ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s year-long celebration of the city’s bicentennial is shifting into high gear in May with more events planned to mark the city’s 200th anniversary.
Ann Arborites who like live music, art, bicycling and local history will find reasons to attend a variety of events planned from May 17-25, including an art exhibition, a Bicentennial Bikeapalooza and an official 200th birthday celebration that will shut down a block of Liberty Street downtown.
The city’s actual anniversary date is May 25, as it was on that date in 1824 when Ann Arbor co-founders John Allen and Elisha Rumsey officially registered the town’s name at a federal land office in Detroit as they bought hundreds of acres to start a new village on previously Native American land.
The city plans to close Liberty Street to cars between Division Street and Fifth Avenue for an official birthday celebration and picnic taking place at Liberty Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 25.
The street is expected to close starting at 9 a.m. for setup and reopen at 3 p.m. after the event.
The city is inviting community members to join the celebration and enjoy music, special guest speakers and bicentennial trivia, with tables, chairs, water and cake provided. Carry-out meals will be available from local restaurants or residents can bring their own picnic lunch.
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