Winter 2012 - Downtown Farmington

Main St.Messenger
Farmington Downtown Development Authority
Wi nte r 2 0 1 2 , Vo l u m e 9 , I s s u e 2
GET TO KNOW THE FARMINGTON DDA
The Main Street Messenger was
business district, not just physically,
created to inform, educate and
but also socially. This place-making
entertain its readership – keeping you role has evolved over time, but a
apprised on what’s happening in
constant goal is to help create an
Downtown Farmington. As a
attractive place where people feel
publication of the Farmington
comfortable and safe, and a place that
Downtown Development Authority
offers desirable goods and services.
(DDA), we prepared this Q&A to
We also encourage historic preservashare information while worktion about the
ing to correct
DDA and the
and prevent
Main Street®
deterioration.
approach it has
Q. HOW DOES
adopted, how
THE DDA GO
they work and
ABOUT DOING
why they are
THIS?
important to
A. KNOWLES –
you. We asked
A primary goal is
questions of DDA
business develPresident Bob
opment. We work
Rock and
DDA President Bob Rock and Executive Director
Annette Knowles
to retain and
Executive Director
nurture existing
Annette Knowles to
businesses
as
well
as
promote and
gain their perspectives on the DDA’s
market Downtown Farmington to
operations.
prospective businesses and property
Q. WHY DOES FARMINGTON HAVE
developers.
A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
In addition to promoting and
AUTHORITY?
marketing Downtown Farmington to
A. KNOWLES – To help develop
prospective businesses, the DDA
a unique, thriving downtown
Continued on page 4
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
Shop Local
Wish List Card
$5
Downtown Farmington features many
unique shops, restaurants, spas and
services. Stop by the Wish List Window
for a sampling of great gift ideas from our
fine downtown shops!
$5
$5
Spend $100 in Downtown Farmington this season and win!
$5
$5
$5
*See reverse for more info.
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
Wish List
Window
Shopping
Card –
See page 7
for more
information.
INSIDE
2
An Invitation to Come Downtown
Recent Appointment to the
DDA Board
3
Merchants’ Corner
4-5 Get to Know the Farmington DDA
6
Farmington Main Street
Committee Updates
7
H
H
wish
list
window
DOWNTOWN FARMINGTON’S
8
Holly Days
2013 CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
Farmington Farmers
& Artisans Market
May 4 - November 23
Art on the Grand
June 1-2
Rhythmz
in Riley Park
June 7 - August 23
Downtown Farmington
Founders Festival
July 18-20
Harvest Moon
Celebration
September 26-28
Holly Days
December 6-7
NEW for 2013
“Light Up the Grand,”
a lighted parade
Get up-to-date
event information at
www.DowntownFarmington.org
Main St.Messenger
Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2
AN INVITATION TO COME DOWNTOWN
By Mayor Tom Buck
A certified Main Street Community
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and enrich
a vigorous downtown
business and residential
district while retaining
and enhancing our
Main Street atmosphere.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melissa Andrade, V.P.
Tom Buck
Dave Cornwell
Chuck Frost
Valerie Greer
Dan Higgins, Sec.
Bob Rock, Pres.
Steve Schneemann
Gerald Wasen
Meet 6:00 pm,
4th Monday of each month,
Room A, City Hall
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Annette Knowles
EVENTS PLANNER
Janet Bloom
248-473-7276
248-615-1279 Fax
33316 Grand River
Farmington, MI 48336
www.DowntownFarmington.org
Find us
on Facebook
Main St.Messenger
Editor, Pat Shelton
Layout & Design, Peggy Castine
2
This fall the Downtown
Development Authority
hosted another great
Harvest Moon Celebration.
Sooner than any of us would
like, the winter season and
our Holly Days event will be
here. These events cap a
very successful 2012 season
of festivals and activities in
our downtown. The DDA and
many, many volunteers pull
together to run these events.
