After a two-year hiatus, the Family Fun Festival returned to Bad Ax last weekend, and by all accounts, it was a huge success. More than 1,100 local residents attended the four-hour event.
Originally started in 2003 by Faith Gospel Church, the event took place annually until 2019. After the impact of the pandemic, it was suspended for the past two years. This year, the festival emerged as a joint effort of the Bad Ax Christian Ministerial Association.
Sponsoring churches included Faith Gospel, Evangel Life Assembly of God, Free Methodist Church, Bad Ax Church of the Nazarene, and Free Methodist Church of Bad Axe.
“It was wonderful to share the event with the other churches. We made a good team,” said Pastor Mike Beeler of Faith Gospel.
The event took place in Bad Ax Park from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 10 September. It was a completely free event, featuring food, free drinks, barrel train rides, bounce houses and games with prizes.
Other events included face painting, a toddler play area and the make-believe play station. Entertainment included the Christian Gramm Band, musician/singer Lora Aldrich and juggler Nick Thomas.
Numerous local merchants and organizations were present, and several gave away prizes and small gifts to visitors to their booths. A grand prize draw took place at the end of the festival, with prizes provided by local businesses. Ten bicycles were given to children and a further 25 gifts were given to adults by local merchants. Prizes included oil changes, tools, gift baskets and more.
Major contributors include McLaren Hospital, Scheurer Hospital and nearly a dozen others. Errer’s Green House and Bay Shore Camp provided the barrel trains for the kids to ride.
“I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the outcome,” Beeler said. “The turnout was great and the demand was there. I heard good feedback about the festival, and all the feedback was positive. It was our privilege to give back to the community.”
