Calling all foodies and those who like a good value – Ann Arbor Restaurant Week begins this Sunday! If you didn’t get your fill of fantastic food over the holidays, you have one last chance without feeling the guilt. Local chefs are putting together special menus to highlight their best culinary skills during this week long celebration. Prices have remained the same as last year, with $12 lunches and $25 dinners. These fixed priced menus generally offer 3 course meals, with a choice of items, and a select few will be offering 2 for 1 deals. Here is a list of participants:

Downtown Ann Arbor Restaurants:

Outside of Downtown Ann Arbor

The holiday season is here and promises to be bigger and better than ever in Ann Arbor. There are plenty of holiday activities and unique, local shopping experiences in and around town. Here are a few of the things going on in the month of December.

Saturday, December 3

• 40^th Annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale. Dexter Area Historical Museum, 3443 Inverness St, Dexter. 9am-3pm. Hand-made gift items for sale, baked goods, raffle, and a visit from Santa between 10:30-Noon.
• Christmas at the Mansion. Gordon Hall, 8347 Island Lake Rd, Dexter. Noon-6pm. Donation of $1/child and $5/adult. Stroll through the mansion, beautifully decorated by Dexter local businesses along with 6^th grade classes, while enjoying cookies, cider, a live holiday ensemble, and a visit by Santa.
• Saline Holiday Parade. Downtown Saline at 5:30. Annual parade featuring marching bands, floats, horses and more, followed by the arrival of Santa.
• All the Trimmings Holiday Show. Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12. Free entry and refreshments. A wide array of offerings from jewelry to fiber arts to wood carvings, holiday greens and more.
• 24^th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday. Downtown Chelsea, various locations. A fun-filled weekend holiday celebration that begins Friday evening with Santa’s arrival to light the Christmas Tree at Pierce Park at 6pm, followed by many activities and entertainment until Sunday evening. Visit chelseafestivals.com for a complete schedule.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

Sunday, December 4

• Christmas at the Mansion. Gordon Hall, 8347 Island Lake Rd, Dexter. Noon-6pm. Donation of $1/child and $5/adult. Stroll through the mansion, beautifully decorated by Dexter local businesses along with 6^th grade classes, while enjoying cookies, cider, a live holiday ensemble, and a visit by Santa.
• 24^th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday. Downtown Chelsea, various locations. A fun-filled weekend holiday celebration that begins Friday evening with Santa’s arrival to light the Christmas Tree at Pierce Park at 6pm, followed by many activities and entertainment until Sunday evening. Visit chelseafestivals.com for a complete schedule.

Friday, December 9

• Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. Reception 5-9pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Saturday, December 10

• Sing Along with Santa. Presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 South 4^th Ave, Ann Arbor. Begins at 4pm, tickets are $10. A great family event, including a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, festive songs, cookies & cider.
• Tiny Expo. Downtown Ann Arbor at 325 Braun Court. 10am-7pm. An indie arts & crafts fair featuring local artists, food, film, and libations.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-6pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.
• Treasure Trail to Santa. Busch’s Shopping Center, 565 E. Michigan Ave. Free. Follow the treasure trail through the center shops and enjoy entertainment, refreshments, carriage rides, animals, and look for Santa.
• Ann Arbor Antiques Market Special Holiday Show. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 8am-4pm. Shop your favorite antique market for unique gifts. Inside heated buildings.

Sunday, December 11

• Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-4pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Friday, December 16^th

• Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.
• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Saturday, December 17^th

• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm & 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

Sunday, December 18^th

• Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!
• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Chanukah Wonderland at Briarwood Mall. 100 Briarwood Circle, near the Sears wing. From Tuesday 12/20-Friday 12/23 & Monday 12/26-Tuesday 12/27. Times vary. A virtual, fun-filled Chanukah experience, including: arts & crafts, Lego Menorah contest, and interactive displays.

Monday, December 26^th

• Chanukah on Ice. Ann Arbor Ice Cube 2121 Oak Valley Drive. $25/family, $8/person before 12/24 or $30/family or $10/person. Starts at 5pm. Skate to Chanukah music and sample traditional Chanukah foods, followed by dinner, then view a 5’ Menorah built from ice.

