From Baseball to Wiener Dogs: Everything You Need to Know About Sanford Rising

Celebrating Resilience: The Fifth Annual Sanford Rising Festival

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Sanford Rising stands as a heartfelt tribute to the community’s journey of recovery after the devastating flood and dam failure in May 2020.

For five years, this annual festival has become a symbol of how a tight-knit village can rise above disaster.

It started as a way to mark loss and hardship. Today, organizers and residents alike view Sanford Rising as a celebration of resilience, unity, and new beginnings.

Village President Dolores Porte sums up the festival’s impact:

“This is the five-year anniversary of the dam failure and the subsequent flood.

Since the first year, Anna Merillat has led the charge to organize events that continue to highlight the resilience and comeback story of the community.

” Sanford Rising is about bringing people together, providing hope, and showcasing the “goodness that can come from tragedy and the local and surrounding communities who stepped up to the plate to help us persevere”.

Five Years of Community Spirit

The festival has grown each year, both in size and significance.

It began as a simple gathering, centered on shared stories and remembrance.

Over time, new traditions have emerged.

These include the annual baseball tournament, pancake breakfasts, and even wiener dog races—offering something for all ages and backgrounds.

What’s Happening This Year

From May 15 to 18, Sanford’s Village Park will burst with activities reflecting the community’s determination and creativity.

The event schedule includes:

• The second annual Sanford Rising Baseball Tournament, May 16-18
• A community blood drive at Jerome Township Fire Station, May 15
• A flood storytelling night at Cultivate Coffee, led by Marty “The Meatman” Sosnowski
• Pancake breakfast at Sanford Centennial Museum
• The fourth annual Wiener Dog Races and a Girl Scouts dunk tank
• Festivities wrapping up with live music by Triple Play

With so much to experience, Sanford Rising showcases the very best of what the village—and its people—have become.

The Heart of the Festival: Sanford Rising Baseball Tournament

A Tradition That Brings Everyone Together

There is something special about gathering at the park and watching a baseball game, especially when the game means more than just competition.

The Sanford Rising Baseball Tournament, now in its second year, has quickly become a highlight of the festival.

Slated for May 16-18 in Village Park, this friendly tournament is more than bats and balls—it’s about unity, perseverance, and the simple joy of cheering with your neighbors.

How the Tournament Became a Festival Centerpiece

As the Sanford community has worked to rebuild after the devastating flood of 2020, the baseball tournament emerged as a symbol of new traditions and shared hope.

Last year’s inaugural event brought together teams from around the area and filled the park with laughter, applause, and a little healthy rivalry.

It was such a hit that the community established it as an annual centerpiece, drawing even more anticipation this year.

What to Expect in 2024

Spectators can look forward to an exciting series of games as local teams battle it out.

The tournament is family-friendly and open to all, inviting both seasoned fans and those new to the game.

Food vendors and shaded seating will be set up, offering a comfortable place to soak up the excitement.

For players, it’s a chance to connect with friends, honor Sanford’s comeback, and maybe even take home a trophy.

The buzz and camaraderie on the field beautifully set the tone for the rest of the festival, making sure everyone feels the power of community as the days unfold.

Community Connection: Blood Drive and Storytelling

Making a Difference Together

The spirit of Sanford Rising isn’t just about fun – it’s about coming together for healing and hope.

The festival kicks off this year with a community blood drive at the Jerome Township Fire Station on Thursday, May 15, from 12:30 to 6 p.m.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to donate and give back.

Each pint collected is a gift that could help save a life, making this simple act of kindness an important part of Sanford’s ongoing recovery.

Sharing Stories, Preserving Memories

On Friday night, the community will gather at Cultivate Coffee for a flood storytelling session starting at 7 p.m.

Hosted by Sanford’s own Marty “The Meatman” Sosnowski, this event offers a welcoming space for residents to share their personal memories of the 2020 flood and dam failure.

These stories capture both the pain and resilience that define Sanford’s journey.

Whether you share or just listen, the evening is a chance to honor those difficult days while celebrating how far everyone has come.

Fostering Healing and Connection

Both the blood drive and storytelling night help strengthen community bonds.

