W4 COUNTRY | HOMETOWN RUNDOWN

Tune into W4 Country Thursdays at 8:10 a.m. for our weekly spotlight on things to see and do in Washtenaw County!

Listen in as Chad Wiebesick from Destination Ann Arbor shares the top picks —from festivals and kid-friendly adventures to concerts, movies, live theatre, and more — all designed to inspire your weekend and help you make lasting memories.

Catch the W4 Country Hometown Rundown, live or on the W4 Podcast, and discover what makes Washtenaw County come alive!

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ Chad Wiebesick from Destination Ann Arbor joins Rally & Welch to preview family-friendly events going on this weekend, including trick-or-treating in Milan, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor!

• First Fridays Ypsilanti is a free monthly arts and culture self-guided tour. Join in this special event every first Friday of the month!  Explore area businesses to shop exclusive discounts, attend pop-up events and galleries featuring Ypsilanti area artists and performers, and experience the Ypsi arts scene in all its forms.
• Highlight: The first-ever Creature Feature Artisan Market, a free public show celebrating all things creatures, cryptids, and critters! The market will be held on from 5-9 pm at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. This event is free to attend, and  is a space for local artists to showcase work featuring a wide range of beings—from spooky monsters to whimsical animals. You’ll find a diverse array of unique, handmade goods from some of the area’s most talented artists. Join us for a cozy Friday evening of shopping and supporting local creatives!

• Join the Waterloo Horsemen’s Association for a special Veterans Day celebration as they officially raise the Stars and Stripes for the first time at Horseman’s Camp on their new flagpole. This event honors Veterans and First Responders for their service and dedication to our community. The Waterloo Horsemen’s Association is an equestrian riding group that helps maintain and care for the trails in and around Waterloo Recreation Area.
• All are welcome — no horse required! Following the flag-raising, enjoy a guided trail ride on the Kids’ Loop, led by two U.S. Marines. Afterward, stick around for sweets and refreshments. Guests spending the day are invited to stay for the annual turkey and ham dinner at 5:00 PM followed by a bonfire and live entertainment by Brett Lee Williams. RSVP in advance.

• The Original Kroger A2 Turkey Trot at Hudson Mills Metropark is an annual race offering options for runners and walkers of all levels. Participants can choose from multiple race formats, including a 1 mile fun run and the Iron Turkey challenge, which combines two race segments totaling 15k. The event is family-friendly, with free entry for children aged 10 and under and a special kids’ Drumstick Dash. Designed to be inclusive, the A2 Turkey Trot welcomes both competitive athletes and those seeking a fun, active experience in a scenic park setting.

• Look, we’ve been the parents of an itty bitty and a toddler trying to figure out where we could take them to relax, meet other humans, and not feel like we were constantly chasing. The first few years can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be! This is a community space, and that includes the youngest members. So we’re doubling down with a weekly time for the parent, cool uncle, craft beer gramma, or any other caregiver to come hang for a bit. Food, bevvies and N/A options available for purchase.

Destination Ann Arbor is the official tourism organization for Washtenaw County, dedicated to promoting the region as a vibrant, welcoming place to visit, explore, and enjoy. Learn more at AnnArbor.org.