by Patricia Lesko
Friday-Sunday July 28-30 marks the 6th annual Historic Lower Town district River Hop. The event includes a variety of family friendly activities, including a neighborhood potluck picnic.
The weekend of events kicks off with a 7-9 p.m. Sunset Paddle at Argo Pond. Rentals will be discounted to $10 per boat. The River Hop also includes a Sat. July 29 Pedal the Pond, a sunset, slow bicycle ride around Argo Pond in Ann Arbor, starting and ending at Riverside Park on Canal Street. This “kidical-mass” style ride has no street crossings, and the route highlights one of the most scenic areas in Ann Arbor.
Organizers say that, “in addition to being just plain fun, this is a visibility awareness event.”
Bikers should bring your their cargo-bike, lights, reflectors, Bluetooth speakers, family, and friends. Meet at 8 p.m., roll out at 8:15. Baked goods provided by Northside Grill. After-party with DJ. Prizes will be given out to: Best Lit Up, Most People on One Bike (like triple tandem + a trailer), Most Fun, Most Unique, and other categories TBD. Prizes donated by Argo Canoe Livery, Sic Transit, Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition, and more!
The Historic Lower Town district is home to several of Ann Arbor’s oldest standing residences and buildings. The last standing home built by a city founder, Anson Brown, is located at 1029 Pontiac Trail and built around 1830. Businessman Brown owned several buildings, as well. The oldest of them is in Lower Town and houses St. Vincent DePaul’s. Built in the 1830s, it is the oldest commercial building still standing in the city. There is a River District History bicycle tour on Sat. July 29, as well as a walking history tour the same day. Check the River Hop’s webpage for exact times and meeting places.
Barbara Lucas helped organize the very first River Hop in 2011.
“It’s a wonderful event,” said Lucas.
The Neighborhood Potluck Picnic will be on Sat. July 29, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. Organizers have rented the large pavilion at Island Park. For a map of Island Park marking the location of the shelter, click here. Every year the picnic is a “No-Trash” event. Organizers are asking those who attend the picnic to bring along washable plates, cups and cutlery. This year beer and wine are allowed.
Neighbors will provide live music starting at 6 p.m., featuring Oliver DePeralta, our local Cajun band, and Brian Lydic and the Whalebirds!
For a complete list of events, visit the River Hop 2017 website.