DISTRICT SATURDAYS social Popular Downtown Event Kicks Off May 13, Runs Through October

BY ANNA SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WHITEMAN

Downtown St. Clair Shores will close to traffic and open for plenty of fun on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, May through October, for the SCS Social District. 2023 marks the third year of a family- and pet-friendly event that is putting the area on the map as one of the city’s hot spots.

These free events officially start at 5 p.m. and end at Midnight. The band at the main stage at 9 Mile and Greater Mack plays from 7-11 p.m., while an acoustic performance takes place near Copper Hop Brewery from 5-7 p.m. Each SCS Social District also includes four food trucks, as well as vendors and entertainment for all ages.

How It Started

“During covid, the state passed an ordinance in order to help the bar/restaurant industry,” says Mary Bricolas, owner of Shores Inn who organizes SCS Social District events with her team. The social district ordinance allows businesses to sell beer and liquor in marked cups, and patrons can walk around a designated area while drinking their beverage of choice. “We applied in 2021, and July 2021 was the first event,” Bricolas adds.

According to Bricolas, the St. Clair Shores Cool Cities Committee brought the Social District idea to the 9 Mile and Mack Merchants Association. Later, the City Council approved the idea, giving permission to close the street for the event. “They’ve been very supportive,” Bricolas says of the Council.

Upping the Game

David Rubello, council liaison to the Cool Cities Committee, is involved in the planning of various aspects of the Social District events. One focus this year is to include even more activities to draw families. He’s looking at options such as dunk tanks, a petting zoo and magicians.

According to Hannah Sarakun, a member of Bricolas’ team and the director of SCS Social District and Shores Capital, themed events such as 80s or 90s or a hoe-down are being planned, as well as two dog events. Specific dates have yet to be released. At each SCS Social District, dog bowls, balls and frisbees will be available. Street games will also be accessible, just like last year.

“I’m rather proud of the progress that the social district has made,” Rubello says. “We’re looking to up the game a little bit. St. Clair Shores loves a good party.”

Exciting Changes Downtown

“It feels good to be able to do this and make a difference in my hometown blocks from where I grew up,” Rubello says. “There are new businesses coming in. More places are going to stay open during the event. The chemistry and the atmosphere are changing because we’re creating more foot traffic.”

Bricolas has noticed a great deal of positive change downtown since the Social District began, such as the opening of Caché Cocktails and Wine Bar, the expansion of Copper Hop

Brewery and Cedar Garden adding garage doors.

Bricolas also serves on the new St. Clair Shores Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board, and she’s excited about the changes the additional two mils from the tax base will bring.

“We’re starting to capture funds for the beautification of our downtown... We are starting to make plans for more improvement to the downtown area including benches and lighting, green spaces, bike racks, more flowers. We are still in the development stages.”

B-A-S Security Systems, owned by St. Clair Shores residents Rick and Linda Bertges, stepped up to be the major sponsor for the stage this year. The Social District is still seeking additional sponsors, as well as vendors, for each event. Vendors are given a 10x10 area, and the cost is $50 per event. For information about becoming a sponsor or a vendor, contact Hannah Sarakun at nauticalmileapt@aol.com

SCS Social District Main Stage

Entertainment, 7-11 p.m.

May 13 - Paper Covers Rock

May 27 - American Ages

June 10 - Sunset Boulevard

June 24 - Vacationers Band

July 8 - Mainstream Drive

July 22 - Family Tradition Band

August 12 - Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils, The Buffalo Knickles & One Ton Trolley

August 26 - Miranda & The M80s

September 9 - Paper Covers Rock

September 23 - Joey Vee

October 14 - 50 Amp Fuse

October 28 – TBD