Archived News Release: July 12, 2018 - The Ann Arbor Art Fair will attract visitors from near and far again this year when the booths open for business Thursday, July 19–Sunday, July 22. A list of street closures is available at www.a2gov.org/roads — including closures for this event, as well as closures in place for other local construction projects.
In addition to the unique works of art, street performances, sidewalk sales and delicious treats, inclement weather can also be a factor at the fair. In the event of severe conditions, be prepared to seek indoor shelter immediately and listen for the warning sirens to sound. Please remain indoors until authorities determine it's safe to go back outside. Learn more about the city's warning sirens at www.a2gov.org/departments/emergency-management/Pages/Alert-Systems.aspx.
As high temperatures also often accompany Art Fair, please take necessary precautions to ensure safety and comfort. Dress in loose-fitting, breathable clothing; wear sunscreen; bring a water bottle to refill at one of the water stations throughout the fairs; and leave Fido safely at home, as the heat and hot pavement are dangerous to pets, too. First aid stations will be located at North University Avenue and Fletcher Street and also in the Safety Services Plaza, at Liberty Plaza, on the corner of South Division and East Liberty streets.
Finally, as with any public event — and even in your day-to-day routine — always be aware of your surroundings. The Department of Homeland Security reminds us all, if you see something that seems out of place or suspicious, report it to local law enforcement. The dispatch non-emergency number is 734.994.2911; or, in the case of emergency, call 911. Note the cross streets and the booth number nearest to you. More about the If you See Something, Say Something national campaign can be found on the DHS website, www.dhs.gov/if-you-see-something-say-something-campaign.
Ann Arbor Art Fair event details can be found at www.visitannarbor.org/artfair (view the Art Fair map - PDF).
The City of Ann Arbor is bringing back some Art Fair staples as well.
Safety wristbands
An extra measure to keep kids safe will again be in place at this year's Ann Arbor Art Fair. For the sixth consecutive year, identification wristbands will be available for kids to wear. If a child becomes separated, officials will know whom to contact just by looking at the child's wristband. The parent's or guardian's name and cell phone number will be written on the underside; and the information will not be visible unless the wristband is removed. A wristband will not be removed from a lost child until a police officer is present, to ensure the officer can properly identify the parent/guardian during reunification. A police officer will remain present until the child is reunited with his or her parent or guardian.
The wristbands will be available during the fair from several locations including the Safety Service Plaza at Liberty Plaza (at the corner of Division and Liberty streets), Art Fair information booths, Ann Arbor Emergency Management mobile command unit and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers (look for the yellow CERT vests).
The wristband program is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Police Department, Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management and the executive directors for the individual fairs.
CTN
The CTN video greeting booth has been an attraction at the Art Fair for years. A constant stream of visitors file through the booth each day to creatively express what's on their minds — from general hellos to marriage proposals, in some instances. The CTN booth will be located just north of Ingalls Mall (next to the Art Activity Zone) Thursday–Saturday starting at 10 a.m. each day. Be sure to stop by to be on TV — all recorded segments will replay on CTN Channel 19 (Comcast Cable) and online at https://www.youtube.com/ctnannarbor.
The CTN video greeting booth will also be at the Townie Street Party, the traditional kick off to the Art Fair. The Townie Party takes place Monday, July 16 at 5 p.m. at North University and Ingalls Mall in downtown Ann Arbor.
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