Birmingham

Shoppers find deals and more at Day on the Town

By Tiffany Esshaki
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « File photo by Deb Jacques Birmingham resident Kimberly Otsuji checks out the deals on fall outerwear from Moosejaw. The recreation clothier was one of the many retailers to take their sales to the street at 2010’s Day on the Town. File photo by Deb Jacques Birmingham resident Kimberly Otsuji checks out the deals on fall outerwear from Moosejaw. The recreation clothier was one of the many retailers to take their sales to the street at 2010’s Day on the Town.

BIRMINGHAM — Shopping and sunshine and sales, oh my.

Birmingham’s largest shopping event of the year is returning downtown July 28 with more to do than ever before for everyone in the family, according to John Heiney, executive director of Birmingham’s Principal Shopping District.

“Day on the Town draws large crowds from all over the metro Detroit area. It’s packed full with excitement and activities from sunup to sundown,” said Heiney in a statement. “Birmingham is the place to be July 28.”

The annual outdoor event is more than 30 years old, said Heiney, and will once again tempt shoppers to the city’s downtown area to peruse sidewalk sales from more than 70 retailers in Birmingham.

Rachael A-Woods is the owner of ArtLoft art and gift shop, and she also helped to plan this year’s event. She said shoppers should come out to take advantage of incredible deals in a fun, festival-like environment.

“It’s just a day a lot of the stores bring out merchandise. There will be some great prices; expect 50 percent off and more. You’ll get a lot of amazing deals.”

A-Woods added that while customers will benefit from the lower prices on great finds, retailers from across Birmingham will use the opportunity to clear out some of their merchandise in anticipation of the coming holiday shopping season. ArtLoft will be one of shops participating in the sale, hauling loads of discounted merchandise out to the sidewalk to sell.

But according to Heiney, there’s so much more to do at Day on the Town than just shop. The streets of downtown will be blocked off to accommodate the sale, along with live entertainment on four stages. Malota’s Martial Arts Studio will give a demonstration for visitors, and Village Youth Theatre will be on hand for a special performance.

For the younger set, the Kid Zone will be back 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with an arts and crafts station, face-painting and more. Children can also show off their ride in the sixth annual Kids Bike Parade. The parade, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. that day, will be led by the Birmingham Police Department, accompanied by the Birmingham Brass Band. Kids can decorate their bikes for the chance to win one of the coveted titles in the bike decorating contest, including most creative, most patriotic, most fashionable and wackiest.

“This year’s Day on the Town will have an even bigger family focus than before,” said Heiney in an email. “In addition to our Kids Bike Parade, we will have several activity centers, including a climbing wall, bounce house and miniature golf course.”

New to the event this year will be special sections devoted to health and fitness-related vendors, as well as nonprofit booths.

“Many of our health and fitness businesses are joining our retailers for the event to educate visitors about their services and products,” said Heiney.

Guests can check out some cool cars during a preview of the upcoming Birmingham Cruise event, where classic cars will be on display.

With so much to do and free parking in all the city structures and meters, Day on the Town makes for a great time out with the whole family, according to A-Woods.

“It’s great for all ages, especially for people who love to shop. This is the day to get all those things you’ve been seeing in shops for great deals. We hope for great weather, but a little rain has never stopped this event.”

Day on the Town will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. near the intersection of Maple Road and Old Woodward Avenue. For more information, including a full list of activities and sponsors, visit www.Enjoy Birmingham.com.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Tiffany Esshaki at tesshaki@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1095.