It's Art Fair week in Ann Arbor!

[1gobluedem]

If you're planning to attend, please let this townie, who has worked almost every single Art Fair since the mid-80s, offer some advice.

1. Please leave your furry friends at home. If you claim to be an animal lover, you will leave your pet at home in comfort and not straining at the edge of a leash, panting for air in the tight crowds, eating spilled junk food, while walking on blazing hot pavement. Every year we do an interview with the Humane Society on this topic and every year I see miserably unhappy dogs at Art Fair.

2. Please reconsider the SUV-sized stroller. There just isn't enough room to maneuver it through the crowds. And consider getting a sitter and not taking your babies and toddlers to Art Fair in the first place. It's no fun for them to swelter in their strollers; they get hot and cranky and take the pleasure out of your day too.

3. Remember that there are people behind you so don't keep stopping dead in the middle of the street to decide where you want to go next or to sort through your bags.

4. Park at Briarwood, Pioneer, or Webers and take the shuttle. Unless you get there early in the morning, the chances that you you'll find a spot near the fairs is slim and your slowing down to look up every driveway you pass is hard on those of us who are just trying to run an errand or get to work.

5. Remember that the no open alcohol on the street is a state law and act accordingly. It doesn't change at Art Fair time and berating the poor cashier who tells you that doesn't do a thing.

Don't get me wrong, we love having you here for Art Fair and hope you have a great time. Be sure to check out the non-profits on Liberty Street; lots of great bumper stickers, yard signs, etc. to pick up and take home. And don't miss the sidewalk sales; particularly Van Bovens on State St. where they put all their expensive shoes on sale and Footprints on South U with 60% off some Birkenstocks. It's the best time to stock up. And visit the WEMU booth on North U and Thayer near Mr. B. and his boogie woogie piano. We'd love to see you!