Meet Amal in Oakland County

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across 13 countries and met more than a million people, is making a stop in Ferndale this Sunday as she travels 6,000 miles across the United States.

She began her journey from the Syrian border and carries a message of hope for immigrants, refugees and displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families. Her urgent message is simple – “don’t forget us.”

Her stop at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, where Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will greet her, illustrates Oakland County’s commitment to the Welcoming America movement, promoting inclusive communities around the United States that believe when everyone feels safe and accepted, then the community thrives.

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2023 Black History Month Events in Oakland County

black history month graphic

February is Black History Month! To learn more about Black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.

This originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, following the Civil Rights movement, the weekly observance transformed into a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.

Listen to Oakland County Executive David Coulter share his thoughts on Black History Month in the video below.

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Radon Test Kits Half Off During the Month of January

In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, Oakland County encourages residents to take action and test their homes for radon by offering radon test kits half-price ($5) all month.

What is radon you ask? Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

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Labor Day Events in Oakland County

Graphic that reads "Labor Day" and "United State of America"

On Labor Day weekend, Americans across the country will be enjoying a break from work to celebrate America’s workforce and the American Labor Movement. Whether you celebrate with a backyard barbecue, or at the annual Michigan State Fair, Oakland County is full of Labor Day activities.

Looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Try the 15th Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk and Run in Rochester. In the mood to pursue some fine art, sample tasty treats, and rock out? Arts, Beats, and Eats festival in Royal Oak will host their annual Juried Fine Art show, while offering food from local restaurants and have over 200 musical performances across nine stages. The Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly will take you back to the time of knights, castles, and more. There are activities for everyone this Labor Day weekend!

Be sure to check out our list for Labor Day weekend events below:

Bloomfield Hills
Treasure! Exhibit – open every day until Sept. 4
Cranbrook Institute of Science

Franklin
Art in the Village – Sept. 5
Downtown Franklin

Holly
Michigan Renaissance Festival – weekends Aug. 20 – Oct. 2
12600 Dixie Highway, 48442

Madison Heights
Morning Munchkins – Sept. 2
Red Oaks Nature Center

Novi
Michigan State Fair – Sept. 1-5
46100 Grand River Avenue, 48374

Rochester
Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk and Run – Sept. 5
Paint Creek Trail

Royal Oak
Arts, Beats & Eats – Sept. 2-5
Downtown Royal Oak

Dinosauria – Daily through Sept. 5
Detroit Zoo

South Lyon
Labor Day Bridge Walk – Sept. 5
McHattie Park

Waterford
Corn Roast – Sept. 3
Oakland County Farmers Market

White Lake
Harvest Fairy Houses – Sept. 4
Indian Springs Metropark

Do you know of any other Labor Day events in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.


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