While the 35th annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival continues to broaden its appeal by gearing new programming toward a younger generation, organizers of the three-day festival in Ypsilanti's parks still haven’t forgotten the “heritage” portion of the weekend.

That has YHF director Andy Clock predicting a more exciting festival this year, Aug. 16 through Aug 18.

“All around I feel like if we get the good weather, we’re going to have one of the best festivals we’ve had,” he said. “We have a truly amazing group of volunteers giving hundreds of hours to plan and produce our event, and I think they have hit a home run. We've packed in more family activities, more entertainment, more food, more art and even more Michigan beer than ever before.”

One of the new additions is bringing the DIYpsi (pronounced dip-see) Indie Art Show into the fold. The handmade arts and crafts show used to be a holiday season-only event but has grown in popularity and is now part of the YHF for a summer showcase of local artists' work.

Clock said he is also excited about the introduction of the Community Rebirth on Cross Street in Depot Town, which is acting independently of the Heritage Festival though with its support.

That will include a wide range of local music, artists and a farmers market on Cross Street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

YHF programming has also expanded to include something for kids of all ages.

All the children’s activities including BOYer the Magic Guy, Colors the Clown, the bounce houses, pony rides and more will return this year, but with the added bonus of it all being free. The craft tent will include activities by the Girl Scouts of America, FLY Art Center and the Ypsilant District Library among others throughout the weekend.

“We were hearing from parents that once they got down to the park, they had to pay for the really big shiny stuff … and we want to be a free festival, and when we say free, we want it all to be free,” Clock said.

The YHF also wanted to make the event more fun for teens. The Noise Permit! For Teens By Teens! is a teen zone that will cater to older kids on Saturday between noon and 6:30 p.m. at the Frog Island Park stage. The programming will include Drummunity, a drum circle, and performances by local teen music acts at the Noise Permit Show.

The Living History Encampment will feature powwow demonstrations, storytelling, dances and more from local Native American tribes.

Chautauqua at the Riverside will offer a series of musical, art, history and other shows that all tell a story about Ypsilanti’s history. This year’s Chautauqua is extra special because it was completed by friends of organizer Tom Dodd after Dodd passed away earlier this year.

Clock said the Michigan beers in the beer garden were a hit last year and this year’s selection of Michigan taps now includes the Saugatuck Brewing Company and Right Brain Brewery along with Wolverine State Brewing Company and Arbor Brewing Company. Miller Lite will also be served, and wine lovers can check out a Michigan wine list.

The lineup for this year’s musical entertainment includes dozens of bands, though Clock said he was pleased to have landed a number of popular artists like Thornetta Davis, the Ben Miller Band, Dragon Wagon, Black Jake and the Carnies, Moor City Josh, Jill Jack, and Josh Davis.

Clock said the YHF is expecting around 70,000 visitors throughout the weekend. The event struggled financially in recent years, though the Heritage Festival cut its losses from $26,000 in 2011 to $8,000 last year. Clock said he is pleased that the corporate sponsorship with lead sponsors like Cueter Chrysler has been successful, beer tent revenues are up and programming targeting teens and younger adults have made the festival more appealing to a broader portion of area residents.

Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter. Contact the AnnArbor.com news desk at news@annarbor.com.