The largest and longest running annual pub crawl in Michigan happens again on the last Friday in July in Ferndale. One of the most popular and anticipated nights each summer, the Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl is a walking downtown tour that raises money for local not-for-profit organizations, and has done so every year since 1996. Registration for the event runs from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the newly opened “Twist” nightclub (formerly Boogie Fever) on Woodward in downtown Ferndale. Participants must be at least 21 years of age; motorized vehicles are prohibited.
The event began 18 years ago with 36 people walking to the half dozen bars in downtown Ferndale. The event grew every year with more people and more clubs and venues, as the renaissance of Ferndale took place. This year the crowds will visit 16 pubs, clubs and restaurants. All funds raised go to ocal tax-deductible charities, including the Ferndale Police Auxiliary, Ferndale Community Foundation, and the Michigan AIDS Coalition. The event has raised more than $150,000 since it began. Crawlers travel in groups of 15 to 100 people and they spend 20 minutes to a half hour at each venue. “Roller Derby Girls” will lead several groups this year.
The venues are as diverse as the crowds of residents and visitors who attend, and include upscale martini bars, several dance clubs, sports bars, gay bars, restaurants, “shot & a beer” neighborhood pubs, and everyone’s favorite each year, the Elk’s Lodge. The participants are diverse as society itself, and feel welcome as they buy food and drinks, and they see the shops and stores that abound in Ferndale. Several dozen volunteers help the event run smoothly and safely, along with Ferndale Auxiliary Police.
“What folks love most about this pub is the camaraderie and energy, and going to places they may have never visited. It raises money for charity, showcases Ferndale’s vibrant downtown, and has just become this major tradition” said pub crawl founder and former Ferndale mayor Craig Covey.
New venues this year include Twist Nightclub, M-Brew and Schramm’s Mead. Crawlers pay no cover charges at any of the clubs, and participants are always encouraged to spend the night in Ferndale, walk, use cabs, designated drivers, or car services.
Top sponsors this year include Garden Fresh Gourmet, Rosie O’Grady’s, Jeffery & Karen Lewis, and Pearl Vodka. Additional sponsors include Uber Car Service, Happy Hour Thursdays, Twist, Valentine Distillery, Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Martin, Councilman Greg Pawlica, Craig Covey, and Dickey’s Barbeque Pit. All attendees get a coupon for $25 off Uber Car Service for first time users.
No driving is allowed. Uber Car Service will be available at https://www.uber.com/go/ferndalecrawl and also at the event website www.ferndalepubcrawl.org or Facebook: 18th Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl. Advance tickets are $10 or $12 at the door. To volunteer email mmills@michiganaidscoalition.org.
Source: City of Ferndale
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