Petoskey’s ‘Signature Event’ Returns
Music fans, prepare: Ryan Whyte Maloney from NBC’s “The Voice†is coming to Petoskey.
And though Maloney is the headliner for the resort town’s Festival on the Bay, he’s not the only musical star. The Jelly Roll Blues Band, the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, Billy Strings and Don Julin, Third Coast Kings, and The Cookies are also on the lineup.
The resort town’s 12th Annual Festival on the Bay is normally a standout for its food, art, and fun, but this year’s musical lineup is adding a little something special.
SIGNATURE EVENT
Now in its 12th year, the festival has continued to grow "by leaps and bounds," said Marcie Wolf, co-coordinator for the festival.
"The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce determined back in 2002 that Petoskey needed its own signature event," she said. "And the location was easy "¦ what better focal point than our beautiful waterfront."
First and foremost a community event, Festival on the Bay relies on dedicated volunteers each year to plan, coordinate, and run various events, with sponsor dollars coming from local businesses.
"It’s amazing the energy our volunteers bring to the festival, not to mention the time and work they contribute each year," Wolf said.
ROLLING INTO FRIDAY
Kicking off on Thursday, Blissfest is sponsoring family night and a classic hoedown with a caller and plenty of dancing.
The fest really gets rolling on Friday, though, with the farmers market, vendor booths on the waterfront promenade, kayak rides, concerts in Pennsylvania Park, juggling by Tommy Tropic, and the opening of the entertainment tent at 5pm.
Classic local faves the Jelly Roll Blues Band and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band will both be performing full sets.
"We recommend people arrive early to get a seat, as the Steel Drum Band packs the house every year," Wolf said.
Billy Strings and Don Julin will take over at 9pm, and then Gaylord band The Cookies round out the night with their high-energy, "˜80s-influenced dance tunes.
SATURDAY ROCKS
Saturday is the festival’s peak time for food, games, and fun.
The day begins with the Festival 5K Walk/Run, a fundraiser for the local YMCA.
The Chalk and Chocolate event runs from 10am-4pm, with sidewalk works of art on display from chalk artists, and samplings available from various chocolatiers.
The Art Show is also held on Saturday, with more than 50 artists displaying their wares in nearby Pennsylvania Park.
Saturday’s musical lineup kicks off with a set by Yankee Station (winners of the local Fight for the Festival competition), followed by Galactic Sherpas, Third Coast Kings, and headliner Maloney.
Maloney will be performing at 10pm with a special guest appearance by Cali Tucker, both of whom competed on season six of "The Voice," Wolf said.
I hear they rocked a sold-out crowd at the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, so I can’t wait to hear them!" she said.
NEW FOR YOU
Festival on the Bay is offering some new festivities this year, too. The Thursday night hoedown features the Harbor Hoedown Band, and Etta’s food truck will be on-site selling "down-home cooking" at this brand new, alcohol-free event.
Also being added to the fest is the fun BBQ on the Bay Competition, which will feature amateur rib grillers competing for prizes. The public can vote for their favorite ribs at noon on Saturday, said Wolf.
Verizon Wireless is sponsoring a new Promenade Music Tent which will feature local musicians, plus demos of tech products.
And teens won’t be left out, either.
WKHQ radio DJs Scotty and Jeff will host a Friday Night Band Jam with local bands, and Saturday night will feature the popular Club Electro Sunset Dance Party with high-energy dance tracks in a safe, drug-free zone.
It’s all part of making Festival on the Bay even bigger and better than ever.
"This year’s festival will put the spotlight on just how great the community of Petoskey really is," Wolf said.
Petoskey’s Festival on the Bay will take place August 14-17. For a full schedule and more, visit petoskeyfestival.com.
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