Detroit 2008 Winter Blast Has Something for Everyone

The 2008 Winter Blast will take place in Downtown Detroit's Campus Martius Square February 8, 9 and 10, despite the sagging economy. While the Blast's footprint has been scaled down a bit, the event's developers have managed to add new attractions that are sure to please.

Among the events returning to the 2008 Winter Blast are the ever popular Michigan.org 200 ft Snow Slide, free ice-skating in Campus Martius Park, marshmallow roasting, ice sculptures and the Meijer Sponsored Family Fun Zone. While those events have been staples of the Detroit Winter Blast, some of their locations have been changed from years past. The ice sculptures, for instance, will now be found near the 200ft Snow Slide instead of a few blocks away in Greektown. Likewise, the Marshmallow Roasting grills will also be moved from Greektown back to the front of the Compuware Building across from the Ice-Skating rink.

New to the 2008 Winter Blast are Wine Tasting, to be hosted at Enoteca, the newest Downtown Detroit bar located in the First Federal Building at Woodward and Congress. At 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday the Meijer Sponsored Family Fun Zone will transform to Techno, as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival takes over to please the 16 to 25 year olds in the crowd. 9 PM to 10:30PM on Friday, Eric Johnston will perform. at which time Rich Korach will take over until the Blast closes at Midnight. On Saturday, John Johr will perform from 9PM until10:30PM and Stacey Pullen will close out the evening. Also new this year is the Winter Blast Film Theatre where Michigan Films can be viewed from the 300-seat tent. On Sunday, February 10 from 10 AM to 2 PM, festival goers are encouraged to wear their favorite Detroit Red Wings attire and enter the Red Wings fan promotion. A Detroit Red Wings Pep Rally will be held at 2 PM at Campus Martius at which time prizes will be awarded. For the Adult crowd attending the 2008 Winter Blast, the party doesn't end at Midnight. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can visit the After Parties planned at the Pulse; the Pulse is located at 156 Monroe between Farmer and Randolf St.. On Friday, February 8, The Park Bar, featuring Microbrews and the art of local Detroit artists is also featuring an After Party. The Park Bar is located at Park and Elizabeth just three blocks north of the festival and west off Woodward Ave. More information regarding the festival events can be found on the winter blast website, www.WinterBlast.com

Even though the weather is sure to be cold outside, the festival offers more than five DTE Energy Comfort Zones where Blast goers can warm up and find anything from food to hot chocolate to entertainment. Inside the Compuware Atrium, Detroit Winter Blast attendees will find the Pure Michigan Exhibition, Comcast Stage and on Friday and Saturday only, a makeshift Marriott Hotel Room where everyone can view a live person enjoying their stay at the Marriott. Donations will be taken at the Marriott display for the THAW program, which assists those in need in heating their homes during these cold winter months.

Dine in the D, is just one more offering of the 2008 Winter Blast. Before you head off to the Blast on February 8, 9 or 10, be sure to visit the Winter Blast website, www.WinterBlast.com to print your 15% Dine in the D discount coupon for one of the many restaurants in the Detroit area participating in the weekends program.

The 2008 Detroit Winter Blast is sure to be a hit with something for everyone. While the kids, and the kid in everyone, will certainly enjoy riding a tube down one of the four runs of the 200 ft Snow Slide, there are many other exhibits and activities that are also sure to please. The Winter Blast will operate 11 AM to Midnight on Friday, February 8, 10 AM to Midnight on Saturday and 10 AM to 9 PM on Sunday, February 10.