If we’ve forgotten anything, please leave us a comment with the event name and location. With so many holiday events and gatherings with friends and family, you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! If you are considering selling your Ann Arbor home, after the holidays is a great time to get started. Beat the spring rush and call us today to find out the value of your Ann Arbor, Saline, or Dexter home and what you need to do to get it ready. And be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website to search the Ann Arbor MLS for homes and get the most up-to-date information!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in Michigan and always reminds us of why this is a great place to live. The Ann Arbor area has so many fun activities planned to keep you entertained until the holidays arrive. So get out and enjoy the crisp air, sunny days, and gorgeous fall colors. Here are some of the local events planned through Halloween.

Ongoing:

• Wiards Orchards & Country Fair and Night Terrors. 5565 Merritt Rd. Ypsilanti. Hours & prices vary. http://www.wiards.com
• Wasem Fruit Farm. 6580 Judd Rd., Milan. 9am-6pm daily. http://www.wasemfruitfarm.com
• Dexter Cider Mill. 3685 Central, Dexter. Hours vary. http://www.dextercidermill.com
• Jenny’s Farm Market. 8366 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. http://www.jennysdextermarket.com
• The Blast Corn Maze. 6175 Daly Rd., Dexter. Hours & prices vary. http://www.blastcornmaze.com
• Corn Maze at Talladay Farms. 6270 Judd Rd., 6-10pm. $6/maze or $10 for both. http://www.talladayfarms.com
• Chelsea Fear Grounds. 20501 W. Old US-12, Chelsea. State of the Art Haunted Attraction. Hours & prices vary. http://www.chelseafeargrounds.com

Friday, September 30^th

• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-8pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.

Saturday, October 1^st

• 19^th Annual Apple Daze. Monument Park in Downtown Dexter. Hosted by the Dexter Lions Club. 10am-5pm. Classic car show, arts & crafts, pony rides, hay rides to the Dexter Cider Mill, kids games, bounce house, pie eating contest, live entertainment, raffles, and more.
• Chicken Broil. Dexter Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. 11:30am-6pm. Chicken dinner with all of the fixings. $9.
• Harvest Art Market: Silver Maples of Chelsea. 10am–4pm. Free. Art display and sale with a variety of media by Michigan artists, demonstrations, bake sale, entertainment.
• South Lyon Pumpkinfest. Downtown South Lyon. 9am-11pm. Free. All ages fun including children’s activities, live music, beer tent, movie nights, and much more.
• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-8pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.

Sunday, October 2^nd

• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-5pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.
• Chicken Broil. Dexter Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. 11:30am-6pm. Chicken dinner with all of the fixings. $9.

Saturday, October 8^th

• Indian Art & Frontier Show: Frontier Antiques. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $4 admission. Cultural & commercial artifacts from early fur trade through western Indian wars on display and for sale. Appraisals also being done.
• 18^th Annual Appleumpkin Festival & Waterfest. Downtown Tecumseh. 9am-6pm. Free. Arts & Crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, haunted house, kid’s activities, build-a-scarecrow and more.

Sunday, October 9^th

• 18^th Annual Appleumpkin Festival & Waterfest. Downtown Tecumseh. 10am-5pm. Free. Arts & Crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, haunted house, kid’s activities, build-a-scarecrow and more.

Saturday, October 15^th

• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 8am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.

Sunday, October 16^th

• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 10am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.
• Trick or Treat Down the River. Ann Arbor Park & Rec. Noon-4pm. Gallup Park Canoe Livery 3000 Fuller Rd. $22/boat. Paddle Gallup Pond and collect candy from costumed characters.

Friday, October 21^st

• Halloween Hullaballoo. Saline Area Parks & Rec. 1866 Woodland Dr. E, Saline. 5:30-8pm. $9 (pre-register at 429-3502) Crafts, games, contests, and more.

Saturday, October 22^nd

• Hallow-Harvest. Cobblestone Farm Association. 2781 Packard, Ann Arbor. Noon-4pm. Donations accepted. A living history festival, includes: a costume parade, prizes, crafts, games, animals.

