Vision Care, Style and Made-In-Michigan Products, Business and Services Come Together at Festival in Downtown Northville

It’s official (even if it’s a little last minute): Urban Optiques has signed on as an event sponsor for the 2nd Annual “Buy Michigan Now” Festival in Downtown Northville August 6th – 8th.

The three day festival will feature sidewalk sales, live music, children’s activities, a health fair, fashion shows and plenty of Michigan-based businesses and Michigan-made products.

Urban Optiques will be actively participating during two of the three days of the festival:  On Friday August 6th we’ll be providing free vision screenings from 10 am to 5 pm to festival attendees as part of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s day-long Health Fair.

Then on Sunday we’ll be sponsoring and participating in “Style Sunday” which showcases made-in-Michigan fashion, jewelry and accessories. The day includes fashion shows from renowned Michigan designers Katerina Bocci, Project Runway finalist and co-creator of Fashion in Detroit Joe Faris, and designer Cynthia LaMaide.  We’ll be on hand at the events showing the latest in trends and styles in eyewear and sunwear.

We’re particularly excited about this sponsorship because it lets us emphasize two different parts of Urban Optiques that we think make us unique: Our focus on full scope vision care for life (helping you see) as well as stocking the area’s largest collection of premium-quality boutique and couture eyewear that get you seen.

Why “Buy Michigan Now?”

The “Buy Michigan Now” movement, spearheaded by Lisa Diggs, challenges Michigan residents and supporters of the state to factor Michigan into their daily buying decisions.  In other words, whenever possible, buy locally. Whether that’s products manufactured, grown or distributed by Michigan companies, or services provided by Michigan businesses (like Urban Optiques, for instance), the idea here is to jump start and grow the local economy by supporting businesses that keep the dollars in the state.

This philosophy of keeping it small, intimate and local is particularly important to those of us in the vision care and optical business, because there is a massive amount of multi-national, corporate consolidation taking place in this industry at the moment. Huge foreign-owned corporations are buying up smaller, independent eyewear manufacturers, vision insurance companies, lens producers and local optometry practices and folding them into mega chains that often put shareholder value and maximizing profits before client care, service and comprehensive vision care. This is why you get a 15 minute eye exam at a big box discount vision center or large chain, versus the comprehensive 45 minute exam you receive at Urban Optiques.

This consolidation is also making it more difficult for the locally-owned independent optometrists and optical shops to compete against the buying power that comes with being the biggest guy on the block.  The large chains and discounters often carry a disproportionate amount of cheap, made-in-China frames that they purchase for a few dollars and mark-up as much as 50 times.  We refuse to carry these frames out of principle and because the quality is typically quite poor.  That’s why you’ll find higher priced, but much higher quality, collections from small, independent boutique eyewear brands like Sama, Lafont, Chrome Hearts and Badgley Mischka at Urban Optiques.

So supporting events like this, which encourage people to consider more than just price (but overall value and whether it supports the local economy), is a natural fit for us.

Below is a complete list of events for the day. While you’re out strolling Northville during the festival, be sure to stop in to meet the team, get your free vision screening and check out all of the great new frames and sunglasses we have at Urban Optiques.  While they are not made-in-Michigan (unfortunately, there are no eyewear manufacturers based in this state and actually very few based in the U.S.), we are a 100% Michigan-based small business that puts our profits back into the local economy.

“Buy Michigan Now” Festival Event Schedule

Below is the complete schedule of events for this weekend’s “Buy Michigan Now” festival.

FRIDAY AUGUST 6th SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00AM – 5:00PM Buy Michigan Now Health Fair presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Free blood pressure screening, nutritional consultation, fitness demonstrations, and more all geared toward creating a healthier Michigan—in Northville Square.

10:00AM – 9:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

10:00AM – 10:30AM Opening Ceremony

TV personality and host Suzanne Sena emcees this exciting festival kickoff, which also features music from the Tyndale Artists Ensemble in Town Square. http://suzannesena.com

10:30AM – 11:30AM Free Yoga Demo/Class Courtesy of Center for Yoga

Reduce your stress and join in on this relaxing yoga class on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://centerforyoga.com

10:45AM – 11:15AM Charles Lacasse/Fitness & Nutrition Coach-Fitness Together.

No time for exercise?  Learn how to make it count with this talk about safely and effectively exercising within a hectic schedule in Northville Square.

11:00AM -12:00PM Magician and Master Entertainer Chris Clark

West Bloomfield’s Chris Clark will entertain the whole family with a unique blend of magic, juggling, and puppetry in Town Square. http://clarkshow.com

11:00AM – 11:30AM Art Demonstrations with Miss Marcela

Children’s art instructor, Miss Marcela leads a fun demonstration in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square.

