JULY 10, 2026 COMMUNITY EVENTS letter to the EDITOR I’m lucky I live in the downtown core of Ypsilanti. Were it necessary for me to drive or bus into town I would have taken a pass on the 4th of July parade. I’m glad I was able to attend. It was an example of true Americana. No snark or vitriol, no saber rattling. Throngs of families, the high school marching bands, the classic cars Ypsi is famous for. Candy everywhere — I had teased my partner I was going to go full NFL to get candy. I didn't. This parade was an actual wholesome example of the United States so many of us wish for. So many of us grew up believing in. The USA we were taught in school. The USA we said The Pledge of Allegiance to every morning for years. Politics were present in the presence of different politically active organizations but they just gave out candy, waved and smiled. It was easy to forget amongst the ready politeness and shared smiles with strangers the fractures in our nation. Our deep community EVENTS 30TH ANNUAL ROLLING SCULPTURE CAR SHOW Friday, July 10, 2-10 p.m. downtown Ann Arbor. The Rolling Sculpture Car Show is a celebration of timeless design, unparalleled craftsmanship and the passion for classic cars. From sleek muscle cars to elegant vintage models, The Rolling Sculpture Car Show showcases over 300 automobiles spanning decades of automotive innovation. MILAN LAVENDER HARVEST FESTIVAL Saturday-Sunday, July 11-12, (Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.). Lavender Farm, 12040 Plank Rd. Milan. Stroll through 10,000 lavender plants in full bloom; take free photos in our fields with many photo props (cellphone only); purchase hardy purple and white lavender plants for your yard; participate in "U-PICK" lavender — and many more family friendly activities! $10 cash admission. Kids 12 and under are free! SUMMER GAME SPECTACULAR Saturday, July 11, 1-4 p.m. Veterans Park, 2150 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor. All invited to try some of the outdoor games in the AADL collection. Also, performances by local aerial and circus artists, bubbles, food trucks and more. PAINT THE TOWN BLOCK PARTY Tuesday, July 14, 5-9 p.m. downtown Ann Arbor. Formerly the Townie Street Party, this popular pre-Art Fair community event now includes activities and live music throughout downtown with events along Liberty and Main. Features participator art projects, chalk art demos (5 and 7 p.m.) by David Zinn, an instrument petting zoo (5-8 p.m.) led by members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, pickleball courts, live music by the local classic rock band Ain’t Dead Yet, dancing to music spun by DJ Batz, a silent disco dance party with tunes transmitted to dancer’s headphones (provided), and more. Food trucks. Also “Dart for Art” (6 p.m.) a 1-mile walk/run through downtown ($30 in advance at dartforart.org). For a complete schedule of events see theannarborartfair.com/ kickoff-events THE ANN ARBOR ART FAIR Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Thursday, Friday), 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. (Saturday), downtown Ann Arbor. Perennial multiday art fair houses more than 1,000 artists from Michigan and around the nation in three separate fairs. theannarborartfair.com YPSI PRIDE Saturday, July 18, 2-10 p.m. Depot Town, Ypsilanti. Join for full day and evening of LGBTQIA+ focused events, sales and performances. All ages welcome. Join in celebrating the beauty of differences, the power of unity, and the incredible stories that bring people together. Ypsi Pride is more than a celebration — it’s a declaration that the richness of the community lies in the stories shared, and in return, we all find strength and resilience. JAZZ IN THE PARKING LOT Saturday, July 18, 6-9 p.m. YCS Shadford Field, 2095 Packard Road, Ypsilanti. Bring a chair and enjoy the sounds of the Sean Dobbins Trio! Hustle lessons by StarLisa Henderson from Detroit begin at 6 p.m. — live music starts at 7 p.m. Food trucks and community resource vendors will be onsite! Kids 18 and under eat free with Meet Up Eat Up! This is a free event. Submit an event to be featured in the next edition: submissions@groundcovernews.com political divides didn’t seem so important for a couple hours. I can be verbose in my criticisms of 'Merica but I didn't feel any of that today. I felt part of a town with a long rich history. Rosie the Riveter was repped, one classic car kept stalling and of course each time, Michigan men stepped in without a thought for a push, as we do. We watched the parade but we watched the people around us more and I was proud of our town. I wonder what the 500th Fourth will look like. — Steven S. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Visit any of our five locations across town to browse books, magazines, newspapers, and more. Check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, or even home tools—you name it! Enjoy fast and free WiFi, study and meeting rooms, and plenty of comfortable spaces to relax or hang out. Public Computers The AADL has public-access Internet computers available for use by both cardholders and noncardholders at all five locations. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest WiFi speeds in town! Exhibitions at AADL In an effort to increase the visual education & artistic experience of all visitors, the Library’s exhibition program features local, regional, & national artists as well as traveling exhibits. Potential exhibitors can submit an application along with images of the actual works to be considered for review by the Library Exhibits Committee. Summer Game Code: ITSCOVERED FEATURED EVENT 5 LEGO Contest • Sunday, August 2 • Sheraton Hotel Enter your best LEGO project in AADL’s 21st annual LEGO Contest, held at the Sheraton Hotel. Learn more and explore the contest guidelines at aadl.org/LEGO!
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