Party It Up, Michigan Style

As I begin setting up a game plan for my travels, my room looks like a AAA office exploded. My nightstand is covered in maps and my stack of Michigan books and notepads is starting to look like a dangerous game of Jenga. Even when I manage to tame everything inside a farmer's market bag, it bulges to the point where I think it is going to burst if I even breathe on it the wrong way. 


One thing I have learned in my preliminary research is that we Michiganders love a good party and will look for any excuse to throw one. Whether it's of the culinary variety (cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, bologna), a chance to hawk homemade goods at an art fest or just plain odd (Bigfoot Bash or Red Flannel Festival, anyone?), the excuses to celebrate seem limitless. 


I have compiled a list of some of Michigan's festivals below. I'm not sure how many I will be able to hit in my travels, but I find that one of the best parts of the Michigan spirit is the desire to bring the community together for a great time. Even if it's over a fish sandwich. 


June
New Hudson - Lyon Township Kite Festival - June 5
Sturgis - Sturgis Dam Days - June 6-12
Frankenmuth - Bavarian Festival - June 10-13
Potterville - Gizzard Fest -June 11-13
Grand Haven - Feast of the Strawberry Moon - June 12-13
New Baltimore - BayRama Fish Fly Festival - June 23-27

The Feast of the Strawberry Moon is a historical festival

where visitors can learn about life during the 1760s, as well

as the learn the art of throwing shiny objects./grandhaven.org

July
Traverse City - National Cherry Festival - July 3-10
St. Helen - National Bluegill Festival - July 8-11
Saranac - Skinny Dip Guinness Records and Hat Dance


That one made me pump the brakes and ask, "Whaaaaaat?" Here's an article from MLive that explains the former part of that one. 


Elkton - Wind Turbine Day - July 17
Fremont - National Baby Food Festival - July 21-24
Mayville - Mayville Sunflower Festival - July 22-25
Commins - Bigfoot Bash - July 23-25
Yale - Yale Bologna Festival - July 24-25

Elkton is home to the energy efficient Harvest Wind Farm,

which is located on 120 acres./Samantha Franz

August
Bay Port - Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival - Aug. 6-7
AuGres - AuGres Pirate Festival - Aug. 7
St. Johns - St. Johns Mint Festival - Aug. 13-15
Allegen - Michigan Fiber Festival - Aug. 21-22


September
Royal Oak - Arts, Beats and Eats - Sept. 3-6
Marquette - Michigan Brewers Guild U.P. Fall Beer Festival - Sept. 11


October
Cedar Springs - Red Flannel Festival - Sept. 2

A great photo courtesy of a Life photo Google search. This link offers a 

little history on the festival/life.com

A huge listing can be also found on the Michigan Festival and Events website.