Wixom holdings its Founder's Day Festival on May 22

The Wixom Founder’s Day Festival is fast approaching, and lakes area residents won’t want to miss this annual event that promises fun for all ages.

The event is slated for Sunday, May 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Gibson Historical Park. There is no fee to attend. Parking is available across from the Wixom Food Mart off Old Wixom Road, west of K-Tool Drive.

“It’s a small-town community event that focuses on history — it’s a good family event that’s low key with lots for the kids to do,” said Wixom Parks and Recreation Director Deanna Magee.

Two contests draw the crowds. Kids are invited to participate in a pie eating event. Between 30 and 50 kids line up and dive into cream pies without using their hands.

Amateur chefs are encouraged to enter the chili cook-off. Participants must be part of a team that prepares their secret recipes on-site. Each team entry fee is $20, whereas the cost is $3 per person to sample and judge the entries.

The Founder’s Day celebration is family-focused with a host of activities for kids, such as train rides, crafts, face painting, and old-fashioned games.

The city has also lined up a fire truck, a tractor, antique and classic car exhibitions, along with Civil War artifacts and horse saddle displays.

Akin to Greenfield Village, on-site demonstrations will include wool spinning and dyeing, butter churning, sheep shearing, wood splicing and sanding, candle making, and blacksmithing.

A petting farm, inflatables, and a mechanical bull will also add to the festivities, all under the banner of live entertainment.

Light concessions will be available and provided by Backyard Coney Island and the Walled Lake Western Band Boosters.

For more information, visit www.wixomgov.org.