Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News with your reminder that socks are not a bad Christmas gift.

And that’s coming from someone who had a rough time finding matching socks yesterday.

With that out of the way, let’s get into today’s issue.

~LeQwane L.

Together with: Smallegan Real Estate

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A briefing of local news that matters

Entertainment

The riverfront’s new amphitheater is getting serious with its debut lineup. So far, there’s the Meghan Trainor, Goo Goo Dolls, Toto, Motley Crue, John Mulaney (this guy’s comedy is great), along with multiple guest comedians. The venue is set to open on May 15 with Lionel Richie. And there will be a community open house to follow. | View full list of upcoming shows

City

We’re on the up and up… Grand Rapids has reached a record $949M in construction value this year. Most of that value comes from Amway Stadium and the new riverfront amphitheater. And according to City Manager Mark Washington, this helps mark the city’s 5th year of strong post-pandemic growth. | Read more

Business

HealthBridge Financial is expanding after receiving a large national healthcare contract. The company is adding 200 jobs and ~55k sqft worth of office space on 36th Street. The expansion will cost around $17.3M and is backed by a state development grant to support the company’s tech, operations, finance, and support teams over the next couple of years. | Read more

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In Monday’s newsletter, we asked if you were using a real or artificial Christmas tree this year.

And after reviewing ~170 responses, here are the results:

81%+ of people who responded are using artificial trees.

Christkindl Markt has only been around for a few years, yet it's already a holiday tradition at the Downtown Market.

Hundreds of thousands of locals pack into the Downtown Market campus every winter for raclette, giant pretzels, handmade gifts, curling, and good vibes with friends.

Last week, I sat down with Karen and Meghan, the event’s GM and sales and marketing manager, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Christkindl Markt started, how it has grown, and where it’s going.

A gist of our conversation:

Where: Outside the Downtown Market
When: Now through December 23rd
Recommendations: Specific foods, experiences, and activities
Highlights: Oompah band on Thursdays, Santa on Wednesdays, special events sprinkled throughout
Bonus: Fire pit + s’mores kits, balcony curling, greenhouse, bubbles bar

Click here to view our full interview. (~2m read)

🍿 Celebration, celebrates.

A few days ago, Celebration Cinema showcased its Rivertown Theater renovations. Thanks to hard work from the construction crews and some dollars from Studio C, the theater has “100% less duct tape”.

❤️ Local Brewery Provides Thousands of Free Meals

Over the past few weeks, TwoGuys Brewing has provided free meals to anyone who needs them, no questions asked. The program started with their team, but will continue through the holiday season thanks to ongoing community support.

👮 GRPD Goes Shopping

Yesterday, the GRPD and GRFD got the opportunity to take local kids shopping for the holidays thanks to a Meijer sponsorship.

Talking Shop

🛝 Mermaid Bay Kids Indoor Play → An indoor playground for kids is hosting its grand opening on Thursday at 4 PM

View our events calendar

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

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