June 10, 2008 issue
Ypsilanti offers numerous summer events, festivals

By Krystin Jarrell

 

Although the Eastern Michigan University campus quiets down over the summer months, the city of Ypsilanti doesn't slow down. Summer in this city equals opportunities to attend some historic, patriotic, exhilarating and surprising events.  

"Besides an excellent opportunity to showcase our beautiful historic city, these events provide an estimated economic impact of $1 million dollars to the area," said Debbie Locke-Daniel, executive director of the Ypsilanti Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This includes spending in retail shops, restaurants, overnight stays in area hotels and B&Bs. From Elvis to the Heritage Festival to historic car shows, we have something for everyone."

DOWN THE HATCH: More than 100 beers will be available for sampling at the Michigan Brewer's Festival July 25-26 in Riverside Park.

Among the events, the Michigan Brewer's Festival, scheduled July 25-26, is one of the most popular. As many as 5,000 people converge at Riverside Park in Historic Depot Town to sample more than 100 beers prepared by breweries throughout the state. Brewery personnel will be available to talk with guests and educate connoisseurs about the art of beer making. Live music and food is available. For more information, go to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Ypsilanti's Independence Day Parade, scheduled July 4, is one of Michigan's oldest and most prestigious celebrations. The parade showcases the Ypsilanti community, the state of Michigan, and the patriotic pride of America. It begins at 11 a.m., at Wallace Boulevard, continues down Cross Street and ends at Rice Street in Depot Town.

A tribute to Camaro race cars will be the theme of this year's Camaro Superfest, set for July 5-6. The competition class has been expanded and awards will be given to Camaro racers. To register for the event or for more information, go to www.camarosuperfest.com.

REMEMBERING THE KING: Dwight Icenhower is one of the Elvis tribute artists who will perform at the Michigan Elvisfest July 11-12.

Ypsilanti will relive the spirit of the King during the Michigan Elvisfest, July 11-12. This event is one of the largest Elvisfest concerts in North America with performances by the best professional Elvis Tribute Artists in the country. The hip-gyrating young Elvis, the smooth-toned middle years and the later Las Vegas Elvis will all converge in Ypsilanti's Riverside Park. For more information, go to www.mielvisfest.org.

After a 24-year hiatus, the North American Triumph Challenge returns to Michigan, Aug. 4-8. This event, sponsored by the Detroit Triumph Sportscar Club, will include a Triumph Spitfire rebuilt in 48 hours and a keynote address by author/columnist Burt Levy. The average attendance of a Vintage Triumph Register National has ranged from 200 to 325 cars. For more information, go to www.natc2008.com/.

BACK IN TIME: A Civil War encampment is one of many activities that takes place at the annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival.

The annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, scheduled Aug. 15-17, draws families from all over the Detroit Metropolitan area. Activities include: historic tours, a Civil War encampment, arts and crafts, stage entertainment, a Children's Village and the infamous rubber duck race. Contests will be played and food will be available. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.ypsilantiheritagefestival.com.

Michigan's best historical firehouse will display dozens of vintage fire trucks at Ypsilanti's Riverside Park, Aug. 23, at the Annual Fire Truck Muster. For more information, go to www.michiganfirehousemuseum.org.

"This summer, we have a few new music events in Riverside and Frog Island parks," Locke-Daniel said.

The WCC Jazz Band hosts "Jazzy Nights" at Frog Island every Wednesday at 7 p.m., through July 9.

The Ypsilanti Community Band will perform "Stars and Stripes Forever," Tuesday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m., in Riverside Park at the pavilion.

A "Crossroads Music Festival" will take place on downtown Washington Street every Friday from June 1 through Sept. 12. Some of the local and regional bands that will perform are October Babies, Sixteen More Miles, Disregarded, The Afternoon Round, Jesse Passage & the Lodge, View, Bugs Beddow Band, Paul Miles, Hullabaloo, Abra Wise and more.

For a complete listing of summer events and activities, or for more information about the featured events, go to www.ypsilanti.org or call (734) 483-4444.