Our purpose in building the event
schedule is to make an invitation – an
invitation to learn more about
Farmington, to learn more about our
downtown businesses, and to become
more engaged in the commerce of our
downtown and our city. The DDA’s
specific purpose is to focus on growing
the commerce in our downtown. In fact,
everything the DDA does is in some
respect an invitation to come to downtown to dine, shop or even start your
own business.
Events create activity and participation. The DDA also creates infrastructure
improvement and assists
businesses in becoming
more successful through
incentives and
education. There is no
question in my mind:
Farmington is a better place
than we would be without
our DDA.
The DDA is headed by our
Executive Director, Annette
Knowles, and a Board of
volunteers from our city. As Farmington’s
Mayor, I also serve on the DDA Board. The
Board has five committees. The Executive
Committee of the more senior board
members; Organization who recruits
volunteers to DDA activities; Promotions
who develops promotional communications and activities; Design who drives
infrastructure and building design guidelines; and Economic Restructuring who
creates business retention and recruitment programs. These committees are
comprised of volunteers who make a
great contribution to our success and
model how we can approach these
activities throughout the city.
RECENT APPOINTMENT TO THE DDA BOARD
By Pat Shelton, Editor, Organization Committee
Valerie Greer brings small business viewpoint to the Board
Valerie Greer, co-owner of
Mike Greer Photography,
located at 33316 Grand River
in Downtown Farmington,
was appointed to the
Farmington Downtown
Development Authority
Board of Directors in July,
filling a vacancy until
February, 2013.
“I’m excited to be on the
DDA Board working with other
board members to benefit our community. I’m especially hoping to help our local
businesses thrive. I want to encourage
our community to take pride in supporting our Farmington business owners,”
explained Greer.
Bob Rock, DDA Board President, is
pleased Valerie’s appointment was
approved by the Farmington City
Council. “She is a good addition. As a
small business owner, Valerie
brings a different prospective
to the Board and offers fresh
ideas that hopefully will combat common concerns and
struggles in our business
community,” said Rock.
“Valerie brings a wellrounded experience to the
Board. Her skills with
marketing will be especially
beneficial as we continue to
promote the place of Downtown
Farmington. She is very personable and
will work well with downtown businesses. We’re delighted that she chose to step
in at this critical time.”
The Greers have been in business for
14 years. Valerie is an Art major, having
graduated from the University of Toledo.
She, her husband Mike and their three
children live in Farmington Hills.
Main St.Messenger
Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2
MERCHANTS’
CORNER
By Anne Thomson, Organization Committee
As we close out 2012, we are pleased to
announce that several new businesses have seen
what Farmington residents already know, that “It’s
Happening!” here in Downtown Farmington.
Painting with a Twist, at 33033 Grand River
Avenue, offers painting classes for all. “Whether you
are someone with artistic talent or someone who
has always aspired for that creative gene, the
instructors at Painting with a Twist will nurture your
ability,” shared franchise owner Michelle Lewis. You
can sign up for one of their offered classes, or bring a group
of your own and choose one of over a thousand paintings
to paint. In a relaxed atmosphere, where you can bring your
own snacks and beverages, even the most hesitant artist
will be impressed with the canvas s/he will take home. For
more information, check out the website at www.paintingwithatwist.com/farmington or call (248)476-7928.
DDA volunteers enjoyed a painting session.
Front row, left to right Melissa Andrade, Tammy
Dafoe and Anne Thomson. Back row: Colleen
Carnahan, Annette Knowles (DDA Executive
Director), Sally Gyokeres and Val Hoffman.
Three new businesses have opened in the Village Mall on
the southeast corner of Grand River Avenue and Farmington
Road:
Michaelene Ruhl, a clinical psychotherapist, opened Constellation Healing Arts
recently at 33335 Grand River Ave. In
addition to private sessions, she holds a
number of workshops for stress, chronic
pain, anxiety, depression, family constellaMichaelene
tions, LGBT, and women’s empowerment
Ruhl, MA,
groups. Ms. Ruhl works with both adolesPsyS, LLP
cents and adults. For more information,
please see www.constellationhealingarts.com or call
(248)821-1515.
