Ortonville- Without Kearsley Creek, there would be no Old Mill, and without the Old Mill, no Ortonville, says Connie Stalker.
As an integral part of the community, the waterway will be celebrated with a full day of activities during CreekFest, June 10.
‘Kearsley Creek is a major element in the community,? says Stalker, who, with husband Don, is co-chair of the event. ‘It’s the headwaters of the Flint River. The main purpose of CreekFest is to educate, but it has to be fun.?
CreekFest will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 Church St. Children’s activities at Brandon Fire Station #1, 53 South St., begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue to 11:30 a.m., with ‘Live Creekside Creatures?; ‘Creek Creations,? ‘MI Fish and Wildlife and CERT exhibits,? and more.
Tethered hot air balloon rides can be enjoyed for a fee during the same time frame in Dr. Regiani’s parking lot, 101 South St.
New this year is a poetry contest in which entries previously turned in will be read and judged by an accredited poetry judge. CreekFest visitors will also have the opportunity to judge and vote for one of several large ceramic toad decorated by local businesses and donated for auction at the end of the day.
Other events throughout the day include a fly-tying demonstration; performances by Neil Woodward, the GOB gymnasts and GOB riverdancers; minnow and yacht races; and more demonstrations and exhibits, all taking placing downtown at the Old Mill, Old Town Hall, or fire hall.