Summer is here, which means another round of Maranda’s Park Parties is underway! Maranda is ready for another summer of fun, bringing food, activities, games and prizes to youth across West Michigan six Thursdays in June and July.

Park Parties offer kids a summer afternoon of unforgettable free fun. Kids can munch on treats including Cheez Kurls, McDonalds Apple Dippers, Country Fresh Ice Cream and new this year, a free nutritious sack lunch provided by the Michigan Department of Education. Kids can also conquer the climbing wall, take a ride on the Dixie Twister and bounce around the YMCA Fit Pit. Entertainment will be provided by local children and teenage performers and area non-profit agencies will be on hand with information and activities for kids.

Click here to check out pictures from all of the Park Parties!

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Mother’s Day at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Sunday, May 11
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
www.grcm.org
Mom’s recieve free admission on this special day.  From 1-3pm kids can create their own floral design for their moms.

Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace
Exhibit Opens on Thursday, May 15
Air Zoo - Kalamazoo
www.airzoo.org
This exhibit showcases 40 of Snoppy’s most exciting adventures as he transforms his dog house into an airplane.

Great Lakes Kite Festival
Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18
Grand Haven State Park
www.mackite.com
This free family festival showcases giant kites and expert kite flyers.

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Here are the events promoted in this week’s show.

Gilmore for Kids
Monday, May 5 through Thursday, May 8
Various locations in Allegan, Battle Creek and Benton Harbor
www.gilmore.org
These one-hour events are great for kids of all ages.  Kids attend for free and adults accompanied by a child are $5.

Backyardigans Live
Wednesday, May 7 at 2pm and 7pm
Van Andel Arena ~ Grand Rapids
www.ticketmaster.com
Based on the popular Nickelodeon show, the Backyardigans Live will have the whole family singing, dancing and laughing.  Tickets range from $18.50 to $38.50.

Fifth Third River Run Junior
Wednesday, May 7
Rogers High School ~ Wyoming
This year kids can choose to do a half-mile, one mile, or 5k run.  The half mile and one mile is open to kids ages 5-13 and kicks off at 5:30pm.  The 5k is open to kids in grades 4-6 and starts at 6:30pm.

Meijer “do it 4 u” Shopping Event
Thursday, May 8 from 5-7pm
Cascade Meijer ~ Grand Rapids
www.wotv.com
Stop by for free cooking demonstrations, samples, fitness tips and more.

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Here are connections to the four events featured in this week’s show.

Very Special Arts Festival
Friday, May 2
Grand Rapids Public Schools Lincoln Campus
616-885-5866 or visit www.iserv.net/~vsagr/index.html
This event brings together over 1,300 children with disabilities to sing, dance and participate in special activities.  The organization is looking for volunteers to assist in various areas.

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