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New visitors to the Showboat Music Festival held in Showboat Park often wonder what it is like. So here is some information for those attending Showboat for the first time.
Is the Showboat a real boat?
The Chesaning Showboat is a festive little riverboat that usually sails about a quarter of a mile down the Shiawassee each night of the Music Festival, bringing a cargo of music and laughter and fun to the Showboat stage. This year, however, the river is too low for the boat to sail.
Does our ticket let us ride on the Showboat?
No. The audience sits in a modern amphitheater built into the side of a hill next to the Shiawassee River. Around dusk the Showboat sails down the river arriving at the stage. It docks and the performers usually come off the boat and the show begins. The boat serves as the backdrop to the stage.
How big is the amphitheater?
The Showboat stadium holds about 6,600 people and has 55 rows. (The population of Chesaning is about 2,500.) The stadium forms a semi-circle around the stage. The seats all have backs on them, except for some true bleacher seats in the back. Comfortable cushions may be rented from the American Legion volunteers each night.
Where are the restrooms, lost and found and first aid?
The restrooms are located to the left as you enter the gates of the stadium. There are two other restroom buildings in the park; one is near the entrance by the food vendors and the other is across from the camping office. The First Aid station is just inside the gates to the stadium and the Lost and Found is at the Ticket Office, located next to the stadium gates.
Where do we park?
Parking is plentiful in the park near the amphitheater and the Showboat car parkers will help you find a place. Handicap parking is available.
Is food available in the park?
Yes. Food booths are located all along the edge of the amphitheater and offer a variety of festive foods. There is also a large entertainment tent with adult beverage and food. And there is usually a service organization hosting a pork, beef or chicken barbecue at the park pavilion which welcomes walk-ins as well as takes reservations in advance. For more information on barbecue reservations call 989-845-3055.
Is Showboat really 67 years old?
Yes. It began in 1937 when the Chesaning Chamber of Commerce voted to produce something called Showboat, making use of the slow-moving Shiawassee River, the lush, green park, and a hillside just waiting for seats in order to bring people into town. It has been held every year since except for five years during World War II when gas rationing and materials made the show impossible to produce.
What are the proceeds of Showboat used for?
Except for the seed money for the next year's show, the proceeds from Showboat are plowed back into the community. Over the years Showboat monies have contributed to a swimming pool in the park, financed a much-needed municipal parking lot, helped build the Twin Brooks Golf Course, purchased needed emergency equipment, and helped double the size of the local library building. It even bought a fire truck.
Who does all the work to put on the show?
In producing Showboat, the Chesaning Chamber of Commerce has raised the idea of community service to an art. A four-person revolving Showboat Committee works with a professional promoter to hire the professional entertainment and is also responsible for the smooth running of all facets of the production. Work then fans out through numerous committees where skillful handling of details contributes to the success of the community-wide effort. Showboat has been nourished by the enthusiasm of countless volunteers whose values of community spirit, pride and neighborliness (not to mention sheer hard work) have set Showboat on her course and kept her there.
What other activities happen during Showboat Week?
There is a huge parade on Sunday and many activities all week long. Click here to go to a page you can print listing all the activities in town.
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