More Room to Revel at DIYSF 2012
(DIY Press Release, Ferndale 115 News, Aug. 23, 2012)
DIY Street Fair presented by Your Metro Detroit Chevrolet Dealers brings additional space for local vendors, musical acts
DIY Street Fair – the annual 3-day Ferndale event celebrating local artists, crafters and businesses adopting a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethic – is expanding its footprint for 2012, extending the former fair area, which bordered 9 Mile Road near the Ferndale Library, on to 9 Mile Road itself, with additional vendors and an additional concert-grade stage area. DIY Street Fair presented by Your Metro Detroit Chevrolet Dealers takes place Friday, September 14th through Sunday, September 16th.
The event, which launched its first weekend street fair in 2008, is celebrating its 5-year anniversary.
“DIYSF, as an event, hit the ground running 5 years ago with threads crisscrossing through it that caught more and more momentum in each passing year. Just as the artists hone their skills we are consistently doing the same,” said Chris Johnston, event founder and co-owner of Woodward Avenue Brewers, The Emory and The Loving Touch establishments near the event site. “I think we’re going to show a lot of people a great time in Ferndale again this September.”
The marketplace will hold nearly 130 hand-selected local crafters, artists, businesses and charities. The planning committee saw a record number of applicants this year. “We were able to add about 30 more vendors, thanks to the extended footprint. We’re amazed at all of the genuine talent and enthusiasm,” said Emily Husband, a DIYSF coordinator.
New for 2012:
DIY 5k 2012 charity run:
Saturday, September 15 @ 10AM, starting at Woodward Avenue Brewers. Proceeds benefit Ferndale Public Schools’ art programs. Registration online at http://www.active.com/running/ferndale-mi/diy-5k-2012
More Bands:
64 local and regional original bands performing throughout the weekend on three stages
More vendors:
130 local vendors offering handmade, original, unique and one-of-a-kind products
Ferris Wheel Rides:
Giant ferris wheel anchoring the fair area and marking the Nine Mile Road entrance, improving pedestrian traffic flow between DIYSF and Funky Ferndale art fair
Beer tents:
2 Beer tents offering a wide variety of Michigan beer selections
Food Offerings:
Favorite local food trucks and restaurants will be on site serving a wide variety of dishes – including vegetarian selections – along with locally produced ice cream and coffee
What distinguishes DIYSF?
While the event has caught on to wild popularity in Ferndale and surrounding areas, it is still catching on elsewhere throughout the region, where often the first perception is how it compares to another major annual outdoor weekend event.
- Free to attend: with free activities for kids, families and fair-goers of all ages
- Purely local: local sponsors, no national vendors
- Nighttime Marketplace: vendors stay open late into the evening
- Michigan brewers: bringing more than 30 varieties of locally produced beverages – consumption permitted throughout the fair area
- Mindful experience: DIYSF aims to produce a traditional fair experience focused on friends and neighbors. The DIYSF Kids Zone offers educational, hands-on experiences that promote the DIY ethic; “no elephant ears here,” says area coordinator Krista Johnston
- Entertainment: All performing bands have a tie to the local area and are passionate about the quality and authenticity of their work. Many have self-produced and/or self-released recordings.
- Local record shop: Royal Oak-based UHF records will be on site to sell local merchandise on behalf of the performing bands
- Philanthropy: DIYSF hosts a shared community tent where local charities can raise funds through the sale of DIYSF-provided lemonade, popcorn, and cotton candy
- Green: Diligent about reducing waste wherever possible, the fair wrapped its first annual event with just one bag of trash, and the same practices continue. Free water is provided to patrons to minimize plastic bottle usage, and beer is served in reusable cups
Event location:
South-East Quadrant of 9 Mile Rd and Woodward Avenue, spanning the Ferndale Public Library parking lot, Troy Street and the city parking lot (Falvey Lot) behind Woodward Avenue Brewers in Ferndale.
Event hours:
Friday, September 14, 2012, 6PM-Midnight*
Saturday, September 15, 2011, 11AM-Midnight* (Kids Zone noon-6)
Sunday, September 16, 2011, 11AM-11PM* (Kids Zone noon-6, Marketplace 11-6)
* Free musical performances each evening until 2AM at the Jack Daniels Landing Pad (The Loving Touch)
Information: at diystreetfair.com
Check out our previous coverage:
