This year, Dearborn Heights is holding its 28th annual Spirit Festival, with the theme “Mustang Fever — 50 Years of Rockin’ the Road.”

The festival, sponsored by Antonio’s Cucina Italiana, a local tradition with carnival rides, family games, and live music, entertainment, ethnic foods and special events, will run through Sunday, June 8. It is being held on the grounds of the Canfield Community Center at 1801 N. Beech Daly, south of Ford Road.

Few people came to the festival on Wednesday because of the rain, but more are expected to attend on the weekend. 

“The festival is fun and so far it is not busy because of the rain,” said Hanan Dabaja, a mother of three children.

 “Unlike the Arab American Festival, the Spirit Festival is more efficient, organized and everyone gets their turn,” she said. “There is no pushing or shoving and I am not worried about my children getting hurt waiting in line that I have experienced at the Arab American Festival.”

The Arab American Festival, held Father’s Day weekend along Warren Ave., has been cancelled for the second year in a row. 

Among the rides featured by North American Midway Entertainment include Freak Out, 1001 Nights, Ring of Fire and the traditional kids’ rides.

 “I love the rides, but my favorite one is the Freak Out ride,” said 12-year-old Guadalupe Holguin. This is her second year attending the festival.

On Friday, the festival hours are from 3-11 p.m., with wristbands costing $18. And the weekend’s wristband price is $20 from noon-11 p.m. 

A free weekend shuttle service is available from 5-10 p.m. because there is not enough parking in the parking lot of Crestwood High School. People can park at the Dearborn Heights Post Office and a shuttle is scheduled every 10 minutes. 

The festival features special events such as a pancake breakfast, the seventh annual Pasta & Pizza Feast and much more.   

For additional information, call 313.791.3600.