Plans for the 2011 Ford Arts, Beats and Eats are well under way. I attended the press conference and learned more about the changes and expectations for this year's Ford Arts, Beats and Eats festival. The event is scheduled for September 2nd through September 5th, 2011.

Click here for the entertainment lineup scheduled to perform at the 2011 Arts Beats and Eats.

Click here for a photo gallery of the press conference announcing the changes for the 2011 Ford Arts, Beats and Eats Festival.

Here are some changes the festival goes can expect to see this year at Ford ABE:

Growth and Expansion: Ford Arts, Beats and Eats will be much bigger this year than last year. The festival footprint has expanded north on Center Street to Third Street and east on Fourth Street to Main Street. The number of openings will also be increased. These expansions have allowed for additional art exhibits, restaurants, and space for foot traffic. The addition of the new restaurants has ranked Ford Arts, Beats and Eats the largest food fair in the US.

Arts in Motion 5K: this year's festival introduces a 5K for runners and walkers. The race/walk course will wind through the park and tree-lined neighborhoods of Royal Oak. Participants are invited to join in costume, form a team, or dance their way through the 5K. Creative awards will be given to participants. Register at www.michiganyoutharts.org/5k

"The Duel" Cookoff: Respected local top chefs will battle at a cooking competition for the first time at Ford Arts, Beats and Eats. Similar to TV's Iron Chef, a secret ingredient will be announced and competitors will go head to head against eight elite chefs from Metro Detroit. The final stages of the competition will be held live on the International Stage at Ford Arts, Beats and Eats in front of an audience. The extreme cook-off offers up $10,000 in cash prize money.

BBQ Alley: Located on Center between Third and Fourth streets, festival goers can enjoy a lineup of six restaurants and BBQ caterers including Royal Oak's Lockhart's BBQ, The Oxford Inn, Smokin' Joe's BBQ, Jackson Five Star Catering, Bo's Roaster and others. BBQ fare will be offered such as pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, chicken wings and baked beans. A Country Western stage will set the mood with some musical performances.

Healthy Living: Some new attractions have been added to incorporate Healthy Living in this year's Ford Arts, Beats and Eats festival.

• Arts in Motion 5K run/walk
• Health and Wellness tent with medical screenings and complimentary massages
• Healthy menu options at each of the restaurants

I had a chance to chat with L. Brooks Patterson, founder of Arts, Beats and Eats. With all the new changes this year, I asked Mr. Patterson if he expected this to be a record breaking year for the festival. Brooks replied, "I think it will be. Last year we set a record. The additional space will allow us to bring in more exhibits and more people. We could definitely do more than 400,000 this year." This led me to ask if the expansion was vital. According to Brooks, "Absolutely. Last year, there were lots of log jams and we had to close the gates sometimes. People were at a standstill at some points; I stood in place for 10 minutes once."

Click here for more Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan events, activities and things to do.

Mr. Patterson also mentioned that contracts have been extended and the festival will take place in Royal Oak until 2015.

Click here for Arts Beats and Eats parking info.

Admission for the 2011 Arts, Beats and Eats will be $3.

Last year's Ford Arts, Beats and Eats festival was awarded a plaque for being a Top 10 Ranked Fine Art Festivals for 2010, as ranked by Art Fair Sourcebook.

The Ford Arts, Beats and Eats festival will donate $1 of every admission to local non-profits.