SprayChic Airbrush
Tanning offers a safe alternative to bed tanning. Although
new to Farmington, Carissa
and Dennis Serylo have been
in business for five years, and
have moved to the present
location at 33335 Grand River
Ave, from Farmington Hills.
Using eco-certified solutions
with organic DHA, SprayChic
customers receive a natural,
healthy tan, without the risk of
UV damage. SprayChic has a
variety of solution colors for
different skin types, and the
tan will last about 7 days.
Owners Dennis and
Appointments are required, so
Carissa Serylo
call (248)427-0964 or schedule
your appointment online at www.spraychic.com.
We also welcome Prudential Insurance (Raj Patel, agent)
and Business Security Management with offices at 23629
Liberty Street, and the new owners of Hershey Ice Cream to
the downtown area. Keep your eye on Grand River, as more
changes are in store. For example, Chuliburru, a Mexican
restaurant, is scheduled to open soon at 33809 Grand River
next door to the Grand Dry Cleaners.
Silver Birch Integrated Holistic Healing &
Consulting, LLC, is located at 33335 Grand River
Avenue. Silver Birch offers energy healing primarily with Reiki and Reiki-infused Bodywork. Other
services include Chakra Balancing, Pendulum
Testing, Cranial Sacral, Reflexology &
Kamela Environmental Illness Consulting. Silver Birch
Torvinen offers safe, gentle and effective techniques for
anyone, regardless of age or health condition.
Kamela Torvinen, owner of Silver Birch, works with her
clients to discern which modality, or combination of modalities, is right for them and will provide the greatest benefit.
For more information, check out the website at:
www.silverbirch-ihhc.com. To schedule an appointment call
(248)231-0825 or e-mail: Silver.birch@earthlink.net.
3
Main St.Messenger
Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2
GET TO KNOW THE F
Continued from page 1
works to attract residents and visitors to Farmington.
One way we do this is by offering a variety of special
events each year. They include the Farmington Farmers &
Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park, Art on the Grand,
the Founders Festival, the Harvest Moon Celebration and
Holly Days.
Another goal is to refine the infrastructure to increase
walkability in the downtown. We want being in
Downtown Farmington to be a safe, inviting experience.
As part of the 2009 Streetscape Project, which the DDA
partially funded with a bond issue, traffic calming features were added on Grand River Avenue to increase
pedestrian safety as well as the visible pedestrian crosswalks on Grand River and Farmington Road.
ROCK – To add visual appeal, the Streetscape included
the addition of sidewalk brick pavers, landscaping, new
street lights and park benches. All of these features are
color-themed to tie the environment together
aesthetically to make being in Downtown Farmington
a beautiful experience.
As other infrastructure projects in Downtown
Farmington are implemented, such as Grove Street and
Farmington Road, similar safety and aesthetic features
will be incorporated. Over time we will replicate the look
of the Grand River/Farmington Road four corners
throughout town.
Another important aspect of making Downtown
Farmington an attractive environment is encouraging
building façade improvement. For this purpose, the
DDA offers sign and building façade improvement incentives, a key factor in the recent purchase by Manifold
Ventures of the Downtown
Center which houses T.J. Maxx,
among other businesses.
Q. HOW DID THE DDA INFLUENCE THE RECENT PURCHASE
OF THE DOWNTOWN CENTER?
A. ROCK – The DDA was able
to offer Manifold Ventures
$160,000 to assist in improving
the façade of the center.
DDA President Bob Rock
Q. ANY OTHER INFLUENCES?
A. ROCK – Yes, the City will
leverage financing of the Grove Street Project to provide
funds to improve the interior of the building. These
projects are expected to begin in the spring of 2013 and
will complete more of the vision for the area near the
Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park.
4
Q. WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM TO
ACCOMPLISH THE DDA GOALS?
A. ROCK – There are three funding sources in the
current budget:
• $216,000 Principal Shopping District (PSD) tax
on district businesses (used for downtown
maintenance and marketing)
• $261,000 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) where
the DDA captures existing taxes paid based
on a growth in property values ($80,000 of
which annually goes toward repayment of the
Streetscape bond issue)
• $350,000 Event Revenue – funds raised by and
used to pay for special events, which must
be self-supporting
The Village Mall received a makeover as part of the DDA’s Façade
Improvement Program.
