[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING STURGIS, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
city of Sturgis, Michigan and its trademark patriotic summer festival 
that is currently under way. While the name of the festival has changed 
throughout the years, this year's inaugural ``Sturgis Dam Days'' will 
surely foster lasting memories for the multitude of generations that 
look forward to the annual festival.
  The 6-day festival brings the entire community together to celebrate 
the city's rich history and pay special tribute to the Sturgis Dam, 
which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2011.
  The hydroelectric dam transmits electricity 18 miles to the Sturgis 
Municipal Power Plant, giving Sturgis the moniker of the ``Electric 
City.'' While the dam generates power for the town, ask most folks 
about it and they will highlight the postcard-perfect views of the dam: 
the flowing St. Joseph River and the surrounding scenes at the adjacent 
Covered Bridge Park.
  This year's Sturgis Dam Days festival includes a variety of events 
throughout the week for all to enjoy. The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce 
kicked off the festival by welcoming the community for dinner and the 
St. Joseph Sheriff's Department transformed into the Pony Express in 
period clothing to give the official proclamation to commence the 
celebration. Events throughout the week include an art fair; the 
American Legion Hog Roast; ``Experience Sturgis,'' a history walk 
through the city; a family picnic in Franks Park; a vintage Sturgis 
Biscuits baseball game; the Relay for Life at Sturgis High School; a 
parade down US-I2; and the culminating event, the Sturgis Dam Rodeo.
  The festival has been a beacon of economic activity and growth 
through the years, and continues to draw countless families to the 
region each year.
  I congratulate the city of Sturgis and all of its residents for 
sharing such a wonderful community event. Through the years the annual 
festival has become woven into the fabric of the lives of so many folks 
throughout southwest Michigan. Sturgis has such a rich heritage and 
offers so much to the region's families. I look forward to the 
festival's continued success with many more Sturgis Dam Day 
celebrations for years to come.

                          ____________________