Small towns all across the country have annual festivals that celebrate the things these places have to offer. Jonesville, Michigan, is my small town. Our annual event is called Riverfest. It will begin on Friday, May 17 and conclude on Sunday, May 19. The St. Joe River flows South to North through Jonesville. The river flows steadily and is a popular place for fishermen, kayakers, and canoe enthusiasts. The Jonesville Riverfest festival centers around canoe races that are open to the public on the river. Races are organized on Saturday and Sunday on a stretch of water that ends in downtown Jonesville. There are categories by age, sex, and experience, along with a corporate challenge. Contestants may bring their own canoe or rent one from the festival officials.
It’s not only about the canoe races. There will also be a triathlon, sidewalk sale, arts & crafts sale, pancake breakfast, 4K run/walk, pork chop lunch, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, civil war encampment, Grosvenor House Museum tour, classic car show, cornhole tournament, antique tractor show, lots of food, and an Improv Comedy show. STD (the Silver Tongued Devils) will be the music headliner at the Eagles Club on Beck Road after dark. STD is the local favorite rock ‘n roll band covering songs from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Darius Rucker, AC/DC, and more.
The Munro House Bed and Breakfast is just 2 blocks from the finish line of the canoe races and offers special event pricing during this weekend. Besides being a comfortable B&B Inn, the Munro House is rich in history and the owners love to tell the stories of the early pioneers, the history of Jonesville, and the legends of the house being used as a station on the underground railroad. Plan your trip to Jonesville Riverfest on the weekend following Mother’s Day in May. This year Riverfest runs from May 17-19. The triathlon starts the festivities. The weekend ends with the winners of the 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Mike Venturini – Innkeeper
“Life is good in Jonesville”