The intersection of State and Liberty streets amidst the Art Fair mayhem

Tip #3: Survive ENJOY the Ann Arbor ART FAIR! Ahh, the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. For an impressive 500,000 locals and visitors from across the country, Art Fair is an exciting if not chaotic opportunity to soak in all that is quirky and unique to Ann Arbor.

Kicking off tomorrow, July 15^th, the four-day Fair will take over the State Street area, from South University to Williams Street, and the Main Street area, from William to Huron, and Ashley to Fifth Avenue. As far as carrying on your usual routine throughout these next four days? Forget about it. Driving and/or finding parking? Not a chance. Thick crowds, scorching heat, and resulting impatience? More than likely.

But before you book the fastest flight out of here, Ann Arborians, consider this: last year, I braved the storm and emerged with a beautiful bracelet handmade by a local crafter, a pair of designer jeans marked down to $25 (thank you, Bivouac), and a newfound appreciation for the fine arts, on display by the hundreds. I sipped on a smoothie purchased from one of countless street vendors, overlooked a free digital media workshop courtesy of The Motion Picture Institute of Michigan, engaged in dozens of conversation with shop owners, artists and tourists alike, and even enjoyed a free Matt Nathanson concert hosted by Ann Arbors 107.1 on South University Street.

This year, in what marks the Art Fair’s 50^th anniversary, you can count on an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from 175 of the nation’s finest visual artists, in addition to plentiful food and entertainment, children’s activities, and  of course, the most fabulous sales of the year from local businesses (hello, $25 premium denim!). So, embrace your inner townie and see for yourself what all the fuss is about! You won’t regret it. For complete information on the 50^th Ann Arbor Art Fair, including a full listing of artists and entertainers, check out www.artfair.org

-LH