Blossomtime Youth Parade & Youth Ball Kick Off Blossom Week

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The Blossomtime Festival in Southwest Michigan is kicking off with two early events - the annual Youth Parade on May 2nd and the lesser-known Blossomtime Youth Ball on May 1st. The Youth Parade features decorated bikes, wagons, scout troops, pets, and costumed groups, while the Youth Ball offers a more structured social experience for kids and families with a DJ, desserts, and carousel rides.

Why it matters

The Blossomtime Festival is a beloved 9-day community celebration in Southwest Michigan, and these early events for kids and families help set the tone and build excitement for the full festival, which culminates in the iconic Grand Floral Parade on May 9th.

The details

The Youth Parade on May 2nd at noon will feature participants ranging from preschoolers to middle schoolers, with the parade starting at Bear Park behind the St. Joseph Library. The Blossomtime Youth Ball on May 1st from 6-8:30pm will be held at the Shadowland Ballroom at the Silver Beach Carousel, offering a DJ, desserts, and carousel rides.

• The Youth Parade is on Saturday, May 2nd at noon.
• The Blossomtime Youth Ball is on Friday, May 1st from 6-8:30pm.
• The Blossomtime Festival runs from May 1st-9th.

What’s next

The grand finale of the Blossomtime Festival is the 120th annual Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, May 9th at 1pm, which will feature at least 120 units crossing the Bicentennial Bridge from downtown St. Joseph to downtown Benton Harbor.