Press

Elberta, Michigan- The organizers for this year's Elberta Summer Solstice Festival are ready for even more people at this year's 8th annual event on the sunny 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 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 local performers include K Jones & the Benzie Playboyz, sub-Prime Blues Band, Acoustic Dynamite, Waterline, Hannah Rae Beale, and Dear Sasquatch. The Amphitheater will host its regular “Open-Mic” for musicians, poets, and storytellers, but will also feature a new addition this year: the introduction of The Green Plate Challenge. Jim Barnes of Crystal Lake Catering and Eco-Building Products has developed this competition among 5 Benzie County restaurants with participating chefs tasked with creating a "green plate" dinner (consisting of a minimum of 90% locally produced ingredients) that will be served at their respective restaurants throughout the summer. Jim will introduce the summer-long contest at the Elberta Solstice Festival and has invited the chefs to prepare their dishes in front of the Solstice attendees. More details can be found at www.ElbertaSolsticeFestival.com.

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, balloon artists, 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. Right Brain Brewery and other Michigan beers and wines will be offered in this year’s Beer Garden, along with over a dozen Benzie County restaurants vending their local cuisine throughout the day.

In addition to full schedules on both stages, this year will also see the introduction of a Teen Pavillion that will include a bonfire, DJ's spinning music, and a live performance from Benzie County's High School Battle of the Bands Winner: Upon Your Pedestal. Multiple sponsors from throughout the county have donated money and gifts to make the festival possible, including the Upper Deck sponsor: Graceland Fruit of Frankfort. Organizers are requesting volunteers to donate a few 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.