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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula July 17, 2006 Press release and photos © 2006 Keweenaw Krayons. Published with permission.

Keweenaw Krayons to hold Thimbleberry Jam Fest July 22

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons' Thimbleberry Jam Fest 2006 will feature a variety of thimbleberry products, including chocolate-covered thimbleberry candies; brats, hot dogs, ice cream cones and thimbleberry sundaes; fresh roasted, freshly brewed coffee; art to do as well as art to purchase; and a wide variety of music. 

The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, in Allouez Township's Mohawk Park, is Keweenaw Krayons’ summer fundraiser.

“The proceeds from this day literally help us keep our doors open and programs free,” said Director Susan Hallwachs. “We have many people volunteering their time and talents and businesses donating supplies. The support we receive is so rewarding.”

Keweenaw Krayons is especially thrilled to have two members of the musical group Lake Effect, -- Graham Parsons and Dan Schmitt -- performing. It was four years ago that Darlene Basto, who was Arts and Education Director at the time, discovered the group, known then as “Blurred Thoughts,” at a CLK Talent Show. She invited them to perform at the 2002 Thimbleberry Jam Fest, their first public appearance outside of the talent show.

Lake Effect band members, from left, are Aric Danis, Joe Peterson, Graham Parsons and Dan Schmitt. The group made its début at the 2002 Thimbleberry Jam Fest as "Blurred Thoughts." This year Parsons and Schmitt will again perform during the Keweenaw Krayons fundraiser -- at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. (Photo © 2006 Keweenaw Krayons. Reprinted with permission.)

The crowd loved them and they were subsequently invited to play for other local events. Over the past four years they have played at Reggie Days, Bridgefest, Calumet Street Dance, Al’s Supper Club, The Irish Times and The White House Inn. They also have written and performed their own music, which has been recorded and is in the final mixing stages, with a CD release coming in the near future.

Basto will be on hand this year to introduce the group and do a bit of reminiscing.

There are several things unique to this festival, including the fact that much of it is planned and carried out by the youth in Keweenaw Krayons’ Teen Assistant Program. 

“Kids, ages 14 to 16, have been out selling ads, scanning in the art work, making posters, posting flyers and more,” said Carol Rose, Graphic Art and Marketing Program Director. 

Another unique addition is the guest appearance of “A Harpo,” alias Ariel Lake, playing Harpo Marx. Lake became interested in the life of Harpo and is now performing at local events, including Calumet Theater’s Vaudeville Show. She will be around most of the day entertaining the crowd with “Harpo’s funny antics” and will be performing a short skit during one of the band breaks.

While admission to the event is free, the public will have opportunities to support Keweenaw Krayons voluntarily. Pablo Pig Casso will be making his yearly appearance. A large paper maché piggy bank, Pablo is a “Pig with a Purpose,” his purpose being to raise funds for the non-profit art organization.

“He’s very hungry,” noted Adria Simpson, Keweenaw Krayons office manager and artist, who designed Pablo and created him with the help of Keweenaw Krayons youth. “He eats everything,” she added. “Paper money, change, checks…” 

Pablo "Pig" Casso, Keweenaw Krayons' Fundraising Piggy Bank,  greets customers as they enter and leave Laughing Loon Crafts of the North in Copper Harbor. He eagerly gobbles up change and digests bills and checks. (File photo © 2005 Keweenaw Krayons. Reprinted with permission.)

In addition to Pablo, there will be a variety of piglets for sale. These small piggy banks, painted by Keweenaw Krayons staff and youth, range from $15 on up.

Keweenaw Krayons piglets like this one, painted by Keweenw Krayons staff and youth, will be on sale at the Thimbleberry Jam Fest. (Photo © 2006 Keweenaw Krayons. Reprinted with permission.)

The Music Line-Up for the 2006 Thimbleberry Jam Fest is as follows:

11 a.m. - Noon, Erin Smith

Noon - 1 p.m., deeperstill

2 p.m.- 3 p.m., Crawfish Moiakka

3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Fiddlehead

5 p.m. - 8 p.m., The Polka Kings

Special guest performances during break times will be Don Rupp on the harmonica.

While this yearly event has never been rained out, the Ahmeek Fire Hall has been booked as the rain alternative.

“Better to be safe than sorry,” said Hallwachs.

“There is still room for a couple vendor tables," Hallwachs added. To register as a vendor or to obtain more information on the event, call 337-4706 or email staff@keweenawkrayons.com.

Vendor applications, plus a complete schedule, are also available on the Keweenaw Krayons Web site.

Keweenaw Krayons offers a variety of art programs including a free drop-in art program, where youth and adults can do the art of their choice. 

Call 337-4706 for more information on Keweenaw Krayons' current programs or visit their website.