Q. HOW DOES THE DDA ENCOURAGE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION?
A. ROCK – There are different ways we can do this:
1) Through façade and sign improvement incentives,
such as the funds the DDA will be able to provide to the
new owners of the Downtown Center.
Guidelines/Standards have been developed by our
Design Committee, one of four Main Street volunteer
committees guided by the DDA Board.
2) The DDA acts as a clearinghouse for our business
community, collecting and sharing information and
other resources to assist in design, redevelopment and
possible financing. This may include consultation from
Main Street Oakland County, at no charge, as well as
contacts at the State Historic Preservation Office.
Main St.Messenger
Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2
FARMINGTON DDA
Q. YOU MENTION MAIN STREET OAKLAND COUNTY
AND A DESIGN COMMITTEE AS A MAIN STREET
COMMITTEE – WHAT IS MAIN STREET?
A. ROCK – Ten years ago the Farmington DDA decided
to become a Main Street® community under the auspices of Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. We are presently
one of 12 Main Street communities in the Oakland
County program. MSOC provides guidance, resources and evaluations to
assist Farmington in following the Main Street®
approach to economic development.
KNOWLES – As defined by the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, “Main Street® is the economic
engine, the big stage, the core of the community. Our
main streets tell us who we are and who we were, and
how the past has shaped us. Main Street® is three things:
a proven strategy for revitalization, a powerful network
of linked communities, and a national support program
that leads the field.”
“The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a unique
preservation-based economic development tool that
enables communities to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets
from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to
local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and
problems that challenge traditional commercial
districts.”
volunteers and act as the communication center among the
various groups that have a stake
in the downtown business district. One tool it has developed
is this newsletter.
Through marketing, the
Promotions Committee’s goal is
to create a positive image that
will bolster community pride
and improve consumer and
investor confidence in
DDA Executive Director
Downtown Farmington.
Annette Knowles
Advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the
image and promise of Downtown Farmington to the
community and surrounding region.
The Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on
partnerships, recruitment, retention and redevelopment
in our business community. A goal is to strengthen our
existing economic assets while diversifying our economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding
successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial
mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising
skills of existing business owners, and attracting new
businesses that residents and visitors can support.
Converting unused or underused commercial space into
economically productive property also helps boost the
profitability of the district.
Q. IS THIS WHY THE DDA RECENTLY PURCHASED THE
BUILDING THAT FORMERLY HOUSED DIMITRI’S?
A. KNOWLES – The reason was twofold – it will afford
more public parking and when the building is leased to
a new tenant, the redevelopment will revitalize the
downtown consistent with the Farmington Master Plan.
There has been considerable interest in the building; at
press time we had already received 20 inquiries.
The DDA’s Rhythmz in Riley Park concert series has grown in popularity
since moving to the Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park in 2006.
ROCK – The Design Committee is one prong of the
Main Street Four-Point Approach® – its volunteer members work to shape the look and feel of our downtown.
The Organization Committee’s tasks are to recruit
Q. GOING BACK TO THE MAIN STREET® PHILOSOPHY,
WHY IS IT AND THE DDA IMPORTANT TO FARMINGTON
RESIDENTS?
A. KNOWLES – A thriving, aesthetically-pleasant
Downtown Farmington business district increases both
residential and commercial property values and acts as a
magnet to grow our terrific community. If the DDA is
successful in making incremental improvements in the
downtown and in helping to sustain a strong local
economy, Farmington will remain an appealing place
that will connect residents and visitors with the
businesses that choose to locate here.
5
St.
