LUDINGTON — The Downtown Ludington Back to the Fifties Celebration, honoring House of Flavors’ 65 years, kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday.
Festivities include:
Friday, June 7
Theme: Varsity Sweater/”Grease”
Location: Loomis Street between James and Rath (street closes at 5 p.m.)
6 – 8 p.m.: Ice cream social, with free pints of ice cream for the first 10,000 people
6 – 9 p.m.: Fifties sock hop (themed dress encouraged) with live band, plus food and beverages
6:45 p.m.: Performance by Ludington Children’s Choir
7:45 p.m.: Costume judging and awards for those dressed up in best sock hop / poodle skirt attire; winner will be entered to win a lifetime of free House of Flavors ice cream
Saturday, June 8
Theme: Beach Party
Location: Stearns Beach Park unless otherwise noted
11 a.m.: Mr. Moonie (House of Flavors mascot) Birthday Party featuring ‘50s-era games, coloring contest and free ice cream cones, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ludington Ave.
Noon: Beach volleyball tournament; sign up here
Noon to 3 p.m.: Lakeshore Parrot Heads’ children’s activities: cannon firings every half hour, Treasure Hunt, Walk the Plank and Pirate Ring Toss
Sandcastle-building contest sponsored by Sandcastles Children’s Museum
3 p.m.: Costume judging and awards for dressing up in best beach party/”Gidget” attire; winner will be entered to win a lifetime of free House of Flavors ice cream
6 to 10 p.m.: Beach party (including best-dressed ‘50s couple) in entertainment tent (adults only) with Tim Krause playing retro beach music; beverages and food available
8 to 11 p.m. “Cruise into Yesteryear” S.S. Badger sunset cruise from Ludington to Little Sable Point Lighthouse in Mears. The $49 ticket includes dinner buffet of ‘50s-themed foods and costume contest. Contact info@ssbadger.com or 800-841-4243 for reservations.
Sunday, June 9
Theme: Rockabilly
Location: Multiple (see below)
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.: Classic cars on display by Ludington residents, Filer Street between Rath and Robert
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Back to the Bricks” car club from Flint, Mich., showcasing 100+ classic cars in
West Shore Bank parking lot (201 W Loomis St.) as stop along cross-state cruise
Noon: Costume judging and awards for dressing up in best rockabilly attire; winner will be entered to win a lifetime of free House of Flavors ice cream
1 – 4 p.m. “Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys” live rockabilly concert at Waterfront Park
Amphitheater, 1122 S. William St.
Other Anniversary Events
House of Flavors will feature other events to commemorate its 65 years, which also can be found at facebook.com/houseofflavors. Confirmed events include:
- Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber Business Breakfast – Weds., June 5, 7:30 – 9 a.m. at Ludington’s House of Flavors, 402 W. Ludington Ave. Call 231-845-0324 for more information.
- Birthday cupcake & ice cream with candle featured as limited-time menu item at House of Flavors in Ludington and Manistee throughout 2013.
- “Happy Birthday” sung to Mr. Moonie mascot at 1p.m. and 8 p.m., House of Flavors Ludington and Manistee – daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
- House of Flavors employees in 65th commemorative bowling shirts (65th tee-shirts available for purchase at Ludington and Manistee House of Flavors locations) – June 7 through 2013.