Farmington Founders Festival set to return

FARMINGTON — The annual Farmington Founders Festival is set to return for its 58th celebration of summer July 14-16 in downtown Farmington.

There will be a soft open for the beer tent and food court from 5-11 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, according to a press release.

The main festivities will kick off on Friday, July 15, at 10 a.m., with traditional events, including the Crafters Market Beer Tent with live music, the Farmington Fido Fest and Touch A Truck, while adding several new features, including a kids foam party, a mobile gaming trailer and ax throwing.

Festival hours on July 15 and 16 are 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Farmington Founders Festival Parade is at 10 a.m. July 15 on Grand River Avenue, between Powers and Farmington roads.

Although Farmington Road will be under construction during the festival, a new and expanded footprint has been created for the Crafters Market and Kids Zone, according to the release.

The Crafters Market will sprawl throughout the parking lot at Grand River and Farmington Road, with the expanded Kids Zone on Warner Street.

This year, “Hawaiian cheer” is expected to be sprinkled throughout the festival, as the parade theme is “Aloha!”

The beer tent will feature Kona Brewing Co.’s Big Wave.

“Everyone who orders a Big Wave will receive a lei and Lilo and Stitch, sculpted out of 10 yards of sand in the Kids Zone,” the release states, referring to characters from Disney’s Hawaii-set “Lilo & Stitch.”

Farmington Mayor Sara Bowman shared some thoughts about the scheduled festivities.

“We are here to say Aloha, or ‘hello and welcome,’ to all the residents and visitors attending this year’s Founders Festival,” Bowman stated via the 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.”

A variety of stunt shows and music acts will also be part of the festivities from noon-11 p.m. July 15 and 16.

At the Crafters Market, crafters will display handcrafted creations from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 15 and 16.

At Touch A Truck, kids can explore big trucks, street sweepers and emergency vehicles in the lot off of Warner and Thomas streets 1-3 p.m. July 15.

The Kids Zone will be located at Grand River Avenue and Warner Street 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 15 and 16, with airborne bouncers, stage shows and live sand art included as part of the entertainment package.

The festival will also include a 5K Color Run, which gives participants the opportunity to run or walk through Shiawassee Park and downtown Farmington along the parade route.

Medals will be presented to age-group winners.

The race begins at 9 a.m. July 15. To register, visit FoundersFestival.com. The Farmington Fido Fest is set to take place 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 15 and 16. The Ultimate Air Dogs and the Disc Dogs of Michigan Frisbee Show will be part of the attractions. Multiple contests and shows involving dogs are set to be included among the entertainment options. A variety of food trucks will also be making an appearance at the festival. For additional details, program updates and schedules, visit www.foundersfestival.com or view the Founders Festival Facebook Page.