Good morning, Grand Rapids.

As Michiganders, we love to watch the rain with admiration and admit to each other: “We really needed this.” It would have been nice if we didn’t get it all at once like it did yesterday, but we did indeed need it.

Hope you stayed dry (and kept your power)! And hope you enjoy today’s newsletter.

~Jenny F.

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Cafe-by-day, bar-by-night Hoxie House has been approved to open and revitalize a previously vacant building in the heart of Creston. It’s a rather interesting concept, so if you want a more detailed breakdown, check out our post on it.

✅ Other new spots…

The first West Michigan location for Cava, a Mediterranean fast-food chain, will find a home at The Shops at Centerpoint in the near future.

Sell or buy clothes at the new Uptown Cheapskate location on Alpine in Walker.

Heads up: if you’re not registered to vote for the primary election happening on Tuesday, August 4th yet, you have to do so in person at the clerk’s office with a proof of residency. See what’s on the ballot, where your precinct votes, and find all other election info here.

✈ Another British Invasion

Josh and Jase, British social media stars, have returned to experience the Pure Michigan summer. So far they’ve gotten a Detroit coney, visited the Pistons, marveled at the Big House, and complained about the heat. They’ll surely hit up the west side of the state soon enough.

🎉 Coolest Party on the Block

Wealthy Street is gearing up for their annual Block Party, happening Saturday, September 26th. Expect food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The fun goes well past sunset this year, offering a movie on the lawn to top off the night.

👽 Alien Transmission or Music Lineup?

The Return to the River Festival, happening August 22nd and 23rd, continues it cryptic teasing with an alien-inspired “decoded” list of performers expected to play over the weekend. Check it out.

Something to look forward to…

Kent County is a pretty large stretch of land, so it makes sense that an event that wants to celebrate it has two different locations.

Kent County Community Fest will offer an event on the south side on Wednesday, July 29th in Byron Center and one on the north side on Thursday, August 13th in Cedar Springs.

Both events will offer food trucks, ice cream, and kids activities. Fire engines, road construction vehicles, and police horses and dogs will also be on the scene.

These events invite residents to explore county-wide services and meet representatives from community partners, as well as have a lot of summer fun.

See more details.

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