Dear Crabby, Why do we shoot off Fireworks on July Fourth? Sincerely, Baozhu Dear Bauzhu, To celebrate our Independence from Britain, of course. But why fireworks to celebrate such a landmark world event? Well, as with many things these days, it all started in China. The Han Dynasty would sizzle bamboo stalks until they exploded - that was around 200 B.C. Then, a few hundred years later, the Chinese started filling the bamboo stalks with gunpowder and adding metal shavings to … [Read more...]
Festival of the Hills at Borden Park June 28
June 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Family Fun and Fireworks at Festival of the Hills June 28 at Borden Park This year's family friendly event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, with family games and live entertainment. Michigan's 2nd largest fireworks show will begin at 10:00 p.m. This event is located at Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Bring the family and have some fun. Parking, Rules, and Video at the Event Website … [Read more...]
Hot and Cool People attend the Fire & Ice Festival
January 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Ice Artists Prep for Nationals at Fire & Ice Festival The Ninth Annual Rochester Fire & Ice Festival will host its first college ice carving contest on Saturday, January 23 in downtown Rochester during the festival weekend, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced today. Students from six colleges and culinary arts programs will carve beautiful sculptures out of blocks of ice with the hopes of grabbing top honors. The Rochester Fire & Ice Festival ice carving … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Should we travel this Fourth of July?
July 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Should we be nervous to travel this Fourth of July? Sincerely, Pat Triotic Dear Mr. Triotic, I get the feeling you’re talking about the government warnings about heightened security threats that seem to come every Fourth of July weekend since 9/11. I am a person that feels strongly about keeping his family safe—I’m from that era—it’s the man’s job and that sort of thing. Therefore, I understand that “stay close to home” feeling of security. However, if an attack was to … [Read more...]
Fire and Ice in Rochester is Nice
January 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Fire & Ice Festival Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson met with local media last week to announce what’s new at this year’s Fire & Ice Festival set to run January 24-26. Once again held in Downtown Rochester, the seventh annual event celebrates the fun a Michigan winter can bring those willing to bundle-up and head outside for some fresh air. “It’s a free family event that grows every year as the word spreads,” said L. Brooks Patterson. Three new activities were … [Read more...]
New ordinance quiets the ‘boom’ on fireworks
June 26, 2013 by 1 Comment
Special report by Michael Webber, Vice President, Rochester Hills City Council Up until last year, fireworks were only discharged legally in Michigan through the use of a permit. That quickly changed when the Michigan Legislature passed legislation in 2012 that permitted the use of fireworks on the day of, the day before and the day after a national holiday. With that legislation came the legal sale of fireworks in the state – with the thought that the sales tax on these fireworks would … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What are your Fourth of July traditions?
June 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Every year we find ourselves doing something slightly different for the Fourth of July. I just wondered if your family had any traditions that you consistently did for that holiday? Sincerely, Betsy Ross Dear Ms. Ross, We do not have one consistent Fourth of July tradition per se. We do, however, always try to enjoy it as a family, if possible. We try to catch a good fireworks show whenever we can to commemorate the "Rockets' red glare, and the bombs bursting in air!" … [Read more...]
Festival of the Hills returns June 27
June 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The annual Festival of the Hills fireworks show is scheduled for June 27 at Borden Park in Rochester Hills. This year's family friendly event begins at 6 p.m. with family games and live entertainment. The highlight of the evening, Michigan's second largest fireworks show, begins at 10:06 p.m. The event is extremely popular, so arrive early to avoid the rush. And bring an umbrella, as the event goes off rain or shine. A few rules: No alcoholic beverages, no open fires, no pets, no … [Read more...]
Update from Mayor Barnett
August 2, 2010 by
From our beautiful parks and trail ways, to our shopping and entertainment, Rochester Hills continues to be a place where visitors flock to experience what we get to enjoy each day as residents of this community. Summer in Rochester Hills has always been one of my favorite times. There’s so much to do here in this little corner of Michigan. But this year, things seem to be turned up a notch. While August is upon us, there is still plenty of summertime fun to be had, and as you make your list … [Read more...]
