Construction underway for second Summer Thrill on the Hill

BUCHANAN, MI. -- If you drive through Buchanan, be ready to re-route because the main stretch is shut down.

Front Street, from Red Bud Trail, up to the hill to the American Legion, is closed.  

Detour signs are posted everywhere.

The reason? Something thrilling.

"It's a big slip and slide and they build an extra little incline ramp. [They] it with sand and put on a slippery surface, and send the kids down," says Tracy Dippo.

Dippo owns Red Bud Hardware, just across the street from where 450 tons of sand will be transformed into a 500 foot water slide.

For kids, and adults, alike, it's a fun way to spend a summer day.

This year, the second annual Thrill on the Hill is already being built. 

"It's just fun to see to see the crowds and smiles on the kids faces," adds Dippo. 

The City of Buchanan is making sure that this year is an even bigger success than last year.

"I'm hoping for thousands. And the potential is there. Last year, Summer Thrill was only 25 hours long and we easily had 5,000 people come," says City Manager, Bill Marx. 

The whole city is preparing.

Local businesses had a couple of surprises during the first year.

"Last year we sold out all of our leftover sleds, and things that are inflatable, because people came unprepared," explains Dippo. "So this year, we stocked up even more."

The excitement is building.

"It's great for business. We like to see families have fun, and maybe we'll sell a few tubes," says Dippo.

Many people are looking forward to this event, this summer especially. 

Winter Thrill was cancelled this past winter, due to the lack of snow. 

"Mother Nature finally beat us. In year seven, she beat us down, and we weren't able to have our Winter Thrill," says Marx. "So, for the Summer Thrill, we've added an extra day to make up for the Winter Thrill." 

That extra day, to help Buchanan accomplish their ultimate goal. 

"To create a lot of fun and smiles in the kids," explains Marx. 

The Summer Thrill on the Hill begins Thursday.

Tickets for the whole day, cost just $5.  For access for all three days, tickets are $10.