5 ways to stay cool at the Ann Arbor Art Fair
Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:40 a.m. to indicate an excessive heat warning was issued.
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Ann Arbor Art Fair attendees line up to refill their water bottles Wednesday at a hydrant fountain at the corner of East Liberty and Maynard streets.
Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Ann Arbor and much of southeast Michigan through 8 p.m. Friday. Ann Arbor has been under a heat advisory since noon Tuesday -- which will make for 3.5 consecutive days of 90-degree temperatures.
Here are five ways to stay as cool as possible while touring the Ann Arbor Art Fair:
1. Hop on the trolley
If you want to see the whole art fair but don't want to hike during the heat, rides are $1 per person per day on the air-conditioned A2 Art Trolleys.
Take a seat and enjoy gawking at the art and sweaty people on the sidewalk that weren't as clever as you. The trolleys travel a loop route between all four fairs and stop eight times and run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Chill out under a misting station
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The misting station at South University and South State.
Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com
Sponsored by Kalahari Resorts and Convention Centers in Sandusky, the misting station is in a tent most easily identified by large translucent panels with scenes of Africa.
3. Take air conditioning breaks
Whether it’s a restaurant, shop or a public building, take care to cool down in an air-conditioned building throughout the day to reduce your body temperature.
The longer you go without cooling down, the more at risk your body becomes to succumbing to heat-related illnesses, according to health officials.
Washtenaw County Public Health announced a list of organizations that are specifically opening their doors as cooling locations to the public.
4. Hunt down a fire hydrant drinking fountain
Staying hydrated is key to surviving the heat, as persistent dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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A drinking fountain at the corner of South University and State.
Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com
- South University and East University
- S. State and South University
- North University near Ingalls Mall
- E. Liberty and Maynard
- S. Main at E. Liberty
5. Get off the street
If you can’t find an air-conditioned spot, find a shady tree to sit underneath. Wander away from the art fair's asphalt streets -- which radiate heat -- to a grassy area on your way between booths.
Trees and benches on the University of Michigan campus offer a nice respite as you make the trek from the State Street area to the South University fair.
Bonus: Observe from afar
Check out AnnArbor.com's time lapse video of the art fair and our live stream of activity on East Liberty Street online.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
Anyone who goes to the Art Fair in this heat, would do well to seek competent psychiatric help... you must be nuts!
jcj
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.
The state of mind of those that attend in this heat is about the same as those that write 5 articles a day ignoring real news in the mean time.
spaghettimonsters
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
I saw an infant at the Art Fair yesterday and couldn't understand why anyone would think that was a good idea--just don't do it, people! Leave small children and dogs at home!
JRW
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
Exactly. Why people feel they need to drag infants and small children to a hot, crowded event is beyond me. It's unsafe for them and very unpleasant. How can they possibly enjoy themselves at 100 degrees heat index?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Thanks for covering these great additions to Art Fair!
Brighton mom
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
If you do go PLEASE leave your dog at home! I was there yesterday and saw too many dogs! Their poor feet can't take the heat of the pavement.
Bubba43
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:02 a.m.
Don't go