University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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ofthe advantage of attending a large university was the accessibility to a diverse mix of programs and activities geared to appeal to each member of the student body. Year-round, the Ann Arbor campus offered a vast array of special and exciting opportunities, giving students a break from the normal campus routine. Renowned speakers visited to share their experiences and advise students on issues from politics to future career choices. Meanwhile culture shows and dance-off competitions gave students the opportunity to showcase their backgrounds and talents. Campus organizations also gathered students together to work for a noble cause. Regardless of individual interests, the University offered a schedule of activities designed to expose each student to new ideas and cultures, broaden perspectives, expand minds, and leave students with a truly unique college experience. u a fo teww me uw tne t cwtcl ca-wuwa -CU4WMXMOW eauctt fiom ttw n (te fnefcc atuj - Office of Major Events -

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112 Special Events

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On top of the Fletcher parking structure, a man plays the drums for the crowd at Top of the Park. Ann Arbor community members of all ages attended this Summer Festival event. Y. Granata photo Waiting for the movie Legally Blond to start, a student grabs a bite to eat from the Mexican Cafe. Restaurants showed their support for the annual festival by suing up food kiosks, perhaps in the hopes of drawing repeat customers for the school year. Y, Granata photo .-:. ike many others who lived in and around the Ann Arbor area year round, LSA sophomore Victoria Edwards waited impatiently for N the Ann Arbor Summer Festivals Top of the Park. Celebrating the coming of summer, the event brought live concerts, movies, dance, theater, and food and fun to the area for the past 20 years. Many were attracted to the events free, outdoor movie and music series held on top of the Fletcher parking structure. I found out about Top of the Park during freshman orientation, said Edwards. ! loved it so much. This year, I went every single day. I couldn ' t decide which I liked better: swing dancing to the live bands or watching the movies shown on the big, outdoor screen. Evy Warshawski, the executive director of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, described this year ' s impressive program as she said, We had a total of 56 bands throughout local areas and beyond, playing over 24 nights. The music featured a variety of genres, offering something for everybody. Following the musical performances, the program usually included a movie shown drive-in style against the huge, solid wall on the south side of the rooftop. Titles included classics like American Graffiti and Grease, newer flicks such as My Byj Fat Greek Wedding and Catch A c ifYon Can, and movies for the younger crowd, such as Spy Kids 2:Tlie Island of Lost Dreams and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Adding to the entertainment were food and beverage snack booths from local favorites including Cottage Inn, Zingerman ' s and Stucchi ' s, and even beer gardens adults over the age of 21 . Top of the Park celebrated its 20th birthday with a cake and an old-fashioned hootenanny, a folk music sing-along. The board and staff of the festival felt that we had a great birthday year. We committed to making some improvements, and followed through, fixing the elevator shaft, painting the booths, and drawing two new vendors, Tio ' s and Pizza House. Next year, we are hoping to beef up our marketing to meet our goal ot involving more students, said Warshawski. fend An fa 114 Special Events