Sunday, October 23^rd

• Halloween Fun at Hudson Mills Metropark. 10am & 1pm. Purchase tickets in advance. $6/child, $3/adult. Activities, cider, doughnuts, and hay rides.
• Hallow-Harvest. Cobblestone Farm Association. 2781 Packard, Ann Arbor. Noon-4pm. Donations accepted. A living history festival, includes: a costume parade, prizes, crafts, games, animals.

Saturday, October 29^th

• Boo Bash. Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor. 6-8pm. Free. Kids 12 and under are invited to come trick or treat at the mall stores, plus activities.

Sunday, October 30^th

• Art on the Farm. 12075 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. 10am-4pm. Art show and sale by 30 local artists of all mediums. Live music and refreshments.

Monday, October 31^st

• Halloween Treat Parade. Downtown Ann Arbor. 11am-5pm. Wear your costume and trick-or-treat at businesses displaying orange and black balloons.

Here at The Bouma Group, we think Ann Arbor is a great place to call home. Not only is it beautiful in any season, there is never a lack of fun things to do. If you are planning on relocating to Ann Arbor, or just want to learn more about the Washtenaw County area and see what’s going on in the Ann Arbor real estate market, contact us at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com, we’d love to talk about our city with you!

If you aren’t already planning on heading up north, as us Michiganders like to do, and are looking for some fun this Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of things happening in Ann Arbor and the greater Detroit area. From community fairs to performances to football, there is something going on for everyone.

Saturday, September 3

• University of Michigan Football vs. Western Michigan University. 3:30pm at The Big House, Downtown Ann Arbor.
• Eastern Michigan University Football vs. Howard University. 7pm at Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti.
• Saline Community Fair. 9am-late evening at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Fair rides, food, and fun with animals, tractor pulls, motocross, a parade, and much more.
• Old St. Patrick Labor Day Festival. Noon-11pm at 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor. Free event. Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, cake walk, Vegas tent, silent auction, Corvette car show, and much more. Pulled pork dinner on Saturday and Chicken dinner on Sunday.
• Detroit International Jazz Festival. Downtown Detroit. Free event. 5 stages of live music that showcases the best in Jazz, poetry slams, kids bop, and art. Saturday fireworks.
• Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Downtown Hamtramck. Carnival rides, Art Fair, 5k race, live music, Canoe race in the street, parades, polka, food, pub crawl, and much more.
• Arts, Beats, & Eats Festival. Downtown Royal Oak. Featuring over 250 live performances including many big named musicians, over 70 restaurants showcasing their best food, a fine art show, puppet show & kid’s activities, and more.

Sunday, September 4

• Dancing in the Streets. Downtown Ann Arbor at Main and Liberty. Free Event. 4 areas with different styles of dance to live music for the public to participate in. Includes: Swing, Family, Scottish & English Country, Contra, Cajun, Belly , and Middle Eastern dancing.
• Saline Community Fair. 9am-late evening at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Fair rides, food, and fun with animals, tractor pulls, motocross, a parade, and much more.
• Old St. Patrick Labor Day Festival. Noon-11pm at 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor. Free event. Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, cake walk, Vegas tent, silent auction, Corvette car show, and much more. Pulled pork dinner on Saturday and Chicken dinner on Sunday.
• Detroit International Jazz Festival. Downtown Detroit. Free event. 5 stages of live music that showcases the best in Jazz, poetry slams, kids bop, and art. Saturday fireworks.
• Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Downtown Hamtramck. Carnival rides, Art Fair, 5k race, live music, Canoe race in the street, parades, polka, food, pub crawl, and much more.
• Arts, Beats, & Eats Festival. Downtown Royal Oak. Featuring over 250 live performances including many big named musicians, over 70 restaurants showcasing their best food, a fine art show, puppet show & kid’s activities, and more.

