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Fairs, Shows, and Sales
There's plenty of art and art fairs in Ann Arbor those other 361
days a year. A busy museum and gallery circuit provides many
openings and shows to choose from. Each month you'll find antique
shows, charity sales, and community festivals.
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2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival.
The WEMU Stage
Dining for Dollars: HIV/AIDS Resource Center Fund-raiser.
 Wednesday
May, 2008
6 p.m.
Dining for Dollars:
HIV/AIDS Resource Center Fund-raiser. A gala dinner at Zingerman's Roadhouse and a "Local Heroes"-themed silent auction. Also, appetizers and a cash bar.
Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Rd. $100-$125. 572-9355, ext. 240.
6:45 p.m.
Native Plant Exchange and Sale:
Wild Ones. All invited to bring in plants native to the area to swap with other local gardeners. Also, sale of native flowers, vines, woody plants, and shrubs from the Native Plant Nursery. Advance orders available.
Native Plant Nursery, 3052 Nordman (south off Packard just west of Platt). Free admission. 662-9997.
 7-8:30 p.m.
2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival.:May 14-19 (different locations). Ann Arbor celebrates its love affair with books with a 5-day festival that kicks off today with a reception at the downtown Borders for authors of 6 of the 2008 Michigan Notable Books, including northern Michigan journalist Mike Fornes (Mackinac Bridge: A 50-Year Chronicle, 1957-2007), ESPN.com columnist (and former Great Lakes Indoor Football League player) Ted Kluck (Paper Tiger: One Athlete's Journey to the Underbelly of Pro Football), Detroit artist Tyree Guyton (Connecting Dots: Tyree Guyton's Heidelberg Project), architecture historian Diane Maddex (Alden B. Dow: Midwestern Modern), John Otterbacher (Sailing Grace), and PBS cooking show host Eric Villegas (Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas). Also tonight, at 7-8:30 p.m. at the AADL Pittsfield Branch, a slide-illustrated talk by University of Arizona entomology professor Stephen Buchmann on "Disappearing Honeybees and Bumblebees: What's Happening to Our Pollinators?" The festival also includes an opening reception at the Ann Arbor District Library on May 16, the premiere of the film adaptation of local writer Laura Kasischke's The Life Before Her Eyes on May 16, a street fair on May 17, and an author home tour and an antiquarian book fair on May 18 (see listings). Also, a Language & Literacy Symposium ($10 by reservation at 994-8100) at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District on May 15, 4:30-8 p.m., and a Writers Conference ($100 in advance only at aabookfestival.org) on the U-M campus, May 18, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Also, in conjunction with the festival, a scavenger hunt to area bookstores and libraries (May 1-17), an opening reception for the traveling exhibit Up North with the Hemingways on May 9, and readings in local bookstores on May 12, 13, 14, 17, & 18 (see listings). Note: A complete, updated schedule of events is available at aabookfestival.org.
Borders, 612 Liberty, & AADL Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church Rd. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free. 369-3366.
 Friday
May, 2008
6-7:30 p.m.
2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival.:See initial listing on 14 Wednesday. Tonight: an author reception features a chance to meet several of the writers attending the festival. Also, classical and folk music by harpist Deborah Gabrion. Refreshments.
Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 369-3366.
8-11 p.m.
"Hometown Hootenanny":
Avalon Housing. Dancing to 2 top-notch local bands. Billy King & the Idylls is a local country-flavored pop-folk band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist King. Orpheum Bell is a local self-styled acoustic "country and eastern" quintet whose music pairs country-folk rhythms with Gypsy melodies, drawing on a diverse range of influences from the Carter Family, Grandpa Jones, and Gillian Welch to Kurt Weill, Tom Waits, and the Pogues. Its core sound blends vocals, accordion, guitar, and double bass, with additional texture and luster from violins, clarinet, percussion, and autoharp. Also, a fast-paced auction of donated items from local businesses, including Frog Holler Farm heirloom bedding plants, a Jiffy Mix sampler, Sweet Gem Confections treats, grass fed lamb, fresh eggs and milk, and more. Cash bar. A benefit for Avalon Housing, a local nonprofit agency that currently owns and manages over 173 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in 15 sites scattered around town.
Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley. $15 minimum donation in advance and at the door. 663-5858.
 Saturday
May, 2008
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ann Arbor Antiques Market.:May 17 & 18. From its small Farmers' Market niche 30 years ago, this show has grown to national importance, with more than 300 antiques and collectibles dealers. It's the nation's largest monthly antiques show, and some say the best. No reproductions are allowed, experts check every booth, and the items' authenticity is guaranteed. Deliveries available. Food concessions. No pets. Managed by Nancy and Woody Straub.
Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6 (children age 12 & under accompanied by an adult, free). Free parking. (937) 875-0808 (before the show), 429-3145 (day of show).
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Car Show:
Varsity Ford. Classic car owners invited to show up in their rides and put them on display. All invited to cruise through the exhibit or view it on foot. Also, an indoor swap meet for buying, trading, or selling car parts and auto stuff. Raffle, refreshments, and an appearance by Detroit-area oldies DJ Rockin' Ronnie. Proceeds benefit U-M Mott Children's Hospital.
(swap setup, 7 a.m.), Varsity Ford, 3480 Jackson Rd. Free. Donations accepted. 996-2300.
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Garage Sale:
Old West Side Association. May 17 & 18. Many Old West Side residents hold garage sales for 2 days.
Old West Side neighborhood. Free admission. 763-4190.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The WEMU Stage:on North University includes a presentation of children's writing (12:30-1:30 p.m.), a reading by New York poet and graphic novelist Danny Simmons (2-3 p.m.), poetry readings by local teens from Volume Poetry Project (3:30-4:30 p.m.), and the performance poet and songwriter Regie Gibson (5-6 p.m.).
