Ypsilanti's Heritage Festival to offer annual favorites, new fun throughout the weekend
The 33rd annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival kicks off this afternoon and runs through Sunday evening in Ypsilanti's downtown districts and Riverside Park.
This year the festival is celebrating the history of World War II and will offer a mobile interactive military museum for visitors to explore.
“It has been pointed out to us over and over that 50 years ago is history to our kids and how important it is for them to know what the people of Ypsilanti did for the country in World War II,” Heritage Festival co-director Cathy Bennett said.
The military museum is a re-creation of a World War II encampment that will give kids and visitors a hands-on experience and allow them to pick up and touch the guns, artillery, tanks, jeeps, uniforms and everything else used in a World War II encampment.
The museum will also have eight personnel in World War II uniforms interacting with visitors.
"We want the kids to feel and see everything that grandpa and grandma felt during the war,” Bennett said. “No one will be told ‘Put that down.’”
Among the new features this year is the finals of the Ypsilanti Idol contest, which will be held on the main stage in Riverside Park from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Over the last several months, contest organizers have been searching for the city's top vocal talent and selected 12 finalists from three age groups who will compete for first place at the Heritage Festival.
The Depot Town Merchant’s Association is setting up a stage at the intersection of River and Cross Street outside of Sidetrack in Depot Town and hosting an auction and live music from noon-8 p.m.
All proceeds from the auction will go to help the Merchant’s Association provide startup money for free public events they host, such as the Chili Cook Off, Saint Pawddy’s Day Dog Parade and Thursday Night Cruise Nights.
Auctioneer Steve Gross said the 30-minute auction — which he described as more interactive and fun than a standard auction — will start at noon and the best items will be up for bid first. Among the items are Tigers tickets, a scenic flight for two on a small airplane, dinner packages, an acoustic guitar autographed by James Taylor and more.
Immediately following the auction is seven hours of live music by local acts playing a variety of genres including rock, rock opera, rockabilly and more.
Ypsilanti High School graduates can reunite for a second year at the “Once a Brave, Always a Brave” Ypsilanti High reunion. All Ypsilanti High graduates over 21 are invited to attend. The gathering is scheduled between 5 p.m. and midnight on Saturday in the beer garden.
This year’s beer garden will not have any gambling as in the past, but Bennett said it will offer food from Buffalo Wild Wings.
All the annual favorites also return. The Eastern Michigan University-sponsored rubber duck race and raffle takes place in Riverside Park at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets and ducks are available all weekend in Riverside Park on the Cross Street bridge.
The Haab’s third annual bed race is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Saturday on Pearl Street between Huron and Washington Streets, and the Rotary Club hosts its annual pancake breakfast between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Cross and Huron Streets.
The Heritage Festival parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Ballard Street and Michigan Avenue. It travels east on Michigan through downtown Ypsilanti before turning north on Huron Street. From there it moves north to Cross Street and turns west before disbanding at Washington Street.
The Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse are exhibiting all weekend progress in restoring the historic building, and the group will hold a happy hour on its deck with live jazz from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday. Entry is $2 and there will be a cash bar.
Comments
Terrin Bell
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
PS: The festival in general has really suffered over the years. About twenty years ago, they'd have a Circus in Frog Island. Carnival rides up on Washington Street. I high wire act in Riverside park. People would be walking around in costumes. It was a lot of fun. Now half the fair is businesses with booths set up. Disappointing. I remember when I was kid (many years ago), some folks wanted to build a Ceder point like place by the HUron Street exit on 94 across from the Marriot Hotel owned by Eastern. The City of Ypsilanti killed the idea because they thought it would interfere with their Heritage. Now there is car dealers, a MacDonald's and Buffalo WIld Wings there. I can't help but thinking a big amusement park probably would have done more for the local economy.
Terrin Bell
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
I walked to the beer tent. I thought it was closed because there was so few people. Then I discovered there was no gambling. Who thought of that? Gambling by the River with friends and family really was a great way to end the day. I walked home.
Faygo
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
Wings are no replacement for charity black jack. Without gambling, it will just be a crowded tent in the middle of a park with a crummy, over priced beer selection, no running water, and no shuffle board... i'll take the Tap Room.
Austin
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
I would have happily gone and gambled away all of my money to charity in the Millionaire's Tent, but it looks like that's been canceled this year. Bad idea. The tent was always packed. Looks like I'll get my chance to finish up some last bits of yard work before fall hits.
Ypsi
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
Well Austin looks like we are just going to have to play poker and remember the good old days....this really sucks though
jns131
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
I hate to say it, but there isn't much new this year. We are debating as to whether or not to go. Seems same O to us. Otherwise, like with the Ann Arbor Art Fair, staying home and painting the house.
Steve McKeen
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
Each year this event become less about 'heritage' and more about funnel cakes.
Bob Krzewinski
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
And also, to get to the Heritage Festival, consider riding your bicycle right to the heart of the event and have your bike "valet parked". Free, guarded valet bike parking will be offered by Bike Ypsi, St. Joes Mercy Hospital, the Friends of the Border To Border Trail and the the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition. The parking spot is on Cross Street, just east of Huron, and the hours are Saturday, August 20th from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday, August 21st from 11am until 6pm. Also, a few other "non-motorized" events at the Festival... Children's Bicycle Helmet Give-Away – St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, through a donation from the Huron Valley Ambulance, will be giving away free children's bicycle helmets at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival Health Tent from 12noon to 1pm Sunday, August 21st. Proper fitting of helmets by Club volunteers will also be provided. Saturday Bike Fest – There will be a Ypsilanti Bike Fest at the Heritage Festival bike valet parking location (Cross Street, just east of Huron Street) on Saturday, August 20th from 12noon until 4pm. Area bike organizations will distribute material, maps and offer general advice. Also there will be a bicycle mechanic on duty (courtesy of Ypsilanti Cycle – <a href="http://www.ypsilanticycle.com)" rel='nofollow'>www.ypsilanticycle.com)</a> to give free minor adjustments. A "Biking Basics" talk will be given at 12 noon covering safety checks, cycling and the law, and minor maintenance items. Water Street Trail Walks – Short (30-45 minute) walks on temporary Border To Border walking trail along the Huron River in the Water Street development area. 7pm Friday, August 19th, 1pm Saturday, August 20th and 1pm Sunday August 21st. Meet at the south end of Riverside Park, at the bottom of the steps leading up to Michigan Avenue.
DonBee
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
Let's hope for nice weather! This is the most fun that one can have on a lazy August Weekend!