Monday, September 5

• Henry Ford Museum. Target Family Fun Days offers free parking and admission to the museum packed with activities, music, a scavenger hunt and more.
• Saline Community Fair. 9am-late evening at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Fair rides, food, and fun with animals, tractor pulls, motocross, a parade, and much more.
• Old St. Patrick Labor Day Festival. Noon-11pm at 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor. Free event. Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, cake walk, Vegas tent, silent auction, Corvette car show, and much more. Pulled pork dinner on Saturday and Chicken dinner on Sunday.
• Detroit International Jazz Festival. Downtown Detroit. Free event. 5 stages of live music that showcases the best in Jazz, poetry slams, kids bop, and art. Saturday fireworks.
• Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Downtown Hamtramck. Carnival rides, Art Fair, 5k race, live music, Canoe race in the street, parades, polka, food, pub crawl, and much more.
• Old St. Patrick Labor Day Festival. Noon-11pm at 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor. Free event. Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, cake walk, Vegas tent, silent auction, Corvette car show, and much more. Pulled pork dinner on Saturday and Chicken dinner on Sunday.
• Detroit International Jazz Festival. Downtown Detroit. Free event. 5 stages of live music that showcases the best in Jazz, poetry slams, kids bop, and art. Saturday fireworks.
• Arts, Beats, & Eats Festival. Downtown Royal Oak. Featuring over 250 live performances including many big named musicians, over 70 restaurants showcasing their best food, a fine art show, puppet show & kid’s activities, and more.

With so many Labor Day weekend activities, you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! We are always available to talk with you about your Ann Arbor home’s value or help you search for a new place to call home. So give us a call at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com – and be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website to view Ann Arbor Neighborhoods, Ann Arbor Condos Communities, and the most up-to-date information for buyers and sellers!

With summer in full swing, the local activities heat up and offer a little something for everyone in the Ann Arbor area. From Dexter Daze to the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival to the Chelsea and Saline Fairs, the final month of summer will keep Ann Arbor families entertained until the first day of school. Here are some of the local fairs and events throughout the month of August.

Wednesday, August 3

• Fiddlers and Fast Cars. 6-10pm. Downtown Ann Arbor on Main Street between William and Liberty. Free. Features classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods with musical performances by the award winning Saline Fiddlers.

Friday, August 5

• Michigan Roots Jamboree. 3pm-midnight. Riverside Park near Depot Town, Ypsilanti. $15/day or $50/weekend pass, includes camping at Frog Island. Music on 2 stages, kids tent, local artist displays, local food and national brewed beers. For schedule, visit http://www.rootsjamboree.com/.
• Saline Summerfest. 5-11pm. Downtown Saline. Live music, craft/art show, kid’s activities, beer & wine tent, charity ‘Casino Night’, limbo contest. http://salinesummerfest.org/
• Dance Party in the Park. 7pm. Carr Park in Downtown Manchester. $15 or $25 includes dinner. Dance to live Cajun music led by Al Berard, world renowned Cajun fiddler, Louisiana style dinner, cash bar, and silent auction. http://riverfolkfestival.org/

Saturday, August 6

• Michigan Roots Jamboree. 10am-midnight. Riverside Park near Depot Town, Ypsilanti. $15/day or $50/weekend pass, includes camping at Frog Island. Music on 2 stages, kids tent, local artist displays, local food and national brewed beers. For schedule, visit http://www.rootsjamboree.com/.
• Saline Summerfest. 7am-11pm. Downtown Saline. 5k run walk, kid’s fishing contest, craft/art show, car show, kid’s games, kid’s bands, trolley tours, live music and more. http://salinesummerfest.org/
• 34 Annual Dixboro Fair. 10am-6pm. Dixboro Village Green, Plymouth Rd. at Cherry Hill. An old fashioned community fair with an art/craft show, petting zoo, baked goods, moonwalk, live music and more.

Sunday, August 7

• Horse Show: Spur of the Moment. 8am-7pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Horseback riding competition featuring western, English, and halter events. Races and games begin at 3pm.

