Find Family Fun at the Governor Warner Mansion During Founders Festival

The on Grand River will offer a host of family-friendly activities during the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival July 20 and 21:

Friday

The Chamberlain Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, popular last year, will return to the mansion lawn from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Other activities will include face painting and animal balloons. Wrist bands giving visitors access to all of the entertainment areas will be sold for $5.

Tony and Larry’s Winning Wieners will be on-site selling hot dogs, chips, and beverages.  fire truck and police car to the grounds, and public safety staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Tours of the Mansion, given by Victorian-costumed docents, will be available at a cost of $3 per adult and $1 per child under eight.

Saturday

The Governor Warner Mansion Warnerettes Victorian-style parasol drill team, followed by costumed volunteers in the beautiful Governor Warner Mansion horse-drawn carriage, will participate in the Botsford Grand Parade at 10 a.m.

The Mansion will be open Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Story-teller "Miz Rosie", will perform at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., using costumes, musical instruments, and lots of audience participation to engage listeners of all ages.

Meet the and her court, who will host Victorian games – badminton, croquet, hoop rolling, ball in the cup, and horse shoes – on the lawn from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

A flea market will be open Saturday, and spaces are available for vendors at a cost of $10. Call 248-474-5500, ext. 2225, or stop by to learn more. Support the Mansion by donating items on Wednesday, June 27, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Friday, July 12, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Celebrate Michigan Gov. Fred Warner’s 147th birthday from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday with birthday cake in the gazebo and listen to dulcimer music performed by Charlene Berry. 

For more information about the Mansion's Founders Festival schedule, call Farmington City Hall at 248-474-5500 ext. 2225, or visit ci.farmington.mi.us.