SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
Preparations are under way on Ojibway Island for the Saginaw "Wonderfest" celebration, a music-themed event that was conceived about 15 months ago, to honor Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw in 1950 and moved to Detroit in 1954. He's had a long career since signing with Motown's Tamla Records at age 11. Most recently the Grammy-winning musician performed at the Queen's Jubilee celebration in London this past June.
Michelle McGregor of First Ward told WNEM TV-5 about the individual who came up with the idea.
"His name is Sylvester Liggons, he was given a challenge by our CEO to come up with a project to give back to the community and give back to First Ward," said McGregor.
McGregor talked about why the event is this weekend.
"Well, it's actually the culmination of celebrating summer, and so we actually partnered with the Arts Enrichment Commission as well as the zoo and the children's museum."
Nextmedia is a local radio company involved in the event. General manager Shannone Dunlap said it would be a surprise if Wonder actually showed up.
"We didn't contract to have Stevie come. He's been invited for the past 14 months, from many different directions, from his agents to personal managers to relatives who still live in the Saginaw community to friends from Motown and things like that," said Dunlap.
But even though it's highly unlikely he'll be here, organizers expect a fantastic, free show on Ojibway Island tomorrow, upwards of 5,000 people celebrating Wonder.
"We have all genres of music from country to contemporary to even a mariachi band" said McGregor.
For more info on the event you can go to www.saginawwonderfest.com.
Copyright 2012 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Plaque honoring Stevie Wonder in Saginaw
Stevie Wonder
