Need to Know: Ferndale Pub Crawl Returns July 27

One of the city's most popular summer events is back for a 16th year.

The Ferndale Pub Crawl will be held Friday, July 27 and will include visits to 22 local pubs, bars and restaurants.

The walking tour of downtown Ferndale businesses began 16 years ago with 36 people visiting the area's half-dozen bars and has grown every year since. .

This year's pub crawl will include up to 2,000 participants, with all proceeds divided between local charities the Ferndale Police Auxiliary, FernCare, the Ferndale Community Foundation, and the Michigan AIDS Coalition.

“The Pub Crawl is all about fun, but it has also raised huge amounts of funds for our local charities, and it showcases Ferndale's many fine businesses," said former Ferndale mayor and current Oakland County Commissioner Craig Covey, who founded the event in 1996 and has managed the event since.

Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter will send off the first groups, as have three other Ferndale mayors before him. Crawlers travel in groups of 20 to 100, spending 20 minutes to a half hour at each venue.

Need to Know: Ferndale Pub Crawl

• What: A walking tour of the pubs, bars, and restaurants in downtown Ferndale.
• When: Starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 27
• Who: Ages 21 and older only.
• Where: 22 local businesses.
• Cost: Tickets are priced at $10 and can be purchased the night of the event at from 6:30-9 p.m. or through volunteers in the downtown all night long.
• What else: Crawlers travel in groups of 20 to 100, spending 20 minutes to a half hour at each venue. Buy food and drinks and see the shops and stores that abound in downtown Ferndale. Door prizes and other contests will be offered. Absolute Vodka is the top sponsor.
• More info: For more information to volunteer, visit www.FerndalePubCrawl.org, or contact Monica Mills at (248) 545-1435, ext. 117 or via email.