Depot Town Community Engagement Efforts

Working side by side with other area businesses. Claire's community engagement shines through its vibrant fusion of creativity and performance, transforming historic Depot Town into a year-round stage for local art and music. This spirit is most evident during the "Nightmare on Cross St.," where the town’s storied past meets imaginative flair via the Spooky Caboosie, a historic railcar reimagined with hauntingly beautiful decor and immersive art installations that captivate visitors of all ages. As the seasons shift, the energy transitions into the Ypsilanti DDA Holiday Window Challenge, an initiative that turns local storefronts into a competitive, glowing art gallery, encouraging residents to wander the streets and celebrate local craftsmanship. This, That & the ODDer things has been twice awarded "BEST OVERALL" window display and twice as "BEST OF YPSI" window display. The heart of these festivities remains, decorative lighting of the Historic Caboose, a centerpiece that fosters connection through live music and theatrical visits from a diverse cast of holiday icons. By hosting everyone from the traditional warmth of Santa and Christmas Carol to the folklore-rich presence of Krampus, Depot Town's comitment to inclusive, creative storytelling ensures that every celebration is not just an event, but a shared experience that strengthens the community's cultural fabric and honors its unique heritage. Other noteworthy endeavoers include the Depot Town Cats and Dogs Cat Crawl and Pet Costume parade. Every Wednesday you can join a slow role bike ride through Ohana Lounge along with many many in house parties and themed events held by our local resteraunts and bars.