1. Sterlingfest Is The Best Fest
People in Sterling Heights know that Sterlingfest is the best without having to be told that it’s one of Michigan’s best-run and best-attended festivals. It was hailed as “Detroit News’” Michigan’s Best Summer Festival, but everyone knew that already. The great combination of fun, food, music and arts and crafts have kept them coming back year after year.
Maybe they go for the bands, maybe they love to catch the “SterlingScapes” exhibit of large-scale outdoor sculptures or maybe they go because all of their friends do. It doesn’t matter why–to the people of Sterling Heights, this festival will always be #1 in their hearts.
2. How Cuckoo For Coney Dogs One Can Get
One of the few 24-hour restaurants, National Coney Island is a hot spot to hang out in the wee hours and, well, basically any time a Coney Dog needs to be had. Coney Dogs are a regional favorite of Southeast Michigan, and Sterling Heights is no different.
Some frequent National Coney Island in the early morning hours so much they develop a friendship with their waitress. Others go during the day when the yearning for a Coney Dog cannot be stifled. Coney Dogs are so popular, Sorrentos Pizza Parlor has amazingly delicious Coney Dog inspired pizzas.
3. Erma’s Custard Is Worth The Drive
The people of Sterling Heights know that the drive to Erma’s in Shelby Township is worth the extra minute trip out of town. In fact, practically everyone in the Metro-Detroit area would agree.
Erma’s sells Michigan-made custard April through October, and everyone lines up to try the weekly changing flavor, hang out after a minor league game or any other excuse they can come up with (I know I’ve got hundreds) that involves custard.
4. He Barb, She Barb, Rhubarb
Sterling Heights was once the Rhubarb capital of the world. This is most likely because before it was a city, it was a rhubarb farm for Detroit. In the ‘60s and ‘70s wild rhubarb could be found growing everywhere in the city.
Today, wild rhubarb does not grow as free as it once did; it was tamed for development as the city grew. The residents who remember yesteryear are fond of the their once claimed title and wish a little that the city was still as it was in their childhood. Everyone else likes the quirky historical fact, but that’s about where their feelings for rhubarb end.
5. Why Saying You’re From Detroit Is Easier
It’s okay– everyone in the Metro-Detroit area does it from time to time. And the people of Sterling Heights never do it when they’re actually in the Metro area. It’s a sense of pride that has spilled over the city lines and into their hearts. Besides, if they said they were from Sterling Heights to anyone outside of the state, they would still end up bringing Detroit into the conversation anyway.
6. MO Pop Means Mo’ Teens
MO Pop festival is the place to be for teens and twenty-somethings. Held at Freedom Hill, this festival brings in large acts like “Cold War Kids”, as well as fire eaters, sword swallowers, contortionists, Burlesque dancers and more. It’s no wonder this festival is so popular amongst the youth–it’s hip to get weird.
7. Fleeing On The Fourth For The Best Fireworks
Some can only think of a handful of times they’ve actually stayed in Sterling Heights to see the fireworks–and that’s only because they were most likely a small child or had a small child. It’s not because they think that Sterling Heights doesn’t put on a good show, but they also know that the surrounding Metro area has much better offerings when it comes to lighting up the sky with pyrotechnics.
8. Having A Sixth Sense When It Comes To Sales Because Of All The Shopping Malls
The people of Sterling Heights know where to get the best deals. It’s practically intrinsic at this point. But that’s only because there are a plethora of shopping and strip malls near their homes that have fine-tuned their ability to sense sales.
9. Sterling Heights Is The Best Place To Raise A Family
Sterling Heights is one of the safest neighborhoods in the Metro Detroit area and subsequently it’s the go-to choice for people who want to raise a family. A typical suburb in many senses, Sterling Heights is full of family-friendly activities and a few more to keep those whose children have flown the coop busy.
10. Being Proud Is Cause For Celebration
The people of Sterling Heights are a proud group. They celebrate their heritage.
No, really, they actually do celebrate it. Every summer they have the Stars & Stripes Festival, which is jam-packed with live music and fire works. Of course, they can’t have just one festival dedicated to celebrating their heritage. They also have the American Polish Festival, full of music (including polkas), folk dancers, arts and crafts as well as delectable Polish/American Cuisine.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what's unique about Sterling Heights in the comments below!
