Community event will feature parade, run, games, food trucks, beer tent and much more

The city of Southfield will host the Southfield Spirit Fest & Summer Soulstice Run on Saturday, June 17 from 5-11 p.m. on the front lawn of the Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road. 

The event will kick off at 5 p.m. with a parade from Lawrence Technological University’s Don Ridler Field House located at 21000 West Ten Mile Road down Civic Center Drive to the Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road. Civic Center Drive, northbound and southbound Northwestern Service Drive and Central Park Boulevard will be closed for the parade at 4:45 p.m., with driveway closures beginning at 4:15 p.m. Spectators are invited to line the parade route for viewing. Parking will be available at designated areas marked along the route as well as the Municipal Campus. The south Evergreen roundabout will be closed at 5:30 p.m. and the north Evergreen roundabout and entrance to the Municipal Campus will be closed at 6:30 p.m. All roads and driveways will be re-opened upon completion of the Soulstice Run; however, Evergreen Road will remain closed during the entire event between the two roundabouts.

The Spirit Fest parade is sponsored by the Southfield Ambassadors, an all-volunteer group of Southfield residents and business owners who work to promote the City. The parade will be led by grand marshals Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Mayor Siver and will include numerous dignitaries, community organizations, new and classic cars, floats, marching bands and Detroit Lions mascot Roary. Following the parade guests will enjoy inflatables, games, clowns, face painting, and crafts for children on the front lawn of city hall. Several local food trucks including Beans & Cornbread, Soup Dive, 31 Third Grill and Mr. Goodie ice cream will be available with a variety of food for purchase. The event will also feature a beer tent by Michigan Beer Growler Company, music stage and DJ Mike Todd until 11 p.m. in addition to the Southfield Historical Society offering tours of the Mary Thompson Farm from 6-8:30 p.m. 

“We’re very excited to partner with the city of Southfield and the Southfield Soulstice Run to provide the community with the inaugural Southfield Spirit Fest,” commented Southfield Ambassador Dr. LaTina Denson. “Our hope is that this event will create excitement and energy in the community while providing a fun opportunity for neighbors, businesses, and other participants to come together and celebrate Southfield. We’re looking forward to a fun community parade and memorable event for the entire family!” 

The Southfield Summer Soulstice Run, presented by the city of Southfield and Vibe Credit Union, will return for the fourth year with running, walking, yoga and fun activities for everyone. The Soulstice Run will begin with a 1/3 Mile Kids’ Fun Run at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 5K run or walk at 7 p.m. Participants can register for the 5K run/walk, which is available to all ages and abilities, at www.soulsticerun.com. Fees range from $10 - $40. Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 17 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Southfield Pavilion. The Summer Soulstice Run is the only USATF Certified Course in Southfield with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Michigan, Southfield Oakland Shelter, Friends of the Southfield Police Department, Southfield Firefighters Charities, Southfield Public Arts Commission and Soles4Souls. Sponsorships are available by contacting Gregg Leshman at (248) 770-1497 or gregg@soulsticerun.com. 

For more general information, call Community Relations at 1-248-796-5130.