The annual Midland Area River Days Festival, presented by the Midland Area Community Foundation and sponsored by Fisher Companies, began on July 31, 2025, and ran through Sunday, August 3. Held along the downtown riverfront near the iconic Tridge and Chippewassee Park, the festival brought together residents and visitors for several days of community celebration centered on environmental stewardship, family fun, and local pride.
The festival opened with a river cleanup on July 31 at 1:00 PM, organized by Rivers are Life in partnership with the River Rats and the Chippewa Nature Center. Volunteers spent the afternoon clearing litter and debris from the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers, highlighting the festival’s emphasis on conservation and civic engagement.
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Later that evening, the downtown area came alive during the Main Street Balloon Glow from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Hot air balloon baskets lined Main Street and illuminated the night as pilots interacted with the public, offering trading cards and photo opportunities. A Silent Disco followed near the Bob Johns Stage at the Tridge from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, where dancers selected music through wireless headphones, creating a unique and festive atmosphere. Across the river, the River Days Beer Garden at Three Bridges provided a casual evening spot for adults to unwind.
Friday, August 1, launched at dawn with a Morning Balloon Fly‑In at Chippewassee Park. From the late afternoon, food trucks, beer and wine tents, and a Rotary Cheeseburger Dinner added to the festive energy. Live music featured Atomic Annie on the Bob Johns Stage from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A mass balloon ascension and evening balloon glow captivated attendees at Chippewassee Park starting at 9:00 PM. The evening wrapped up with the River Days After Party on Main Street at McDonald Street, with Stone Street Revival performing live from 9:00 to 11:00 PM as downtown transformed into a vibrant open-air dance floor.
Saturday, August 2, offered the busiest and most family-focused day of the festival. Another early-morning balloon fly‑in welcomed the sunrise at Chippewassee Park. By midday, the Kids Zone near the Bob Johns Stage provided activities such as crafts, face painting, nature exhibits, and games, catering to families and children. Signature competitions like the Taco Eating Contest and the River Rats tug‑of‑war added a playful community flair.
Local entertainment and civic engagement intersected as the Max Loves Midland podcast recorded a live episode featuring community voices, including Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director of the Chippewa Nature Center. Afternoon and evening performances showcased regional talent, with Tony Thompson & Friends taking the stage in the early evening, followed by Starfarm delivering high-energy music from 8:00 to 9:45 PM. The night concluded with the spectacular Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show launched from St. Charles Park at 10:15 PM, drawing thousands to the riverbanks for a grand finale.
The final day, Sunday, August 3, brought a competitive hot air balloon flight at Chippewassee Park from 6:30 to 8:00 AM. This low-key morning event provided a serene end to a packed weekend, with balloon pilots taking advantage of early-morning conditions to showcase their flying skills.
Throughout the festival, Midland emphasized inclusivity, free access, and cross-generational participation. The festival drew approximately 10,000 attendees at peak times, supported by 75–100 volunteers and a dedicated 25-person planning committee. Civic organizations, local businesses, and cultural groups collaborated to offer a diverse and meaningful program. Four key elements—balloons, food, music, and fireworks—defined the experience and provided something for every age and interest.
Reverend Dr. Wally Mayton, reflecting on the spirit of the event, noted that such festivals are more than entertainment—they are expressions of shared values and social cohesion. For many attendees, River Days became an opportunity not only to enjoy Midland’s summer charm but also to participate in a shared sense of place and purpose.
By combining entertainment with service and cultural enrichment, River Days stands as a shining example of how communities can foster engagement, environmental awareness, and local identity through well-organized public events.
