A summer kickoff that’s close to normal

The first Saturday in June is historically the unofficial start of summer in Kalamazoo. Usually marked by parades, arts, and music, last year’s celebrations had to be cancelled or moved online to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

This year the celebrations are back on – though the events are being modified a little to contend with the ongoing pandemic.

Notably, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Arts Fair event will again be online this year. And Bell’s Beer Garden will not play host to the usual live music events.

However, the annual Do-Dah Parade will go on – albeit in a slightly different format. Instead of a typical parade, this year the floats will stay stationary while the crowds march past them. The parade will begin at 11am on Lovell Street between Jasper and Rose streets.

The annual Art on the Mall will also go on, though without much alteration from a normal year. Booths will be set up along the Kalamazoo Mall on Friday and Saturday, with 35 local and regional artists displaying their works.

You can read more on MLive.