'Spectacular' city beach party set for next weekend

West Oakland County residents won’t want to miss the Walled Lake Beach Party, one of the city’s signature events, set for Saturday, July 21.

The Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Parks and Recreation Commission sponsor the gathering. During the event, which will be held at E.V. Mercer Beach, city streets are covered with sand to simulate a vast beachfront.

A day jam packed with entertainment awaits.

“It should be as spectacular as years gone by,” said DDA Board Chairman Casey Ambrose. “Where else can you walk down a main street filled with sand, with a beautiful view of the lake and listen to two of the top bands in the area?”

This year’s party will run from noon until midnight.

To transform E. Walled Lake Drive into a panoramic beach, the Department of Public Works will be dumping 200 tons of sand on the roadway.

The sand-sational event will feature an all-day beer and wine tent, food vendors, and children’s activities. Vendors will be selling items such as shirts, jewelry, purses, sunglasses, candles, and other items from noon to 5 p.m.

Pampered Chef and Costco will be at the event, as will be Hair Trendz, a local hair salon which will be styling tresses adorned with a new craze, hair feathers. There will also be give-aways.

The day is family-centered, full of activities such as face painting and air brush tattoos courtesy of Sally’s Tat2U.

Sand sculptor Dave Downs will be featured from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Returning again this year, the soft rock band Paradise will perform from 1 to 5 p.m.

A variety of food vendors will be on hand throughout the day. Metro Beverage will provide a full menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, Polish sausage, and freshly squeezed lemonade. Grand Dogs will be selling hot dogs and ice cream will also be available.

At 5 p.m., vendors will close up shop.

The Lakes Area Rotary Club and Hospitality House Food Pantry will host a beer and wine tent. Proceeds benefit both organizations.

There is no charge for admission or participation in activities during the event. Food and drinks are available for a cost.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m., Damage Control, a local rock ‘n’ roll band, will take the stage. From 8 p.m. to midnight, 50 Amp Fuse will take the stage playing the band’s large repertoire of classic rock.

Primary parking will be off of Common Street in Riley Park, as well as in the Walled Lake community lot near the Foster Farmhouse.

E. Walled Lake Drive between Liberty and Witherall streets will be closed July 21. Ferland Street will also be closed.