Frankenmuth bringin’ back the 80’s
The 1980’s return for the 10th time as “Bringin’ Back the 80s Festival” in Frankenmuth at Heritage Park raises money for the American Cancer Society and cancer related causes. Jeanna Rogner, president of the 80’s festival, began the event 10 years ago when her mother, Jill Ann Zehnder, passed away from breast cancer.
“I wanted to do something in honor of her. I was at the convention for the Michigan Festivals and Events Association, and there was an 80’s cover band there,” said Rogner.
According to Rogner, it was when she saw the band play that she got the idea for the festival. Rogner’s two sisters, Jodi Reinert and Juli Cleary, dad Jon Zehnder, cousin Shelley Mixter and aunt Kathy Zehnder help make up the committee for the event.
Every year, according to Rogner, thousands of people come for the festival and dress up in their best 80’s gear.
“Last year we had a lot of people; it was so packed. We were prepared to cut people off at the door, but luckily we didn’t have to (be)cause of the weather,” said Rogner.
The flood kept the population at bay and the committee provided free shuttle buses for people to get rides from the festival to Frankenmuth hotels.
“This year if there’s no flood we will do the free shuttle; we don’t want people drinking and driving,” said Rogner.
According the Rogner, this year will bring some new entertainment and old favorites such as a hair salon to get your hair done 80’s style, a rec room featuring 80’s toys and games, a hot pink Chevette painted in characters like the Smurfs and E.T., breakdancing by Michigan’s Vertical Ambition and a look-alike contest.
New entertainment includes a 1980 Chevrolet Citation on display and on Friday, April 25, 80’s cover band, The Big Rock Show will play hair band songs. Due to popularity over the years, the Square Pegz cover band will play on Saturday, April 26.
“80’s fest is probably our favorite show,” said lead singer of the Square Pegz, Cindee Lish, of Northville, Michigan. “We try to mix it up; we try to not do the exact same songs, but we do sing the popular ones people like,” said Lish.12
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More Collegian News Articles
- Water park hopes to flood with more visitors
- Rock the record store
- Tennessee singers wow Delta community
- Red Eye Caffe brewing the good stuff for decades
Recent Collegian News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR COLLEGIAN
Family fun awaits at Dow Diamond By Nicole Black and Lindsi Hebert
Water park hopes to flood with more visitors By Jeffrey Alcorta
Delta opens learning center in Uganda By Kaitlyn Skrzypczak
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST COLLEGIAN NEWS
- Family fun awaits at Dow Diamond
- Minor League, major fun!
- Too little too late
- Delta commencement ceremony honors hundreds of students
- Monsters, zombies and blood help students learn in English class
- Delta opens Veterans’ Lounge
- Delta pushes to give students information on graduates’ career success and e...
RECENT COLLEGIAN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- New Writers and Illustrators Win Decades-Old Science...
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib's Bites: Four Captivating Spring Reads
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Generac Urges Americans to Prepare for Power Outages Early
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK