Yale's Full of Bologna and Loving It: The 34th Annual Yale Bologna Festival

Photo byThumbwind Publications

Forget the glitz and glam of Hollywood – Yale, Michigan, is rolling out the red carpet for bologna! From July 26 to 28, the 34th Yale Bologna Festival is back, and this year, it’s going big. Not just big – colossal, like your uncle’s bologna stories. And this time, it’s all about celebrating C. Roy’s 100th anniversary with an Old Hollywood flair. So, dust off your best tuxedo T-shirt and get ready for a weekend of family fun, quirky competitions, and enough bologna to make even your spam filter jealous.

Highlights That'll Make You Say "Holy Bologna!"

Bologna Food Tent: Ready for a gourmet experience? How about a 1/4 pound grilled bologna sandwich? Yes, you read that right – a full quarter pound of bologna bliss, available in single or double stacks. You can also grab sliders, slices, and rings of bologna to take home. Because nothing says "party favor" like a ring of bologna.

Crowning of Royalty: Don’t miss the crowning of the next Bologna King and Queen! Yes, we take this very seriously. Friday at 5 PM, be there or be, well, less regal. And let's not forget about their court: Junior Royals and Baby Bologna. Because starting 'em young is the bologna way.

Fireworks Display: Because nothing pairs with bologna like explosions in the sky. Friday, July 26, at 10:15 PM at Yale High School. If it rains, don't worry – we'll try again on Saturday. Because bologna waits for no one.

Bologna Ring Toss: Ever wondered how far you can fling a ring of bologna? Neither have we, but it’s happening Friday at 6 PM on Main Street. Come test your arm and your dignity.

Outhouse Races: Teams of five will race down the street in homemade outhouses on wheels. If you don’t have an outhouse, don’t worry – we’ve got extras. Yes, we plan for these things. Friday night at 7 PM. It’s a royal flush of fun.

Big Bologna Parade: Saturday at 6 PM, witness the spectacle that is the Bologna Parade. Floats, marching bands, businesses, and community groups strutting their stuff. And yes, there’s still time to join in the parade if you’ve got what it takes (a.k.a. a float and a lot of bologna).

Live Music and Entertainment: From The Family Tradition Band to line dancing lessons, Elvis, and Rosco the Clown, there’s something for everyone. Because nothing says "bologna" like a mix of country music, rock 'n' roll, and clown antics.

Kids Zone and Activities: Henna tattoos, face painting, a photo booth, and a foam party. Basically, it's a kid’s dream come true. Located at the Yale VFW, because veterans love bologna, too.

More Fun: Think horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, a 5K run, watermelon eating contests, and Civil War reenactments. Yes, we’re covering all our bases. From petting zoos to exotic animal shows, it’s fun for all ages.

Craft Fair and Vendors: Over 25 vendors will be selling handmade crafts, snacks, and unique gifts. And food trucks, because you need something to eat between bologna meals.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

Dates: July 26 to 28, 2024
Location: Downtown Yale, MI, and Yale City Park
Admission: Free (but bring your wallet for activities and vendors)

Proudly brought to you by the Yale Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by local businesses, this festival is a true small-town treasure. So, mark your calendars and join us in Yale, where the bologna is plentiful, and the fun never ends.