The Freeland Walleye Festival is an annual gathering and fishing competition held in the town of Freeland, Michigan. It is hosted by the Freeland Lions Club and celebrates the walleye and local community.
| Freeland Walleye Festival | |
|---|---|
 Freeland Walleye Festival logo introduced in 2024 | |
.jpg) Freeland Walleye Festival 2023 Parade | |
| Genre | Festival |
| Dates | April |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Freeland, Michigan |
| Country | United States |
| Years active | 1985– |
| Inaugurated | 1985 |
| Attendance | 5,000+ (2023) |
| Organized by | Freeland Lions Club |
| Website | freelandwalleyefestival.com |
| [1] | |
History
editThe festival began in 1985 as a walleye fishing competition and fundraiser for the Freeland chapter of the Lions Clubs International.[2] Since then, it has expanded to include a number of other activities around Freeland.[2]
In the early 2010s, it was attended by approximately 30,000 people.[2]
Activities
editIn addition to the walleye competition, the festival hosts a number of activities including a parade, carnival, beer tent, and city-wide garage sale.[1][3][4]
Fishing competition
editThe festival began as a walleye fishing competition, which it still hosts today.[5]
Parade
editThe festival hosts a parade which runs through Freeland.[3]
Organization
editThe festival is hosted by the Freeland chapter of the Lions Clubs International.[1][3][4]
Proceeds have been used to fund the development of the Freeland Festival Park and additional improvements at the Freeland Memorial Park.[2] It also provides funding for the Freeland Summer Concert Series and Freeland Sports Zone.[2]
External links
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c Pasciolla, Isabelle (April 30, 2023). "Thousands gather for 37th Freeland Walleye Festival despite rain, clouds". Midland Daily News. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Brown, Deborah (April 18, 2010). "Freeland prepares for annual Walleye Festival". mLive. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c Jordan, Heather (April 26, 2023). "2023 Freeland Walleye Festival guide: Disc golf, carnival rides, bingo and rummage sales". mlive. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ a b Brooks, La'Nita; Mose, Hannah (April 26, 2023). "Freeland gears up for Walleye Festival". WNEM. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ Pasciolla, Isabelle (May 1, 2023). "Freeland Walleye Festival announces fishing tournament winners". Midland Daily News. Retrieved May 28, 2023.