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Grand Rapids Arts Festival

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Grand Rapids Arts Festival

Grand Rapids Arts Festival

Are you into the arts, love good food, enjoying listening to great music, or appreciate good dance performances then make sure to visit Grand Rapids during the first weekend in June each year. Festivities start promptly at noon and last until 5PM Sunday evening.

The "Festival of the Arts" or just “Festival” as we call it is one of West Michigan’s largest draws each year capturing the hearts and stomachs of around 500,000 visitors. This 3-day festival is always held the first weekend in June, whether it be rain or shine. Noted for being the largest all-volunteer arts festival in the nation and an event where all exhibits and performances are totally free of charge.

The festival started 37 years ago being an excellent way to celebrate the works of local artists. It opened with only two stages, a few food booths, and encompassed a small area held on the plaza in front of City Hall. Today major streets downtown are closed, numerous ethnic food booths are found everywhere, and it has now grown into six stages for area performers to showcase there talents.

My favorite part has to be eating at the food booths. All booths are run by area churches or non-profit organizations and provide us with delicious favorites with many celebrating their cultures. To the groups this is usually their biggest money makers so offering the best tastes aren’t taken lightly here especially with all its competition that weekend. Where else can you get meat-on-a-stick, Souvlaki, egg rolls, elephant ears, ice cream treats, grilled shrimp kabobs, or polish golumpki or peogios (my all-time favorite) all in one venue.

The festival is a favorite for all ages. For the kids the finger-painting, chalk the walk, or face painting areas are always packed. For the teens, hanging out with friends at one of the rock or country bands performing on stage is always extremely popular, and it doesn’t cost a dime. More matured aged folks (I’m in this category) the possibilities are endless. For music sit back and enjoy the spectacular sounds of the symphony, a jazz band, polka band, family gospel singers, or church/school bands or choirs. Catch a performance from area dance studios, (my nieces and nephew are always on stage for this weekend) listen to a story-teller or poet’s words or browse the art exhibits found around the grounds. A large tent is set up each year which houses the work of the local artists which features their talents such as sketch drawings, photographic prints, jewelry, water/oil paintings, or sculptures all for sale.

Informational programs are available for a donation highlighting every event, listing times for performances, and mapping out the different foods booths locations.

So with the hard work of around 20,000 volunteers, generous financial support of area folks and Mother-Natures help for decent weather “Festival” comes alive each year and is meant to be experienced by all, so stop by and check it out… you won’t be disappointed or leave hungry!

From journal Great- Grand Rapids My Hometown

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