Friday, August 12

• Dexter Daze. 9am-11pm. Monument Park in Downtown Dexter. Arts and Crafts show with kid’s entertainment, live music, sidewalk sales, social tent, steak fry, and festivities all around town. For schedule and more info visit: http://dexterdaze.org/

Saturday, August 13

• Dexter Daze. 9am-11pm. Monument Park in Downtown Dexter. Parade, Arts and Crafts show, kid’s entertainment, live music, sidewalk sales, social tent, chicken broil, and festivities all around town. For schedule and more info visit: http://dexterdaze.org/
• Antique Tractor, Truck, & Farm Equipment Show. 10am-5pm. Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 13493 Waterloo-Munith Rd, Chelsea. Free – $5 admission. Showcase of historic and modern tractors and equipment, including steam powered machines.

Sunday, August 14

• Antique Tractor, Truck, & Farm Equipment Show. Noon-5pm. Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 13493 Waterloo-Munith Rd, Chelsea. Free – $5 admission. Showcase of historic and modern tractors and equipment, including steam powered machines.

Friday, August 19

• 32^nd Annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. Noon-8pm. Riverside Park, Frog Island Park, and Depot Town Ypsilanti. Huge, award winning festival that includes: live music, food, arts/crafts show, museum tours, civil war re-enactments, kid’s activities, beer garden, and much more. Visit http://ypsilantiheritagefestival.com/ for a full schedule.

Saturday, August 20

• 32^nd Annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. 10am-8pm. Riverside Park, Frog Island Park, and Depot Town Ypsilanti. Huge, award winning festival that includes: a parade, live music, food, arts/crafts show, museum tours, civil war re-enactments, kid’s activities, beer garden, and much more. Visit http://ypsilantiheritagefestival.com/ for a full schedule.
• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 8am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.
• Vintage Truck & Tractor Show. 11am-4pm. Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave, Saline. $1 donation. Vintage truck, tractor, and fire engine display, wagon rides, tours, and animals.

Sunday, August 21

• 32^ndAnnual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. 11am-4pm. Riverside Park, Frog Island Park, and Depot Town Ypsilanti. Huge, award winning festival that includes: a parade, live music, food, arts/crafts show, museum tours, civil war re-enactments, kid’s activities, beer garden, and much more. Visit http://ypsilantiheritagefestival.com/ for a full schedule.
• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 11am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.

Tuesday, August 24 – Saturday, August 27

• 74^th Annual Chelsea Fair. Aug 23 5-10pm & Aug 24-27 1-10pm. Fair rides, animal shows, truck & tractor pulls, demolition derbies, 5k walk/run, and so much more. For details, visit http://www.chelseafair.org/fair/.

Friday, August 26

• Super Kicker Rodeo. Gates open at 4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free-$10. Bull riding, calf roping, etc., kids games, mechanical bull, live music and more.

Saturday, August 27

• German Park. 4-11pm at 5549 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor. Free-$5 admission. German music and dancing, entertainment, food, beer, and fun.
• Super Kicker Rodeo. Gates open at 4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free-$10. Bull riding, calf roping, etc., kids games, mechanical bull, live music and more.

Sunday, August 28

• Super Kicker Rodeo. Gates open at 4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free-$10. Bull riding, calf roping, etc., kids games, mechanical bull, live music and more.

Tuesday, August 30 – Saturday, September 4

• Saline Community Fair. Noon-dusk on 8/30. 9am-late evening 8/31-9/4. Fair rides, food, and fun with animals, tractor pulls, motocross, a parade, and much more. Visit http://salinefair.org/events.htm for more info.

With so many events in August you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! We are always available to talk with you about your Ann Arbor home’s value or help you search for a new place to call home. So give us a call at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com – and be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website for the most up-to-date information!

Next week is the start of one of Ann Arbor’s favorite annual events: The Ann Arbor Art Fairs. This is a fantastic time of year when artists from all over the country come together to showcase their best work and put on the area’s best art show. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs is actually a combination of 4 juried fairs, including the original Ann Arbor Street Fair, the State Street Area Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair. These fairs have made the Top 10 Fairs list every year since 2004, and have received countless accolades. In its 52^nd year, this year’s fairs promise to be at the top for 2011!