11:30AM – 12:00PM Raising a Healthy, Drug-free Family with Dr. Eric Mintz

Dr. Eric Mintz of Gentle Touch Family Chiropractic, P.C. will show parents how to maximize their child’s health and well-being without the use of drugs, shots, or high-cost medical care in Northville Square.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Detroit Tigers’ Mascot-PAWS

Detroit Tiger’s mascot PAWS will be on hand for photos & fun in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/fan_forum/paws.jsp

12:00PM – 12:45PM Chef Secrets:  How to Make Tasty Vegetables!

Chef and cookbook author, Dawn Bause demonstrates how to prepare and season vegetables in different ways for a healthy diet in Northville Square.

1:00PM – 1:45PM WJR Personality Paul W. Smith

On behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Paul W. Smith, morning drive host at News/Talk 760 WJR, talks about the importance of supporting Michigan businesses to keep our state healthy. Takes place in Northville Square.

1:00PM – 2:00PM Tyndale Artists Ensemble

Relax along with the song stylings of this popular local choir under the direction of Dr. Jerry Smith in Town Square.

2:00PM -2:45 Outpatient Surgery Centers-Facts not Fiction with Linda Prister

This program presented by Linda Prister, RN, MSB, Executive Director of Dearborn Surgery Center deals with what you should know and what to expect, when having out patient procedures. Part of health fair in Northville Square.

2:00PM – 3:00PM “Deadline!” with Novelist & Reporter Paula Tutman

WDIV Channel 4 reporter Paula Tutman signs and discusses her gripping mystery novel series, Deadline! on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://paulaltutman.com

2:30PM -3:30PM Magician Chris Clark

Chris Clark brings his magic and fun to the Kids Zone. http://clarkshow.com

2:30PM – 3:30PM Musician Shawn Byrwa

Sit back and chill to Shawn’s melodic soundtrack in Town Square.

3:00PM – 3:45PM Anything But Cigarettes by Dennis Pilon, LMSW, ACSW, BCD

Anything But Cigarettes is a comprehensive stop-smoking program that is designed to assist the participant to stop smoking by addressing the why, where, when, and with whom aspects of the smoking habit that exist on both conscious and unconscious levels of the smoker’s behavior. Takes place in Northville Square.

3:30 – 5:00 Steve Kovich

Steve shares his lyrical folk music on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/stevekovich

4:00PM – 4:30PM The Omega 3 Solution with Jim Amick

Meet natural health educator and owner of Healthy Jones, Jim Amick in Northville Square and he will help you discover the many benefits of omega-3 fish oils and the problems associated with omega-3 deficiencies.

4:00PM – 6:30PM Musician Rickysee

Northville’s own Rick Canzano takes to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.myspace.com/rickyseeoriginalrock

5:00PM – 6:30PM Darwin Mamassian

Acoustic folk and blues on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/darwin39stheory

6:00PM – 9:00PM First Friday Art Walk

Stroll along the streets of downtown Northville’s growing art district and enjoy a night filled with art exhibits, art demonstrations and related events.

7:00PM – 8:30PM Musician Abigail Stauffer

Ann Arbor’s newest sensation, Abigail performs acoustically on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/abigailstauffer

7:00 – 9:00 Summer Friday Night Concert Series featuring The Crutches

This popular East Lansing band will heat up your summer with contemporary rock and roll, and a splash of funk and soul in Town Square.

SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00AM – 8:00PM Barter Faire

In keeping with the old adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” this unique shopping opportunity resembles an old Trading Post.  Visitors will bring items they would like to exchange and a trade voucher will be issued.  The voucher can be used to purchase treasures from the Trading Post throughout the day.  For details on what types of items will be accepted visit: www.mibartermarketplace.com

10:00AM – 9:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

10:00AM – 11:30AM Musician Matt Keil

Brighton’s own Matt Kiel will take to the Main Stage as a solo performer and emcee the afternoon’s entertainment in Town Square. www.mattkeilmusic.com

11:00AM – 11:30AM Art Demonstrations with Miss Marcela

Children’s art instructor, Miss Marcela leads a fun demonstration in the Kids Zone.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Jam Society

Jam with this youthful and funky Detroit band’s sound laced with jazz, funk, and reggae influences in Town Square http://www.myspace.com/thejamsociety

12:00PM – 1:00PM “Deadline!” with Novelist & Reporter Paula Tutman

WDIV Channel 4 reporter Paula Tutman signs and discusses her gripping mystery novel series, Deadline! on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:00PM – 1:30PM D&D Bike Safety

Northville’s D&D bicycle shop teaches bike safety in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square.

