|
Saturday, 12 January, 2008 6:41 PM
Detroit's Winter Blast Returns
to Downtown Detroit, February 8 - 10, 2008
New
festival layout, film festival, and returning favorite winter activities
serve as backdrop to family friendly event
DETROIT -- For
the fourth consecutive year, Detroit’s Winter Blast will return
to Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit. The celebration of winter
experiences, dining, music and family fun will happen Friday, February
8-Sunday, February 10. The event had been in danger of cancellation
due to budget shortfalls, and is still looking for sponsors, but
WILL take place and still feature all the unique winter activities
from years past.
In addition to a brand
new festival layout comprised of the Chrysler Jeep Dodge Taste of
Detroit and Pure Michigan Winter Experience entertainment districts,
the 2008 Winter Blast will boast new activities such as the Winter
Blast Film Festival and a two-day preview of Memorial Day Weekend’s
annual Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival.
“Winter Blast is
a celebration of everything our great city has to offer not only
during the winter months, but all year long,” said Mayor Kwame
M. Kilpatrick. “Jon Witz does a great job of showcasing Detroit’s
restaurants, distinctive shopping, and cultural dynamism while providing
children and families with a memorable wintertime experience. Winter
Blast is a great reason to experience the NEXT Detroit if you haven’t
already.”
“Through a dedication
to Winter Blast from the City of Detroit, the festival continues
to gain more and more momentum each year and we simply could not
pull Winter Blast off without this commitment,” said Jon Witz,
Winter Blast event producer. “But by no means have we stopped
our fundraising and sponsorship outreach. We truly believe we have
a top notch festival and will continue to work toward our financial
goals to ensure the festival lives up to its reputation.”
Numerous area businesses
have already stepped up to help make the event possible. Title sponsors
include The Chrysler Foundation, DTE Energy michigan.org and Pure
Michigan. Additional festival supporters include the Art Institute
of Michigan, AT&T, Big Boy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,
Budweiser, Charter One Bank, the City of Detroit, Chrysler Jeep
Superstores, Comcast, Compuware, Crystal Mountain, Detroit Commerce
Bank, Detroit Economic Growth Group, Detroit Auto Dealers Association,
Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit Regional Chamber, Downtown Collection,
Ernst & Young, Fifth Third Bank, ITC, Little Caesars, Meijer,
MetroPCS, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Lottery, Penske Automotive
Group, Pepsi, REI, Special Tree rehabilitation System, TUBBS Snowshoes,
Quicken Loans and Walbridge Aldinger.
FAVORITES RETURN
Favorite activities from
previous years will be back for the public to enjoy. The entertainment
districts will feature all of the exciting winter-themed activities
that have taken place in each of the last two years, including marshmallow
roasting, ice skating, professional and amateur ice skating sponsored
by Charter One Bank and snowboarding exhibitions, ice sculptures,
dog sledding and snowshoeing, along with food from 20 restaurants
and caterers, live music from more than 60 bands on four stages,
and special family-oriented activities. All Winter Blast concerts
are FREE.
The wildly popular 200
ft. long Michigan.org Snow Slide and DTE Energy Comfort Zones, promising
heat every 150-ft., will also return. In its second year, the Pure
Michigan exhibit, located in the Compuware Atrium, will again feature
activities, tourism exhibits and talent from across the State.
MetroPCS : Dine in the
D was the most popular new Winter Blast program introduced in 2007
and is back for 2008, featuring more than 60 participating restaurants.
Festival-goers can print out a coupon from www.winterblast.com
and redeem it at participating restaurants for 15 to 25% off their
bill. By visiting at least one restaurant during the festival weekend,
diners can also enter to win dinner in Detroit for a full year.
Coupon and restaurant list will be available at online on January
16, 2008.
NEW ADDITONS
For the first time ever,
independent filmmakers will have the opportunity to show their films
before Winter Blast patrons. The Winter Blast Film Festival celebrates
Michigan filmmakers, as well as films about Michigan. The event
will feature a variety of movies across an expansive number of genera,
including Documentary, Feature, Short, Music Video, Animation and
Experimental and appearances by select film writers and producers.
Filmmakers are invited
to utilize the film festival as a channel through which to showcase
their work and the chance to foster a collaborative network that
will result in the creation of original motion pictures. The Festival
is currently seeking submissions in all categories. Further information
is available on the festival’s site (www.winterblast.com).
For the first time ever,
Winter Blast patrons will receive a two-day preview of the 2008
Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival (Movement 08’),
featuring a few gems from Detroit’s thriving Electronic Music
Scene. A high-energy celebration that will showcase up-and-coming
local DJ’s and producers, the sneak peak will bring yet another
level of culture and fun to an already stellar event which highlights
Detroit’s beautiful downtown atmosphere and entertainment
assets. Winter Blast patrons will not want to miss what festival
producers have in store for the world’s lithmus test for Techno
music in the United States scheduled to take place in May.
A detailed line-up of
all entertainment, activities and restaurants will be announced
in late January 2008. Additional information can be found online
at www.winterblast.com.
Detroit’s Winter
Blast is produced by Jonathan Witz, President of Jonathan Witz &
Associates.
Originally created
as the backdrop for Super Bowl XL, Winter Blast attracted more than
200,000 people for its debut in 2005 and 1.2 million Detroiters
and visitors during Super Bowl XL weekend in 2006. Last year, the
festival was attended by more than 450,000 people. Winter Blast
is Detroit’s celebration of winter experiences, dining, music
and family fun to be held in downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius
from, Friday, February 8-Sunday, February 10. The three-day festival
will be open from 11 a.m. – Midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. –
Midnight on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday. For additional
public information, visit www.winterblast.com
or call (313) 963-8418.
Source: Marx Layne
& Co.
|
