Midway rides remain a favorite among younger attendees of the Lincoln Park Days Festival. Between 60,000 to 70,000 visitors are anticipated for this year’s activities for live music, activity tents and more.
By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – For some it’s a chance to see old friends; others have an opportunity to meet new neighbors.
By any definition, the Lincoln Park Days Festival beginning Friday is exactly what a community event should be, with carnival rides, live music, beer and Vegas tents, pony rides and a sampling of community groups and businesses to support.
In recent years, between 60,000 and 70,000 attendees visit the festival, held Friday through Sunday at Youth Center Park, 3525 Dix, and hosted by the Exchnage Club of Lincoln Park. Organizer Debbie Van Cleave said the festival combines tradition with opportunity.
“They’ve been holding it since 1970 at the park, and you’ve got people who come back like it was class reunion time,” Van Cleave said. “New people come every year.”
Van Cleave said the festival offers a little something for everyone, from the McDonagh Amusements carnival midway to the Exchange Club’s beer tent and the Vegas tent sponsored by the Robert H. Jones Knights of Columbus.
Pony rides and a petting zoo are available for younger attendees, and community groups spanning the spectrum will be on hand. Live entertainment includes Mega 80s on Friday, Top Shelf Tuna with classic rock on Saturday and Rod Stewart tribute act DannyD on Sunday.
For the Exchange Club, this year’s festival helps celebrate 90 years since the first Exchange Club in Detroit was formed in 1911. The city itself recently toasted 90 years since incorporating, with July’s Heritage Days festival commemorating the nine decades.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])