Rochester Municipal Park will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of celebration Memorial Day weekend as it hosts the 31st Annual Rochester Area Heritage Festival. This family-friendly festival brings the history of the Greater Rochester Area to life with Civil War battle re-enactments, live music, a craft show, wagon and pony rides, antique cars, food and much more.

The Rochester Heritage Festival evolved from an idea originating with Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve (DHNP) back in 1976. To coincide with the U.S. bi-centennial celebration, the organization hosted its first Pioneer Days to introduce early settler life to Rochester school children.

Last year, more than 20,000 people enjoyed this festival that will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

We are proud and excited to announce that this is the 31st Rochester Area Heritage Festival, said festival Chairman Steve Wolken. The Heritage Festival celebrates the past, present, and future of our local community by supporting many not-for-profit and civic organizations that make the greater Rochester area and its surrounding communities a great place to be.

This years festival will feature the first ever Michigan attempt to surpass the current Guinness World Petanque Record held by petanque players in Germany. The French version of Bocci Ball, Petanque players from across the U.S. will come to Rochester Municipal Park during the festival. Festival-goers will be invited to watch the game, as well as join in the fun. Proceeds from the challenge will go to the Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Other activities this year include the Rochester Avon Recreation Authoritys (RARA) annual 5k Fun Run/Walk and a Childrens Fun Run around the Rochester Library. Events include Crafts Along the Creek, the Heritage Festivals Art & Craft Show sponsored by DHNP. The craft show features more than 70 artists and craftspeople displaying their wares throughout the park. Open both days, the craft show features both local and national crafters/artisans showcasing landscape and wildlife photography, hand-knit sweaters, musical instruments, childrens clothing, shaker boxes and furniture, pottery, edible art, metal sculpture, hand-pressed tiles and textiles.

The Festival will also be hosting a Rod and Custom Car Festival on Saturday. The show, hosted by the Rochester Lions Club, will consist of approximately 200 cars produced in 1983 or before with an emphasis in custom cars, hot rods, street machine / pro street, muscle cars and classics. Special awards will be given for Best of Show, Pride of the Lions, Best Paint, Best Interior, and Best Engine.

As a Festival favorite, the 29th annual Festival of Cars will be held on Sunday. Known as the prettiest car show in Michigan, the Festival of Cars boasts nearly 200 cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and bikes dating from 1900 - 1983. Also hosted by the Rochester Lions Club, trophies will be awarded in 26 classes. Both events will be held rain or shine.

Throughout the weekend, Civil War battles will also be re-created at the Rochester Area Heritage Festival when the 10th and 9th Michigan Infantries square off against the 8th Arkansas Confederate States of America Regiment. The re-enactments will be complete with firing cannons and muzzle demonstrations, along with a glimpse at civilian life during those times.

Admission to the Rochester Area Heritage Festival is always free, however donations are very much appreciated. Contributions will help preserve this beloved community tradition for generations to come. Almost completely funded by private donations and run by volunteers, the not-for-profit festival brings the history of the greater Rochester area to life.

The Rochester Area Heritage Festival is a free educational and family fun event offering unique opportunities for not-for-profit organizations to increase awareness, and enjoy era-appropriate entertainment. Stay local Memorial Day at the Rochester Area Heritage Festival May 24 & 25 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m..