Downtown Dexter is once again moving and grooving as it celebrates the 37th annual Dexter Daze, one of the community’s biggest and most beloved events.

Booths align the sidewalks surrounding the downtown gazebo, housing everything from artisans selling their wares to moms selling food to raise money for high school groups.

“I’m helping the Dexter Wrestling Club by selling popcorn, pop, and water. It’s a good fundraiser, but it’s also a good way to get our name out into the community,” said Terri Leonard, the mother of three boys who were all wrestlers at one time or another.

Tari Rowe of Ann Arbor and Merrit McDonald of Pinckney were busy selling jewelry at their booth. Both women make the jewelry when they're off work as medical billers.

“We’re having a great time. It’s been hot, but we have a good time. [Sales] have been really steady,” said Rowe.

Plenty of entertainment is available for young and old alike at Dexter Daze. Children can get their faces painted and make crafts at various booths. Last night and throughout today, bands and entertainers will perform in the gazebo. “It’s fun. We love to dance.” said Ann Arbor resident Melanie Fuscaldo. She and her husband, Harvey, were enjoying the music of Big Pinky. “Dexter is a cute place to visit,” added Harvey.

Entertainment aside, there's one Dexter Daze feature many say is their favorite. “The beer tent,” said Ann Arbor resident Al Neff, there with wife, Juanita.

The beer - or social - tent gets steadily more crowded as the evening progresses. For many, it becomes an unofficial class reunion. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing,” said Dexter resident Chris Lee. Dexter Daze continues throughout today, beginning with a parade at 10 a.m. Other activities include historic tours of Dexter, a horseshoes tournament, and a chicken barbecue.

Not all events occur downtown, so check the Dexter Daze schedule, available online at DexterDaze.org.

Ann Dwyer is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com.