Ortonville- CreekFest will be back next weekend and better than ever.
After nearly being cancelled for 2012, the event is back from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 2 for its 9th year downtown, with new added attractions as well as old favorites.
‘It’s fun for the whole family, it’s why we live in Ortonville,? said Pam Belding, promotions chair for the Downtown Development Authority. ‘It’s an opportunity to appreciate the joy of living in a small town. The 9th annual CreekFest almost didn’t happen, but it did happen because our fearless leader, Lois Robbins, went and found sponsorships.?
Robbins, a Brandon Township resident, is the founder of CreekFest, a River Day event that celebrates local waterways, including Kearsley Creek and Paint Creek. The village’s historic Old Mill is on the banks of Kearsley Creek, a designated trout stream. CreekFest emphasizes the importance of water quality and is an edcuational event that also offers fun.
New this year will be four free inflatables from noon-4 p.m. for the kids, sponsored through a grant from Oakland County Parks.
A ‘green driving expo? will also make its debut this year, with visitors invited to test drive hybrid and electric vehicles including a Ford Fusion, Chevy Volt, and Nissan Leaf.
CreekFest kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Ortonville United Methodist Church from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and a pet and critter parade at 10 a.m. that will be led by a bagpiper and marches from Pet Supplies ‘Plus,? 22 N. Ortonville Road, down to the Old Mill. Awards will be given.
Other popular events include minnow races, live music featuring one-hour sets by Ted Strunck and Evie Boss; the Birds of Prey show, open poetry readings at 1 p.m. behind the Old Mill, and a yacht race. Throughout the day, there will be an arts and crafts fair, Old Mill and Mann Schoolhouse tours, environmental exhibits, pet adoptions, kids crafts, and fly casting and tying demonstrations.
Gold sponsors of CreekFest include Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union, David Regiani, DDS, and Oxford Bank.
Barb Fahlquist, CreekFest coordinator, is also excited about a carnival being sponsored by the Ortonville Lions Club from June 1-3 at Lane Car Company’s new location at 110 Ortonville Road.
‘I hope the carnival draws more people to downtown for CreekFest,? she said. ‘It’s a small town with big fun. Come on down for a fun day.?
For more information, call 248-627-8070 or visit www.downtownortonville.org.