The Best of BMN Fest

We kicked off this special week with an opening ceremony that featured State Representative Marc Corriveau, Northville Mayor Chris Johnson, Blood, Sweat & Gear leader, Terry Bean, Operation Kid Equip co-founder Menachem Kniespeck, and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by local theatrical star, Kurt Bowen.

 

Highlights of the day also included exceeding our goal at the American Red Cross blood drive, tips on going green from radio’s Adam Helfman, and a riveting panel discussion on Michigan’s economic future in renewable energy featuring representatives from Ann Arbor SPARK, DTE Energy, Global Wind Systems, and NextEnergy.

 

Fox2 News came out bright and early to preview upcoming events during their morning broadcast. By midday, families were all over town, reveling in the concert by Palamazoo, enjoying Billy Bones BBQ, getting faces painted, enjoying stories by author, Nancy Hughes, learning about money from Camp Millionaire, and posing for pictures with Scooby Doo and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

 

With the passage of some early morning rain, fitness enthusiasts took to the stage in Town Square, while job hunters learned new techniques at Northville Square. One reported getting an interview within one day as a result of her experience at the festival on Wednesday! Nutrition and financial expertise was abundant as well.

 

The fabulous Northville Farmers’ Market took center stage with a visit from a Channel 7 News crew and a surprise appearance by Scooby. Up the hill, entrepreneurs were getting an amazing free education on how to secure financing, win contracts, and market their businesses. A high school marketing teacher attending the social media panel described the experience as invaluable.

 

By Thursday night, comedy and charity took over with our benefit for Operation Kid Equip. Attendees brought school supplies and money to Genitti’s and in exchange got an upraorious night out courtesy of the generous and hilarious Connie Ettinger and her very talented friends. We raised hundreds of dollars and had a great time!

 

Attendees got an early start on Friday, lining up hours in advance for the open casting call by Mirror Dog Productions. Real Style owners, Kathy Remski and Rose Gilpin described the ins and outs of becoming an extra and veteran movie producer Marvin Towns taught business-owners, including some of our vendors, about product placement and the business side of the film business. Meanwhile at Genitti’s attendees were treated to an in depth discussion on building a sustainable film industry featuring representatives from Green Light Productions, Wayne County Film Office, FilmDetroit, MEDC, Raleigh Michigan Studios, and Unity Studios.  

 

By evening, Main Street was packed solid with shoppers, diners, and concert-goers eager to enjoy the fabulous weather, sidewalk sales, and an amazing show by Fifty Amp Fuse.

 

By noon on Saturday one of the vendors stopped me to report that this was already the most successful event her company had ever attended and there was still plenty of time to sell more. As the day’s shopping began to wind down, revelers prepared for another evening concert in Town Square featuring the multi-facited Mike McMath and Empty Canvas followed by the supremely talented band, Effigy.

 

Sunday brought more taste-testing of Michigan products, shopping, and an opportunity to visit Northville’s Historic Mill Race. Town Square was hopping with the musical stylings of the Oakland Brass Band, followed by local favorites Seven Bridges, and White Chocolate.   

 

Participating vendors and exhibitors included:

Alzheimer Activities Services; Angelworks Jewelry; Anna Florals; Apac Paper & Packaging; Arbonne International (Michigan-based distributor); Aunt Nee's Taste of Mexico Salsa; AVE Office Supplies; Awrey Bakeries; Banana Belle Bows; Beach Girl Photography; Billy Bones BBQ; Bleifeld (artist); Bountiful Baskets; Broadway in Detroit; CFY Wipes; Carbon Credit Environmental Services; Chamberlain Marketing Group; Chartreuse Organic Tea; Chef Zachary Spices;  Chicaloo Photography; Clancy's Fancy; Clark Creations; Classic Design Concepts; Detroit Regional Chapter of US Green Building Council; Doozy Cleaning Products; Dreams Do Come True; ecostore USA; Elba Laboratories; Estate Planning Legal Services; Gantec Advance; Garden Fresh Gourmet; Gertie Gear; Global Warming Salsa; Granite Transformations; Great Lakes Medical Supply; Harvest Michigan; Health For Life Chiropractic; Herman Miller; Hiller's Markets; Jewels By Jules; Juice Plus (MI-based distributor); Kelly's Karmels; Love A Little Glitz; Luna Tech; M&M Creations; Metro Detroit Psychic; Mike McMath (artist); Mosaic Art; Motor City Connect; Mr. Mat Rental Service; Northville Public Schools Early Childhood Center; One Shade Greener;  Organize To Optimize; Picture This...; RealKidz; Rip It Energy Fuel; Robarge Rustics;  Salt Sensations; Savage Colors Clothing; Shaklee (MI-based distributor); Shionne Designs; Simple Desires Fashion Jewelry; Steel Skinz Graphics; The Great Lakes National Soap Company; Trends in Fashion; Trifles & Home Chocolate Party; Worksquared; and WOWGreen.