Between the delicious smells wafting from food vendors' booths, the colorful fabrics of artists, the rythmic sounds of singers and musicians, and the laughs of children going for a Ferris wheel ride, there was something for everyone at last weekend's Arab International Festival. Patch asked several festival goers to talk about their favorite attractions. Tell us: what was yours?

Seniors from Dearborn, Edsel Ford and Fordson high schools zipped up their gowns, straightened their caps and, with big smiles, recieved their diplomas this weekend. But now that graduation day is over for Dearborn's 2011 seniors, where do they go from here? Many have big ambitions to become doctors, nurses and lawyers–and plans in place to get there. From college plans to summer jobs, teens talked with Dearborn Patch this weekend about the big F: their future.

Last week, Ceres–a national coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges–announced results of a poll of 800 likely Michigan voters on the subjecte of fuel efficiency. Their findings? The majority of voters support having a 60 mile per gallon fuel standard in place by 2025. As the government works toward decisions on the future of fuel efficiency in America, we asked Dearborn residents how fuel efficient they are, and how much they care about the issue. Add your thoughts to the comments section!

Laugh if you must: Some people really believe that The Rapture is coming, even though May 21–the originally predicted date–has passed. People donated money and, in some cases, everything they owned to California preacher Harold Camping's group, which originally made the prediction. A kid brought a gun to school in preparation for the End of Times. And yes, plenty of people bought up all the canned goods they could and made peace with God. In case you haven't heard (or begun to build your fallout shelter), the predicted date is now Oct. 21, according to Camping. For real this time. So with …

Dearborn's budget is heavily on the minds of residents and city officials alike this month. And with libraries, pools, the health department and jobs set to be cut by the June 30 City Council ratification deadline, the big question is: What should be cut and what should be spared? We asked Dearborn residents to weigh in on which services or facilities they think the city can't afford to lose. Watch their responses, and add your own.

With gas prices up to $4.05, $4.12, even $4.22 a gallon–and rising, it's no longer a lament, but a reason to change one's life. Walking to the grocery store. Nixing air conditioning. Maximizing freeway driving. Nitronizing your tires. How have you changed your habits, activities or plans to cope with higher gas prices? Here's what some Dearborn residents had to say. Hear them out, then add your own opinions.

When the warmer weather hits, Dearborn comes alive. The end of May marks the opening of Dearborn pools, the start of the Dearborn Farmers and Artisans Market and the beginning of another season at Camp Dearborn. With several Dearborn pools possibly on the chopping block in this year's budget, residents are discussing which services are most important to them. When it comes to recreational services, here's what some locals say matters to them in the spring and summer months.

Recycling. Turning off the lights and water in your home. Using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances. Driving a hybrid car. There are hundreds of ways to live a more Earth-conscious lifestyle. This week, we asked Dearborn residents what they do to make their homes, their cars and their lives a little greener. Watch their responses, then add your own. And remember: It's good to be green.

From the Padzieski Art Gallery to the Players Guild of Dearborn Theater, the Midwest Sculpture Initiative to the art lining the walls of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, the arts are everywhere in Dearborn. Every week, residents and visitors can experience a multitude of performances, art shows and more. With the results from the ArtSpace initiative expected to be released this week and the very real possibility of a live/work space for artists looming on the horizon for east Dearborn, we wanted to know what residents think of the arts in Dearborn. At the reception for a show by local …

How far will they go? How many games will they win? Who are the players to watch, and the ones fans are scratching their heads about? With the Detroit Tigers' home opener just days away (the first pitch happens at 3:05 p.m. Friday at Comerica Park), we talked Tigers with Dearborn for this week's edition of You Said It. Add your own photo or video responses below, and share you photos throughout the season of fun at a Tigers game.

Though there's plenty to do in Dearborn, there are still many holes to fill in terms of commercial real estate. But what do Dearborn residents really want to see opening up in their town? This week, we asked residents and business owners to tell us what Dearborn is lacking. Specialty stores? Independent coffee shops? An IKEA? Hear what some people had to say, then add your own video or written response.

Although no plans have been formally announced yet for the University of Michigan-Dearborn to move forward with student housing plans, the campus is already abuzz about it. Some reports say that students could see housing as soon as the beginning of the 2012 school year. This week, we took a trip to campus to ask people how they think it will affect the university to add on- or off-campus student housing in the near future.

There are plenty of reasons to give time to a worthwhile cause. This week, volunteers from the Dearborn Animal Shelter share their stories of how and why they got involved. Cleaning litter boxes, washing food bowls and walking dogs may not seem like it's changing the world. But as volunteers at the shelter illustrate, the the rewards go much further than just a nuzzle from a kitten or a kiss from a dog. The shelter is currently in need of volunteers for dog walking, cat socialization, foster care, community outreach and more. To learn about volunteer opportunities, visit the shelter's website.

Each week, Patch will pose a question to people around town. With the snow and ice finally beginning to thaw, this week we wanted to know if Dearborn residents lament the loss of winter or are happy to see it go.