MainMAIN
THE
MESSENGER
St.Messenger
Winter
g 2 0Volume
1 0 , V 9,
o lIssue
u m e2 7 , I s s u e 1
S p r i n2012,
THE VILLAGE MALL
MERCHANTS
Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road
Art Alcove
Barbara Hatch Dance Studio
Bead Bohemia
Canary International
Constellation Healing Arts
Evolve Body Art Studio
Farmington Alterations
Kitchen Creations
Litito’s Nail Salon
Living Health Vitamins
PLUSkateboarding
Rocking Horse Designs & Cross Stitch
Silver Birch Integrated Holistic Healing
& Consulting, LLC
SprayChic Airbrush Tanning
The Sacred Sage
Victorian Lace Elegance
“The Quality Service You Expect”
THAYER-ROCK FUNERAL HOME
FUNERAL DIRECTORS & CREMATION SERVICE
33603 Grand River Avenue, Downtown Farmington
(248) 474-4131
www.thayer-rock.com
Robert G. Rock, President
FARMINGTON MAIN STREET COMMITTEE
UPDATES
Our Main Street Committees are
closing out 2012, another year of
great progress and terrific
accomplishments. Our volunteer
committees play a significant role
in implementing projects and
programs which contribute to a
better quality of place in our
community. Thank you!
businesses conceive of ideas to
take better advantage of special
events. The Promotions Committee
is working on the Wish List Window
and brainstorming additional marketing-related activities for spring.
Converting to online registration
of volunteer assignments was
managed through the
Our Design
Organization
Committee has
Committee this past
finished with a
season. The use of
conceptual plan
SignUpGenius.com
to install
has contributed to
DESIGN
streetscape
improved scheduling
ORGANIzATION and communication
improvements along Farmington
Road, between Grand River Avenue
with volunteers for
and Orchard Street, working with
events such as Art on the Grand
the Road Commission for Oakland
and the Founders Festival. The
County to ensure its concurrence
Committee works on press releases
with the plan. The next step is to
and other communications, such as
apply for transportation alternathis newsletter. Coming up soon
!"#$%&##'()*+',-.'/'01'$400/issue $350/issue
tives funding assistance through
will be a volunteer appreciation
the Michigan Department of
event and discussion about a
Transportation and the Southeast
capital campaign.
Michigan Council of Governments.
The Economic
By all accounts, we have developed
Restructuring
a terrific project that will match the
Committee
funding source’s judging criteria.
members continue
Public art was front
to remain involved
and center during
in redevelopmentECONOMIC
the DIA’s Inside|Out
related
discussions RESTRUCTURING
0-.'/'2-.1'$250/issue $200/issue
program this summer,
and in finding
and the Promotions
potential new investors.
Committee had a
Discussions with existing property
hand in helping to
owners are happening to share
PROMOTIONS
develop some of the
with them the city’s goals and how
special activities that
individual properties fit within
coincided with the exhibit. With a
those goals. After all, building a
small but efficient crew, informahealthy local economy will realize
2,5 xtion
1.25
$150/issue
sheets
were created to help
great results for the entire city.
33316 Grand River
Farmington
248-957-8179
Support Farmington
Merchants and
Businesses
Buy Local!
6
20% OFF Total Bill
Excludes Any Specials
or Coupons
Expires 12/31/12
#1 Burger Winner
2 Years in a Row!
Main St.Messenger
Winter 2012, Volume 9, Issue 2
Support Downtown Farmington
Shop Local to Win!
November 23 - December 17
Visit the Wish List Window in Downtown Farmington starting
November 23 and see a sampling of great gift ideas from our
unique shops.
Pick up a Wish List Window Shop Local stamp card at a
participating location and for every $100 you spend, your name
will be entered into the Wish
List Window drawing. Stamps
obtained between November
23 and December 17 will
qualify.
Eleven winners will be
selected on December 18 for
prize packages valued at up to
$600.00! Win gift certificates, gift baskets, fashion, jewelry,
decorations and more!
Make a wish and start shopping!
