Get Out: Your Guide to Berkley Days

The annual Berkley Days festival, which runs through Sunday at and the , marks the unofficial countdown to summer in Michigan.

As such, organizers have prepared an event that offers something for everyone who's eager to get out and enjoy themselves after another long Michigan winter. There will be a petting zoo, face painting, a craft fair, demonstrations by the robotics team, a beer tent (actually located inside), horseshoes and much more.

Organizers also have created a free "Park Your Ride" area near the Ice Arena where visitors can drop off their bikes, skateboards or strollers.

"You can park anything with wheels," Berkley Days Association chairperson Denise Brainard said. "There's one way in and one way out, so it's safe."

Berkley Days is free, with the exception of the midway and the Taste of Berkley, she said.

and check out these highlights.

Taste of Berkley

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Berkley

Why go: Sample food from more than a dozen Berkley restaurants and enjoy wine poured by during this inaugural Taste of Berkley.

Cost: $25

What else: The 21-and-older event benefits Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance, in the make good decisions and offers a camp program, mentoring and family education.

Used Book Sale

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Where: (big ice)

Why go: Snap up deals on books for the little ones. Prices will be "very reasonable," Brainard said. She added that there will be some titles available for adult readers, but they may have more luck during the fall sale.

Cost: Admission free; prices vary

What else: The sale is put on by Friends of the Library, which means proceeds will benefit the .

VFW Pancake Breakfasts

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday

Where: Berkley Ice Arena (big ice)

Why go: Pile on the pancakes and share breakfast with your neighbors.

Cost: Free

What else: The also will host the Berkley Days beer tent, affectionately renamed the "beer facility" since it has been moved inside.

Enjoy the Midway

When: 5-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Where:  parking lot

Why go: Get your adrenaline pumping on the Gravitron, try your hand at carnival games or savor a sweet elephant ear.

Cost: $15 for an all-day wristband, or purchase tickets individually

What else: There are rides for all ages; some have height requirements.

Pooch Pageant

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday

Where: Berkley Community Center

Why go: "It's just a riot," Brainard said of the event, put on by the Berkley Junior Women's Club. Categories include "best trick" and "looks most like owner."

Cost: Free

What else: Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Call Brainard at 248-506-3929 for details. Canine spectators are not permitted. "It's enough to keep the dogs that are entered straight," Brainard said with a laugh.