Aug
28
2008
Summer’s almost over, but Labor Day Weekend offers lots of fairs, festivals, concerts, and family-fun activities in and around Detroit. Don’t tell your boss I said so, but you might as well take Friday off, too–so much to do and see!
The Michigan State Fair
Last week, I
posted about the Michigan State Fair, which began on August 22. It continues this weekend through Labor Day.
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Belle Isle roars again this year with the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Race, with proceeds to support the beautification and maintenance of Belle Isle. Every year, Detroit families participate in “Free Prix Day”, where festival goers can observe qualifying races, see the drivers and cars up close, and enjoy food, beverages, and rides. There is no parking on Belle Isle during the Grand Prix. This year’s racing activities begin on Friday, August 29, and culminate with the big race of the American Le Mans Series, the IndyCar Series, and the SCAA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship on Sunday, August 31. The Grand prix is run by a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, chaired by Roger Penske. For further event and ticket information, visit the Grand Prix Website.
Chrysler Arts, Beats and Eats
Over 200 musical performances, 155 artist exhibits, and 50 restaurants will be featured at the 11th Annual Chrysler Arts, Beats, and Eats in
Pontiac. Starting Friday August 29 at 4 pm, and continuing through Labor Day at 8 pm, the Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival will also feature “Recycle and Bicycle”: making a difference by Going Green. Festival-goers will also have a chance to become amateur bloggers at the “Blogin Cafe’” equipped with 50 computer stations and guest celebrity bloggers. Local bands and musicians will be featured on several stages representing various music genres: smooth soul, jazz, r&b, rock, alternative, rockabilly, and techno. A complete listing of the cuisine, music, and art activities is available
here.
Detroit International Jazzfest
The 29th Annual Jazzfest (formerly known as “Detroit Montreux) will take place from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1 downtown at
Hart Plaza. This year’s theme is “A Love Supreme: the Philly-Detroit Summit”, featuring artists from both Philadelphia and Detroit. From Philly, artists include Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, pat marino, and Christian McBride, the 2008 Artist-in-Residence. Detroit music legends Barry harris, Geri Allen, Kenny Burrell, and Gerald Wilson will appear. Lalah Hathaway, Ravi Coltrane, and Brandon Lee are just a few headliners. Full information is available on the
website.
Shameless Plug: Please read my husband’s blog, The “D” Spot…
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Aug
15
2008
Fountains–have you seen the fantastic fountains in Detroit lately? Before summer slips away and the skies start to turn gray (hey, that rhymes!), take some time to revel in the beauty of Detroit’s outdoor fountains…
The Scott Memorial Fountain at Belle Isle
The Fountain at Grand Circus Park
The Woodward Fountain at Campus Martius
The Atrium Waterfall at Compuware HQ
The Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza
I know I missed the Atrium Waterfall at the International Center; as soon as I get a picture, I’ll add it to this post. Did I miss any others? Please let me know in the “Comments” Section…
Shameless Plug: please read my husband’s blog The “D” Spot…
If you enjoyed this post, please share it and subscribe to updates!
Jul
03
2008
—————-
Now playing: The Caravans - The Lord Will Make A Way
via FoxyTunes
Just as we start thinking about hauling our bikes out of the garage to save money on gasoline like our Governor who has started “biking to work”, the City has reminded us that we need a license for our bikes!
Detroit’s bicycle license ordinance states:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or use a bicycle propelled wholly or in part by muscular power upon any of the streets or sidewalks of the city without first obtaining a license therefore from the city.”
The ordinance has been in place since 1964; but the Detroit Police are going to start to actually enforce the ordinance again. They say it is to help locate/recover stolen bicycles, but if you’re caught without a license starting on August 7 2008, you’ll get hit with a $55.00 fine!
The cost is actually minimal: $5.00 for a 5-year license; it’s just something else to add to your “to-do” list! (I wonder if next they’ll pass a “no talking on your cell with biking” law!)
The licenses can be obtained at any of the six Detroit Police Districts between 9 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday. For further information, you can call the Detroit Police Office of Public Information: 313.596.2200.
Once you get that license, though, you can enjoy riding along the Detroit Riverwalk and around Belle Isle…the beauty and serenity will be worth it…not to mention great exercise! Also explore Campus Martius, Palmer Park, and Chandler Park (Chandler Park is part of the Wayne County Parks and Recreation System)…let me know in the comments section about other great places to ride your bike in Detroit!
Also check out “Detroit Bikes“, a group that promotes group riding tours around Detroit.
Happy Riding!
Belle Isle roars again this year with the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Race, with proceeds to support the beautification and maintenance of Belle Isle. Every year, Detroit families participate in “Free Prix Day”, where festival goers can observe qualifying races, see the drivers and cars up close, and enjoy food, beverages, and rides. There is no parking on Belle Isle during the Grand Prix. This year’s racing activities begin on Friday, August 29, and culminate with the big race of the American Le Mans Series, the IndyCar Series, and the SCAA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship on Sunday, August 31. The Grand prix is run by a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, chaired by Roger Penske. For further event and ticket information, visit the Grand Prix Website.
Over 200 musical performances, 155 artist exhibits, and 50 restaurants will be featured at the 11th Annual Chrysler Arts, Beats, and Eats in Pontiac. Starting Friday August 29 at 4 pm, and continuing through Labor Day at 8 pm, the Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival will also feature “Recycle and Bicycle”: making a difference by Going Green. Festival-goers will also have a chance to become amateur bloggers at the “Blogin Cafe’” equipped with 50 computer stations and guest celebrity bloggers. Local bands and musicians will be featured on several stages representing various music genres: smooth soul, jazz, r&b, rock, alternative, rockabilly, and techno. A complete listing of the cuisine, music, and art activities is available here.
