ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS AT METRO DETROIT YOUTH DAY JULY 9 ON BELLE ISLE

Entertainment of a wide variety will be on tap for the 26th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day July 9 at Belle Isle. More than 30,000 youngsters will enjoy 10 acts following their free lunch.

The games begin at 8:30 am with the opening ceremonies starting at 10 am with the singing of the American and Canadian National Anthems and the flag presentation by the U.S. Armed Forces, and Detroit Police Dept. assisted by the Boy Scouts of America. Motown artist and Councilwoman Martha Reeves will sing the U.S. National Anthem, Tatiana Gonzales and Rene Harrison will perform the Canadian National Anthem. Rev. Ortheia Barnes Kennerly will give the invocation.

Dignitaries and sports celebrities such as Lem Barney, Lomas Brown, Derrick Coleman and Doug Smith former NBA players and others will be introduced and 47 scholarships and leadership awards will be presented to top students.

Popular Motown artists and legends who will perform at Metro Detroit Youth Day ceremony include: The Miracles,The Enchantments, E.J. Johnson of the Enchantments, and Reeves. Also appearing on stage: LaShell Griffin, recent Oprah Winfrey Idol winner.

Youth entertainers who will take to the stage beginning at 11:30 a.m. include:
Winston Institute – instrumental and song
Youth Under Construction – music and dance
DMK – singing group
Inner City Dance Scope – dancers
QTMC - singers
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Jazz Trio

ENTERTAINMENT

In addition, this year Metro Detroit Youth Day will provide a Metro Youth Idol contest with six winners, group and individual contestants, between ages 8 and 15.

Adding to all the activity will be pie eating contests, martial arts demonstrations, sports clinics, fire department demonstrations, a boxing demonstration by Kronk Gym, weightlifting provided by Powerhouse Gym, football and baseball clinics, tennis and golf instructions, and many other fun activities.

Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws, Detroit Lions mascot, Roary, and McGruff the anti-crime dog will also be on hand.

In addition, Wayne County Sheriff’s horses will be at the event, and the Shriner’s Maracci Temple will provide horse rides for the kids, the Detroit Pistons will have a portable basketball truck, and HAM radio operators will coach the kids. There will also be special games for disabled and handicapped youth provided by Wright & Filippis, Disabled American Veterans, and the Boy Scouts Trailblazer division.

Exhibits of interest to children include “Sharing the World with Animals” by the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the Detroit Public Library Bookmobile with sign-ups for library cards. There also will be face painting with Cuddles the Clown, drawing and painting lessons, arts and crafts, science and sound exhibits.

Educational Tables will also be set-up for both youths and adults to browse.

Local corporations, small businesses, civic and children’s organizations and the food industry sponsor the free day of fun. A nutritious free lunch will be provided for youngsters and volunteers.

Coordinator for the colorful event is Ed Deeb, president of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association.

“This year’s event is our 26th anniversary. The kids will have a great time at Belle Isle. There are so many activities for them to participate in,’’ said Deeb. “We want to show the youngsters they are our future and we respect them,” Deeb added. “We want them to be educated and contribute to our community . . . and hopefully stay in Michigan.”

Registration forms are available by clicking here to download a registration form.  Contact the Associations office at 888.277.6464 to get more information about volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, and registering youth for the event.

For More information about Metro Detroit Youth Day call (586) 393-8800