Gordon Hall Days, Dexter’s first summer festival, kicks off this Saturday, June 23, and runs through Sunday. The weekend event is a celebration of Dexter’s historic Gordon Hall and a fundraiser for ongoing restoration of Judge Dexter’s home built in 1843.
Sponsored by Dexter Area Historical Society along with Dexter Rotary, there are a number of events planned for audiences of all ages and interests.
George Bedard and the Kingpins
Bring your dancing shoes, because you can’t sit still when he begins to play. Bedard is one of the area’s most beloved musicians. WEMU radio host, Michael G. Nastos, says that “If anyone, anywhere, is seeking a conductor to take you on a trip through the vast reaches of U.S. roots blues and jazz music, George Bedard is your man,” Goldmine magazine called Bedard “one of the best rockabilly pickers on the planet.”
Saturday evening doors and the bar will open at 6:00 pm. Tours of historic Gordon Hall will be available from 6:00-7:00 pm. Gourmet small plates by Westside BBQ and desserts by Paul Cousins will begin at 6:30 pm.
The show and the dancing will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $75 general admission or $100 for reserved seating, and must be purchased in advance.
Tickets can be purchased at dexterhistory.org or by calling 734 426 4767
Antiques and Vintage Market
Step back in time browsing booths for antiques and vintage treasures, touring Gordon Hall itself, and wax nostalgic at the Antique and Classic Car Show. Kids and adults alike can try their luck and skill at the old-time midway games. Colors the Clown will be entertaining audiences with her magic show.
Musical performances include Dexter Dulcimers, the Dexter Community Band, and the Dexter Community Orchestra. Food and snacks will be available to complete that old fair midway feel.
Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cost $5/person.
Check the website for specific times of each event: www.dexterhistory.org/upcoming-events
Tea With Flair
You are cordially invited to pass the afternoon on the grounds of Gordon Hall, sipping hot or iced tea and nibbling on elegant desserts with your best friends and/or new friends. Prolific local author Cynthia Furlong Reynolds, who has recently published The Purple Rose of Chelsea, will join with actress Susan Craves to tell on-stage and behind-the-scenes stories about the theater and its founder, actor Jeff Daniels.
Ms. Reynolds is the author of numerous children’s books, including Grammie’s Secret Cupboard, S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet, Across the Reach, and the Oliver’s Travels series, as well as books documenting local histories, among them Jiffy, A Family Tradition and Parks for the People: A History of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks System.
Saturday, June 23 at 1:00 pm. Cost $10.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 734-395-4106.
Antique and Classic Car Show
Few events bring out the nostalgia more than an old car show. The show will take place Saturday, June 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the rain date being Sunday, June 24.
If you have a car to show, contact Dennis Berry at 734-424-0678 or 56skyhawk@att.net.
There is no registration fee, but donations will be accepted.
