South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Strike Up the Band!
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
1. Strike Up the Band! Marker
Celebrations and festivals have a long history in South Haven, beginning as early as 1861 with a 4th of July celebratory parade. The tradition has continued for over one hundred and fifty years with homemade floats lining the streets, local bands performing in the background, and evening firework displays.
South Haven has maintained a tradition of celebrating the success of its fruit crop, beginning in 1935 with a Peach Festival. Peach Festivals were held from 1935 to 1937 and included a parade featuring the "Peach Queen." The National Blueberry Festival made its debut in 1963 and has continued to be one of the most popular events in South Haven today. Thousands gather for the blueberry pie-eating contest, pageant, craft fair, blueberry market, and blueberry parade.
Today, celebratory traditions live on with festivals and events that honor the many special features of South Haven that have shaped our city throughout its existence. Patriotism is kept alive with the annual Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Salute to Veterans parades, our maritime heritage is celebrated at HarborFest, and our farming heritage lives on with the Antique Engine & Tractor Show. Every year, community members and visitors gather to enjoy the festivities that have persevered for over a century, creating memories for years to come.
Erected
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 42° 24.376′ N, 86° 16.563′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker can be reached from Black River Street south of Dyckman Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Stanley Johnston Park at the top of the hill along Black River Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Farming Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Captains of Industry (a few steps from this marker); Catskills of the Midwest (within shouting distance of this marker); A Peach of a Man (within shouting distance of this marker); A Historic Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Evelyn S (within shouting distance of this marker); Coastal Crossroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Fishing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.
More about this marker. Marker is part of South Haven's Sesquicentennial Trail.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
2. Strike Up the Band! Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