Kicking off the Ann Arbor Art Fairs is the Townie Street Party on Monday, July 18^th from 5-9:30 on Washington St. between Thayer & Fletcher. This fundraiser will feature live music, food, drinks, and free art activities for the kids. If you’d like to celebrate in style, you can enjoy the festivities from The Terrace, a covered VIP lounge with hors d’oeuvres and a private bar.

Once the fairs begin, attendees will be entertained and impressed with fine art in every medium presented by over 1100 artists, street performances, art activity zones, artist demos, The Fountain Stage, merchant displays and sidewalk sales, local cuisine, and a festive atmosphere. Parking is available downtown, but you can also park and ride from 2 locations, Briarwood Mall and Pioneer High School. And if you get tired of walking, just hop on one of the trolley’s to cruise to your next destination.

If you been thinking of an investment, besides a new piece of art, and want to be a part of the chic, yet eclectic Ann Arbor lifestyle, a downtown condo may be perfect for you. Downtown Ann Arbor condos are priced at an all-time low and there are many great deals out there! Contact us at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com to make an appointment with one of our professional buyer’s agents to visit one of these impressive condo communities: Ashley Terrace, Loft 322, Ashley Mews, Sloan Plaza, Tower Plaza, One North Main, or Liberty Lofts. For instant active and sold listing information on all Ann Arbor Condos, visit the Ann Arbor Condo Hotline, the premier source for information!

As the Ann Arbor Summer Festival winds down, the events heat up! Haven’t had a chance yet to visit downtown Ann Arbor and see what this fantastic cultural event has to offer? No worries, you still have a fun-filled week left to get down there and see what all of the excitement is about. Following is a schedule of events for the third and final of the festival. All events are at Top of the Park and free of charge (although donations are appreciated) unless otherwise noted.

2011 Ann Arbor Summer Festival Week 3
Entertainment Lineup and Supporting Activities

Saturday, July 2
5:00 PM Retreat: Capoeira
5:00 PM Hana Malhas
6:00 PM Joe Summers Gypsy Jazz Trio
7:00 PM The Rusty Wright Band
9:00 PM Thornetta Davis
10:30 PM After Dark with powdrblu

8:00pm – Taylor Mac in Concert
“Comparison Is Violence or The Ziggy Stardust Meets Tiny Tim Songbook
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre | $25 General Admission (mature audiences)

Sunday, July 3
4:30 PM Ariel & Zoey & Eli, Too
5:00 PM Retreat: Middle Eastern Dance
6:00 PM AADL’s Kids Rock Series: Recess Monkey
6:00 PM Detroit Fire Guild
8:00 PM The Ultrasounds
10:00 PM Megamind

Monday, July 4 (Top of the Park DARK)
7:00 PM 33 1/3 Reading/Listening Party at Arbor Brewing Company

5:00 & 8:00 PM The Capitol Steps – Comedy/Political Satire
Power Center | Tickets $30-$45

Tuesday, July 5
6:30 PM Tree City and the ContraBand
8:00 PM The Terraplanes
10:00 PM E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Wednesday, July 6
6:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
6:30 PM One Love Reggae Band
7:30 PM Acrobatic Demo on the Lawn with Tom Tom Crew
8:00 PM Rupa & the April Fishes
10:00 PM An American in Paris

Thursday, July 7
6:30 PM Carolyn Striho Group
8:00 PM The Juliets
10:00 PM Monty Python & the Holy Grail

5:00 & 8:00 PM – Tom Tom Crew
Family Circus & Acrobatics
Power Center | Tickets $25-$40, kids $10

Friday, July 8
5:00 PM Dixon’s Violin
6:00 PM Timothy Monger
7:00 PM Nadir
9:00 PM Foundation of Funk with Valerie Barrymore
10:30 PM After Dark with Teddy Ruck-Spin

Saturday, July 9
5:00 PM Retreat: Yoga
5:00 PM Jetty Rae
6:00 PM Stella!
7:00 PM The Saints of Soul
9:30 PM Ella Riot
10:30 PM After Dark with Professor Purple

8:00 PM – Pink Martini
Hill Auditorium | Tickets $25-$55

Sunday, July 10 | So Long Sunday (Closing Night )
5:00 PM Retreat: Pilates
5:00 PM Mr. Seley & the Troublemakers
6:00 PM Detroit Fire Guild
6:00 PM Igor & Red Elvises
8:00 PM George Bedard & the Kingpins
10:00 PM Footloose

For ticketing availability and info, visit The Ann Arbor Summer Festival website. Did you get a chance to attend the festival? Let us and our readers know about your experience, we’d love to hear about it!

