Events
Maranda’s Family Fun Update
Here are some fun events happening this weekend…..Where You Live!
Reduced Zoo Admission Day!
Friday, August 27
John Ball Zoo
www.johnballzoosociety.org
Visit the zoo today and get $2 off your price of admission.
Movies in the Park
Friday, August 27 at 8:30pm
Collins Park – East Grand Rapids
www.eastgr.org
Tonight pack up the blankets and head to Collins Park for a free outdoor showing of the movie “Up.”
West Michigan Whitecaps Games
Friday, August 27 & Saturday, August 28
Fifth Third Ballpark – Comstock Park
www.whitecaps-baseball.com
The Whitecaps play at 7pm both nights. Don’t forget the fireworks after Saturday night’s game!
33rd Annual Hastings Summerfest
Friday, August 27 through Sunday, August 29
Downtown Hastings
www.barrychamber.com
There’s something for everyone in the family at Summerfest! Enjoy arts and crafts, a children’s parade, basketball tournament, live entertainment and more.
2010 Grand Rapids Film Festival
Friday, August 27 through Sunday, August 29
Celebration Cinema North – Grand Rapids
www.grfilmfestival.com
Various films will be playing through out the weekend. Get the complete schedule of events online.
Maranda’s Family Fun Update
The holiday season is upon us and there are tons of fun parades and family events going on this weekend. Here are some of my recommendations.
GRAM Tree Lighting
Friday, December 4 at 5:30pm
Rosa Park’s Circle – Grand Rapids
www.artmuseumgr.org
Join in this yearly tradition, as the Grand Rapids Art Museum lights their 40 foot Christmas tree and the ice rink at Rosa Park’s Circle opens for the season.
Sinterklass Eve Parade
Friday, December 4 at 7pm
Downtown Holland
www.downtownholland.com
In true Dutch folk tradition, Sinterklass will arrive on his great white horse and greet families downtown Holland.
Annual Coopersville Santa Claus Parade
Friday, December 4 at 7pm
Main Street – Downtown Coopersville
www.coopersville.com
Professional and amateur floats will travel the streets of downtown Coopersville. Afterwards kids can visit with Santa and enjoy free refreshments.
Weekend Fun Where You Live
Here are some fun events happening this weekend!
18th Annual Christmas through Lowell
Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22
Downtown Lowell
www.lowellchamber.org
There will be over 200 artists and crafters displaying their wares. Plus, local businesses will be open with special holiday deals!
Cinderella the Musical
Friday, November 20 through Sunday, December 20
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
www.grct.org
Kids will love this fairy tale as it comes to life on the stage. Great for all ages!
Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 21 at 9:00am
Downtown Grand Rapids
www.grjaycees.org
Maranda will be leading this year’s parade as the Grand Marshal. Come downtown and watch the parade and enjoy special festivities at Rosa Parks Circle afterwards.
Weekend Fun Where You Live!
Here are some fun weekend events going on Where You Live!
Rockford Harvest Festival Children’s Weekend
Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11
Downtown Rockford
http://www.rockford.mi.us/news-events/city-news.htm
Dress the kids in costume and bring them out for hayrides, trick or treating, clowns and more.
Lowell Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10 beginning at 9am
Lowell Fairground
http://discoverlowellblog.blogspot.com
Events include a harvest hustle costume run and walk, horse drawn wagon rides, scarecrow building and more!
Labor Day Weekend Fun!
It’s the holiday weekend and there are all sorts of activities taking place for families. Here are my recommendations.
Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Train Tour
Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6
Greenfield Village – Dearborn
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/#/tour/
Climb aboard the rails for a once-in-a-lifetime experience behind the scenes of Disney’s latest movie “A Christmas Carol.” Get an exclusive 3-D sneak peek at the movie with artifacts, character designs and more!
Leonardo da Vinci – Machines in Motion
Saturday, September 5 through the end of the year
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
www.grmuseum.org
Check out 40 life-sized and fully operational artifacts linked to the elements of air, water, land and fire.
American Idols LIVE!
Sunday, September 6 at 7pm
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids
www.vanandelarena.com
See the 10 top finalists from this year’s American Idol perform live!
Grand Crossings Labor Day Bridge Walk
Monday, September 7 at 8am
Ah-Nab-Awen Park – Grand Rapids
http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/
Your family can walk up to seven bridges in downtown Grand Rapids. Meet at the park at 8am and wear your tennis shoes!
Fall Fun at the John Ball Zoo
Eventhough summer is coming to a close, the John Ball Zoo still has tons of family fun through out the fall! Here is what’s coming up.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Members Night
All members are invited for one last opportunity to ride the zip line, camels, touch the sting rays or feed the Budgies before they’re put away for the season. Plus, there will be a special appearance by Maranda.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – Connecting Families to Nature
The Zoo will be doing all sorts of activities to kick-off their Connecting Families to Nature Program. This includes launching 50 Monarch butterflies as they head south for their migration.
Maranda’s Family Fun Update
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are Maranda’s recommendations for family fun.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Saturday, April 18 from 9:30am-5pm
www.naturecenter.org
Celebrate Earth Day with free admission. Event includes trail tours, gardening and fun activities for kids.
Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-3pm
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
www.johnballzoosociety.org
It’s time to help celebrate Earth Day at the John Ball Zoo. Over 30 West Michigan organizations will be attending with seedling giveaways, games, entertainment, science experiments, recycling and conservation tips.
Kent District Library Green Fair
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-2pm
KDL – East Grand Rapids Branch
www.kdl.org
Learn ways to live a greener life while enjoying games, prizes, crafts and presentations by local experts and organizations.
Spring Break Happenings
Here are some fun spring break activities going on right here in West Michigan!
Bounce Party
Bounce Party features fun interactive inflatables and is open all spring break! Visit their website for hours and Wristband Sunday Specials.
www.bounceparty.net
Coopersville Bunny Train
Kids of all ages will enjoy an excursion through the countryside. Join the Easter Bunny and other characters for this fun experience.
www.coopersvilleandmarne.org
Craig’s Cruisers
Craig’s is offering several different spring break specials.
www.craigscruisers.com
Exploring the Arts at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
During spring break there will be puppetry, dance classes, visual arts and storytelling. This program is free!
269-373-7990
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