FRANKENMUTH -- The stage is set for a trio of events in Frankenmuth to kick off the Memorial Day weekend festivities. It's being dubbed "Bark, Bike and Balloons" and it's all happening at the Frankenmuth River Place.
The first event, which began on Thursday, is the 2012 Great Lakes Regional & Michigan State Baloon Championship. Unfortunatley the wind was too high for the launch on Friday morning but more launches will be taking place throughout the weekend.
Also this weekend will be the annual "Tour de Frankenmuth", a bicycle race presented by Zehnders of Frankenmuth.
The first race will begin on Saturday at 8 a.m. The event will also feature a Bike Swap and Expo throughout the day. The event will conclude on Sunday with the Gran Fondo di Thumb race.
Last year, close to 600 bicycling enthusiasts participated in the Saturday road race and the Sunday Gran Fondo di Thumb, a bicycle tour of Michigan’s Thumb.
Finally, perhaps the most entertaining event of the weekend, is the 2012 Dog Bowl, America's largest Olympic style event for dogs.
The Dog Bowl is a high energy event that showcases dogs running, jumping, diving, and retrieving.
It features the following events: Best Costume Contest, 50 yrd. Doggie Fun Run, Fashion Show, Disc Dog Competitions, Wiener Dog Races, Pet Retail Vendors, Dog Bowl 2012 King and Queen, Dog Breeds of the World Show, 4th Annual Canine Cruise of the Bavarian Belle River Boat and the very popular DockDogs Competition.
NBC25's Brittany Noble stopped by the 'Muth on Friday morning to check in with the festivities. Check out the video above! Everyone have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!
