What's Happening at the Governor Warner Mansion During Founders Festival?

Volunteers at the Governor Warner Mansion on Grand River in Farmington have planned a line-up of special activities during the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival July 19 and 20. 

Here's what's happening at the city-owned home of Michigan Governor Fred M. Warner: 

Friday 
Wrist bands sold for $7 entitle each visitor to enjoy all of the entertainment areas:

• Chamberlain Petting Zoo and Pony Rides on the Mansion lawn from 1-5 p.m.
• Face painting
• Animal balloons
• Farmington City fire truck and police car

Saturday

Watch during the Founders Festival parade for the Governor Warner Mansion Warnerettes, our greatly expanded Victorian-style parasol drill team led by Sheila Sigro, and “Governor Warner” in his vintage Model T, plus costumed “Victorians” in the car and walking with the Warnerettes.

Activities at the Mansion, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., will include: 

• House tours given by costumed docents
• Victorian lawn games
• “Tea on the Porch”, with Charlene Berry playing tunes on her hammered dulcimer, and tea served in a china tea cup,  accompanied by a variety of sweet treats. Coffee, iced tea, water, and pop will also be available.
• Expanded Flea Market on the Mansion lawn, with gently-used items separated into three categories: General merchandise, Antiques and Collectibles, and Jewelry/Purses/Scarves. 

Other attractions available both days are the Farmington Library Monday Night Quilters, who will display some of their quilts and sew on others in the every day parlor, and the Warner General Store on the porch, with Mansion memorabilia for sale. The “Hot Dog Guys” will be on site to sell hot dogs, chips, and beverages.

Reserve a Flea Market space at Farmington City Hall for $15 and set up your own table on the circle drive. Donated items may be brought to the Mansion Carriage House on Wednesdays, July 10 and 17, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. No clothing please.

The Governor Warner Mansion is located at 33805 Grand River, just west of Farmington Road. For more information about any of the Mansion's activities, call Farmington City Hall at 248-474-5500 Ext. 2225, or visit ci.farmington.mi.us.