Ever wonder how this Ann Arbor phenomenon got started? Ann Arbor is just another sleepy college twon in the summer so the South University merchants got together (I think 51 years ago) and wanted to draw people to their summer sales -- an amazing idea at the time -- (but pretty common these days) -- let's hold an art fair! And this grande dame was born.

Ever wonder if it paid off of those merchants? Here's the story: http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/art-fair-sidewalk-sales/

What else is going on there? How about this cool street performer video: http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/performance-art-raises-questions-at-the-street-art-fair/

There was an amazing iPhone app for all the information about the fair -- where the shuttles were, when they'd be in your area, how to find artists. Technology has definitely invaded the shows. Here's a cool round up from bloggers, YouTube.com, Twitter and Facebook from visitors to the Fair: http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/your-voice-what-fairgoers-are-seeing-saying-online-friday-morning/

The award winners from the Street Art Fair, The Original: http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/street-art-fair-announces-award-winners/

And, it couldn't be Ann Arbor without high winds and heavy rain and power outages: http://www.annarbor.com/news/storms-down-trees-knock-out-power-across-washtenaw-county/
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  • I have a unique insight into the merchant side of the A2 art fairs because I ran a shoe store on South University for a few years in the mid '70's. In fact, I learned more about marketing and merchandising from those employers, who's forte was buying failing businesses and turning into gold mines. Inspite of the hype, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs are for the merchants. It is a vital 4 days and is the difference, for many, between staying in business and going out of business. We did 30% of our yearly sales in those 4 days. We would take all the leftover merchandise from our 8 stores and sell it at a drastically reduced price. The hardest thing for any small business is selling the merchandise that doesn't sell. They buy everything with the hope that every style sells, but, mistakes are made and there are always left over stuff, after the markdowns and sales are over. This is basically "dead" merchandise that not only takes up space, but, ties up cash that could be used to buy fresh merchandise. After a few years that dead merchandise gets larger and larger. The A2 art fairs allow merchants to sell this merchandise freeing up valuable cash. It's critical for the life of any small retail business. That is why the whole town embraces it and it's why there are 4 shows and booths everywhere.
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