City of Rochester, Michigan - Government

05/30/2026

See you at the Festival tomorrow and Sunday!

There is so much happening at the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival this weekend! From Heritage Crafts and the Hands-On History Village to the Fishing Derby and Festival of Cars, there is something for everyone! And you won't want to miss the Lipuma's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday at noon! The event takes place at the Rochester Municipal Park and admission is free!

Check out the Event Schedule!

05/29/2026

Fish on tomorrow at the pond!

For the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival, the City of Rochester is hosting a Fishing Derby this Saturday, May 30th from 10-2 at the pond in the Municipal Park. It is open to all adults over 17 that possess a valid State of Michigan Fishing License, while anyone under 17 does not require a license to participate.

There will be two category winners, Biggest Overall Fish by Length and Most Fish Caught. Trick will be this is a catch and release derby so staff will be around to measure the biggest fish, but participants will be on the honor system as to how many fish they catch!

Bring your own pole, fly rod, and bait that works best for you!

The prize for each category will be a homemade, one-of-a-kind fish trophy and a $25 gift certificate to Dairy Queen!

Jason Davis of the Orvis Store will be on site also demonstrating fly casting and teaching folks to fly cast also.

Should be a fun day of fishing for all!

You can sign in to register you as a participant at the skating shelter at the west end of the pond!

05/24/2026

Calling for community volunteers!

We are seeking volunteers for the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival, May 30 & 31, to assist with the Hands-On History Village and our Non-Profit Partner Booths! Click the link to sign up!
https://form.jotform.com/DowntownRochester/heritage-festival-volunteers

05/22/2026

⚾🎉 Step back in time at the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival! 🎉⚾

Join us for one of our exciting Saturday events on May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Halbach Field (477 Woodward Avenue) for a spirited Vintage Baseball Game featuring a team of City of Rochester elected officials and staff taking on the formidable Rochester Grangers!

Representing Team Rochester are City Council members Nancy Salvia (joined by husband Joe Salvia), Marilyn Trent, Christian Hauser, and Jessica Clauser — alongside players from the Rochester Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works, City Hall, and more!

Played by the rules of the 1860s, vintage baseball is all about sportsmanship, teamwork, community spirit, and having a great time. Expect plenty of laughs, old-fashioned baseball traditions, and family-friendly fun as our hometown team attempts to hold their own against the experienced Grangers. ⚾

📍 Halbach Field – 477 Woodward Avenue
📅 Saturday, May 30
🕑 2:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars and join us during the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival on May 30 & 31 for a weekend full of community fun, history, entertainment, and memories!

05/22/2026

NOW HIRING: POLICE OFFICER
THIS is your opportunity to serve in a department that believes in professionalism, community, and teamwork. The Rochester Police Department is looking for motivated, service-driven individuals ready to serve in one of Michigan’s most vibrant communities.
Whether you’re an experienced officer, military veteran, academy recruit, or future MCOLES-certified candidate, Rochester offers the chance to build a career where your work matters every single day.

WHAT WE OFFER:
✔ Competitive pay up to $91,270 with experience at lateral pay
✔ Excellent health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
✔ Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
✔ Uniforms and equipment provided
✔ Tuition reimbursement and professional development
✔ A department culture built on integrity, teamwork, accountability, and community trust

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO:
▪ Lead with professionalism and integrity
▪ Stay calm under pressure
▪ Value teamwork and service
▪ Want to build strong community relationships
▪ Are committed to ethical policing and public trust
✅ MCOLES certified or currently enrolled and eligible upon hire
✅ Must be at least 21 years old
✅ Military and prior law enforcement experience welcomed

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Submit applications and resumes to: [email protected]
- Apply online here: https://rochestermi.org/jobs.aspx

05/21/2026

🎉 The Greater Rochester Heritage Festival is BACK! 🎉

Just a quick reminder — the festival is no longer held on Memorial Day weekend. We’ve moved the celebration to the weekend AFTER Memorial Day!

So while you won’t see the festival happening this weekend, we can’t wait to welcome everyone on:

📅 Saturday, May 30
📅 Sunday, May 31

Join us at Rochester Municipal Park for two days packed with live music, family fun, food, activities, community traditions, and so much more! 🎶🌭⚾🎡

Mark your calendars now — we’ll see you May 30 & 31 for an unforgettable weekend in Rochester!

05/21/2026

🌭🏆 Rochester… are you ready for a showdown of legendary proportions? 🏆🌭

The Lipuma’s Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest is back at the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival — and registration is NOW OPEN!

Only 15 brave competitors will claim a spot at the table to battle for ultimate Top Dog status. 🌭🔥

Hosted by Rochester icon Tony Lipuma, this crowd-favorite event is sure to bring the heat (and maybe a little heartburn 😅).

📍 Rochester Municipal Park
📅 Saturday, May 30
🕛 Noon

Spots will fill quickly, so don’t wait to throw your hat — and appetite — into the ring!

🌭🔥 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🔥🌭

Think you’ve got what it takes to become Rochester’s TOP DOG? 🏆

The Lipuma’s Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest is officially open for registration during the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival!

🌭 Only 15 contestant spots available
🌭 Competitive eating bragging rights on the line
🌭 Hosted by Rochester Legend Tony Lipuma

Spots are expected to go FAST — once the 15 spots are filled, registration closes!

📍 Greater Rochester Heritage Festival, Rochester Municipal Park
📅 Saturday, May 30, 12 pm
📝 Register now: https://form.jotform.com/DowntownRochester/lipumas-hot-dog-registration

Who’s ready to eat for glory? 🌭💪

05/19/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Ceremony – City of Rochester 🇺🇸

Join us as we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

📍 Mt. Avon Cemetery
🗓 Monday, May 25, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m.

The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Debbie Jones, guest speaker Judge Laura Polizzi, patriotic musical performances, and the laying of the wreath.

🎖 Parade immediately following the ceremony.
🌭 Hot dogs will be served at the Rochester Fire Station from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, events will move indoors to the Mausoleum.

05/18/2026

🎉 Volunteers Needed for the Greater Rochester Heritage Festival! 🎉

Be part of one of Rochester’s favorite traditions by volunteering at this year’s Greater Rochester Heritage Festival! We’re looking for community members to help with the Hands-On History Village for kids and assist local non-profit organizations throughout the weekend.

🗓️ Volunteer shifts available:
📍 Saturday, May 30
📍 Sunday, May 31
⏰ 2-hour increments

It’s a fun way to give back, meet people, and help make this beloved community event a success!

👉 Sign up here:
https://form.jotform.com/DowntownRochester/heritage-festival-volunteers

We are seeking volunteers for this year's Greater Rochester Heritage Festival to assist the kids at our Hands-On History Village and also help out our non-profit organizations. Shifts are available for both Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, in 2-hour increments. Be a part of this beloved Rochester tradition!

Sign up here - https://form.jotform.com/DowntownRochester/heritage-festival-volunteers

05/16/2026

As part of Saturday’s America 250 Patriots Dedication Ceremony, Rochester’s Historic Walking Tour now features expanded stories about the city’s three Revolutionary War patriots — available to read on the City website or experience through the new audio tour.

New bronze QR code plaques installed at each gravesite in Mt. Avon Cemetery allow visitors to instantly access historical information and audio content while touring the cemetery. 🇺🇸🎧

📍 Mt. Avon Cemetery
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 3:00 p.m.