On Sunday, August 5, WTHS, in partnership with Companion Banjos and the Dexter Senior Center, hosted the first Bluegrass Jamboree and Ice Cream Social in Historic Webster Village. Stephanie and Chris Sorenson of the Companion Banjos not only performed during the Jamboree, but also reserved the bands and played a major role in the event publicity. A huge shout out to them for their support! The event was kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony provided by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce officially opening our new ADA compliant walking path in the Village.
The Jamboree was a big hit with the community, drawing almost 300 guests–both adults and children–to the village. The Dieterle Concrib stage hosted local entertainers, including the Companion Band, the Northwoods Ramblers, and Cedar Creek Bluegrass.
Attendees were welcome to tour the historic buildings, participate in open jam circles to fiddle, pick, and stomp their feet in the shade of lush maple and oak trees, play cornhole, blow bubbles, have their faces painted, drum to the beat of the music, and enjoy the beautiful sunny summer day.
Hallboy BBQ Food Truck offered delicious food for purchase and the Dexter Senior Center offered Dexter Creamery ice cream to purchase and enhance with toppings. What more could one ask for? Oh, we know, a keepsake old-fashioned game or toy, or some candy from the Kleinschmidt General Store!
The event was a fundraiser for WTHS to continue its mission to preserve, promote and bring to life the history of Webster Township through the preservation and sharing of its buildings, archives and artifacts, and to connect to the community through programs and activities.
Organizers are already putting plans in place to host the event again next year on August 3, 2024 and look forward to expanding the Dieterle Corncrib stage lineup.
Thank you to the those listed below for providing financial support for our walking path:
- Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
- 5 Healthy Towns Foundation
- Webster Township
- Kate Heywood
- Dexter Community Fund
- and the many WTHS members
who donated to this project.
who donated to this project.Thank you to those listed below for professional assistance for our walking path:
- Beckett & Raeder – pathway design
- Rathburn Contracting LLC – pathway installation
- Assoc. Prof. Addie Weaver – guidance & advice
- Erica Perry & our Advisory Council – grant writing
- Joanne Westman – contractor selection
Thank you to those listed below for helping produce the Jamboree:
- The WTHS Board of Directors
- Volunteers
- Dexter Fire Department
- Dexter Senior Center
- Jim & Karen Kulp
- Kris and Koi DeAngelo
We could not have done this without your support!