Summer Events in Rochester
Welcome to the first edition of our
Downtown Rochester E-Newsletter!

Summer Events Schedule 


Movies in the MoonlightMovies in the Moonlight 

E. Third & Water Street
Saturdays in July, 8:30 pm

 

July 9:    Iron Man 2 (PG-13)

July 16:  How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

July 23:  True Grit (PG-13)

July 30:  The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13)

 

Featured movies begin at dusk (about 9:15 pm), but be sure to arrive early for the pre-show! Bring your chairs, blankets and pillows and enjoy a movie under the stars. Admission is free.  Please note, movies rated PG-13 are edited versions whenever possible, however parental guidance is still requested. (more) 

 

Sidewalk Sales

Downtown Rochester

 

Thursday, July 14: 10 am - 9 pm

Friday, July 15: 10 am - 9 pm

Saturday, July 16: 10 am - 6 pm

 

Come one - come all! to the "Sidewalk Circus" in Downtown Rochester!  Visit the awesome assemblage of stupendous sellers at the 56th annual Downtown Rochester Sidewalk Sales!

 

Don't miss the big-time bargains and the Krafty Kids' Zone!  New this year is the Third Street Sideshow with kids activities and entertainment.  New to the Information Booth at W. Fourth is "Rudolph's Rummage Sale," a sale of gently used Holiday and Christmas d�cor to benefit The Big, Bright Light Show.  Donations for "Rudolph's Rummage Sale" currently are being accepted at the DDA office. (more) 


The Big, Bright Ball

Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University

Sunday, July 31

4 - 7 pm

 

Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $10 for children 5 - 12 years old and free under 5.  Enjoy a strolling dinner, dancing, children's activities and a silent auction.  All proceeds benefit The Big, Bright Light Show.  Tickets may be purchased at the DDA office at 308 � Main or online at www.downtownrochestermi.com/shop(more) 

 

Rochester's Great American Bake SaleRochester's Great American Bake Sale

E. Third & Water Street

Saturday, August 6

8 am - 1 pm

 

Rochester's Great American Bake Sale is a community-wide effort to support Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. We are seeking donations of baked goods from the community for the Bake Sale.  Not a baker?  We are looking for baked goods fans too!  Bring your appetite to the Bake Sale on August 6!  (more) 

 

Downtown Rochester Restaurant Week

Sunday, August 7 - Friday, August 12

 

New to downtown Rochester this summer is Restaurant Week! Join us, Sunday - Friday, as your favorite restaurants offer a prix fixe menu for lunch (two courses for $10 or less) and dinner (three courses for $20). We're still cooking-up the courses, so be sure to check back as the ingredients start coming together!  (more) 

 

 

What's New at the Farmers' Market? 

E. Third & Water Street

Saturdays through October

8 am - 1 pm 

 

Used Cookbook & Apron Sale - July 9

 

We are accepting donations of gently used cookbooks and aprons at the DDA office (308 � Main, Mon.- Fri., 8 am to 1 pm), at the market on Saturday (corner of E. Third & Main, 8 am & 1 pm) or at WHOO UR Upscale Resale for a Cause (435 Main during business hours).  All proceeds benefit the Green City Committee to continue spreading the word on 'living' green in Rochester.

  

Vendor of the Week 

 

Each Saturday a different vendor is featured at the market; be sure to check the Farmers' Market web page  or Facebook  for details!  This is an excellent way to get acquainted with your favorite farmers and an opportunity to take advantage of special offers and discounts and learn about the farmers' product and business.

 

America's Favorite Farmers' Market ContestFarmers' Market 

 

The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America's farmers' markets can rally the most support from their communities. At the end of the contest on Aug. 31, one large, medium, small and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of "America's Favorite Farmers' Market" for 2011.  Cast your vote on www.farmland.org/vote and type in "Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market" - we're currently in second place - let's shoot for #1!

  

2011 MI Apple Trail Public Art Event

 

A community wide event celebrating Michigan's bountiful apple harvest and SE Michigan's farmers' markets.  A 4' tall fiberglass apple will be on display from July 31 to September 17.  Pick up a "passport" with a list of participating markets.  Vote for individual apples along the MI Apple Trail!

 

For more information on the Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market, be sure to visit the web page on www.DowntownRochesterMI.com

July 2011
 

DDA Logo

New Neighbors


Please stop in and welcome the latest additions to downtown:

     

Blow Dry Divas

439 Main, Suite 150

  

Bonjour Cupcakes

417 Main

  

 Glami Go-Go

439 Main, Suite 102

  

Kimi K Salon & Spa

313 Main

  

Momentum Consulting 336 Main, Suite 103    

 

Talmer Bank & Trust

440 Main 

Kristi's Korner 

 

Summer is always a busy time downtown and 2011 is no exception.  This year, we are reaching out to the community to take an active role in our events.  We are currently accepting donations for our Used Cookbook and Apron Sale.  We are also looking for new or gently used holiday decorations for Rudolph's Rummage Sale, a fundraiser for The Big, Bright Light Show.  And last, but certainly not least, we are proud to host the first-ever Rochester's Great American Bake Sale!  Click the links on the articles to find out how you can make a difference downtown this summer.  

 

~Kristi Trevarrow~

Executive Director  

Two Fires too Many:

The Early Years of Rochester's

Fire Department


by Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki    

George W. Vandeventer was a successful Rochester area pioneer, merchant and public official who helped to establish Rochester's fire department in the late nineteenth century.

 

On April 1, 1875, the Rochester Era reported that "Last Friday morning . . . fire was seen issuing from the roof of Geo. W. Vandeventer's fine residence on Third Street . . . ."   

 

This was the second time Vandeventer's home had been destroyed in a fire. As a result, he called a special meeting of the Rochester Village Council in June urging them to secure a fire engine and hall. Unfortunately, it took years of discussions and several more fires, including one that destroyed Rochester's Woolen Mill in 1882, before serious plans for a fire department were put in place.

   

A water reservoir was finally built in 1895 leading to the creation of an official Rochester Fire Department with a chief engineer and two volunteer hose companies comprised of twenty volunteer men.

 

Sources: A Lively Town: A 152 Years in Rochester & The Rochester Fire Department: A Centennial History, 1895-1995 by William Cahill.

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