New Arrival in Detroit

I am thrilled to announce that my husband and I welcomed our first child at 10:05 a.m. on June 13.

I will be taking a hiatus from blogging for a while to enjoy my new daughter. In the meantime, check out the sites in the Links list to the right for news and upcoming events going on in the Motor City.

Oh, and in case you were wondering -- I created the adorable Detroit onesie in the picture at Simply Colors.com in about five minutes. If you're looking for non-customized Detroit-inspired baby wear, check out Pure Detroit, Bureau and Detroit Shirt.

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Stand Up for Kids at Eastern Market

Current statistics estimate that there are nearly one and a half million kids, teens and young adults living on the nation's streets. Hard to believe, especially in a country as wealthy and prosperous as America.

Luckily, there are organizations like StandUp For Kids (SUFK) Detroit, which assists local at-risk and homeless youth through on-the-streets efforts, as well as deterrence and resource programs in schools and online.

One of the cool things about SUFK Detroit is that it isn't just an organization with a cool mission statement; this 501(c)(3) organization is actually doing things in the community. In fact, SUFK Detroit's next event -- its inaugural Youth Summit/Street Fair -- is coming up in less than two weeks. 

Designed to raise awareness of various youth-oriented services and organizations, the outdoor event will be held from noon - 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at Shed 5 in Eastern Market.

Attendees of this first-ever event can expect a wide range of activities, including:

On-stage entertainment including music acts, dance performances, and a fashion show;
Face painting, juggling, and tarot card reading;
Educational workshops, including CPR training and youth empowerment.

Food and beverages will also be offered.

This free, day-long event is a great way for kids of all ages to meet new people, hang out, and discover the numerous community programs and resources available to them.

Not familiar with StandUp for Kids? Founded in 1990, the not-for-profit, national organization is run entirely by volunteers. SUFK has offices in several states, including Michigan. For more information or volunteering opportunities near you, click here.

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Art-inspired activities dominate the weekend

Local weather forecasters are calling for record temperatures this weekend, but I'm sure that won't stop thousands of metro Detroiters from getting outside and enjoying some of the cool activities that will take place in the D this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

First up is the 22nd annual Detroit Festival of the Arts, the Motor City's free premier arts and entertainment extravaganza featuring world-renowned artists and performers. Located in the D's Midtown area, this annual outdoor fete will feature more than 100 international, regional and local artists, 10 stages with more than 100 performances, and an Arts and Crafts market. Organized by the UCCA and Wayne State University, the Detroit Festival of the Arts runs from June 6 - 8. Click here for a complete schedule of performances, directions, hours and more.

After you take in the art in Midtown, head over to Detroit's historic Pewabic Pottery for the organization's House & Garden Benefit Show. Celebrating its 18th year, this event will showcase the works of more than 70 ceramic artists. The annual fundraiser -- which is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 -- will also feature exhibitions, museum tours and demonstrations. Pewabic is located at 10125 East Jefferson Avenue.

Also on the agenda this weekend is the Indian Village Historic Home and Garden Tour, which marks its 35th year anniversary on Saturday, June 7. Running from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., the tour will showcase a geenrous handful of IV's glorious homes, including the Dodge and Buhl Mansions, as well as a beautiful Queen Anne at 853 Iroquois and the restored beauty located at 776 Seminole. While you're toruing, be sure to check out the Art Lot, featuring the works of 20 Detroit artists, and the historic neighborhood's Community Garden. Tour tickets are $20 each and are available at Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church, the Waldorf School on Burns, and Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church.

For more art-inspired events this weekend in Detroit, visit thedetroiter.com's comprehensive and up-to-date arts calendar here.

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Wings Win It Again !

Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings, who became the Stanley Cup Champions for the fourth time in 11 years last night with a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins!

Detroit's Mayor announced today that Hockeytown will celebrate the Wings' latest championship with a victory parade on Friday, June 6, in downtown Detroit. Route details have yet to be released, but we do know that the grand celebration is set to begin at 11 am. Check out the city of Detroit's website for more information as it becomes available.

Way to go, Wings!

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Red Bull Air Race comes to Detroit

The third stop of the Red Bull Air Race World Series is still two days away, but preparations for the international event -- which hits Detroit this weekend -- are well underway.

While dining at the Ren Cen last night, I noticed that the Wintergarten has been gussied-up with RB Air Race paraphernalia, and that numerous hospitality tents have been set up outside the building. This morning and afternoon, I had the pleasure of hearing and watching the planes take practice runs along the Detroit River.

New to Detroit, the international, two-day event features 12 race pilots, 12 planes and an aerial race track that requires impeccable precision and intense maneuvers at high speeds. The race in the Motor City will take place on the Detroit Riverfront between Rivard Plaza and Cobo Hall.

There will be two ticketed areas for the race along both the Detroit and Windsor riverfronts, but spectator tickets for the Detroit side of the race are already sold out. Spectator tickets in Windsor are still available (prices start at 10 CAD), as are tickets for the Detroit High Flyer's Lounge, which start at $600 each. To purchase tickets, click here. Andiamo Detroit Riverfront is also offering ticket packages -- which include a Riverfront seat of the races, parking, non-alcoholic beverages, continental breakfast, an Al Fresco lunch and a select dinner menu -- on one or both race days. These tickets range from $175 - $325 each and can be purchased by calling 313-567-6700.

The qualifying rounds of the Red Bull Air Race in Detroit take place on Saturday, May 31. The fastest 8 pilots advance to Race Day, which takes place on Sunday, June 1, and includes Point One (determines 9th to 12th place finishes), Super Eights (determines 5th to 8th place), Semi Finals, Third Place (determines 3rd and 4th place) and the Finals (determines the winner and runner-up). 
 

Detroit is only one of two cities in the U.S. to host a Red Bull Air Race in 2008 (San Diego is the other). 

For more information on the Red Bull Air Race World Series in Detroit, click here.

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