Turnout at Sturgis Fest Family Night is ‘better than imagined’

Turnout for Sturgis Fest "Family Night" was “better than imagined,” said Faith Gardner, chairperson for the event.

Several aspects of Family Night seemed to be popular, she said, including amusement rides, carnival games and a celebration of hometown heroes.

More: Sturgis Fest returns June 21-26 with theme of 'Celebrating Our Heroes'

More: Sturgis Fest begins with Kick-off Dinner, awards ceremony

The majority of the events were held in the GT Independence parking lot. Activities were either free or cost $1.

About 10 local churches and organizations put on the games, Gardner said. Pastor Darin Warnecke, of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sturgis, said traffic was steady at the church’s fishing game.

“We’re happy to be serving the community,” he said. “It’s always a good thing.”

Since this year’s Sturgis Fest theme is “Celebrating Our Heroes,” a new aspect of Family Night was added, including Sturgis Department of Public Safety vehicles. Children got to see the vehicles, could take photos and received stickers from the heroes, Gardner said.

Among those to come out for Family Night were Leeza, David and Kaia Fisch of Sturgis. The Journal caught up with them on the aerial bucket of a fire truck. Leeza said the family was enjoying a night out to get away from working to open a new business. They’ll open Main Street Smokehouse in Mendon in August.

Meanwhile, Erin, Ellieana, Graycee and Adelaide Cloutier also were enjoying Family Night. They were taking a break after moving to the community.

Food including hot dogs, chips and pop, also was popular, Gardner said. By 7 p.m., it was sold out.

Members of Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council prepared cotton candy, another popular attraction, Gardner said.

By 8 p.m., activities were concluding, and a movie showing of “Encanto” was being held at the Arkwright lot. Popcorn was provided by Strand Theatre and Radiant Life provided water.

At Free Church Park, HaasCaywood PC was hosting a Sturgis Fest wine mixer. Two Bandits Brewing Company and Lawton Ridge Winery were present, as well as band Mystic Dub.

YAC members, including Liliana Luna, Matthew Toner and Caroline Hughes, were busy Wednesday preparing cotton candy at "Family Night,"
YAC members, including Liliana Luna, Matthew Toner and Caroline Hughes, were busy Wednesday preparing cotton candy at "Family Night,"
The Fisch family of Sturgis (Leeza, David and Kaia) got a chance to tour the aerial bucket of a ladder truck on "Family Night." They were joined by on-call firefighter Maggie Bolthouse and Jason Albarran, captain of the Sturgis fire division.
The Fisch family of Sturgis (Leeza, David and Kaia) got a chance to tour the aerial bucket of a ladder truck on "Family Night." They were joined by on-call firefighter Maggie Bolthouse and Jason Albarran, captain of the Sturgis fire division.
Graycee and Adelaide Cloutier enjoyed a ride Wednesday during "Family Night" at Sturgis Fest. They were having a night out after moving to the community along with their mom, Erin, and sister Ellieana.
Graycee and Adelaide Cloutier enjoyed a ride Wednesday during "Family Night" at Sturgis Fest. They were having a night out after moving to the community along with their mom, Erin, and sister Ellieana.
Coy Yunker and Thomas and Frank Drumm took part in a fishing game at Sturgis Fest "Family Night."
Coy Yunker and Thomas and Frank Drumm took part in a fishing game at Sturgis Fest "Family Night."
Michelle Render, Sheri Males and Lori Bundy served wine at a Sturgis Fest wine mixer Wednesday at Free Church Park, as part of Sturgis Fest.
Michelle Render, Sheri Males and Lori Bundy served wine at a Sturgis Fest wine mixer Wednesday at Free Church Park, as part of Sturgis Fest.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: news-Sturgis Fest 2022-Family Night