Hamtramck Star

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THE HAMTRAMCK LABOR DAY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 28TH SEASON

(Hamtramck, July 31, 2008) -- Get ready for an affordable, family-friendly weekend of fun! The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival returns for its 28th season. This year's festival -- presented by the Hamtramck Chamber of Commerce -- will take place Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1.

Throughout the years, visiting historic Hamtramck, Michigan has become a tradition for many during Labor Day weekend. The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has welcomed more than 500,000 guests yearly as it continually provides the attractions many have come to anticipate during the holiday weekend, including live music, samplings of ethnic food (no tickets needed!), cultural dancers, carnival rides, and children's activities. While keeping the traditions alive, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival anticipates incorporating new features this year.

Where: Jos Campau between Caniff and Carpenter Sts. in Hamtramck
When: Friday Aug. 29 between 6-10 p.m. and Sat. Aug. 30-Sept. 1 noon-10 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free!

Follow up:

The 28th annual Hamtramck Festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. with live music by Powertrain (6:30 p.m.) and headliner Danny D (8:30 p.m.). Friday night also marks the long-awaited return of country-rock hooligans Bill Parker & His Motherscratchers (7:30 p.m.).

On Saturday the festival offers a mix of up-and-coming local rock groups, some standbys and some groups with an alt-country twang. Highlights include Michael Quatro (2 p.m.), Budget Sinners (6 p.m.), all-female rock group Hellen (7 p.m.), local alt-country stars American Mars (8 p.m.). The night is closed out by the all-star group Four Hour Friends (9 p.m.).

It is all polka, all the time on Sunday at the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival when Polka Palooza takes over the stages featuring the music of local polka bands, including Detroit favorites, The Polish Muslims ("Who Stole the Kiszka"). Polka Palooza will also include a "Polka with the Stars" contest and the famous pierogi-eating contest.

The festival draws to a close in grand fashion on Monday, September 3 with the annual Polish Day Parade starting at 1 p.m. For those who didn't get their fill of live rock 'n' roll and polka music, Polka Floyd (which performs Pink Floyd covers with a polka twist) and local bands on the heavy side (Speedball, Aquarius Void and Millions of Brazillians, to name a few) will help satisfy their musical fix.

For further information on the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival, visit www.hamtramckfestival.org.

2008 Hamtramck Labor Day Festival Entertainment Schedule

Festival hours:
Friday, Aug. 29 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31 noon-10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1 noon-10 p.m.

Friday
South Stage
6:30 p.m.: Powertrane
8:30 p.m.: Danny D
North Stage
7:30 p.m.: Bill Parker & the Motherscratchers

Saturday
South Stage
Noon: Dave Hamilton
2 p.m.: Michael Quatro
4 p.m.: Haunted Hearts
6 p.m.: Budget Sinners
8 p.m.: American Mars
North Stage
1 p.m.: Earworms
3 p.m.: Bosnian Rock Group
5 p.m.: I, Crime
7 p.m.: Hellen
9 p.m.: Four Hour Friends

Sunday
South Stage
11 a.m.: Polka Mass with Big Daddy Lackowski and the LaDeDa's followed by the
Polka With the Stars Contest
3:30 p.m.: Kielbasa Kings
5 p.m.: Pierogi Eating Contest
7 p.m. Polish Muslims
North Stage
Polish Rock Bands All Day!!

Monday – Parade Day!
South Stage
4:30 p.m.: Shadiamond Le Freedom
6:30 p.m.: Aquarius Void
8:30 p.m.: Speedball
North Stage
3:30 p.m.: Polka Floyd
5:30 p.m.: Millions of Brazilians
7:30 p.m.: Grayling