By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Ortonville- The seventh annual CreekFest features more attractions than ever before.
The Downtown Development Authority-sponsored event, set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m., June 6, in downtown Ortonville, celebrates waterways in the village and Brandon Township, primarily Kearsley Creek.
‘It’s going to be a fun day for promoting local businesses, family and community,? said CreekFest Chairperson Liz Waters. ‘I’m hoping for a turnout of 2,000.?
The day will kick-off with a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. hosted by the Ortonville United Methodist Church, 93 Church St. From 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Waters is hoping to have a creek wade for the first time in two years at CreekFest, depending on water conditions.
New this year will be blacksmithing and welding demonstrations at the Old Town Hall, with presenters dressed in period costume; an off road demo presented by the Dirty Minds Jeep Club in Dr. Regiani’s parking lot, 101 South St.; and perhaps most exciting, says Waters, an exotic animal show.
Animal Magic Inc., seen on ABC, NBC, and CBS, will have three shows, at 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3 p.m.. Each show features different animals, including tarantulas, turtles, snakes, and the largest sloth in North America.
Those preferring domesticated animals can check out the pet parade from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting at Pet Supplies ‘Plus,? 22 N. Ortonville Road. Twenty-four animal awards will be given, with the first place prize a custom pet portrait.
Other features at CreekFest this year will be a petting farm and bounce houses at Crossman Park, minnow and yacht races, and kids? crafts and games, next to Art of Life, 391 Mill St. About 150 white pine seedlings will be given to children as prizes in an effort to be ‘more green? than in years past. The seedlings can be planted at home, or at the Brandon Township Community Park, 1414 N. Hadley Road, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the day after CreekFest as part of a mass planting.
CreekFest volunteers are still needed. For information on the festival or how to help, call Molly LaLone at 248-627-8070. For a full schedule of planned activities at CreekFest, see page 9.