By Melissa Marcum

Summer is officially here! Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights kicked off their Thursday night fun this past week. This annual weekly event is from June 6 to July 25, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights performances are held throughout downtown Chelsea. What can one expect on a Thursday night? Arts, Entertainment, & Musical acts are performed at various and separate stages throughout the historic downtown area. Every week brings something new. Yet, there are some things to expect weekly.

Sounds & Sights is a family-friendly event, and the best part is it is free! Kids of all ages will enjoy acts like magicians, circus acts, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, the ‘How to Chalk’ themed art stage, and much more. At the same time, music enthusiasts will experience many genres of music all in one night on at least ten stages. Vendors from local companies and small businesses are located throughout the sidewalks, handing out goodies and connecting with customers. Main Street Church continues to hand out sno cones for all while music is heard within the gazebo behind the church building. The Chelsea District Library has sponsored acts throughout Sounds & Sights. Come to Katie’s Korner at CDL and see what they have in store for you. This past week, the CDL had a mesmerizing Aerial Act.

Prepare to satisfy your taste buds at Sounds & Sights. Smokehouse 52, a crowd favorite, serves up Piggie Parfaits and pulled-pork sandwiches on the sidewalk.  Brauma House offers their signature ‘Brauma Cups’ for $ 5. And that’s not all. Chelsea’s local restaurants offer special pricing on food and drinks during the event. Food trucks and vendors at the Palmer Commons provide additional options, including hot dogs and pizza.

Sticking around at the Palmer Commons will allow you to hear music, dance on the lawn, sit and relax, and create chalk art, the kids’ favorite. You will likely meet Aaron Turek, this year’s weekly Chalk Artist. If you have been to Sounds & Sights in the past, you probably recognize this self-taught artist at work. He previously worked alongside his mentor on Thursday nights but now has the spotlight on him. Turek will create different masterpieces each week and will be the featured artist for Saturday’s big weekend wrap-up later this summer. This art-loving local artist stated that some people call it talent, but he feels it is the time you put into it. Working on his art repeatedly makes him a stronger artist.

As you can see, there is something for everyone. The Social District is a hit with the 21+ over crowd. Grab a local drink. Then, walk the Social District to hear the music and chat with vendors. Come check out this special night in Chelsea!

For a more detailed schedule, check out their website: https://chelseamich.com/sstn/