1:00PM – 1:45PM Musician Danielle Floyd

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Danielle Floyd will light up the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

1:30PM – 2:30PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:30PM – 3:30PM Mainstreet Soul

Detroit’s most soulful horn band will have Town Square jumping! http://mainstreetsoul.com

2:00PM – 3:30PM We’re Cookin’ in Michigan Recipe Contest Finals presented by Hiller’s Markets

Finalists in this recipe contest which revolves around cooking with Michigan ingredients, present their recipes and dishes to culinary experts to compete for a $250 Hiller’s Gift card and a chance to have their product sold at Hiller’s locations to benefit the charity of their choice. Takes place at Epiphany Kitchens (107 North Center Street). Scheduled judges include chefs Peter Julian, Dawn Bause and Matt Prentice.

2:00PM – 3:00PM “Michigan’s Wacky Weather” with Meteorologist & Author Paul Gross

Join WDIV Channel 4 meteorologist Paul Gross on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio as he discusses and signs his book, Extreme Michigan Weather: The Wild World of the Great Lakes State.

3:00PM – 5:00PM Musician Shawn Byrwa

Take a break and relax with an acoustic showcase from this talented singer/songwriter on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

4:00PM – 5:30PM Nadir Omowale

2010 Detroit Music Award winner for Outstanding Urban Funk Vocalist, Nadir takes to the Main Stage as part of a talented trio in Town Square. http://distortedsoul.com

3:30PM – 4:30PM “Breaking into the Entertainment Business” with Suzanne Sena

Television veteran, and Dearborn native, Suzanne Sena shares her personal experiences working for E!, CBS, and Fox News Channel and leads this informative and interactive discussion on how to prepare for and launch a career in entertainment. Tickets to the seminar are available for $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Session takes place at Genittis (108 W. Main Street) and tickets may be purchased via: http://www.buymichigannow.com/entertainment_tickets.php

5:30PM – 7:00PM Singer Gracie J

Gracie J has been singing her whole life. Both of her parents being musicians, she grew up listening and learning all about music and performing. Now sixteen, she just launched her first album “Impact” and is already working on her second! Join her on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. www.ghjmusic.com.

6:00PM – 7:30PM  Fuze

Original and improvised electric jazz fusion rock band out of Ferndale hits the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.onlinebands.com/fuze

8:00PM – 10:00PM Avienne

The wildly popular alternative rock band hailing from South Lyon brings the day’s events to a spectacular close in Town Square. http://www.myspace.com/aviennemusic

SUNDAY AUGUST 8th SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12:00PM – 5:00PM Style Sunday

In addition to the fabulous outdoor vendors, a bevy of Michigan-based jewelry, accessory and clothing designers will descend on Northville Square to show off their style.

12:00PM – 5:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

12:00PM – 1:00PM V.I.P. Style Sunday Ticket Giveaway

First 100 people to check in at the Buy Michigan Now information table inside Northville Square will get complimentary V.I.P. reserved seating for the fashion events as well a gift bag with Michigan products and discounts.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Detroit Lions Mascot Roary

Detroit Lions mascot, ROARY, will be on hand for photos & fun in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square. http://www.detroitlions.com/youth-programs/roary-mascot.html

12:00PM – 1:30PM Musician David Nefesh

Nominated for four 2010 Detroit Music Awards, Berkley’s David Nefesh brings his folk, rock style to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.davidnefesh.com

1:00PM – 1:30PM Fashion Show Featuring Cynthia LaMaide

Come join television personality Suzanne Sena in Northville Square as she emcees our first fashion extravaganza featuring the unique, artistic designs of Cynthia LaMaide. www.lamaide.com

1:30PM – 2:30PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:30PM – 3:00PM Delta Twins

Tap your toes to the bluesy, folk sounds of Bob Young and Tom Kozanecki on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://www.reverbnation.com/deltatwins

2:00 – 2:45 Sportswear Designer and Project Runway Alum Joe Faris

Detroit-based designer Joe Faris was a top six finalist on Project Runway Season 5 and the co-creator of Fashion In Detroit. He will share some of his experiences from Project Runway, as well as some observations on the Detroit fashion scene and give us a sneak peak into what’s coming from Motor City Denim Co. General admission is on a first come first served basis in Northville Square. www.joe-faris.com

2:00PM – 3:00PM Musician Ben Chutz

Entertaining with a hint of island influence, Ben takes to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://benchutz.com/music.

3:00PM – 3:30PM Fashion Show Featuring Katerina Bocci

Award-winning designer Katerina Bocci has acquired international acclaim among fashion elite and celebrities, including Aretha Franklin, Fergie and Jordin Sparks, and yet remains very dedicated to the fashion industry here in Michigan. She’ll showcase suits, eveningwear and bridal for this special event in Northville Square. http://www.katerinabocci.com

3:30PM – 5:00PM Matt Keil Band

Close out the fest in Town square with an exciting performance that blends rock and alternative country music. http://www.myspace.com/mattmattkeilbandcom

*All scheduled performances, events, times, and artists are subject to change.