Labor Day Festival now has a new sponsor

By David Piestrzynski
Special to The Review

The annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival is taking shape.

“Right now we’re working on the aesthetics to make it all look good,” said Kathleen Bittner, chairman of the festival committee.

A major change this year is that the city’s Downtown Development Authority is now the official sponsor of the event.

Camping will once again return to Veteran’s Park during the weekend. Bittner said there might be a twist to the festivities by partnering with Detroit Synergy to sponsor the “World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight.” If things go as expected, there could be thousands of people participating, and it will likely qualify for the Guinness Book of World Book Records.

This year, Friday will once again be eliminated, with the event running from Saturday through Monday. Bittner said this year’s festival will have many of the same great features and activities, such as the 5 K Fun Run (or Walk) and the “yacht” races.

“We want to get all the bars to start making their yachts,” Bittner said.

Live music will also be a central offering this year. The festival is expected to feature six bands per day, with some of last year’s performers returning.

Bittner said they’re still working on the full schedule of bands for the event, along with planning some new features for this year.

Marketing for this year’s event is being handled by Seeds Marketing, Advertising and Design, a Detroit-based firm that volunteered its services.

Bittner also welcomes all local businesses to come and be a part of the festivities.

The event’s Web site, Hamtownfest.com, is expected to be current by the end of the month. In the meantime, anyone who wants to volunteer their services can contact Bittner at (313) 874-2242.