Grosse Ile recreation commissioners praise volunteers after busy Island Fest; summer concert series planned

Grosse Ile — Commissioners at the Community Recreation Commission’s June 5 meeting thanked volunteers and organizers following Island Fest and announced a free weekly concert series beginning June 19 at Water’s Edge.

Chair Chad opened the meeting by calling the festival “a huge success,” and singled out volunteers for praise. Several commissioners and staff described high turnout at the weekend’s parade and events and thanked specific volunteers and groups, including local students who performed on the festival stage.

The commission said the concerts at Water’s Edge will begin Thursday, June 19, run every Thursday through late August and start at 6 p.m. The commission’s announcement described those concerts as free to the public. Commissioners encouraged residents to attend and to volunteer for future events.

Jamieson, a township board member, said the festival drew broad community support and singled out the car show as particularly well attended. “We had about 60 vehicles,” Jamieson said, and volunteers from around the island helped run the event. Jamieson also noted sponsors and local volunteers have already suggested expanding the show next year.

Commissioner Kevin Naso thanked youth sports groups for bringing families to Island Fest in their team uniforms. Commissioner Stacy praised volunteers who helped organize and marshal parade participants and said the event ran smoothly because participants “knew where they were supposed to go.”

The commission also recognized individual volunteers and vendors who contributed to the weekend’s activities. Chair Chad and other members encouraged residents to sign up as helpers for future events and noted the commission will pause regular meetings for much of the summer, returning Aug. 7.

The meeting lasted about 15 minutes; commissioners emphasized continuing volunteer recruitment and community engagement as priorities for upcoming events.