By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Whether you are a little Dragon ready for rides, crafts and games, or a big Dragon looking to claim the Dragon Boat Races championship, this weekend’s 2015 Dragon on the Lake Festival is the place to be.
Here is a close-up look at the festival itinerary:
Friday, August 28
The Dragon Pub- 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beer and wine tent and live music by Planet of Fun. The Pub is located in the parking area at Anderson Street and Front Street.
OXLO Help Kids Succeed 5k Run-7 p.m.
Presented by the Lake Orion United Methodist Church, the charity 5k run will course the streets of downtown Lake Orion and benefits the Help Kids Succeed Ministry. The ministry provides school supplies, clothing, glasses and support to Lake Orion and Oxford students. For $25 all runners can register the day of the race at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church prior to 7 p.m.
Party at the Point-7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pelton’s Point
This Orion Art Center fundraiser provides Dragon juices, live music, small plates of seafood, sushi and Italian samplings, beer, wine, and socialization with some of the DOTL founders, sponsors, and partners. Cost is a $50 donation per person to support the OAC. Bonus: Great view of the Lighted Boat Parade
Family Movie in Green’s Park- 8 p.m.
Relax and watch How to Train your Dragon around 9 p.m. right after the Lighted Boat Parade coasts by the park at approximately 8:50 p.m. Jet’s Pizza will be on site, and event partners the Lake Orion Lion’s Club will be selling pop, water and snacks. Cost is $3 for adults, $2 for kids aged two to 12, and free for kids under two.
Saturday, August 29
Made in the U.S.A., Art & Craft Fair and Chalk Art Challenge- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Artists, vendors and creative minded folk will flock to Broadway and Flint streets for the art and craft fair both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to check out the Art Stage, or sign up for the Chalk Art Challenge. Continuing the tradition, this year’s chalk art challenge theme is Dragon, and the OAC will be giving away $500 in prizes. Register online at’dragononthelake.com’or on site.
Kids Zone- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy tons of family activities near the Orion Art Center off of Anderson Street. Kids of all ages will be invited to hop on a llama, make artistic crafts, bounce around on inflatables, and participate in puppet and magic shows. Don’t forget to visit the face painting booth, or to find Darius the Dragon! The Kidz Zone will operate both Saturday and Sunday. And , don’t forget to participate in The Art Action Experience from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, sponsored by the Auburn Hills Genisys Credit Union. The Art Action Experience is an interactive mural-making process for adults and children of all ages. Artist, Daniel Cascardo, uses black paint to create a variety of abstract and symbiotic imagery on canvas or three dimensional surfaces.
Xtreme Zone- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Geared towards teens, the Xtreme Zone will offer BMX displays, skateboard ramps and more advanced games and rides. Enjoy Henna tattoos, flight simulators, robotit demonstrations and more. Located on Front Street, the Xtreme Zone is open both Saturday and Sunday.
Dragon LOve Lip Dub- Noon
A free event for all, participate in the second annual Dragon LOve Lip Dub, or in other words, a type of video that combines lip synching a song while walking, dancing, and moving throughout the downtown. The theme song was written by former OAC director Reggie Harrison and incorporates Dragon history with fun facts. Show up at noon and learn a segment of the song, and be on ONTV’s continuous video.
Rockin? 80s Retro Fest-8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Come out for the 80’s block party and Retro Fest at the Dragon Pub Main Stage in the Municipal Lot for everything 80s. Party with the Square Pegs for a night of music and prizes. Shoulder pads, mini skirts, parachute pants, leg warmers, teased hair, and ripped shirts are highly encouraged.
Sunday, August 30
Dragon Boat Races- 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy the opening day ceremony and a full day of Dragon Boat races, along with a spectacular jet ski show. Dragon boat teams will gather at Green’s Park, while spectators can view the show at Pelton’s Point. Who will claim the championship! Hang around until the event’s end and find out!
Fore more information on events or registrations, call the OAC at?248-693-4986.