CONTACT:                                                                                                      
Kyle Scislowicz
Media Communications Specialist
City of Auburn Hills
248.364.6726
kscislowicz@auburnhills.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 
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 “AUBURN HILLS SUMMERFEST” CONTINUES TO SIZZLE JUNE 24 AND 25 

Downtown festival attracts thousands of residents and visitors with over 25 enjoyable, engaging events                        

Auburn Hills, MI (June 7, 2016) – The annual “Auburn Hills Summerfest” in the heart of the city’s lively downtown at Auburn and Squirrel Roads will feature unique activities, exceptional attractions, and memorable sights and sounds for everyone to enjoy. The festival, in its 11th year, will run from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 24 and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.

Michigan’s renowned “State Championship BBQ Cook-Off”, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), will kick off Friday’s festivities as 32 teams compete by slow-cooking their top-secret chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket recipes for a panel of certified KCBS BBQ judges. Other highlights will include a “Kid’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest” from 4 to 6 p.m., a “Teen Dodgeball Tournament” begins at 6 p.m., and Auburn Hills City Council members will be guest scoopers at an “Ice Cream Social” from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment on the main stage. 

Friday’s main stage attractions are:

4 p.m.                      Kari Holmes

6 p.m.                      Annabelle Road

7:30 p.m.                 Detroit Pistons Flight Crew

8 p.m.                      Devin Scillian & Arizona Son 

Event highlights on Saturday begin at 10 a.m. with the “Color Me Extraordinary 5K Run/Walk” in support of Easter Seals. The Optimist Club will host its 9th Annual “By the River Car Show” starting at 10 a.m., a “Pet Costume Parade” begins at 11 a.m., and the judging of the “State Championship BBQ Cook-Off” starts at noon.

Saturday’s main stage attractions are:

10:30 a.m.                Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts Demonstration

11 a.m.                     Pet Costume Parade

11:30 a.m.                Cake Walk & Bake Sale

Noon                        Oakland Regional Ballet

1 p.m.                      Magic Show with Chris Linn

2 p.m.                      Avondale Theatre Co.

3 p.m.                      Championship BBQ Cook-Off Awards Presentation

3:30 p.m.                 Karaoke Contest

4 p.m.                      Guy Louis’ Chautauqua Express

6 p.m.                      Surfzup Band

7:30 p.m.                 Dance Contest

8 p.m.                      Rhoedes Band

“We plan all year long for Auburn Hills’ signature celebration of the summer,” said Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “Summerfest is all about fun as we transform our downtown into a literal playground for all generations. There is so much to see, do, enjoy and experience and we invite everyone to spend the weekend in our city.”

The festival will also feature a “Kidz Korner” with the Big Kahuna Waterslide, Alien Invasion Moonwalk, obstacle course, mechanical bull, carnival games, caricature artists, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painting, balloon twisting, and more! A new Teen Zone at Riverside Park features a Dodgeball Tournament and DJ on Friday, and Laser Tag with a DJ on Saturday. “DIA Away”, a mobile interactive classroom and a creative exploration space for people of all ages, will be available for free on both days. Local restaurants and street vendors will offer specialty food and beverages. The “Arts and Craft Fair” will be available to shoppers on Friday and Saturday.

“Auburn Hills Summerfest” premier sponsors include Genisys Credit Union and the Parkways of Auburn Hills. Contributing sponsors are ITC Holdings, Sonesta ES Suites, Plante Moran, Secrest-Wardle, The River Church, Community Impact Church, Duffy’s Pub, Little Caesars, DTE Energy, Mayo Welding, and Broner.

For additional information, visit www.auburnhills.org or call the Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation Department at 248-370-9353.

About Auburn Hills
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to 23,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award-winning Palace of Auburn Hills entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org.