at the Rockin’ Summer Night event to create great memories for all that attend.”

At press time, the following food vendors were confirmed: J & W Ice Cream and Grill, Motown Dawg Slingers, Fork in Nigeria and Fry Life Inc. Organizers predict anywhere from 500 to 750 people will attend Rockin’ Summer Night. And while RARE is based in Roseville and Eastpointe, the evening is open to anyone. The event will be held rain or shine.

For more information on RARE, call (586) 445-5480 or visit rare-mi.org.