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Aschar76
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Username: Aschar76

Post Number: 73
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2008 - 4:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroit’s Winter Blast returns to Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit Feb. 8-10 after being in danger of cancellation because of budget shortfalls, Blast producer Jonathon Witz and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said Tuesday.

The celebration of winter experiences, dining, music and family fun is still looking for sponsors, but will take place with all of the winter activities from years past, Witz said.

A new festival layout will include the Chrysler Jeep Dodge Taste of Detroit and Pure Michigan Winter Experience entertainment districts, Witz said.

The 2008 Winter Blast, the fourth annual event, also is to include 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 Kilpatrick in a statement.

“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.”

Witz said that the city has renewed its support for the Winter Blast, “and we simply could not pull it off without this commitment. 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.”

Originally created as a backdrop for Super Bowl XL, Winter Blast attracted more than 200,000 when it previewed 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.

This year, Winter Blast is to be held in downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius from Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10.

The three-day festival will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday; from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Additional information is available at www.winterblast.com or by calling (313) 963-8418.

Title sponsors include The Chrysler Foundation, DTE Energy, michigan.org and Pure Michigan

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Detx
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Username: Detx

Post Number: 54
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 12:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

450,000 people last year? WOW. I wish I could've went. I saw some pictures online and it looked like a blast - a Winter Blast. Glad to see it's still on and glad to see that Paxahua (if they are the ones throwing the party this year) promoting their respective festival early.

Hopefully, Winter Blast can get some last minute sponsorship dollars.

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