Archived News Release: July 10, 2019 - The Ann Arbor Art Fair will attract visitors from near and far again this year when the booths open for business Thursday, July 18–Sunday, July 21. 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.
Safety
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 indicate 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 free 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.
Children's wristbands
An extra measure to keep kids safe will again be in place at this year's Ann Arbor Art Fair. For the seventh 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 or guardian's name and mobile 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 and Ann Arbor Emergency Management mobile command unit.
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.
Security
Security will have a noticeable presence at this year's fair. AAPD will again employ the use of Jersey barriers and personal vehicle barriers at fair perimeters to enhance visitor safety. And as an added safety measure, fairgoers may see some AAPD officers carrying rifles as they patrol Art Fair.
The public can also play a part in helping to keep the event safe. “As with any community event — and even in day-to-day routines — we should always be aware of our surroundings," notes Ann Arbor Deputy Police Chief Jason Forsberg, referencing the Department of Homeland Security's instruction: if you see something that seems out of place or suspicious, report it to local law enforcement. Further, Forsberg recommends adding the local dispatch non-emergency number in your mobile phone (734.994.2911), and in the case of emergency, calling 911. When making a report, provide the cross streets and the nearest booth number.
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.
CTN
Also drawing crowds during the Art Fair will be the CTN video greeting booth. The CTN booth will be located just north of Ingalls Mall (next to the Art Activity Zone) Thursday–Friday 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 15 at 5 p.m. at North University and Ingalls Mall in downtown Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor Art Fair event details can be found at www.theannarborartfair.com/#2019artfair.
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