'Phenomenal Weather' Led to Successful Founders Festival; Organizers Look Ahead to 50th

While (DDA) events planner Janet Bloom looks back at a successful 2012 Downtown Farmington Founders Festival, she's also looking ahead to 2014. 

"We already have our eyes and ears on the 50th anniversary," Bloom said, noting she welcomes ideas for celebrating the milestone. "We're open to suggestions."

The 2012 Festival, she said, benefitted from "phenomenal" weather, and "from people feeling like they could get out and enjoy a nice summer day." Vendors told her they liked the layout, with a juried craft show on Farmington Rd. and other booths and food vendors in the Downtown Farmington Center parking lot. 

Bloom said some "tweaks" are being considered for 2013. While the childrens' area will remain around the , placement of children's rides will be adjusted.

Organizers may also look at the layout for Walker's Tavern, which drew thousands of people to its new, larger location south of in the Downtown Farmington Center parking lot, Bloom said. Some who attended about having a single entrance, especially on Friday night, when scores of people waited in a line that snaked around the venue. 

Bloom said creating a second entrance "will certainly be up for a point of discussion", although "safety and security is top of mind." 

Attendance numbers haven't been calculated yet, Bloom said, and the final numbers aren't in yet for sponsorships, either. She said while some sponsors did reduce their contributions, they may have shifted support to other events. She said the DDA is now seeking sponsors for the Harvest Moon celebration in late September and Holly Days in December. 

If you have ideas for the Festival's 50th anniversary or want more information about sponsorships, call Bloom, 248-473-7276.