Whether it’s your first visit to Ann Arbor, or you’re a lifetime resident, The Bouma Group can meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can answer any questions you have about downtown Ann Arbor condos, Saline homes, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood. Give us a call today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. And, be sure to check out our Condo Hotline, Washtenaw County’s premier source for information!

When: June 17 – July 10, 2011
Main Venues: Top of the Park at Ingalls Mall on Washington Street
Power Center for Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher
Hill Auditorium , 825 N. University
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University
Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival, a major cultural event in the Ann Arbor community, is here for its 28^th season and promises entertainment for the whole family! This celebration features indoor and outdoor performances, with over 100 scheduled events including: music, dance, comedy, film, theater, circus, and street arts. Top of the Park, the most well known outdoor venue, hosts movies under the stars, After Dark late-night DJ series, Wind Down Wednesday wine tasting, and Kids Rock family concert series, just to name a few. Indoor venues vary and feature a variety of contemporary performing artists. There are also many off-site exhibitions and events. Following is a schedule of events for Week 2 of the festival. All events are at Top of the Park and free of charge (although donations are appreciated) unless otherwise noted.

2011 Ann Arbor Summer Festival Week 2

Entertainment Lineup and Supporting Activities

Friday, June 24
5:00 PM Nathan K.
6:00 PM Jim Roll
7:00 PM Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys
9:00 PM The Millionaires
11:00 PM After Dark with Body Rock and Wally Sparks

Saturday, June 25
5:00 PM Retreat: BollyFit
5:00 PM String Cheese
6:00 PM Royal Garden Trio
7:00 PM Funktion
9:00 PM NOMO
11:00 PM After Dark with Subvader

8:00 PM Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers
An Evening of Bluegrass and Banjo
Power Center | Tickets $55-$75

Sunday, June 26
5:00 PM Retreat: Gyrokinesis
5:00 PM Patrick Elkins & the Rainbow Vomit Family Band
6:00 PM Detroit Fire Guild
6:00 PM AADL’s Kids Rock Series: The Boogers
8:00 PM Madcat, Kane & Maxwell Street
10:00 PM ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Monday, June 27 (Top of the Park DARK)
7:00 PM 33 1/3 Reading/Listening Party at Arbor Brewing Company

Tuesday, June 28
6:30 PM Lake Folk
8:00 PM Mike Smith and His Cadillac Cowboys
10:00 PM The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with live carillon accompaniment

Wednesday, June 29
6:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
6:30 PM Los Gatos
8:00 PM Zap Toro
10:00 PM Inception

8:00pm – Los Lonely Boys w/special guest Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys
Power Center | Tickets $30-$45

Thursday, June 30
6:30 PM Nervous But Excited
8:00 PM Chris Bathgate
10:00 PM Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Friday, July 1
5:00 PM Hannah Winkler
6:00 PM Dave Boutette & John Latini
7:00 PM Lady Sunshine & the X Band
9:00 PM The Third Coast Kings
11:00 PM After Dark with DJ Special K

8:00pm – K.D. Lang & The Siss Boom Bang w/special guest The Belle Brigade
Hill Auditorium | Tickets $35-$75

For ticketing availability and info, visit The Ann Arbor Summer Festival website. Check back here on our blog next week for the Week 3 schedule. Have you been to the festival before? If so, leave a comment and share your favorite events with our readers!

And when you’re done partying at the festival, remember that The Bouma Group can meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can answer any questions you have about downtown Ann Arbor condos, Dexter homes, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood. Be sure to check out our Condo Hotline, we’ve got a handle on the Ann Arbor condominium market!