The blood drive supports local health directly, while sharing stories ensures that memories are preserved for future generations.

By passing along these experiences, Sanford keeps its unique history alive while nurturing the healing process.

From lending an arm to lending an ear, these activities remind everyone in Sanford how much stronger they are together.

Family Fun: From Pancakes to Wiener Dog Races

Start the Day with Pancakes

The festival’s family fun kicks off bright and early on Saturday with a delicious pancake breakfast at the Sanford Centennial Museum from 8 to 10 a.m.

For just $8, attendees can enjoy a hearty stack while supporting a great cause.

Every dollar spent goes directly toward building the village’s upcoming pump track, creating lasting benefits for local kids and cycling enthusiasts alike.

Wiener Dog Races: Joy and Laughter

At 11:30 a.m., tails will be wagging as the fourth annual Wiener Dog Races launch at Village Park.

If you want your dachshund to join the fun, make sure to pre-register by May 16 by contacting Dan Merillat at 989-488-0611 or Angie Merillat at 989-615-6398.

Registration and check-in happen at the park pavilion starting at 10 a.m.

The races award prizes for first, second, and third place, making for fierce but friendly competition the whole crowd can enjoy.

Dunk Tank and More: Activities for All Ages

Between laughter and dog cheering, don’t miss the Girl Scouts’ dunk tank running from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It’s a classic festival favorite—kids and adults love the friendly challenge and splashy fun.

Other kid-friendly activities will fill the park, giving families a reason to linger and soak up the joyful community vibe.

As the energy builds, anticipation grows for the community celebration that follows, uniting everyone in a shared spirit of resilience and togetherness.

Ending on a High Note: Music and Community Spirit

Nothing brings people together quite like music, and this year’s Sanford Rising festival is wrapping up with a local favorite.

On Saturday, from 4 to 7 pm, the pavilion in Village Park will light up with live music performed by Sanford’s own Triple Play.

This band is a community staple, delivering upbeat and familiar tunes that invite everyone—young and old—to dance, sing, or just soak in the good vibes.

Live music isn’t just entertainment. It acts as a symbol of Sanford’s steady heartbeat and brings neighbors and visitors shoulder to shoulder, celebrating five years of perseverance and hope.

As the sun sets, laughter and music will fill the air—marking another year of progress since the devastating 2020 flood and dam failure.

Sanford Rising isn’t possible without significant support from surrounding communities.

Each festival event, from sports to storytelling to this closing concert, reflects the unity and care that helped Sanford rebuild.

As Village President Dolores Porte shares, “Sanford Rising—it’s about all the goodness that can come from tragedy and the local and surrounding communities who stepped up to the plate to help us persevere”.

With the music winding down, attendees leave with full hearts and a renewed sense of togetherness, ready for whatever comes next in this remarkable comeback story.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Information

Event Locations and Getting Around

Sanford’s Village Park is the central hub for most Sanford Rising activities.

With wide open spaces and plenty of parking, it’s easy to find each event.

Most festivities—including the baseball tournament, Wiener Dog Races, and live music—take place right in the park’s heart.

For your morning pancake fix, the Sanford Centennial Museum is just a short walk away.

The blood drive is held at the Jerome Township Fire Station, and the flood storytelling night happens at Cultivate Coffee in downtown Sanford.

Both locations are a few minutes from Village Park by car.

Look out for directional signs around town, and feel free to ask local volunteers if you’re unsure where to go.

Registration and Contacts

To join the Wiener Dog Races, pre-register by May 16. Contact Dan Merillat at 989-488-0611 or Angie Merillat at 989-615-6398 for details.

Registration and check-in start at 10 a.m. on race day at the park pavilion.

Tips for Enjoying Sanford Rising

• Arrive early for popular events—seats can fill quickly, especially for live music and the dog races.
• Bring cash for food stalls and fundraising items.
• Dress for the weather and pack sunscreen.
• Engage with volunteers—they’re happy to help you find your way and answer questions.

With friendly faces, well-marked locations, and a packed schedule, Sanford Rising is ready to welcome you for a weekend filled with spirit and connection.