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Final plans taking shape for centennial

Our Town Kingsford

COUNTY DUO BIG & RICH will be the headline performers Friday, Aug. 4, during Kingsford’s 100th birthday celebration planned for Aug. 3-5.

KINGSFORD — The Kingsford Centennial Committee is working to finalize the music and activities for the city’s 100th birthday celebration planned Aug. 3-5 at the city’s Lodal Park.

The music lineup is nearly complete. They are close to signing the main act for Saturday night, committee member John Jessen said.

Thursday will be the ultimate ’80s rock party with Vince Neil, the voice of Motley Crue, and Stephen Pearcy, the voice of Ratt, headlining the main stage. Noise Pollution, an AC/DC tribute and The Glam Band, an ’80s rock tribute band, play earlier on the main stage. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Early on the committee announced the signing of county duo Big & Rich as Friday night’s headliners. Cowboy Troy will join them. Other acts performing include Runaway June — best known for the song “Buy My Own Drinks” — and Andy Gibbons with Bad Axe Rodeo and special guest Jim Counter, and Stephen Ray. Gates open at 3 p.m.

On Saturday, gates open at 11 a.m. and there will be a mixed lineup of music to suit different age groups. Acts set to perform include FBI & the Untouchable Horns, Mark Farner’s American Band and Gin Blossoms, with the headliner still to be announced.

LODAL PARK WILL be the site for most events and entertainment during Kingsford’s 100th birthday celebration planned for Aug. 3-5.

Besides music on the main stage, the celebration will also have the Blagec Bros. Rheem Heating and Cooling Stage, featuring local performers such as Next Myle, Oz, Rockslide, Polar Blues Band, 141 North, The Descendants and Sons of Legends.

The Car Show and Car Cruise, presented by Just Cruizin’ Car Club, will be Saturday. The cruise starts at 9 a.m. at Kingsford High School and car show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venue 906 on Breitung Avenue.

The Centennial Parade with grand marshals Kingsford natives Rick and Marty Lagina of the History Channel show “The Curse of Oak Island,” will follow the car cruise Saturday morning. The cruise and parade route will be from Kingsford High School to Woodward, up to Balsam, over to Pyle Drive, then back to the school, with the cars going on to the car show at Venue 906.

Registration for the car show is $5. Participants can register early online or in-person from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Venue 906. First- and second-place trophies will be awarded in more than a dozen classes, along with best in show. Admission to the car show is free with centennial admission or $5 without.

“Our committee has reprinted the book from the 75-year diamond jubilee. ‘The Town that Ford Built’ which is available now along with event merchandise through our website and at Kingsford City Hall,” Jessen said. “We will also be printing a new book that focuses more on the businesses and families that helped Kingsford continue to grow, picking up where the original book left off. That book should be available in early June.”

VINCE NEIL

Plans are in progress for historical presentations leading up to the centennial celebration.

In addition to parking in and around Lodal Park, shuttles will be established for the centennial from various locations in Iron Mountain, Norway and Niagara, Wis.

The committee is still seeking sponsors for the events. For more information, check the website at kingsford100thcelebration.com.

Advance tickets can be purchased now for $45, either online at Etix.com and search Kingsford or at ticket outlets: First National Bank & Trust, First Bank, Bob & Jerry’s Bar, and Kingsford City Hall.

For more information on the Kingsford centennial, go online to kingsford100thcelebration.com or to the event’s Facebook page.

STEPHEN PEARCY

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