If it’s June, it’s time to for the music to begin! The Frankenmuth Civic Events Council presents Michigan’s oldest German festival. Willkomen to Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”. This year’s Bavarian Festival theme, “Festival Traditions”, holds true as a feeling of "Gemütlichkeit", which loosely translated means a welcome social acceptance for all, surrounds the entire community of Frankenmuth beginning on Thursday night and lasts through the Bavarian Fest parade on Sunday. The Festival takes place the weekend of June 12-15th. Over 100,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the 56th Annual Bavarian Parade held on Sunday, June 15th at 1:00 PM.
Although the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, (PFDC) will be one of 100 entries, they will certainly stand out amongst the many beautifully decorated floats, dance clubs and dignitaries in this year’s Bavarian Parade. As you see the waving red, white, and blue of the flags, listen to the melody of the fifes and the thunder of the drums. “We love this parade. Nothing compares to performing for all the people that line the street. And they are all there for the party! Everyone has a great time and we get a great response from them all.” exclaimed PFDC Music Director, Jim Predhomme.
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Parade Chairman, Jerry Thompson stated, “The Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps has been a crowd favorite for over 20 years and never disappoints. The parade would not be the same without them.”
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The Sunday parade begins at 1:00 PM. It is one of only two times during the year that Frankenmuth's Main St (Michigan Highway 83) is completely shut down. Visitors should be aware that the parade will be very slightly shorter this year due to road construction. The route begins on Churchgrove St (near St. Lorenz School) then turns east on Genesee (Junction Rd) to Main St (M83) then south to River Place and concludes at Heritage Park where all the festival events and entertainment are held and admission is FREE. Parade spectators can then participate in the festivities that include amusements, BBQ chicken dinners, a Polka Jam, and other celebrations of German heritage at the Harvey Kern Pavilion beginning at 2:00.
The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival is one of Michigan's best celebrations of German heritage and is certain to have something to entertain everyone in attendance.
About the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps:
Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps is a 501c (3) non-profit organization. An internationally renowned world class Fife & Drum Corps, PFDC is made up of students age 12 – 18 from Plymouth and surrounding communities. Practicing year round, its members are dedicated to preserving the ancient arts of color guard, fifing, and drumming. They average 40-50 live performances during parades, patriotic celebrations, and other civic events throughout Michigan, Ohio and Canada. At the close of the summer performance season, the Corps tours to historical landmarks. This year they will travel to Virginia to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery. Other scheduled performances include, Fort Ligonier near Pittsburgh, PA, Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington, Monticello, Montpelier, Colonial Williamsburg, and many other historic landmarks in the area.
If you would like to support the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps with their travels, please visit their fundraising website at http://www.gofundme.com/Please-Help-PFDC. You can read all about the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and how you can help this youth organization continue its proud tradition throughout Michigan and the United States.
To find the PFDC performance schedule and more information to help support the PFDC, visit www.pfdc.us.