North University area. Free. 369-3366.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment Show & Annual Meeting:
Waterloo Farm Museum. May 17 & 18. Display of more than 100 vintage vehicles from collectors and clubs around Michigan. Also, a chance to tour the exhibit with Farm Museum members after the annual business meeting (with a free lunch) on May 18.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. 5 miles north from I-94 exit 153), Waterloo Recreation Area. Free. 426-9135.
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Flower Sale:
Carpenter Elementary School. A sale of flats, potted plants, hanging plants, and baskets. A benefit for the Carpenter PTO.
Carpenter parking lot, 4250 Central Blvd. Free admission. 971-5903.
Noon-6 p.m.
"5th Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes":
National Association of the Remodeling Industry. May 17 & 18. Tour of 9 homes in Washtenaw County with remodeled kitchens, baths, sunrooms, and more.
various locations. $10. 665-3055.
12:30-1:30 p.m.
6th Annual Plant Swap:
Garden Faerie . All invited to swap labeled annuals, perennials, shrubs, veggies, herbs, seeds, and gardening tools, ornaments, magazines, and books. Cake and lemonade provided. Rain or shine.
Southeast Area Park, Platt at Ellsworth. Free. 975-6865.
2:30-8:30 p.m.
"Buddha's Birthday Celebration":
Zen Buddhist Temple. May 17 & 18. The most festive occasion of the Buddhist year begins today with the 7th Annual Buddha's Birthday Poetry Event. All poets are invited to read a poem. Today's events conclude with an "Evening Celebration" (6 p.m.) that includes a buffet with vegetarian hors d'oeuvres, entrees, and dessert. Followed by a program of music and storytelling by performers TBA. Also, on both days tea is served, and new and used Buddhist books are on sale.
Zen Buddhist Temple, 1214 Packard at Wells. All events are free, except tonight's celebration (adults, $12; students, $6; small children, $5; families, $30). Tickets available in advance and at the door. 761-6520.
7-10 p.m.
Grand Opening:
Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair. A robot dance-off and a robot-themed puppet show by local 826michigan youth writing center students to celebrate the opening of this shop in the 826michigan space. (See Marketplace Changes, p. 115.) Refreshments.
Liberty Street Robot, 115 E. Liberty. Free. 761-3463.
 Sunday
May, 2008
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ann Arbor Antiques Market.:From its small Farmers' Market niche 30 years ago, this show has grown to national importance, with more than 300 antiques and collectibles dealers. It's the nation's largest monthly antiques show, and some say the best. No reproductions are allowed, experts check every booth, and the items' authenticity is guaranteed. Deliveries available. Food concessions. No pets. Managed by Nancy and Woody Straub.
Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6 (children age 12 & under accompanied by an adult, free). Free parking. (937) 875-0808 (before the show), 429-3145 (day of show).
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Garage Sale:
Old West Side Association. Many Old West Side residents hold garage sales for 2 days.
Old West Side neighborhood. Free admission. 763-4190.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artisan Market.:Every Sunday. Show and sale of fine crafts, jewelry, soaps, furniture, fiber arts, and gift items. Also, live music TBA.
Farmers' Market. Free admission. 665-2009.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
30th Annual Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair:
Ann Arbor Antiquarian Booksellers Association/Ann Arbor Book Festival. More than 40 dealers from 8 states offer manuscripts, vintage photos and prints, antique maps, and a wide array of old, rare, curious, and fine books, including cookbooks, art books, long out-of-print children's books, first editions, early Americans, Michigan history, travel and exploration, and more. This popular annual event has established itself as one of the country's top regional antiquarian fairs. Admission charge benefits the U-M Clements Library.
Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 donation. 995-1891.
11:45 a.m. & 1:45 p.m.
2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival.:See initial listing on 14 Wednesday. Today: "Author Home Tour." Bus tour of former residences in the area of various notable writers, including W. H. Auden, Robert Frost, Arthur Miller, and others.
bus leaves from Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw. $12. Preregistration required at aabookfestival.org. 369-3366.
Noon-6 p.m.
"5th Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes":
National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Tour of 9 homes in Washtenaw County with remodeled kitchens, baths, sunrooms, and more.
various locations. $10. 665-3055.
Noon-5 p.m.
Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment Show & Annual Meeting:
Waterloo Farm Museum. Display of more than 100 vintage vehicles from collectors and clubs around Michigan. Also, a chance to tour the exhibit with Farm Museum members after the annual business meeting (with a free lunch) on May 18.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. 5 miles north from I-94 exit 153), Waterloo Recreation Area. Free. 426-9135.
"Buddha's Birthday Celebration":
Zen Buddhist Temple. See initial listing on 17 Saturday. Today's program begins at 9 a.m. with the telling of the story of Buddha's birth and the traditional "Bathing of Baby Buddha" with sweet tea. It is followed at 11 a.m. by the "Peace and Happiness Street Parade" for children of all ages. Kids invited to bring decorated bikes, strollers, hats, banners, and flags. At 1 p.m., a panel discussion on "Buddhism in the Workplace"
with Odds and Eaves owner Lessy Bass, Snedicor Drycleaning owner Jim Gilligan, and Starbucks regional supervisor Matt Lecki. Followed by discussion. Also, an introductory lecture-demonstration on Zen meditation (3 p.m.) and an evening program (7:30 p.m.) that includes chanting and lighting of traditional lotus lanterns, along with scriptural readings by representatives from other area Buddhist groups. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
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