It only happens twice a year and the second week of the annual Ann Arbor Restaurant Week will be here June 12-17. This is the time for local chefs to show off their skills as participating restaurants offer fixed price lunch and dinner specials throughout the whole week. Lunches are $12 and 3 course dinners are $25. Many restaurants will also be offering 2 for 1 deals as well.

Ann Arbor Restaurants Included:

• Arbor Brewing Company
• The Arena Sports Bar & Grill
• Argiero’s
• Bandito’s California Style
• *Bar Louie
• The Black Pearl

• The Blue Nile
• Blue Tractor
• Café Felix
• Café Japon
• Carlyle
• Carson’s American Bistro
• The Chop House
• Conor O’Neill’s
• *The Original Cottage Inn
• The Earle
• Grange Kitchen & Bar
• Gratzi
• Grizzly Peak
• Jamaican Jerk Pit
• Jazzy Veggie
• Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
• Logan
• Mahek
• *Mani Osteria & Bar
• Marnee Thai Restaurant
• Mediterrano
• Melange Bistro
• The Melting Pot
• Mercy’s
• *Metzger’s
• Miki Japanese Restaurant
• Old Town Tavern
• Pacific Rim
• *Parthenon
• Prickly Pear Cafe
• *The Quarter Bistro
• Real Seafood Company
• Sabor Latino
• Sava’s on State
• Seva
• Shalimar
• Silvio’s Organic Pizza
• Vinology
• Weber’s

*new participant this summer

So come on out and try that new Ann Arbor restaurant you’ve been hearing about! After spending the day looking for homes in the Ann Arbor Real Estate market with a member of The Bouma Group, hit up one of these great eateries for a fine meal at a discounted price. For more information and to view menus and 2 for 1 offers (if available) for each place, visit the Ann Arbor Restaurant Week’s website.

Saturday, May 28^th

• Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.
• Celebrate Memorial Day at Your Museum. 12-4pm at the Washtenaw County Historical Museum at 500 N. Main St., Ann Arbor. Learn more about ‘Decoration Day’ and make a traditional wreath or a card to send to a vet.
• Pops on Broadway. 2-4pm. Free outdoor concert at Riverside Park in Depot Town. The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘A Salute to Broadway’ with a picnic immediately following. Bring a lawn chair and be ready for a great time.

Sunday, May 29^th

• Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.
• 27^th Annual Memorial Day Observance. 2pm at Arborcrest Memorial Park at 2521 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor. In attendance will be local Veterans associations, Boy Scout troops, and guest speakers.

Monday, May 30^th

• Memorial Day Parade, Glacier Area Home Owners Association. Ann Arbor. 10am the parade leaves from Greenbrier Park at Frederick and continues to Bardstown, Windemere, and Barrister. Kids are welcome to decorate their bikes and join in along with the Huron High drum line, Girl & Boy Scout troops, and more. A brief memorial service in the Glacier Highlands Park will follow.
• Memorial Day Parade, Chelsea American Legion. 10am the parade begins at the municipal parking lot downtown and ends at the Oak Grove cemetery where there will be a ceremony.
• Memorial Day Parade, Dexter American Legion. 10am the parade begins at Inverness and Main and continues to Monument Park. Refreshments at the Dexter American Legion will follow.
• Memorial Day Parade, Milan American Legion. 9am at the Legion at 44 Wabash St. where there will be a ceremony followed by the parade on Main St. ending at Marble Park Cemetery.
• Memorial Day Parade, Saline American Legion. 10am the parade commences at the fire station on Michigan Ave. and continues to the Oakwood Cemetery for a memorial service with guest speakers.
• Memorial Day Parade, Ypsilanti. 9am beginning at North Huron & Michigan Avenue and ending at the Highland Cemetery, followed by a ceremony. There will be marching bands, a 21 gun salute and more.
• Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.
• Yankee Air Museum Annual Memorial Day. Begins at 8am with a pancake breakfast, followed by a pancake lunch. There will be kid’s activities and education, a Red Cross blood drive and more.

With so many Memorial Day weekend activities, you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! We are always available to talk with you about your Ann Arbor home’s value or help you search for a new place to call home. So give us a call at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com – and be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website for the most up-to-date information!