Farmington Hills’ 50th anniversary success may lead to more celebrations

FARMINGTON HILLS — Community members finally had the opportunity to gather in celebration of Farmington Hills’ 50th anniversary July 6 at Founders Sports Park.

Vickie Sullen-Winn is Farmington Hills’ director of communication and community engagement. She estimated that nearly 3,000 people showed up for the celebration.

Live music from the band Fifty Amp Fuse, dancing, fireworks, food and beverage vendors, and a rock-climbing wall were all part of the festivities.

“It was really festive and family friendly,” Sullen-Winn said. “We had lots of families that came out. … We had lots of presence with our police (and) fire; some of our Michigan State Police were also there, so there was a comfort level, in terms of safety. The event felt very safe. … It really was a top-notch event.”

Farmington Hills Council member Ken Massey said it was a “great experience.”

“It was extremely well attended,” Massey said. “It was a lot of fun. I thought the band was great, all the activities, the families that were there, capped off by a fireworks display. … The most fun for me was seeing our community and the number of people that came out — people dancing to the band, lines in front of the food trucks, the families that were there together. It was really uplifting.”

Individuals taking to the grass to dance also got the attention of Sullen-Winn.

“People were dancing, which is always a good sign of a good party,” she said. “I think people felt really good, having a good time.”

The location of the celebration may have played a large part in the good time residents had.

“This was such a beautiful space, Founders Park,” Sullen-Winn said. “It was an ample space for the crowd that we did have. … I don’t know what that was, but it was the perfect evening that night. … It was crowded, but the space that we chose for the event allowed a little elbow room.”

Although the exact reason for the celebration won’t come around again, Sullen-Winn is game to find another reason to bring community members together for a good time.

“We had such great feedback,” she said. “Fifty years is a one-time event, but just the love, fun and the camaraderie that we saw, I think it’s worth repeating in some form or fashion. … It was a special, special night.”

The way the community came out helped surpass the expectations that Sullen-Winn had going into the celebration.

“I think the community that night at that event represented what America is really about — about family, about having fun, about feeling safe, dancing the evening away, and then ending it with fireworks,” she said. “It could not have been a more perfect night.”