Reed City primed for celebration

Cadillac News file photo A pet and owner look-alike award is one of the coveted honors in the Pet and Bike Parade during a past Great American Crossroads Celebration in Reed City.

REED CITY — Many festivals claim to offer something for everyone. Reed City’s Great American Crossroads Celebration delivers on the promise.

The four-day event kicks off Thursday with the Miss Reed City Pageant and the opening of the beverage tent, getting the celebration in full swing.

Two parades on two days double the fun for parade lovers. Friday evening’s Festival Parade features all the traditional hometown entries including floats, scouts and school bands. Saturday’s Pet and Bike Parade invites every member of the family to get in on the fun. Past parades included not only dogs and cats, but snakes, iguanas and ferrets.

“I’m hoping this year to get some birds and llamas,” said Linda Brocker, parade coordinator.

Between 75 and 100 entries are expected.

Adventure games are popular Crossroads fare. This year the lineup includes the small fry Nature Hunt. Children 5 and younger are welcome to explore the outdoors for fun and prizes. The Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt, modeled after television’s “Amazing Race,” pits teams against each other in a cross-town hunt filled with surprises and challenges.

For those who like to add a little technology to their adventure, the lineup offers the Great American Crossroads Geocache event. Players locate treasures using handheld GPS devices. Organizers suggest players bring a bike and a GPS unit, but neither is necessary for a good time.

Forty caches are located within 15 miles of Reed City and six are located within the city, providing challenge for various levels of players.

“In the past, it’s been focused on the experienced (players),” said Bob Battle, coordinator. “This year, our focus is helping local folks get into it.”

For athletes, the festival agenda includes softball tournaments, a 5K run, youth league baseball, a youth soccer clinic and a Punt/Pass and Kick Football competition. Other festival activities include a beverage tent, music concerts, museum tours, a climbing wall, car show and barbecue.

For one group of Reed City natives, this year’s celebration helps mark a lifetime milestone. The Reed City High School Class of 1957 will gather for their 50-year reunion. They will recount the Reed City of a half-century ago during a class picnic on Saturday.

For a festival schedule, go to www.reedcitycrossroads.com.

Schedule of events

Thursday, Aug. 16