Press

Elberta, Michigan- The organizers for this year's Elberta Summer Solstice Festival are ready for even more people at this year's 10th annual event on the picturesque shores of Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan. Started by a group of local residents to raise funds for the 5 acre Waterfront Park, proceeds from the festival benefit the park's remodeled Elberta Lifesaving Station, performance amphitheater, children’s jungle gym, and barbecue and picnic pavilions.

Admission is free to the public, with the entire day of musical acts on the Upper Deck stage from noon until 1am. This year’s performers include Ella Riot (formerly My Dear Disco), K Jones & the Benzie Playboys, sub-Prime Blues Band, Acoustic Dynamite, Waterline, Hannah Rae Beale, and Thrill Train. Already with a fierce following, local band Platte Plains Wolf Pack will be making their festival debut at 3pm. The Amphitheater will host its regular “Open-Mic” for musicians, poets, and storytellers, but will also feature the introduction of Laughter Yoga to this year's festival. Founded in India, this form of yoga focuses on the benefits of breathing through laughter (AGES: -9 months through 100+ years).

Fireworks will continue to be a huge draw for the festival, as well as the “kid friendly” atmosphere. Pony rides by Rockin R Stables, a jumphouse, tons of fun games and prizes, and the biggest jungle gym in Benzie County will all be part of the memories for kids at this year’s Solstice Festival. The Teen Pavillion will be growing by 1000% this year, with Bungalow Builders donating a full size stage trailer for this year's entertainment. DJ Sound Poet will host a full evening of festivities for teenagers including a rap battle and live music from FlyLingual, Planet X, and Nathan Alan & Northern Company. In their first public appearance, Forever Freshman take the stage at 6pm.

Acoustic Buzz will be providing four different flavors of mead, while Northern Natural Winery will be offering it's own hard cider, with both companies brewing their drinks less than 30 miles from the festival site. Right Brain Brewery and other Michigan beers and wines will also be offered in this year’s Beer Garden, along with a half dozen of Benzie County restaurants vending their local cuisine throughout the day.

Multiple sponsors from throughout the county donate money to make the festival possible.

Organizers are requesting volunteers to donate a couple hours of their day to help the festival run smoothly- contact Josh Stoltz for details: joshuastoltz@yahoo.com or 231-640-0200. Elberta Summer Solstice Festival events, schedule, and a full list of sponsors can be found at www.ElbertaSolsticeFestival.com.