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Jun 25, 2023

Shelby Township Summer Kickoff returns to highlight summer programs

Summer is only a few weeks away and already there’s a list of free fun

Summer is only a few weeks away and already there's a list of free fun activities for Macomb County families starting with the Shelby Township Summer Kickoff at River Bends from 4 to 8 p.m. June 9.

Kids are guaranteed to have a blast.

This year's activities not only include a touch-a-truck, meet-and-greet with firefighters and police officers, numerous food trucks and strolling princesses and superheroes but an opportunity for kids to take part in a live filming of Shelby Township Television's award-winning show, "The Treehouse," with host Kelsey Kobylarek at 6:30 p.m.

"Kelsey Kobylarek does an amazing job connecting with our youngest residents, so this will be a great opportunity for her to engage the kids and give families a chance to start the summer in such a memorable way," Community Relations Director Brad Bates said in a news release. "After all, what kid doesn't want to see themselves on TV, let alone as part of the nation's best access TV children's show."

Kobylarek guides a show with guests from the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Mad Science of Detroit, singing princesses and audience members. "The Treehouse Live" will air on Shelby TV and the township's YouTube and Facebook channels for participants to relive and share this unique family activity.

"With programs like this staffed by great people, working with a tremendous board of trustees, it's not hard to see why Shelby Township was named, for the fifth-straight year, the No.1 place to live in Macomb County," said township Supervisor Rick Stathakis. "I think it's a reason to celebrate, and we have plenty of opportunities for our residents to do just that this summer."

The meet and greet with police and fire will include demonstrations by the Shelby Township police and fire departments, while firefighters will provide access to a smokehouse. In addition, Shelby Township librarians will be on hand, and staff from the Burgess Shadbush Nature Center will introduce kids to some of their animal ambassadors.

To top it all off at 7:30 p.m. there will be an outdoor showing of the original 1994 release of "The Lion King." Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets although some plastic folding chairs will be available.

"Every parent knows there is nothing like the end of school and the beginning of summer, and this event will be a great way to get that time of year started," Bates said. "We have so many amazing family-friendly events planned through the summer, too, that this gives parents a chance to plan their summer around our can't-miss events."

Event sponsors include the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Genisys Credit Union. Guests can purchase dinner from among more than a dozen food trucks and stop by the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Michigan craft beer tent before the movie showing on the township's LED video wall.

For more information visit shelbytwp.org/summer.

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