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- 📍 Fourth of July in Grand Rapids | June 30th, 2025
📍 Fourth of July in Grand Rapids | June 30th, 2025
Plus, 4th celebrations, safety tips, and more

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — can you believe its been 10+ years since Independence Day fell on a Friday? Crazy.
Anyhow, this will the the only issue of Calder News for this week. I will be taking a break for the Holiday and using the time to work on the publication.
I hope you had a great start to the week.
Now let’s get into today’s email.
~LeQwane L.

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4th Of July In GR

Independence Day is this Friday.
So to help you plan a great holiday weekend, we rounded up a list of can’t-miss celebrations.
Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration | Friday | Pancake breakfast & 5K at 7:30 AM; parade and carnival later; fireworks at dusk
East Grand Rapids | Friday | Parade at noon; inflatables 1–3:30 PM; water-ski show; concert at 8 PM by Full Cord; fireworks at dusk over Reeds Lake
Cascade Township Parade & Celebration | Friday | Bike parade at 9 AM, community parade to follow; carnival, food trucks, live music; fireworks at dusk in Ada/Legacy Park
Grandville | Friday | Flag-raising at 8:30 AM; parade at 10 AM (with WWII aircraft flyover); fireworks after dark
Grand Rapids Fireworks | Saturday | Activities start 5 PM at Ah‑Nab‑Awen Park; fireworks at 10:30 PM
Looking for celebrations out of town? Here’s a list of celebrations happening in West Michigan.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Safety
Stay Smart This Fourth of July
With fireworks, cookouts, and pool parties on deck, local officials are urging you to take some basic efforts to avoid injuries and property damage this holiday. What should ya do? Grills should be kept away from homes and never left unattended. If you’re setting off fireworks at home, steer clear of trees, cars, and buildings—and always have water nearby. Kids and pets should stay back, and sparklers (yes, even sparklers) can cause burns. For a safer celebration, stick to professional shows, keep food properly cooked and stored, and make sure someone’s always watching the pool. | Read more
Staying Safe From Thefts In Kent County
The Kent County Sheriff's Office says thefts are on the rise in Byron, Caledonia, and Gaines Townships. Recent reports include stolen vehicles, items taken from inside cars, and tools missing from construction sites. Deputies recommend locking cars and garages, removing valuables, keeping outdoor lights on, and using cameras when possible. | Read more about safety recommendations
Transit
Ford Airport Hits Travel Record
Last week, Gerald R. Ford International Airport just set a new record: 9,095 travelers passed through TSA. With summer in full swing, eight of the top ten busiest days ever have happened in the past four months alone. | Learn more
Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
📍How close should the events we cover be to Grand Rapids?Assume you're in the middle of downtown |
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
🏊 Richmond Park Pool Reopens After Issues
Over the weekend, the Richmond Park Pool was temporarily closed due a “contamination”. However, the pool was quickly reopened after the issue was resolved. Things seem to be good now?
📰 Get The Word Out
Share an announcement, special offer, or news about your business or organization in Calder News next. Talk to LeQwane to learn about how you can get your word out to 4,550+ locals.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Tuesday, July 1st
White Caps Vs. Loons | LMCU Ballpark | (Tue - Sat) Various times | Starting at $18
Community Night | GRAM | (Tues, Thu) 12 PM - 5 PM | Free admission
Wednesday, July 2nd
German Speaking Stammtisch | Küsterer Brauhaus | 6 PM | Free to attend
Argentine Tango | Arktos Meadery | 7 PM - 9 PM | $10
Food Trucks
Airport Viewing Park | 10 AM - 4 PM
Thursday, July 3rd
Line Dancing Night | Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm | 7 PM - 9 PM | $15
Friday, July 4th
Foodie Fest | Calder Plaza | (Fri - Sun) Various Times | Free
HOLLYHOCK LANE PARADE | 1000 Calvin Ave SE to Giddings | 8 AM - 10:30 AM | Free
Classic Car Show | River St. SE (Ada) | 11 AM - 2 PM | $10
Kesha Album Release Party | General Wood Shop | 9 PM - 12 AM | Free
Pinball Disco ft. Drop Catch + The DJ Bob Marino + M.O. + Just Plain Ian | Pyramid Scheme | 9 PM - 1 AM | $15
Saturday, July 5th
Boston Square Fair | 1505 Kalamazoo Ave SE | 12 PM - 8 PM | Free
Events Happening All Week
Various family/ individual events | Free | Check out what recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
Where’s Waldo GR | 20+ Locations | Anytime
Live Music
Monday, June 30th
Tom Knific Quintet | Millennium Park | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Thursday, July 3rd
Aaron Wayne Otto & Sunken Melodv with Patrick Booth | Rosa Park Circle | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Free
Edye Evans Hyde and Mike Hyde | Horrocks Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Friday, July 4th
The Extreme Tour | Heartside Park | 6 PM - 10 PM | Free
The EcoLimes | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free
Spuddies | Specation Cellar | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free
Saturday, July 5th
LGJ Jazz Quartet | Horrocks Market | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Social Distortion | GLC Live | 7 PM | $52
The French Irish Coalition & Bourbon Man | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free
Sunday, July 6th
Murphy's Law + The Take + Dogsneeze | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $28
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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