City revives slimmed-down RoseFest after 3-year hiatus
After a three-year absence, RoseFest is officially coming back to Roseville this summer.
A slimmed-down version of the free outdoor festival — a one-day celebration compared to the previous five days — was approved by the Roseville City Council in March.
City officials this week said several sponsors have stepped up to provide funding for a fireworks display, vendors, crafts and other attractions for area families to enjoy on June 15 at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Barkman Street a couple of blocks away from Roseville Middle School.
“The real change is this one will only a one-day event and we aren’t going to have a carnival,” City Manager Ryan Monroe said before Tuesday’s council meeting.
“But there will plenty of family- and kid-friendly activities for everybody and the fireworks show. We were lucky enough to have some generous people in our community step up to sponsor the fireworks,” he said.
Mayor Robert Taylor said he hopes the festival will find a permanent place on Macomb County’s summer festival calendar. The key will be striking a balance between sponsorships and the city’s share of expenses for the event.
“The last time we had RoseFest, it was a huge expense for us. Now we’re trying out a one-day celebration and if it works, we may expand it from there,” he said.
Anthony Lipsinki, executive
director of the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe (RARE), said his staff likely will be involved in hosting craft tables for the creative minded. He said the list of offerings is still being assembled.
The last RoseFest was held in 2019, which was a multi-day festival.
RoseFest was canceled in the following years due to the pandemic, a vague “threats” issue, and funding problems.
In 2022, city officials had planned to move the festival to the Utica Junction neighborhood in the downtown area instead of using Veteran’s Memorial Park. Within days of announcing the new location, officials reversed course and cancelled the event, citing “overwhelming objections, negativity, anger and threats” to city staff and RoseFest committee members.
This year, nearby communities such as Shelby Township and Sterling Heights are hosting drone displays in lieu of fireworks shows.
Mayor Taylor said he’s uncertain whether Roseville will follow suit.
“People still want fireworks,” he said.