Our gen ero us Wish List Window
donors to date
Anchor Chiropractic & Massage Therapy – $100.00 Gift
Certificate
Ariel Automotive/Goodyear – (3) $100.00 Gift Certificates
Barbara Hatch School of Dance – One month of Dance
Lessons valued at $50.00
Bargain Books – Books valued at $175.00 Retail
Basement Burger Bar – (2) $30.00 Gift Certificates
for Dinner for 2
Bead Bohemia – $50.00 Gift Certificate
Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders – (10) $5.00 Gift Certificates
Burger King – (5) $10.00 Gift Certificates
Cash for Coins – $50.00 in Gift Certificates: $20.00 Basement
Burger Bar, $20.00 John Cowley & Sons, $10.00 Mentobe
Café
Charter One Bank – Basket of Bank Products valued at $50.00
City of Farmington – (10) Civic Theater Tickets valued at
$35.00
Clothes Encounters – Holiday Clothes Item valued at $88.00
Coldstone Creamery – (5) $5.00 Gift Certificates
Cromwell Family Chiropractic – One Hour Massage valued
at $75.00
Dagwood's Deli & Catering – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates
Dancing Feats – (2) $50.00 Gift Certificates
Darrell's Firestone – (4) Oil Changes valued at $30.00 each
Dedo's Marketplace – Gift Basket valued at $25.00
Downtown Development Authority – Gift Basket valued
at $50.00
Edible Arrangements – $50.00 Gift Certificate
Essential Family Chiropractic – One Month Free for Family
of Four valued at $530.00
Evolve Body Studio – $50.00 Gift Certificate
Farmington Chiropractic – $50.00 Gift Certificate
Farmington Community Library – $60.00 Gift Basket of Books
and more
Farmington Shoe Repair – Shoe Shine Kit valued at $49.50
First United Methodist Church – Handmade Quilt valued at
$100.00
Fitness 19 – One Month Membership with One Personal
Training Session valued at $125.00
Focal Point Studio of Photography – (3) $100.00 Gift
Certificates
Ginger's Café & Gourmet Shoppe – $20.00 Gift Certificate
Governor Warner Mansion – Afghan valued at $15.00
Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce – (4) Taste
of Two Cities 2013 Tickets valued at $100.00
Ilda's Salon Chic – (4) $25.00 Gift Certificates
John Cowley & Sons – $60.00 Wine Tasting
Judge Asset Management –
Gift Certificate for One Free
Financial Plan valued at
$150.00
Korner Barbers – (2) $15.00
Gift Certificates
Living Health Vitamins –
$20.00 Gift Certificate
Luigi's Trattoria – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates
Master Sales Group (Rice, Hable & Lehto) – (3) $8.00 Gift
Certificates for Civic Theater
Mentobe Café – Coffee Gift Basket valued at $62.00
Mike Greer Photography – Girls’ Night Out for 10: Photographs,
Make-up, Food & more valued at $150.00
M. Mazzoni Jewelers – Limited Edition Judith Jack's
Enamel/Marcasite Ornament valued at $150.00
Page's Food & Spirits – (2) Sandwich or Chicken Dinners
valued at $21.90
Painting With a Twist – $35.00 Gift Certificate
Pniewski Insurance Agency – Wine Basket valued at $75.00
PLUSkateboarding – $25.00 Gift Certificate
Ruby Blu Salon & Spa – $10.00 Gift Certificate
Salon LEGATO – Christmas Tree with Products and Gift
Certificate valued at $100.00
Sam Sarkis Photography – (2) $125.00 Gift Certificates
Sarian Jewelry Gallery – Jewelry and Gift Certificate valued at
$185.00
Scott W. Beach, Attorney at Law – Legal Services Certificate
valued at $600.00
SheSpeaks Counseling, PLC – (6) Civic Theater Passes valued
at $21.00
Silver Tree Yoga – One Month Unlimited Yoga valued at $240.00
Starbucks – Assorted Merchandise and Coffee valued at $133.00
Talmer Bank & Trust – Basket of Bank Products valued at
$60.00
Thayer-Rock Funeral Home – Basket of Michigan-Made
Products valued at $100.00
The Sacred Sage – Necklace and Blouse valued at $90.00
The Vines Flower & Garden Shop – $50.00 Gift Certificate and
Santa Doll
Tina's Coney Island – $20.00 Gift Certificate
T.J. Maxx – $30.00 Gift Certificate
Tre Sorelle – $15.00 Gift Certificate
Tubby's Grilled Submarines – (4) $5.00 Gift Certificates
Victorian Lace Elegance – Gift Basket valued at $139.95
Village Mall Merchants – $50.00 John Cowley & Sons Gift
Certificate
Village Shoe Inn – (2) $25.00 Gift Certificates
Visibles Marketing – (2) $30.00 Marketing Baskets
Warner, Joan M. Insurance Agency/State Farm – Gift Basket
of State Farm Marketing Merchandise valued at $50.00
Williams Sports Medicine – Mango Wood Dish from Thailand
valued at $14.00
Items, values and donors subject to change. For up-to-theminute information, call the Farmington DDA at 248-473-7276
or visit our website www.DowntownFarmington.org.
