Getting a glow on
Traditional Rotary Club Lighted Parade will open Romulus Pumpkin Festival
One of the most anticipated and brightest events of the season will take place again this year as the Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights officially opens the 28th Annual Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival.
The free three-day fall harvest event set for Sept. 18, 19 and 20 at Romulus Historical Park includes live music, food booths, craft vendors, a classic car show, and Punkie's 5K run/walk/bike. The popular city event also features a "Romulus Got Talent" showcase on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Runners, bikers and walkers can register for the 5k event until Aug. 21 online at the Romulus Parks and Recreation website romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival
The opening Rotary parade, which brings thousands of visitors to Goddard Road in downtown Romulus includes floats and vehicles with only one requirement for entry: Everything in the parade must be completely illuminated. Because this is a night parade, all entries must be heavily decorated with an abundance of working lights, organizers said. Standard glow sticks are not sufficient, and unlit entries will be turned away at the gate, officials noted. The parade is set for 8 until 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.
Preregistration for the parade is not required, organizers said but pre-registration is “highly appreciated.” While there is no entry fee, the club members typically ask for an optional $10 donation per entry. Entrants can complete advance registration on the Romulus Pumpkin Festival page or download the registration download the registration packet from the Romulus Rotary Facebook page.
Entrants can register the day of the parade by bringing a completed entry form to the lineup area. Parade staging will begin at 6:30 and all parade entries must be at the Goddard Road west of Wayne Road staging area no later than 7:30 p.m.
The run events begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. The race begins and end at the Romulus Senior Center at 36525 Bibbins St. A free 1-mile kids’ run is also planned.
Standard registration until Aug. 21 is $25 and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal. Late registration from Aug. 23 through 31 is $40. Strollers, wagons, bicycles, and leashed dogs are welcome on the 3.1-mile neighborhood course, organizers said.
For more information, visit romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival
