Community Corner

Pageant, Midway Contest Join Traditional Activities at Berkley Days

Popular Taste of Berkley, races, raffles and more are on tap for the annual community event that kicks off May 12.

A Ms. Berkley Days Pageant and a midway wristband contest are new and the popular midway and Taste of Berkley are back for this year's Berkley Days, which will run May 12-20.

The race

The 34th Annual Berkley Days Race, which kicks off Berkley Days on May 12, will be bit different this year. The event will also feature a 1 mile run/walk as well as a 5K and a 10K. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The entry fee for the 1 mile run is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the race.  The cost of the 5K and 10K is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the race. Registration information is also available at www.active.com. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

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The pageant

Also new this year is the first Ms. Berkley Days Pageant, which will take place May 15 and be open to Berkley residents up to their junior year in high school. The winner of the pageant, which will take place at , will represent Berkley throughout the year and receive a $500 scholarship.

"We are looking for young women who love our city, who are well spoken and would like to represent Berkley throughout the  year," said Denise Brainard, chairwoman of the Berkley Days Association.

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Registration packets are available at the , or by contacting Brainard at brainarddenise@yahoo.com

The honors

Citizen of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year will also be recognized during the Ms. Berkley Days Pageant event. "These awards will go to those people whose volunteer spirit contributes to the betterment of our community," Brainard said.

The food

The 2nd Annual Taste of Berkley will be May 17 at the Berkley Community Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Berkley Huntington Woods Youth Assistance. While the parents enjoy Taste of Berkley, the kids can enjoy the rides on the midway, which also opens May 17. 

As in years past, the VFW will sponsor its pancake breakfast on May 19 and May 20. New this year at the breakfast will be a flag turn-in so old flags can be respectfully disposed of and new flags will be available for purchase. 

The raffle

The raffle drawing will take place May 20. The prize amounts are slightly different this year, with first prize at $600. There are more chances to win this year with additional prizes of $500, $400, $300, $200 and $100. Tickets can be purchased from numerous community service organizations throughout the city. 

The contest

Organizers are adding an opportunity for middle schoolers to enter to win a free VIP wrist band for the midway. Starting Monday, questionaires will be available at the library and community center about Berkley and the city's history.

"Every person who answers all the questions correctly will be entered in a drawing for a VIP wristband," Brainard said. "One lucky winner will get to ride for free all weekend!"

The dogs

The Berkley Junior Women's Club will again sponsor the Pooch Pageant at the Community Center on May 18. Immediately following the fun dog show, Last Day Dog Rescue will be outside the community center to recruit foster families and families looking for a new pet. The nonprofit organization rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and places the animals first into foster homes then in appropriately matched households. 

The beer

The will be sponsoring the beer tent and entertainment again this year, with proceeds helping to fund various programs to assist veterans in the Berkley area. 

The volunteers

Berkley Days can't happen without volunteers. "This event is the primary fundraiser for many community service organizations in Berkley. It is a wonderful opportunity to get your group involved and let the community know about your organization," Brainard said.

In particular, Berkley Days needs a group to manage and run “Park your Ride”.  If you or your organization would like to help, contact Denise Brainard at brainarddenise@yahoo.com.

The rest

A used book sale, craft show, horseshoe contests and petting zoo round out the Berkley Days activities.


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