River Days Kicks Off in Midland on July 31

Several highlights scheduled for Midland's yearly River Days celebration between July 31 and August 4 include hot air balloon rides, firework displays, live performances, a river cleaning event, and a competition for eating tacos.

The Midland Area Community Foundation organizes the event, held in downtown Midland and along the riverside. The main sponsor is Fisher Companies.

The initial occurrence is a river cleanup Led by Rivers Are Life, an international group dedicated to safeguarding water routes. The event will occur at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 31 along the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers. Registration can be done through the Midland Area Community Foundation website.

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, the Main Street Balloon Glow and Silent Disco will take place. The balloon baskets are positioned along Main Street, and their burners ignite. The balloon operators distribute trading cards and offer prizes for children.

A silent disco, where attendees move to music through wireless headsets, occurs at the Tridge.

There are three distinct radio stations, with people gathered under the tent enjoying various types of music," explained Kevin LaDuke, director of communications for the community foundation. "They might be moving to any kind of tune. It's consistently enjoyable to pass by and witness.

The activities begin at 6:30 a.m. on Friday with a balloon release. At 5 p.m., participants can join Run the River organized by Greater Midland. Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., guests can enjoy the Midland Rotary Cheeseburger Dinner and Beer Tent along with food trucks and festival attractions, all taking place on both Friday and Saturday.

A balloon event is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Friday at Chippewassee Park. The primary act on the main stage, Atomic Annie, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m., the Hot Air Balloon Glow will begin at Chippewassee Park and will continue on Saturday as well. The River Days celebration will have an after-party held in downtown Midland featuring music by Stone Street Revival.

LaDuke mentioned that Saturday is the primary day of the event, starting with a Morning Balloon Fly-In at 6:30 a.m.

Numerous activities kick off at midday on Saturday, such as the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition Tug of War held at Chippewassee Park and a Taco Consumption Competition taking place on the Downtown stage, with registration opening on July 17 at 9 a.m.

Children's area offers fun activities and entertainment between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, whereas the History Area (including Blacksmith’s Guild, Wood Carving, and Guided Walks) remains accessible at Chippewassee Park until 7:00 PM.

A live broadcast of the Max Loves Midland podcast is scheduled for 1 p.m. on the Downtown stage, with the Executive Director of the Chippewa Nature Center, Dennis Pilaske, as a guest. At 2 p.m., Pilaske will perform music on the same stage.

Live Performances: The Downtown stage begins its "River Days Unplugged" event at 3 p.m. featuring Parker Zimmerman, then continues at 4 p.m. with M31, supported by the Midland County Youth Action Council.

Live performances by Tony Thompson & Friends will take place on the Bob Johns main stage by the Tridge from 5:45 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. A group balloon release is scheduled for 7 p.m., after which Starfarm will perform live music starting at 8 p.m. on the same stage.

The final activity on Saturday is the Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Display scheduled for 10:15 p.m.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with a Morning Balloon Fly-In starting at 6:30 a.m.

River Days started out as a Fourth of July event in the 1950s.

Over the past decade, the balloon festival has also become a feature of River Days, adopting the atmosphere of today's River Days," LaDuke stated. "While we started differently, River Days now centers around food, music, balloons, and firework displays.

LaDuke mentioned that a significant aspect of these adjustments is ensuring that River Days remains as open and available as possible. Admission is free, and both adult-oriented and family-friendly activities are featured.

I believe River Days brings people together in a remarkable manner," LaDuke stated. "It's truly beautiful how individuals are gathering at the same location where the Tridge, our most famous attraction, comes together.

According to LaDuke, the real significance of River Days lies in the emotional bonds formed.

We want individuals to feel proud of this neighborhood," LaDuke stated. "If we come together each summer for enjoyment and recognize our presence and the pleasure we find in downtown Midland, we think this strengthens bonds within the community.