There are many recreational opportunities for getting out in the fresh air in and around Ferndale but there are also three big events that make living in Ferndale so much fun.
First, Ferndale Summer Youth Theatre will be presenting live performances of The Wizard of Oz. Around 75 kids from the Ferndale School District make up the production’s cast, crew and technical team. All range in age from 8 to 18 with the older high school kids mentoring the younger kids. A $5 ticket gets you into all shows. Shows are scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, July 28th, through Saturday, July 30th, plus a matinee on Saturday at 3pm.
Then, Old Settlers Picnic in Pioneer Park will be held from Thursday evening, July 28th, through Sunday afternoon, July 31st. This will be the 121st annual picnic this year, over a century of the community gathering, just as will be done this summer, to enjoy food, music, fun and games. The parades are both lots of fun, there’s a lots of live music acts to listen to on stage along with local groups and merchants offering food, art and games to play. There’s also a 5k/2 mile walk/run event along with a car show. Highlights include the Junior Parade, starting at 6pm Friday night, the Grand Parade, starting 11am Saturday morning, and the barn dance that begins Saturday at 9pm (21 & over only).
Later in August, the Ferndale Street Festival takes over Main Street in downtown Ferndale on August 26th and 27th. Main Street is closed off for blocks and replaced with an exciting festival. It is complete with a “Kids Street,” live music, over 100 booths featuring arts, food, beverages and unique products, a beer garden and a car show. There’s something happening day and night during the festival.
Next, on the 1st weekend of September head over to Custer Days in downtown Custer on September 3rd (note the new date this year) for lots of small town fun. There’s a parade, live music, dancing, lots of vendors showing arts and crafts, food, a car show and more. The Custer Days Street Dance is the big finale.