Ortonville- Expect an even bigger CreekFest this year? one that is monster-sized.
The 12th Annual CreekFest is back with a 4-day celebration planned for June 18-21 and once again features a carnival, fireworks, beer tent, parade, musical entertainment, educational exhibits, and contests, as well as new attractions including the Shell Camino Monster Truck, which attendees can pay to ride in and also get signed autographs from driver Shelley Camino.
The monster truck rides are an addition to the ever-changing CreekFest, founded by Brandon Township resident and activist Lois Robbins, whose original vision for the festival was to celebrate local waterways including Kearsley Creek, Paint Creek and the Clinton River, with a focus on the importance of environmental stewardship.
After several years of waning attendance, festival organizers, including the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, and Ortonville Lions Club changed it from a 1-day celebration to four days, adding the carnival, as well as a beer tent, and moving the annual Independence Day fireworks show to coincide with CreekFest weekend.
DDA Executive Director Molly LaLone is looking forward to this year’s event.
‘Everything’s moving along,? she said. ‘I am ex-cited about all the environmental displays and exhibits, that’s our purpose and why we have CreekFest. I like the new things to attract people, including a barbecue contest and the monster truck, a unique, fun thing. The pie eating contest will be back for kids 17 and under and the Brandon High School Marching Band will participate in the CreekFest Parade for the first time ever.?
Fun kicks off at 4 p.m., June 18, with the beer tent opening next to Fire Station #1 on South Street and monster truck rides starting up on Pond Street ($8 per person or 2 for $15). The carnival, located at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, 300 South St., will also commence, with free rides from 5-7 p.m., and only $1 per ride from 7-11 p.m. The library, 304 South St., will host family fun campfire stories at 6:30 p.m.
On June 19, the carnival will be open from noon to 11 p.m., and wristbands can be purchased for $20, allowing wearers to ride all day, or pay $1 per ride without wristband. The beer tent will again be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. and truck rides start at 6 p.m. This night also coincides with Beets, Beats and Eats, the farmer’s market held at Crossman Park in the village.
On Saturday, June 20, vendors, exhibitors and demonstrations move into town and the CreekFest Parade, the largest ever, moves from BFIS to the Old Mill beginning at 10 a.m. After, vendors, entertainment, and educational exhibits all day downtown, and Wolverine Fireworks lighting up the sky at dusk. Rain date of June 21, and parking available at the high school, as well as in lots along the M-15 corridor.
Fire Chief Dave Kwapis said the Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the show, has received about $6,500 in donations and the length of the show depends on funds raised.
‘At minimum, we’ll get at least a 20-minute show,? he said. ‘We’re trying to get a 30-minute show, with consistent fireworks. We really need sponsors and donations. Even after show, put toward next year’s show…We’re hoping for really good weather and everyone having a safe, fun time. Remember, do not shoot off fireworks while waiting. For your safety and those around you, leave your pyrotechnics at home and leave the display to the professionals.?
On the last day of CreekFest, Sunday, June 21, look for a motorcycle show at the post office parking lot on Pond Street, as well as more exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day, continued monster truck rides, entertainment, a superhero pet parade at 12:30 p.m., monarch migration at Heritage Garden at 1 p.m., bed races and duck race at 3 p.m., and the conclusion of a barbecue rib battle (see story page 13).
For a complete list of CreekFest events and times, see the pull-out section in today’s Citizen.