Big time festival, small town feel/ Carleton to mark 150 years

After more than a century of development, ancestors would likely call a small town in Monroe County nearly unrecognizable.

But there's something many would claim has stayed the same.

After more than 100 years, the village of Carleton remains known for its community-minded citizens who appreciate the charm of a small town.

This intersection of old and new will be celebrated Saturday during the Carleton Sesquicentennial Celebration. Founded in 1873, Carleton is marking the anniversary of 150 years, in partnership with the Carleton Historical Society.

Residents will celebrate this milestone Friday through Sunday with a slate of activities, including a parade, historical tour and vendor show, organized by the Carleton 150 Committee.

"Small towns across the country supported, and expanded the growth of this nation," Jim Pershing, a local historian and one of the event's organizers, said. "It is only right to give these communities their due, and remember the role they played in the development of Michigan and America."

The sesquicentennial will kick off with a parade through downtown Carleton at 6 p.m. Friday followed by line dancing in the street with Denise Roberts and Kathy Jones in front of Carleton Hotel Bar, 927 Monroe St.

The bulk of activities are scheduled for Saturday, beginning with a Choo Choo 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Chugga Chugga Fun Run hosted by the Airport Community Schools Cross Country Team. The race begins at 8 a.m. at 1230 Monroe St.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Craft & Vendor Show is planned in the parking lot of KAS Market Fresh, 12599 Grafton Road. Some of the vendors include Airport Community Schools, Carleton United Methodist Church and Kids Who Care, a nonprofit group aimed at encouraging children to spread kindness in their local community.

"We are looking forward to seeing each and every one of you and celebrating this amazing community that we live and serve in," Kristin Anikewich, Kids Who Care president said.

From 1 to 2 p.m., Pershing will host a Village History Walk, beginning at Nina's Italian Pizzeria, 1209 Monroe St. Pershing will guide participants through a tour of Carleton's history, including a look at the village's role in the Michigan Railroad.

"Carleton started out as a shipping point for products produced by local farms and businesses. Since it was serviced by two intersecting rail lines, it made it the ideal point to site the village of Carleton," Pershing explained. "Thousands of ‘Carletons’ sprung up to support the farmers and pioneers across the United States as this country grew."

Also at 1 p.m., a cornhole tournament is planned in front of 32 Taps Tavern, 12615 Grafton Road. It will run until 3 p.m.

Music at Ash Carleton Park will close out the day's festivities, with Primary Soul performing from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by Last Stand from 7 to 9 p.m. A baseball tournament also will be held at the park throughout the day. Ash Park is at 12899 Horan St.

The baseball tournament finals will launch Sunday's agenda, alongside an antique bicycle display, Good Humor ice cream truck and old-fashioned games like a three-legged race and water balloon toss. These activities will begin at 1 p.m.

Children also will have the opportunity to "Climb on Board" fire trucks, police vehicles, tractors and other equipment for a hands-on exploration experience.

For more information, visit the Carleton Historical Society and the Carleton Sesquicentennial Celebration on Facebook.

The Carleton Historical Society maintains a museum at 1677 Ready Road. It's open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month.