Festival Commission / IslandFest Committee

After a year of dedicated planning by the Festival Commission, the 2001 IslandFest was greeted with the forecast of inclement weather for the entire weekend.

Even with threatening skies, large crowds attended a variety of events on Friday night. The VFW Hall was the site of a lively Reflections Concert that set a positive tone for the next two days. In addition to the concert, young and old enjoyed the carnival, classic car cruise, children’s area and the craft fair.

As morning broke on Saturday, the skies cleared an hour before the IslandFest Parade. The parade along with the festival was dedicated to the de Beausset family, whose ancestors originally settled the island 225 years ago when Alexander and William Macomb purchased the island from the Potowatomi Indians. As they toured Macomb Street during the parade, residents and visitors alike paid tribute to the de Beausset’s, a family unmatched in commitment to community.

After the parade, the mystique and tradition of Grosse Ile was in full force, even the rainy weather couldn’t put a damper on things to come.

New events featuring a rodeo and donkey races drew the largest venue crowds in festival history. These two fast paced events created broad excitement, collective cheers and even some humorous moments. People attending the festival encouraged organizers to host the rodeo and donkey races again in 2002.

For the second year in a row, the festival was the host site of the National Electric Car Race. Student racers, teachers and families came from all over the United States and Canada to race on the streets of Grosse Ile. Many visiting race teams praised the community for their welcoming hospitality and support for the event.

After the rodeo and race on Saturday, a steak roast was held next to the airport entertainment venue followed by a concert featuring Bobby Lewis and the Cracker Jack Band. With the colorful lights of the historical Grosse Ile Airport serving as the backdrop, the public enjoyed the early summer breezes off of Lake Erie while rocking and rolling to the festive music.

On Sunday, the day began with a pancake breakfast inside an airport hangar. During the breakfast, the skies began to fill with vintage aircraft heading to Grosse Ile for a nostalgic day of public viewing and historical remembrance. Several other pilots in modern aircraft arrived to enjoy the sites and sounds of the festival.

Other weekend activities included a Beatles Tribute Concert, a Fashion Show, Fish Fry, Teen Dance, Heart Walk, Equestrian Center Open House, Antique Show, Hole In One Contest, and the extremely popular Island Historical Tour sponsored by the Grosse Ile Historical Society.

Visitors also enjoyed a variety of foods and beverages offered by the many vendors stationed throughout the festival.

The Grosse Ile Police Department provided outstanding support throughout the weekend. The department’s work with the parade, carnival and electric car race was superb. In addition to the Police Department, the Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Airport and Fire Department were on duty all weekend making certain their areas of responsibility were well staffed and properly functioning.

The Grosse Ile Schools opened their facilities for the festival and the transportation department provided outstanding shuttle services all weekend.

Plans for the 2002 Festival continued throughout the year. After careful review and planning, the Commission decided to consolidate all festival activities (excluding the parade) at the airport. The Commission’s purpose for the site change is to improve public access and make attending the festival more convenient for all those involved.

During the summer of 2001, the Commission provided considerable support to the Celebration 2000-2001 Committee in preparation for their Waterfront Pageant held along the shores of the Detroit River in front of St. Anne’s Chapel. On July 22, over 300 people attended this special event in honor of the Detroit 300 Celebration and its historical link to Grosse Ile.

On a state level, the Commission continued its membership with the Michigan Festival and Events Association (MFEA). Two commission members attended the annual conference in Kalamazoo and they returned with a wealth of information. The association membership helps promote the festival, gain ideas and maintain contact with professional vendors.

The Commission will continue working diligently in cooperation with community volunteers, Township government and businesses to make future festivals successful and a source of pride for the community.

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