Balloon-Holding Crowd Circles Meadow Brook Hall in Celebratory 'Hug'

There are many ways to celebrate good news. 

Perhaps a giant group hug is one of the most fitting.

That was the idea Friday afternoon when hundreds gathered at on the campus of Oakland University to formally

The building was awarded the distinction in the spring.

There are fewer than 2,500 such properties in the country and 36 such landmarks in Michigan; this is the first in Rochester.

The celebration featured a free community picnic, tours of the hall, musical entertainment and a scavenger hunt for kids.

The event concluded with guests surrounding the building (thus, the "hug"), counting down from 10 and releasing colorful balloons.

Were you at the celebration? Share your photos here!