Winters can be hard for the citizens of Hamtramck as heating bills come in and those from Asian and Middle Eastern countries struggle with what are, for them, unusually cold temperatures. As the city of Hamtramck fights bankruptcy and debt, individuals struggle to keep their homes warm and their families fed. In the midst of these challenges, there’s joy as kids enjoy snow days off from school, experience Christmas parties and look forward to a new year in hope. In spite of the financial challenges that face individuals in the city, Hamtramck residents demonstrate resilience, and we at Acts 29 reach out to reveal the hope and grace of Jesus Christ.
When school lets out in June the streets begin to buzz with activity: summer activity. Porches are filled with families trying to escape the heat of non-air-conditioned homes, streets are filled with bikes and little kids crowd the sidewalks playing hopscotch and tag.
Pulaski park has more life than ever this summer. The daytime playtime in the park hosted by Hamtramck Parks and Rec. is up and going. The evening crowd of soccer players are playing. Kids and families are coming to the park as usual to enjoy the new play scapes and the hot summer breezes. But the thing most can’t get over is the brand new “Splash Pad.” A splash pad is a large slab of cement that has plumbing underneath. It sprays fountains of cool water onto children who are running and screaming with delight. One of our staff families lives right down the street and enjoyed watching their own two-year old daughter delight in the watery wonderland not too long ago.
Pulaski Park has really seen some improvements for our community to enjoy.
Polish immigrants, residents of Hamtramck, and southeastern Michigan celebrate “Fat Tuesday” (known locally as Pączki Day) by lining up at the city’s numerous Polish bakeries to purchase pączki. On Pączki Day, several local bars host parties with live entertainment, some starting as early as 7 A.M..(click for more)
Hamtramck Blowout
The Hamtramck Blowout is an annual music festival in Hamtramck. It is said to be the largest festival of its sort in the world. There’s usually over 200 bands there and the festival lasts for 4 days all over bars in the neighborhood.
St. Florian Strawberry Festival
Held annually in the first weekend in May at grounds at St. Florian Church.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Held Labor Day weekend, ending with the Polish Day Parade on Labor Day. Live music on three stages, carnival area, beer, and food tents line a half mile stretch of Jos. Campau from Caniff to Carpenter.
Planet Ant Film & Video Festival in Hamtramck
The festival celebrates independent movies and the people who make them, featuring comedies, dramas, documentaries, animation and music videos.
Winters can be hard for the citizens of Hamtramck as heating bills come in and those from Asian and Middle Eastern countries struggle with what are, for them, unusually cold temperatures. As the city of Hamtramck fights bankruptcy and debt, individuals struggle to keep their homes warm and their families fed. In the midst of these challenges, there’s joy as kids enjoy snow days off from school, experience Christmas parties and look forward to a new year in hope. In spite of the financial challenges that face individuals in the city, Hamtramck residents demonstrate resilience, and we at Acts 29 reach out to reveal the hope and grace of Jesus Christ.
