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Good afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — thanks if you took time to submit a survey on Monday’s newsletter.
I read almost every feedback submission, email reply, and suggestion you guys send.
So if you ever have anything you’d like to share, feel free to let me know!
Ps. My email [email protected] 🫡
~LeQwane L.
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
City
New Emergency Manager
Starting August 4, Benjamin Rance will step in as Grand Rapids’ next emergency manager. Rance brings national experience to the city from his time at FEMA. He’s also served with the Peace Corps and as a medical interpreter in Michigan. He was hired as GR has been working on strengthening how the city handles emergencies, from severe weather to public health threats. | Read more
Housing
$80M Approved for Local Housing
Three major housing projects in Kent County just got a big boost. The state approved ~$80 million to expand and preserve affordable housing. About $39 million went toward 200 new units at HoM Flats in Wyoming, $18.5 million to rehab 146 townhomes in Kentwood, and $21.4 million to update 96 apartments at 21 Weston in downtown. The projects are designed to support households making 40% to 70% of the area’s median income, with many of those units set aside as accessible housing. | Learn more
Community
Giraffes Coming to John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo is getting ready to welcome giraffes as part of a new African savannah exhibit. Funded by a $15 million donation, the habitat will include a feeding area, walk-through giraffe barn, and full enclosure viewing. The zoo plans to bring in 6 giraffes, with a focus on conservation and breeding. | Read more
Roadwork
Parts of I-96 To Close
Heads up: On Friday, MDOT is closing eastbound ramps to and from I-96 and Plainfield Ave.(M-44 connector) on the NE side. The ramps will reopen on Tuesday. | View map
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Festivals and Fairs
If you haven’t noticed, the festival and fair season is in the air.
While I’ve covered a handful of art, food, music, cultural, and county festivals/ fairs over the past few weeks.
I wanted to highlight some of the festivals and fairs happening right now in and just outside of town.
Here are the festivals and fairs happening around Grand Rapids:
Starting Friday, the 89th annual Byron Days Festival is kicking off it’s parades, fair rides, and music through the weekend at Whistlepark.
Friday and Saturday, the West Michigan Italian Festival is bringing a little piece of Italy with food, music, and cultural games to Tanger Outlets.
Next week, Saturday (7/26), the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival is bringing 21 new murals, art markets, music, and a speaker series to downtown.
Outside of town, but nearby…
Michigan Fern Fest (inclusivity festival) is taking place until Sunday.
The Muskegon County Fair is open until next Saturday
Ottawa County Fair started earlier this week and will last until next week Saturday
The annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is coming back on Friday and lasting through August 3rd.
Talk Of The Town
📲 Volunteers Needed
Like music and helping the community? Downtown GR Inc. is looking to bring on “Festival Stewards” to help host the upcoming Return to The River music festival in August. For your service, you’ll get a parking pass, t-shirt, meal vouchers, and a special giveaway, etc.
🌭 Good Old Hot Dogs
Yesterdog is celebrating its 49th birthday today. To commemorate the moment, the popular hot dog spot is giving out a free vinyl sticker of its original logo with every order.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday, July 23rd
Nick Thomas Family Entertainment | KDL Walker Branch | 10 AM | Free
Food Trucks Fest | Rosa Park Circle | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Free
Ice Cream Social | Versluis Park (Plainfield) | 1 PM - 3 PM | Free
ADA Celebration | Special Olympics Unified Sports Center | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Moon Goddess Circle | Riverside Park | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | Free ($10 donation suggested)
Thursday, July 24th
Hot Dogs and Ice Cream Cones w/ KC Sheriff Dept. | Aunt Belle's Kitchen (Rockford) | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Free
Terrace Thursdays (Music + Activities) | GRAM | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free
Night Market (Family friendly) | KDL Grandville | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free
Intro to Crochet Class | Unwind GR | 5:30 PM | $35
Paws on the Patio | Mammoth Distilling | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free
Bounce & Bubbles | Westview CRC | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | Free
Friday, July 25th
West Michigan Italian Festival | Tanger Outlet Mall | 11 AM - 9 PM | $1
Disney's Descendants: Musical | EGR Performing Arts Center | (Fri - Sat) Various times | $21
Food Trucks Fest | Rosa Park Circle | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
A Taste of Christmas In July | Downtown Market | 12 PM - 7 PM | Free to attend
Live Music
Wednesday, July 23rd
Joe Reilly's Children's Concert | KDL Kentwood Branch | 10 AM - 11 AM | Free
McKinley James w/ DJ Tom Shannon | TipTop | 7 PM | $12.25
Summer Concert Series | 3025 6 Mile Road Northwest | 7 PM | $15
Nathan Walton & The Remedy | Ada Legacy Park | 7 PM | Free
Thursday, July 24th
Libby DeCamp | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free
Rebecca Rodriguez | Archival Brewing | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Low Down Revival | Tip Top | 7 PM | $12.25
Grupo Fierro | Kentwood City Hall | 7 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Friday, July 25th
T-Rex Fest | The Intersection | (Fri - Sun) 4:30 PM | $38 - $107
Darin Larner | The Bob (Bobarino’s) | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
The Kennedy Affair | Archival Brewing | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Chasing Denver | New Holland Brewing | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
LOCASH | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $22
William Elliott Whitmore | Midtown GR | 6:30 PM | $20
Chris Cooney, Josh Garvelink + Stray Horses, JH Patton & The Good Companions | The Stray | 7 PM | ?
Friar Fight | Ada Legacy Park | 7 PM | Free
THE MOONRAYS | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free
Kyle Jennings | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free
American Rust with Critter Ruwart and Devin Weber | Tip Top | 9 PM | $6.63
Jake vs Jayk | The BOB (Home) | 9 PM - 1 AM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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