News General Information 2008 Schedule
The Annual Richmond Area Good Old Days Festival is the highlight of summer for many people. Our festival is known for offering a wide variety of events throughout each of the four days. It was voted MICHIGAN'S BEST Small Town Festival for 2005 and 2007. The festival falls on the weekend after Labor Day and runs Thursday through Sunday. 2008 marks the 45th anniversary of the festival. There is no general admission charge for the festival grounds.
Opening ceremony is kicked off on Thursday evening with our "Little Miss Richmond" pageant at the hub of the festival located at Beebe Street Park. Other highlights during the four days include; demolition derby, figure 8 derby, fair-cross, musical entertainment both in the beverage tent and on the festival stage, Mid America Shows, and fireworks.
Our parades travel down Main Street starting on Saturday with the Children's parade. Following this a huge ping pong blow-out for children 10 and under. Thousands of ping pong balls are fired from a hopper built by U.S. Pattern. Child size prizes are listed on each ball and may be redeemed at the festival grounds, or the business listed on the ball.
On Sunday we have "The Grand Parade" which has been voted MICHIGAN'S BEST Small Town Parade 2004, 2005 & 2006 by the Detroit News. The parade has a wonderful reputation for its unique entries, upwards of 25 marching bands, and fabulous floats. We estimate between 75,000 and 80,000 people view our parade.
Other uptown events include Outhouse Races, Antique Car Show, and Pancake Breakfast. Many tournaments are held also which include Men's and Women's Softball, Horseshoe's, and Arm Wrestling.