Ypsilanti Heritage Festival

The poster advertised a noon sidewalk promenade led by the Honorable George Goodman "Hizzoner" the mayor of Ypsilanti and exciting ribbon cutting ceremonies, dedications and plain or fancy walkin'.

[1] The Sidewalk Celebration was such a success that a decision was made to repeat the event, to be known as the "Ypsilanti Yesteryear Heritage Festival".

Festival coordinators explained that their rule was to exclude groups marching to represent controversial or political issues, and that the initial approval was an error.

"[13] Other events have included a pole vault competition sanctioned by USA Track & Field,[15] live theater,[7] antique cars and fire engines,[7] vintage base ball sponsored by Greenfield Village,[8] "Precious Pets" and "Beautiful Babies" contests,[16] a rubber duck race,[17] a living history encampment,[18] a high wire performance by one of The Flying Wallendas,[19] and a circus.

[20] In 1973, Carolyn King, with support from the Ypsilanti City Council, became one of the first girls in the country to play Little League Baseball.

[21] Thirty-seven years later, the teams were re-assembled similar to an Old-Timers' Day event, in Frog Island Park, as part of the 2010 festival.