Chrysler Arts, Beats, and Eats Celebrates 10 Years

Oakland County's premier arts, entertainment and food  festival, Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in downtown Pontiac.  The festival will begin with a dedication and ribbon cutting in honor of Pontiac's recently completed streetscape at 4 p.m., Friday, August 31 at the intersection of Pike and Saginaw streets.

 "When I came up with the idea for Arts, Beats & Eats ten years ago, I hoped it would be something special people of all ages and backgrounds would enjoy," commented Oakland County Executive and festival founder, L. Brooks Patterson. "I am extremely pleased to see it has evolved into one of America's top summertime festivals. The 1.5 million people who visit downtown Pontiac each Labor Day weekend are proof that Arts, Beats & Eats has become a family-focused end-of-summer tradition that is greatly anticipated and very much enjoyed by all those who attend."

The Arts - The juried Fine Art Fair, one of the nation's top juried art shows, features an array of arts, including ceramics, fiber, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, graphics and printmaking, glass, jewelry and metal. Festival patrons have the opportunity to view the work of more than 150 fine artists, and experience the artistic wonderment of master puppeteers, talented classical musicians and performers on the Cultural Stage. 

The Beats - And as always, more than 200 local and national musicians will perform on eight stages throughout the  festival, including the National Stage featuring the Gin Blossoms and Brian McKnight; the Acoustic Stage offering an array of folk, pop, jazz and classical beats; and the Kids Stage, home to poetry, puppetry, ventriloquism fun and more.

The Eats - Seeking to live up to its reputation as one of the premier tastefests in the Midwest, metro-Detroit's most popular restaurants and eateries are planned to delight the public at 2007 Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats. New to Pontiac, the Boom Boom Room, recognized for its eclectic menu offerings, and Whiskey Steakhouse whose menu is features hearty steak, ribs, and chicken will serve hungry patrons at the festival. An area favorite for more than a quarter of a century, Charley's Crab, is also joining this year's lineup of tantalizing dining options.

Festival Activities to See and Do

• International Block Party is planned for the entire length of Pike Street. Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats begins its gateway to the world with the International Stage, featuring 20 acts offering music with an international flavor representing Ireland, Brazil, Scandinavia, Lebanon, Bolivia, Canada and other countries. Further down the street, festival visitors will dine, beneath a canopy of flags from around the world, on ethnic cuisine, including Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and Mediterranean.
• Green Street debuts this year and offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of our natural resources. Visitors will have access to a number of environmentally friendly booths and exhibitors with information about the significant "green" happenings throughout Michigan.  Oakland County Planning and Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, and Drain Commission will be participating.
• Sportapalooza gives children ages 5-13 the opportunity to compete in friendly, age-appropriate athletic competition against their peers, in some of their favorite sports.
• Chrysler "Ride & Drive" will again rev up festival visitors with its interactive activities.   Patrons will have the chance to test drive a wide array of exciting vehicles the automaker will have available. 

The annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats, Oakland County's Taste, Music & Arts Festival, is August 31-September 3, in downtown Pontiac. The four-day Festival will be open from 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Labor Day Monday.  For additional information about the festival, visit www.artsbeatseats.com, or call 248-975-8850.