7
Celebrate
Holly Days
In Downtown Farmington
Saturday, December 1
Celebrate with fun for the whole family, get a head start on holiday shopping and decorating, and help
those less fortunate by donating mittens or socks at our Tree of Wishes. Hear carolers, stroll through
the shops and feel the warmth of the holiday season in Downtown Farmington.
Farmington’s North Pole
Located at Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park (Grand
River Ave. and Grove St.)
Santa Comes to Farmington
Noon - 4 pm. Be ready to tell Santa everything on your Wish List!
Sponsored by Talmer Bank & Trust
Capture the moment with a FREE family photo with Santa. Sponsored by Focal
Point Studio of Photography
Greens & Gifts Market
10 am - 4 pm. Your stop for the freshest holiday greenery, decorations and delightful
gift ideas – all handcrafted. More vendors than ever!
Ice Carving
Noon. Watch Oakland Community College carvers create a holiday masterpiece of ice.
Sponsored by Community EMS and Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home
Tree of Wishes
Bring a new pair of socks or mittens to hang on the Tree of Wishes for donation to a local charity. Kids can also write
their Christmas wish on an ornament and hang it on the tree. Sponsored by Stoneybrook Dental
Santa’s Workshop
Located at 33316 Grand River Ave. in Mike Greer Photography (East of Farmington
Civic Theater above Basement Burger Bar)
Stories & Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Story times: 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm. Settle down with a treat and listen to
holiday tales as told by none other than Mrs. Claus.
Free Gift Wrapping
10 am - 4 pm. Collect your Downtown Farmington purchases and forget the hassle of gift
wrapping! Sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union
Kids Holiday Craft Area
10 am - 4 pm. Children can create a keepsake to treasure during the holiday season. Sponsored by LOC Federal Credit Union
More Holiday Fun!
Farmington Civic Theater – 33332 Grand River Ave.
Free Movies – Catch a free kid’s holiday movie – “The Polar Express” (1 hr., 40 min.) 10 am & 1 pm or “Shrek the Halls” (21 min.)
10:15 am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm & 1:15 pm. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys or a
donation to Farmington Area Goodfellows benefiting seniors and families in need. 50% of concession sales will also go to the Goodfellows.
The Vines Flower & Garden Shop – 33245 Grand River Ave.
Christmas Open House 10 am - 5 pm. Beautiful holiday displays of home decor items, centerpieces, wreaths, garlands, ornaments and
lots of gifts for the gardener on your list!
Gov. Warner Mansion – 33805 Grand River Ave.
Mansion open 5 pm - 7 pm. Tour the decorated mansion with costumed docents and listen to carols played on the Mansion piano;
donations accepted at the door. Farmington Area Jaycees Holiday Tree Lighting 5:30 pm in the gazebo. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots
toy drive. Enjoy caroling, a visit from Santa and light refreshments in the Carriage House.
Entertainment
Sounds of the Season 10 am – Noon. The Salvation Army Band will stroll through Downtown Farmington – sure to get all in the holiday
spirit! Support area families by a contribution to the Kettle.
Salem Church Holly Days Craft Show – 33424 Oakland St. – 10 am - 4 pm.