Art on the River is joining forces with Firebird Entertainment of Port Huron, for even more reasons to come to this year’s event. Not only can folks shop for unique art and fine crafts, listen to some stellar bands slated to perform the entire weekend, but they can meet, greet and get autographs from retired sports celebrities! Announced earlier this month, Darren McCarty (Red Wings alumi who helped the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup) will attend the June 8th Dance Party. Darren will be on hand from 7:30 to 9 pm that night. Darren is a forward who was best known for his “enforcer” role. Darren has played on Stanly Cup winning teams 4 times! He was part of the famous “Grind Line” of 1997 when the Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup in 42 years. On June 9th from 1 to 5 p.m., “Tony Atlas” will be on hand showcasing his works of art, signing autographs and shaking hands. Tony White is not only an artist, but better known by his ring name Tony Atlas, an American bodybuilder, powerlifter, and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport, as well as Mr. U.S.A. three times! June 9th from 3 to 5 p.m., meet Ron Simmons. Ron is an American retired professional wrestler and football player. He competed under his real name as well as the ring names of Faarooq Asaad and Faarooq. He is currently signed to the WWE under a Legends program. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Bradshaw in 2012. On June 9th and 10th, retired Tiger pitcher, Denny McLain will be on hand. He was a righthanded pitcher in Major League Baseball for ten seasons, most notably for the Detroit Tigers. In 1968, McLain became the most recent Major League Baseball pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season (with a record of 31–6) — a feat accomplished by only 11 players in the 20th century. Many people in the 1960s watched Denny McLain strike out batter after batter when he played for the Tigers. In 1968 he helped them win the coveted World Series! People were glued to their televisions that year cheering them on. “We are very proud to bring in four individuals that have found success in each of their professions. Darren McCarty, a 4-time Stanley Cup winner; Ron Simmons, a WWE Hall of Famer and recognized as the first African American world heavy weight champion in professional wrestling; Tony Atlas, a WWE Hall of Famer and tag team champion as well as a 3-time Mr. U.S.A. in body building; and Denny McLain, a World Series MVP, 2-time AL Cy Young Winner and AL MVP! The accomplishments of these men are extremely noteworthy and we are proud to bring them to Port Huron.” – Josh Avedisian, Firebird Entertainment Art on the River enters its 8th year as a premiere Port Huron summer event. Located at 301 Quay Street, Port Huron, MI 48060, this event features a stage with bands playing all weekend, artists and fine crafters (all handmade products) and much, much more! To see complete information, please visit the Art on the River website at www.artontheriverph.com
