Greenfield Village’s Ragtime Street Fair Set for July 13-14

Submitted by Melissa Foster

Jazz up your summer at Greenfield Village’s seventh annual Ragtime Street Fair this weekend, July 13 -14, with special hours on Saturday until 9 p.m.

Inspired by the festivals from the early 20th century, Ragtime Street Fair brings this unique period in American history to life through live entertainment, summer street fair food, dramatic performances and even ragtime dance lessons.

Visitors can enjoy live entertainment celebrating these pre-jazz glory days with piano performances by Taslimah Bey, “Perfessor” Bill Edwards, John Remmers, Bill Meyer, Daniel J. McCarthy, Brent Beggs, Mary Pitcher, Carolyn Dicks and Jerry Perrine. The River Raisin Ragtime Revue and the Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band will keep the music flowing all weekend with special concerts Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, competing pianists will show off their talents in a high-energy, piano-cutting contest while guests can learn the steps to popular ragtime dances. If you’re interested in showing off more of your dance moves, join in on the cake walk competition, a traditional plantation dance in which the best dancer is given a cake.

Throughout the weekend purchase farm fresh produce at the traditional street fair located on Main Street, including sliced watermelon, strawberries, peaches and corn on the cob. If you’ve really worked up an appetite, try a New Orleans-inspired Muffuletta sandwich prepared by The Henry Ford’s award-winning culinary staff.

Admission to Greenfield Village is free with membership, or $24 for adults, $22 senior (62 and up) and $17.50 youth (5-12). Children 4 and under are free.

For more information, call 313-982-6001, or visit www.thehenryford.org.