As the last days of summer pass, Lincoln Park comes alive with one of its most beloved traditions – Lincoln Park Days. This year, from August 23-25, residents and visitors will gather in the heart of the city to enjoy a weekend of fun, music and community spirit.
Soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the festival is much more than just an event; it is a cherished tradition that dates back to the city’s early days.
“It’s more of an old-fashioned event with a small-town atmosphere,” said Tom Karnes, president of the Exchange Club of Lincoln Park, the organization that puts on the festival founded in 1925. “Bring your family and enjoy the rides, food and entertainment.”
The 2024 edition of Lincoln Park Days promises something for everyone.
The festival grounds at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 3525 Dix-Toledo, are a hive of activity with carnival rides, tempting food vendors and a bustling market offering arts and crafts from some of Michigan’s finest artists. Highlights include photography by Doug Stein, known for his striking landscape and nature photography, and wildlife images by Marie Karambis, whose work has been nationally acclaimed.
But the festival isn’t just about rides and vendors. It’s also a place where the community comes together to support local nonprofits.
“The beauty of our program is that the nonprofits pay relatively low fees,” Karnes explained. “We try to help them in the region without putting them out of business.”
Musical entertainment is a cornerstone of the festival and this year’s lineup is sure to get the crowd moving. On Friday night, festival-goers can groove to the sounds of Wisteria at 6pm, followed by the energetic performance of Fifty Amp Fuse at 8pm.
Saturday’s program includes performances by Alias Axys, a Scorpions tribute band, and an AC/DC tribute band, Let There Be Rock, which will cap the evening at 8:30 p.m.
Car lovers won’t want to miss the M85 Cruizers Car Show on Saturday, which will feature an array of classic cars competing for the coveted 3-foot-tall Best in Show trophy. For the younger crowd, a free Field Day will offer the chance to take part in games and activities. DJ Keo will host a special TikTok dance party.
Lincoln Park Days is more than a fun weekend – it’s an event with a purpose. Proceeds from the festival go to the Exchange Club’s scholarship program, which awards $1,000 scholarships to five local high school students each year. The club doesn’t just look at grades; it also considers students’ achievements and their involvement in the community.
“It’s for an outstanding student, and that may include what they have overcome,” Karnes said.
Over the years, the club has awarded $100,000 in scholarships, a testament to its commitment to the future of Lincoln Park.
Although the festival is soon celebrating its 100th anniversary, it is still a place where people can meet old friends and create new memories.
“Lincoln Park is a place you can always come back to,” says Karnes. “At Lincoln Park Days, you meet old friends.”
For more information about Lincoln Park Days, visit the event’s Facebook page.
