In one short week, the Festival of the Forks will be in full swing. The annual celebration in downtown Albion has been occurring since 1967. Named after the fork in the Kalamazoo River not a utensil, the festival is a celebration of the heritage and culture of the Albion community.
The two-day event kicks off with the Cruise-In & Car Show, Friday at 3PM showing off classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and more. There will be live music including band “Kung-Fu Diesel” on the main stage. Artists, non-profits, businesses, and food vendors will line the streets in Stoffer Plaza, Superior, Cass, and Erie Streets. There will a carnival and petting zoo in Reiger Park. If cars, carnivals, or petting zoos aren’t for you, join Run Albion for their last 5K of the year with the Forks 5K, a run or walk through Albion’s iconic downtown, Albion College’s campus, and a stroll on the beautifully redone walking path. The 5K heads out at 6:30PM. To wrap up Friday night enjoy more live music at the Albion Malleable Brewing Company from the After Party starting at 7PM featuring “Devil Elvis Show”.
The following morning continues the fun and the main events. Join Run Albion in cheering on “The Foundry Mile” a uniquely Albion race of 10 of the fastest entries running one mile ending in front of the Foundry Bakehouse & Deli. The winners receive a $1,000 cash prize. After watching the races, enjoy the Festival of the Forks parade at 10AM. Watch local organizations, floats, bands, and more excitedly march down Superior Street to officially kick-off the Saturday celebrations.
Once you see all the fun, peruse the 120+ vendors from food, crafts, and organizations up and down downtown Albion streets. The carnival and petting zoo will still be in full swing in Reiger Park. With other specialty events happening throughout the day including giant JENGA Game on Cass Street from 11AM to 12PM, a cornhole tournament at the Leisure Hour Club at 12PM, pie eating contest in Bournelis Park at 12PM, hula hoops on Cass Street from 12PM to 1PM, then jump ropes from 1PM to 1:45PM. Then join BlueOx Credit Union on Cass Street for a foam party from 3PM to 5PM.
Still not enough to do? Join the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament sponsored by Play Right Sports Academy in the upper parking lot of Stoffer Plaza, starting at 10AM, or watch the BlueOx Rubber Duck 300 Raffle, where you could when up to $1,000. The BlueOx Rubber Duck 300 Raffle is sponsored by the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce (License #: R71342) proceeds will benefit Starr Commonwealth and the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce’s Festival of the Forks. Tickets on sale now.
More of a music person? There is plenty of live music all day Saturday. From 3PM to 5PM enjoy music at the main stage or join Albion Malleable Brewing Company for the After Party at 6:30PM and round off the night at the Leisure Hour Club starting at 7PM.
Needless to say, there is something for everyone to do and enjoy in downtown Albion next weekend as we celebrate the annual Festival of the Forks. Hope to see you downtown!