DELIVERING ON A PROMISE – WHAT A  BLAST!



By Talitha Johnson
Writer/Reporter
Tell Us Detroit



The Detroit Winter Blast was a real life winter wonderland lodged in the heart of downtown Detroit. It was a great excuse for digging out of hibernation to enjoy fun winter activities without having to travel north for the experience.

A great family oriented, date or weekend hangout; the Winter Blast presented a blast of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Children cheered in absolute amazement as they watched the dog sledding, while others could not get enough of the 200-foot long snow slide. Parents and children waited eagerly to partake in the snowshoeing. Amateur and professional ice-skaters flooded Campus Martius for the free ice-skating.

The Marriott brought their hotel to the Winter Blast all weekend long. Well, maybe not the actual building, but they did set up a model a room inside the Compuware building. Where local celebrities stood to help raise money for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a company that helps low-income families pay their energy bill to stay warm during the winter.

The ice sculptures presented by J R Lorentz were additional eye candy that amazed Winter Blast patrons. Many people took photos with the sculptures for their keepsake. Each sponsor had their logo chiseled in ice and lighted at night to add to the special effects.

The debut of the weekend long film series was a new addition that has turned the Winter Blast into an entertainment funhouse for all ages. The series illustrated films written, produced and/ or directed by Michigan filmmakers, or simply films about Michigan.

There were marshmallow-roasting stations, a Meijier’s sponsored family fun zone, where kids received face paintings, High School Musical themed karaoke, magic demonstrations and much more. There were lots of prizes and giveaways for children and adults.

For the first time ever unveiled to a Winter Blast audience was a sneak peak of the upcoming Movement Festival, formerly titled the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, including live performances by local DJs and producers.

What is a festival without entertainment? The Winter Blast was not shy with presenting local musicians the likes included: Sky Covington, The Johnites, Nite Flight, Doc Holiday, Jesse Palter and far too many more to name. Fifth Third Bank, the Michigan Lottery and the Compuware sponsored this cross-genre presentation of Michigan artists.

Detroit has never seen an outdoor winter event like its kind. The Winter Blast included delectable treats for everyone – Entoteca Campo Marzio invited patrons, 21 and up of course, to a wine tasting with imported wines from South America, Italy and Australia.

The “Dine In the D” was like an appetizer for the Comerica Taste Festival. Although this year’s festival fell a few thousand dollars below budget, festival producer, Jonathan Witz, still delivered a quality event.

The DTE Comfort Zone provided warming tents every 150-feet making the winter bite a little more bearable.

On the final day of the festival most people vowed to not leave home, rather than face the frigid temperatures outdoors. Overall, the event was attended by more than 400, 000 people.