Highland Township Celebrates 190 Year History with Founders Festival
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 27, 2025)
Highland Township, MI – Highland Founders Day celebrates the history and heritage of Highland Township, which formed back in 1835 – 190 years ago. The celebration of this day brings the community together each year, as it did on May 17, for a parade, bounce houses, a vendor fair, and a food truck rally. This year’s event also featured a classic car show.
Among the vendors was Angel Paws Animal Rescue, which started in 2023. Mother and daughter team Jenifer and Beth Harding both love animals and wanted to help as many possible after volunteering as fosters for several years.
“Dogs are grateful for everything you do,” Beth said.
The Milford-based rescue was able to find homes for 48 dogs in their first year open. Bringing adoptable animals to events like the Founders Day Festival helps them to connect with potential humans for their canine rescues. “We are always busy,” Beth said. “There are plenty of dogs that need good homes.”
Also at the event was booth full of delicious cookies from Yummification Cookies in Rochester Hills. Maurice Curry and Gerilyn Coach were on hand serving up flavors like apple pie, banana pudding, chocolate chip, lemon, sugar, and strawberries and cream. Yummification Cookies was created by Stephanie Curry who wanted to created high quality baked goods.
Several of her creations, called “Keto Treats,” are made with almond flour, coconut flour, and monkfruit sweetener which doesn’t spike blood sugar. They also have gluten free cookies available.
The parade itself was a main attraction, with numerous local businesses and youth groups taking part, along with classic cars.
The parade also included the Highland Kindness Project, a grass-roots community campaign that brings together residents, businesses, schools, non-profits and others, who will be asked to do acts of kindness and report kind acts they witness on the #HighlandKindness Facebook page.
Those who want to enjoy even more Downtown Highland fun can check out the Red, White, and Blues Festival and Fireworks on June 28, and the Sounds of Summer Concert Series.
