FARMINGTON (WWJ) - Event organizers for the Farmington Founders Festival are bringing sun and fun to this year's 58th celebration in downtown Farmington.
Officials said guests can expect to see aloha spread throughout the Hawaiian-themed event which started Thursday July 14 and ends Saturday, July 16 on Grand River and Farmington Road.
“We are here to say Aloha or 'hello and welcome' to all the residents and visitors attending this year’s Founders Festival," Mayor Sara Bowman said in a press release. "While we may not have the vast ocean and island breezes, the Founders Festival does offer warm hospitality, great restaurants, and a fun getaway right in your own neighborhood.”
The festival's beer tent is spreading 'liquid aloha', featuring Kona Brewing Company's Big Wave Golden Ale.
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Tent staff will hand out leis to those drinking the signature craft and the Kid's Zone will feature a Lilo and Stitch sculpture made out of 10 yards of sand.
A "soft open" kicked off the event on Thursday.
Organizers said the main festivities will continue throughout Saturday with events including the Crafters Market, Beer Tent with live music, Farmington Fido Fest, Touch A Truck while adding several new features including a kids foam party, mobile gaming trailer and axe throwing.
Below is a schedule of events as outlined by festival officials:
• Beer Tent:
"One of the most popular and favorite attractions is Farmington Founders Festival Beer Tent and it’s returning to Downtown Farmington at Grand River & Farmington Road. It's going to be a dance party with live bands all day and into the night! $5 cover starts at 5pm and you must be 21+ with valid ID to enter after 6pm. Cash only for cover. There is no ATM on site."
Hours:
Saturday 12pm – 11pm
• Musical Acts:
SATURDAY: 12pm - 11pm
Andy Patalan (Rock, Classic Rock) 12pm-2pm
Clark Lewis Juggling Stunt Show 1pm - 1:30pm
Just 2 Guitars (Classic Rock) 2:30pm - 5pm
Clark Lewis Juggling Stunt Show 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Cody Boggs Band (Country) 5:30pm - 8pm
Clark Lewis Juggling Stunt Show 6:30pm - 7:00pm
The Square Pegz (80s Dance Party) 8:30pm - 11pm
• Food Court
A variety of food trucks will offer up everything from barbeque to gourmet pretzels to elephant ears. Trucks on site include, Different Twist Bakery, Cinnabon, The Ideal Bite, SnoBiz, Camper Bean, Taste for You, and many more.
Saturday: during festival hours.
• Crafters Market
"Creative and talented crafters will display unique handcrafted creations. Here, visitors will find that perfect one-of-a-kind art, handcrafted jewelry, handmade consumables or something whimsical for your garden."
Hours: Saturday 10am - 7pm
• Kids Zone
"The Kids Zone has been moved to Grand River and Warner Street. All the tradition fun is coming back including Airborne Bouncers, stage shows and live sand art! Come watch sand artists create a sand sculpture of Lilo and Stich with 10 yards of sand! Kids can get in on the action too. Sand Artists will teach children how to make their own sand sculptures in the play sandboxes on-site. They'll also receive a booklet: Sand Sculpting Tips and Tricks to take home.
New this year is a Foam Party and Gaming Trailer. Kids will get to dance and play at the Foam Party. The foam is Bio-degradable, Non-Staining, Non-toxic and Hypoallergenic! It’s also safe for babies, pets, the environment including lawns and gardens.
Motor City Gamers & More will be on-site with FREE video games! The Motor City Gamers And More video game truck is equipped with consoles from PlayStation5, XBox One X and Nintendo Switch. Our technology is unrivaled!"
First come; first serve. Hours: Saturday 11am – 8pm.
**Some activities require a fee
Kids Zone Hours: Saturday 10am - 8pm
• Family Stage presented by Code Ninjas Royal Oak
• FAMILY SHOW SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 17
12:00pm - 12:30pm Earth Angels
1:00pm- 1:30pm Amazing Clark Magic Show
2:00pm- 2:30pm Earth Angels
3:00pm- 3:30pm Amazing Clark Magic Show
5:30pm- 6:00pm Amazing Clark Magic Show
• LOC Credit Union 5k Color Run
"This 5k fun run will give participants the opportunity to run or walk through Shiawassee Park and Downtown Farmington along the parade route. Medals presented to age-group winners. Four color stations throughout the race route add a special experience. The race will be chip-timed by the Michigan Running Foundation.:
Registration: www.FoundersFestival.com
Race begins: Saturday 9:00 am
• Beaumont presents the Farmington Founders Festival Parade
"This year’s parade theme is Aloha! and will take place on Grand River Ave between Powers and Farmington Road. Todd Lipa the founder of CARES of Farmington Hills will be the Grand Marshal."
Hours: Saturday 10:00 am
• Farmington Fido Fest brought to you by LaFontaine Subaru
"One of the festivals most popular attractions, is held at Riley Park! Farmington Fido Fest will include popular attractions from the Ultimate Air Dogs and Disc Dogs of Michigan Frisbee Show. Dogs and their owners can check out the newest doggy products or participate in one of the many contests throughout the weekend.
Dogs are also welcomed in the Beer Tent on Friday & Saturday from 12pm - 6pm to listen to live music and lounge in one of the cooling pools."
Hours: Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
• CONTESTS & SHOW SCHEDULE
Saturday
11:00 am Best Trick Contests
11:30 am Smooch Your Pooch
12:00 pm Disc Dogs of Michigan Frisbee Show
1:00 pm Costume Contest
2:00 pm Disc Dogs of Michigan Frisbee Show
2:30 pm Chihuahua Race
2:45 pm Puppy Dash (6 months & Under)
6:00 pm Disc Dogs of Michigan Frisbee Show
6:30 pm Corgi Race
Sign up for contests at the DJ booth at least 30 minutes prior to each event.
• ULTIMATE AIR DOGS JUMP SCHEDULE
Saturday
Splash 5 – 11:00 am
Splash 6 – 1:00 pm
Splash 7 – 3:00 pm
FINALS – 5:00 pm
** Times subject to change
• Farmington Farmers Market
The Farmington Farmers Market will be at Farmington High School during Farmington Founders Festival on Saturday, July 16.
• Festival Hours:
Saturday 10am – 11pm
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