Downtown area associations join annual challenge to encourage people to visit Ann Arbor in January
ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.
Kerrytown District KindleFest canceled over pandemic concerns
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – This year’s KindleFest has been canceled due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, according to a message on the Kerrytown District Association website. It is hosted by the Kerrytown District Association and brings artisans, vendors and hundreds of attendees to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for a traditional German-inspired outdoor Christkindlmarkt. In addition to artisan and crafted goods, the evening KindleFest is known for traditional foods, mulled wine, music and a visit by Santa. As part of the event, downtown businesses in the area stay open late into the evening. “Our members encourage you to stay safe during this unprecedented time!," states the website.
In photos: Ann Arbor’s KindleFest and Midnight Madness
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Every year, hundreds of shoppers fill the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Kerrytown area during the annual KindleFest celebration. Organized by Kerrytown District Association, the Christmas Market coincides with Midnight Madness, a time where shops and small businesses in the downtown area stay open until midnight. (Sarah M. Parlette)Shoppers browse the wares of small businesses during the 2019 KindleFest. (Sarah M. Parlette)Carolers singing holiday tunes at the 2019 KindleFest in downtown Ann Arbor. (Sarah M. Parlette)Children pose with giant snowmen on 4th Ave. (Sarah M. Parlette)Downtown Ann Arbor during Midnight Madness.