Kent County, Michigan is a lively and diverse community that is renowned for its annual celebrations. These events bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the rich culture and history of the county. As an expert on the local area, I am thrilled to share with you where these annual celebrations take place and why they are such an integral part of Kent County's identity.
The Heart of Kent County: Grand Rapids
When it comes to annual celebrations in Kent County, there is no better place to start than Grand Rapids. As the county seat and largest city in Kent County, Grand Rapids is a hub of activity and home to some of the most popular events in the area. One of the most highly anticipated annual celebrations in Grand Rapids is ArtPrize.This international art competition takes place every fall and attracts artists and visitors from around the world. The entire city transforms into an open-air art gallery, with over 1,000 pieces of art displayed in various venues throughout downtown. It's a celebration of creativity and community that truly showcases the spirit of Grand Rapids. Another must-see event in Grand Rapids is the Festival of the Arts. This free, three-day festival celebrates all forms of art, from music and dance to visual arts and culinary arts.
It's a family-friendly event that brings together people of all ages to enjoy live performances, art exhibits, and delicious food from local vendors.
Small Town Charm: Lowell
While Grand Rapids may be the heart of Kent County, there are also plenty of annual celebrations to be found in the smaller towns within the county. One such town is Lowell, located about 20 miles east of Grand Rapids. Every summer, Lowell hosts the Riverwalk Festival, a celebration of the town's history and natural beauty. The festival features live music, a parade, a car show, and a variety of food and craft vendors. But the highlight of the festival is the canoe race down the Flat River, where participants compete for the coveted title of "King and Queen of the River."Another popular event in Lowell is the Fallasburg Arts Festival.This two-day event showcases the work of over 100 artists and craftsmen from around the country. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces of art while enjoying live music and delicious food from local vendors.
A Taste of German Heritage: Frankenmuth
Located in the eastern part of Kent County is Frankenmuth, a charming town known for its German heritage. It's no surprise that one of the biggest annual celebrations in Frankenmuth is Oktoberfest.Every year, thousands of people flock to Frankenmuth to celebrate this traditional German festival. The town is transformed into a Bavarian village, complete with live music, dancing, and plenty of German food and beer.It's a lively and festive event that truly captures the spirit of Oktoberfest. In addition to Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth also hosts an annual Bavarian Easter celebration called "Bunnyville." This family-friendly event features an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Embracing Diversity: Grandville
Located just southwest of Grand Rapids is Grandville, a city that prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity. This is evident in their annual celebrations, which showcase a variety of cultures and traditions. One such event is the International Festival, which takes place every summer in Grandville. This festival celebrates the diverse cultures that make up the community, with live performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about and appreciate different cultures. Another popular event in Grandville is the Polish Festival, which celebrates the city's strong Polish heritage.This three-day festival features traditional Polish food, music, and dancing, as well as a parade and a polka contest. It's a fun and lively celebration that brings the community together.
