Old-Fashioned Fun Planned for Fallasburg Village Celebration

The Fallasburg Covered Bridge – one of the few remaining original bridges of its type in Michigan – is a local landmark. It has served as the backdrop for many a picnic and senior photo session.

However, the historic village past the bridge is not nearly as well-known. That was abundantly clear to Bruce Doll, vice president of the Fallasburg Historical Society, when he paid a visit during an unseasonably warm day early in the year.

“It was really busy in the park,” he recalls. “I drove over the bridge, and it was crickets.”

Not many people seem to venture past the bridge to explore the village, and Doll is determined to change that. Along with the society’s president, Craig Fonger, he is planning a Fallasburg Village Celebration that promises old-fashioned fun for the whole family.

The event takes place this Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 12pm-8pm at the historic Fallasburg Village.

Celebration to Bring Awareness to Historic Village

Originally, Doll and Fonger had discussed planning a small event for those who live in and around the village – there are several private residences among the historic buildings. However, the two quickly decided to do something bigger and invite residents from near and far to attend.

“We need presence in the community,” Fonger says. “People may know about the bridge. They know nothing about what is beyond the bridge.”

The Fallsburg Village Celebration intends to change that by inviting everyone to spend Saturday, July 30, exploring and enjoying the village grounds. The event will run from 12pm-8pm and feature live music, a classic car show, a square dance, picnic games and more. Of course, the historic buildings in the village will open as well, with docents available to provide information and answer questions.

“What we’d like is for people to come and stake out their place (on the field), listen to music and explore the village,” Doll says. Hot dog meals – including chips, water and a freeze pop – will be available for $5 cash, or families can pack their own provisions. “People can bring own food to do a picnic day,” Doll notes.

Schedule for the Fallasburg Village Celebration

The Fallasburg Village Celebration is an all-ages event that will let families take a step back in time. Here’s a brief rundown of how the day will proceed:

12pm: Event kicks off with opening ceremonies.

12:30pm: Live music begins with the following groups performing:

• Eli Roe (12:30pm)
• Bruce Matthews Band (2pm)
• The Rin Tarsy Duo (3:30pm)
• Hawks and Owls (5pm)
• Easy Idle String Band (6:30pm)

6pm: Awards and recognitions

7pm: Community square dance

Ongoing: Events that will be occurring on the grounds throughout the day:

• Old-fashioned games including:
  • 3-legged race
  • Sack race
  • Water balloon toss
  • Board walk
  • Hoop rolling
• Historic scavenger hunt
• Antique car and tractor show
• Working forge demonstration
• 10-minute lessons in the historic schoolhouse at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
• Non-profit booths
• Civil War demonstrations by Company F of the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry

The Fallasburg Village was founded in 1837, and the closure of the schoolhouse in 1962 marked the end of its era. To keep with that historic time period, the car and tractor show will highlight vehicles from 1962 and earlier.

Keeping with the historic theme, the Easy Idle String Band has also researched music from the 1850s to include in their performance at the end of the day.

Getting to and Parking at the Fallasburg Village Celebration

Those who aren’t familiar with the location of the Fallasburg Historic Village can use the address “13944 Covered Bridge Rd NE Lowell, MI 49331” for their GPS.

However, be aware that you must enter the site from the south, using the historic Fallasburg Bridge (mind the speed limit and the weight limit!) It will be one-way traffic from the bridge to McPherson Street. Exiting cars must use McPherson.

Attendants will direct cars to the parking lots, and a $5 cash donation is requested. All money will go to the Fallasburg Historical Society and used toward the expected $14,000 cost of a new HVAC system for the schoolhouse. Overflow parking will also be available in Fallasburg Park.

Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the field by the stage.

For more information about the Fallasburg Village Celebration, visit the Fallasburg Historical Society website or Facebook page. Those who would like to volunteer to help can do so online.