The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Sturgis will be presenting “Movies on North,” the first of three summer movie series this evening at 5:30 p.m. on North Street. The event will feature a live acoustic musician, food trucks, and a showing of the movie “Grease.” 

Food trucks for the evening will be set up on North Street and serving food from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Party on the Patio food truck will be serving sliders, chili dogs, a sweet onion grilled chicken sandwich, and several varieties of burgers — including a peanut butter/jalapeño jelly/bacon-jalapeno chip burger.

Three River’s own Weenie Kings hot dog food truck will also be on site with fan favorites such as their taco dog, New Yorker dog, and bounty dog —bacon, pineapple, sautéed onions, and cheddar cheese sauce on a classic hot dog. Lastly, Mark it with a B Cupcakes by Stacy will be selling “Grease”-inspired cupcake flavors such as The T-Bird, Pink Lady Lemonade, Marty Maraschino Cherry, and Cha Cha’s Churro. 

Wings Etc. will supplying “Grease”-themed drink specials throughout the night, which can be enjoyed throughout the Sturgis downtown Social District. Cocktails for the night will include Great Balls of Fire (Angry Orchard with a shot of Fireball), The Pink Ladies (vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and grenadine), and The T-Bird (whiskey, sweet and sour, and a splash of Pepsi). 

The movie will begin at 7 p.m., and event-goers are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite “Grease” character. Those who participate in the costume challenge will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the Strand Theatre, a large popcorn combo, and a six-pack of cupcakes from Mark it with a B Cupcakes by Stacy. Limited picnic table seating is available for the movie, and the DDA encourages everyone to bring lawn chairs or blankets for extra seating. 

In addition to the movie and food trucks, acoustic musician Marjorie Beryl Shelito will be performing on North St. and US-12. A bounce house will also be on site for children. Additionally, Brush and Hook Studio will be hosting their grand opening beginning at 6:30 p.m. The studio’s website describes Brush and Hook as “an inclusive and welcoming art studio where creativity is expressed, new skills are taught, and everyone is an artist.” Those who attend the grand opening can enter to win free classes for a year, valued at $300. 

DDA’s Ryan Conrod told Watershed Voice along with the festivities for Movies on North, the DDA will also be hosting a special summer sweepstakes for the next few weeks. Event-goers are encouraged to take a picture or selfie with the “official bike of summer” in downtown Sturgis located on North Street and U.S. 12. Participants may submit their picture for the chance to win the Summer in Sturgis gift package, which includes a variety of summer-themed prizes. The winner will be announced at Michigan Art Fest on Friday, July 14. More information is available on the DDA’s website.

“Movies on North” will continue throughout the summer with a screening of Superman the Movie on July 28, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore on August 11, and Enchanted on September 15. More information is available on the Sturgis community calendar’s website. 

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.