Get Ready for Ann Arbor Art Fair with Safety, Security & CTN Details
The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city Thursday–Saturday, July 17–19. The City of Ann Arbor is sharing information and reminders to help guests, residents, community members and vendors prepare for and enjoy the experience.
Sign up for art fair emergency alerts
Anyone familiar with summertime in Michigan knows the potential for severe weather. It’s always a good reminder to keep an eye to the sky for signs of storms and listen for the outdoor warning sirens. All planning to attend the art fair are urged to take their safety one (simple) step further by signing up for Ann Arbor Art Fair urgent alerts via the city/county emergency alert system, Everbridge. It's easy to do and can be completed in an instant from your mobile phone. These notifications will only share crucial safety information in the event of weather and other emergencies and only during the fair dates. To sign up, text A2ARTFAIR (in all caps, no spaces) to 888777.
As high temperatures also historically accompany Ann Arbor Art Fair, please take necessary precautions to keep cool and comfortable. Dress in loose-fitting, breathable clothing; wear sunscreen; stay hydrated and bring a water bottle for free refills at one of many Ann Arbor Water refill stations; and leave pets safely at home, as the heat and hot pavement are dangerous to animals, too. First aid stations will be located in Liberty Plaza, on the corner of South Division and East Liberty streets, and at Ingalls Mall, near North University Avenue and Fletcher Street. See the official art fair map (PDF) for locations, as well as other services, features and more.
In addition, be ever mindful of where you can find immediate indoor shelter nearby should the need arise.
Safety is a shared responsibility
The Ann Arbor Police Department will, again, have a strong presence at this year’s fair with ongoing foot and bike patrols, and a mobile police station will be located near Fifth Avenue and Division Street. Barriers at fair perimeters will be in place to further enhance visitor safety.
The public can also play a part in helping to keep the event safe by remembering: If you see something that seems out of place or suspicious, report it to local law enforcement. Fair attendees can be prepared by adding the local dispatch non-emergency number in their mobile phones, 734.994.2911, and, in the case of emergency, calling 911. When making a report, provide the cross streets and, if applicable, the nearest vendor booth number. Another resource, the Michigan State Police Stop a Plot initiative shares common warning signs to recognize, risk factors to be aware of, how to confidentially report suspicious activity, and also tips and resources to help someone who might be at risk.
Getting around town
The city notes it’s important to keep in mind summer is also the season for road construction — in addition to the event, itself — that will be taking over many city streets. Know where to turn and areas to avoid by checking the road and lane closures webpage as the event nears for a list of streets with planned closures. While on this page, you can subscribe to be notified of planned road and lane closures in the city. The official art fair map (PDF) also provides information on vehicle and bike parking, as well as shuttle stops.
CTN
Find out about events leading up to this year's art fair and more highlights directly from Ann Arbor Art Fair officials. Check out CTN’s special Ann Arbor Art Fair edition of FYI, with art fair executive directors Karen Delhey (Summer Art Fair), Angela Kline (Street Art Fair: The Original) and (interim) Frances Todoro (State Street District) as they share the exciting details. CTN is also featuring Ann Arbor Art Fair programming from years past, available to search and watch anytime. And be on the lookout! CTN cameras will be at the fair Thursday and Friday, interviewing artists and fairgoers. Be sure to stop and say hello on camera … or perhaps just a subtle waive or smile to staff — off camera — if you’re shy!
Find complete Ann Arbor Art Fair event details at https://www.theannarborartfair.com/.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Wondrash, Communications Director, lwondrash@a2gov.org