A2 townie party was a blast

I hope many of you had a chance last night, as my wife and I did, to attend the annual pre-art fair tradition, the townie party.

Held on the grounds just south of Rackham Hall on North University, it is a collaboration of free music, giveaways and art created by local kids and teens.

My wife bought a lovely bracelet from a young artist for only $2, and the look on the girl's face when she made the sale was very sweet. It was a mixture of amazement, joy and pride all rolled into one.

There was row upon row of similarly wonderful art, and the prices were fantastic. It is good to know Ann Arbor incubates artists from such a young age.

The music attracted a large crowd as well, as did the many booths of local businesses and organizations giving away freebies and promoting what they do.

I talked with representatives from the proposed Ann Arbor Skate Park, who were raising funds and getting the word out about their cause. Many people, in fact, could be seen sporting temporary skate park tattoos that organizers were happy to affix to them, all in an effort to help raise the $1 million said to be needed for the endeavor.

All in all, my wife and I had a wonderful time and the rain held off until the later evening.

For those of you new to town this year, and who perhaps missed the event, try it out next year. It will give you a new appreciation for the calm before the art fair storm, and provide a new understanding of some of the best things going on in the city.