Wayne State University theatre students will lend their talents to People for Palmer Park’s second annual Log Cabin Day celebration from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at Palmer Park.

Andrew Gaitens and Assata Haki will portray Senator Thomas Palmer and his wife, Lizzie, respectively. The two will greet guests entering the park’s log cabin for tours featuring a photo exhibit highlighting Native American culture and a presentation on African American quilts, hosted by two local quilters portraying Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. 

"Having Wayne State University students participate in Log Cabin Day at Palmer Park brought excitement and a lively sense of history to this community celebration [last year]. We are very grateful for the participation of Wayne State University and these wonderful actors," says Barbara Barefield, board member and events chair for People for Palmer Park.

This is Haki’s second year participating in Log Cabin Day festivities. Last year, she and Alexander Henderson Trice portrayed Senator and Mrs. Palmer.

This year’s celebration will include a free ice cream social courtesy of Guernsey Farms Dairy, Penny Farthing cyclists, the T.J. Richardson African American Square Dancers, the Luther Badman Keith Blues Band, Native American drummer and flutist Lee Blackbear, kid-friendly arts and crafts, a mad hatter and bonnet contest, and equestrian demonstrations by the Detroit Mounted Police. 

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and blanket, and spend the afternoon enjoying the park and festivities.

People for Palmer Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Detroit’s Palmer Park. PFPP is entrusted by the City of Detroit’s Adopt-a-Park program as its Community Partner. The organization formed in 2010 in response to reports that the city planned to close the park.

For more information, visit peopleforpalmerpark.org or visit the organization on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of ©2012 Barbara Barefield