Home > About Us > Mission & Vision > Fun Facts

Fun Facts

Recognition

Top Ten Events by USA Today, 2014, 1999, 1998, 1997
Embassy of Michigan Tourism Award, 1976
Governor's Declaration honoring the Festival's 50th anniversary, 1976
Joint Resolution honoring the Festival's 50th anniversary by Michigan House and Senate, 1976
Publication awards, national competition, 1972, 1975, 1978, and 1982
Annually rated in top 100 Festivals and Events in North America by the A.B.A.
Named Michigan's favorite Festival by AAA Michigan Living Magazine Page two -- Circulation: 1,000,000

Fun Facts

FIRST FESTIVAL
Held in 1926

ANNUAL ATTENDANCE
Over 500,000 over eight days

PROGRAM
150 events and activities (85% are
free)

SOURCES OF INCOME
Event Sponsors, Local Membership, ticket sales

OPERATION OF FESTIVAL
Minimum of 35,000 volunteer hours and 10,000 staff hours each year

ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

International Festival and Event Association; Michigan Festival and Events Association
Mid-American Competing Band Directors Association

SPECIAL GUESTS & DIGNITARIES

Miss America, Kirsten Haglund -- 2008
Dallas Drake, Detroit Red Wings -- 2008
Carter Oosterhouse - HGTV & TLC -- 2007
NASA Astronaut, Jerry Linenger-- 2003
Governor, Jennifer Granholm -- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Bryan McElwain, NY Firefighter Co. Engine #201 -- 2002
Paris Children's Choir-- 2000
Leave it to Beaver's Jerry Mathers -- 1998
Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas -- 1998
Good Morning America Weatherman, Spencer Christian -- 1989, 1993, 1998
U.S. Navy Blue Angels -- 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2014, 2016
Stanley Cup Goalie, Detroit Red Wing Kevin Hodson -- 1997
Brigadier General ,George K. Anderson -- 1992
Phoenix Suns Dan Majerle -- 1991
PGA Touring Professional Dan Pohl -- 1989
Former Astronaut James Lovell -- 1985
From Disney World, Orlando FL:
- Goofy -- 1987
- Minnie Mouse -- 1986
- Donald Duck -- 1985
- Mickey Mouse -- 1984
Budweiser Clydesdales -- 1984, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003
Today Show Weatherman Willard Scott -- 1983
Hockey great Gordie Howe -- 1982
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds -- 1978, 1990, 2015, 2017
Bob Hope -- 1978
President Gerald R. Ford -- 1975