by Sharon Gittleman
MILFORD –
Carnival games, a giant inflatable obstacle course and a concert by the Chenille Sisters are just part of the fun planned for the second annual FamilyPalooza.
The celebration, held from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., on Aug. 4, at Possum Hollow at Kensington Metro Park in Milford offers more than a day in the sunshine for moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas and little ones. It's a chance for LGBT and straight families to get together and to learn more about second parent adoption.
Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center and the Coalition for Adoption Rights Equality helped plan the event.
"The FamilyPalooza is a celebration of all families," said Maureen Jones, Social and Recreation Coordinator for Affirmations.
Arts & Scraps will be onsite, giving kids a chance to create masterpieces from found objects and Ferndale's Mejishi Martial Arts center will present a karate demonstration.
"They bring stuff to kick and punch," said Jones.
Families can swim or take out a paddleboat along the surrounding waterways, visit the splash park, check out the petting zoo or enjoy a bike ride or a stroll down the area trails.
A hot dog cart will be available, though organizers advise parents and guardians to bring a picnic basket and a blanket or lawn chairs.
"This will all gear up to our big concert – the Chenille Sisters at 4 p.m.," Jones said.
While providing kids and grown-ups with the chance to enjoy a delightful day together is the event's goal, helping create families is at the heart of the gathering.
"We are committed to seeing that every child in Michigan has a right to having two legal parents," said CARE co-chair Joan Bennett.
When it comes to second parent adoptions for same gender moms and dads, Michigan law can be confusing.
Some counties allow them, while others don't – each relying on a particular judge's viewpoint.
Many opponents of these adoptions worry about the cascading effect of changing the law.
"One of the reasons I hear used a bit is they feel two people adopting a child is taking the position of a marriage," she said. "The second parent adoption bill is trying to secure the safety and well being of the children."
Two parent adoptions protect children's' inheritance rights and opportunities to receive social security income, she said. Moms and dads without legal standing can't agree to medical treatments.
The second parent adoption bill has been introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives and has been voted out of committee, said Bennett. A date for a formal vote has not been set and the bill hasn't been introduced in the senate.
Bennett thinks there is a good chance the proposal will pass muster this year.
"This is not about pushing any special agenda except the protection of children," she said. "That is what FamilyPalooza is about. We want families of all types to join together. We want to educate people about second parent adoption."
Tickets are $25 for families, $10 for individuals, with $50 hero tickets for people wishing to help support the cause. They can be purchased online at
http://www.goaffirmations.org or by calling 248-398-7105.
